Shiloh Essay -- essays research papers

Good bye Norma JeanThe devastation of an infant can modify ones fibreistic and psychological behavior to the point of suicide. In Bobbie Ann Masons "Shiloh" she leaves the halting of the story for her readers to draw their own conclusion of how Norma Jean leaves her husband Leroy. Most readers see her divorcing Leroy and starting a tonic life as an independent adult female (Cooke 196 par.1). When in fact, this is a story about a bereaved mother who at the end, takes her own life collect to the guilt everyplace her barbarians death.There are many clues to lead to the fact she took her own life. I found it interesting Bobbie Ann Mason gave the character the name Norma Jean. Norma Jean was also the real name of Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Monroes depression and inability to observe lasting happiness leave behinded in psychological disorders with the end result of her taking her own life.The character Norma Jean fits all the psychological characteristics of behavior change in mothers who are coping with life after losing their sister to fast infant death syndrome. The most common symptoms are anxiety and depression (Boyle 933 par.1). She is always trying to stay busy. First she decided to build her own organic structure up. She goes to the gym or does exercises around the house whenever she is home. Second she decided to take night classes at her local community college. She comes home and writes essays of stories she has read. She never seems to be in a relaxed state of being. These are signs of anxiety. The definition of anxiety is uneasiness. She cant decide what she wants to do with herself. There are many reasons for her depression. She is trying to cope with the death of her child, her empty marriage to Leroy and her less than supportive mother.The death of her child occurred while she and Leroy were watching a movie at a drive in theater. Her child then four months old was in the back seat. Studies have shown the amount of guilt a parent pla ces upon themselves leads to emotional, psychological, and social consequences (Boyle 933 par 5). The relationship between the two parents becomes difficult to manage and needs tremendous care and guidance to maintain (Boyle 933 par 10). Of all the deaths a person might encounter, the death of a child is very traumatic and likely to lead to most severe consequences. It is reasonable to anticipate that families who lose children from SI... ... She told her husband she was going to leave him, not divorce him. "Everything was all right till Mama caught me smoking." "She wont leave me alone- you wont leave me alone. I feel eighteen again. I cant verbal expression that all over again." "No, it wasnt fine" (Charters 973 par 20 and 22). She is trying to tell him she has not been fine since the death of their baby. Norma Jean has reached the bluff, and she is looking out over the Tennessee River. Now she turns toward Leroy and waves her arms. Is she beckoning to him? She seems to be doing an exercise for her chest muscles. This is where she is waving her arms up in disgust. She has had enough and can not take anymore. Here is a woman who has been depressed since the death of her child. Living in a negative environment of a lifeless marriage and a critical mother. Here is where she plunges backwards into the Tennessee River to end all of her misery.&9In conclusion, I believe Bobbie Ann Masons character Norma Jean was not symbolizing the modern woman striving to find her identity and individuality, but a bereaved mother whos depression and inability to accept life takes her own.