Part one of term paper
In Bobbie Ann Mason’s story “Shiloh” she presents the character of Norma Jean as having a strong personality but an emptiness deep within. Norma Jean is presented as a strong character on the outside in the opening of the story. “She lifts three-pound dumbbells to warm-up, the progresses to a twenty-pound barbell.”(Mason p. 46). ...

Part two of term paper
... with him. She feels very uncomfortable when she is around him. Norma Jean is always trying to find something for him to do. When he arrived back home Mason states the “she seems a little disappointed.” (Mason p. 47). The emptiness she feels toward her mother is presented in the feelings she has toward her. Her deceased son symbolizes her emptiness because of his death. In the beginning of the story Norma Jean tries to conceal the emptiness that she has felt for so many years. ...