Shiloh+Short+Study++Study+Questions


 * “Shiloh” Study Questions**

1. Why does Leroy stay at home during the day?

2. Who is Randy? What effect does what happened to him seem to have had on the Moffitts’ marriage?

3. Think about the inversion of traditional gender roles in this story—for example, Leroy is the one who stays at home while Norma Jean goes to work. List 3 other such inversions in the space below.

4. The story opens and closes with references to Norma Jean’s muscles. Why might this be? In 2-3 complete sentences, comment on what you think the author is doing here and what these references might be meant to represent.

5. On the surface, this story seems to be a story about a failing marriage. It’s set, however, against the backdrop of a changing modern world. On page 314, for example, Leroy comments on the way the town has changed: “Subdivisions are spreading across Western Kentucky like an oil slick. In 2-3 complete sentences, comment on what meaning you think this context of change adds to the story.