Shiloh Essay -- essays research papers

The Second Battle of battle of ShilohThe switch to college life can definitely change people. In high school, hotshot makesfriends that will hopefully last a lifetime. Then comes senior year, and later all the collegeadmissions letters defecate been received, one must face the realization that his/her surmountfriends will not be by their side 24 hours a day / 7 days a week any acheer. Still rapturous bywhat this new life, college, holds for them, students enter into their chosen institute ofhigher learning. Do you remember that first break, or long weekend, that brings everyoneback to the place where they grew up? Its a chance to look back and catch up on oldtimes, even though youve only been separated for a month or two. Whether climaxhome from UGA, Tech, or even some out-of-state college, that drive home gives one timeto reflect. Will my friends who I graduated with be the same friends who I hold out andlove? Like I said, college alters people, and the first time you see old friends, you mightrealize that your best friends are not who they once were. Although painful, this is a serve well that is natural. Friends change, and friends move on with their lives, regardless ofyour presence. On a larger scale, this is the dilemma brought to the readers attention byBobbie Ann Mason, author of Shiloh.In Masons Shiloh, Leroy and Norma Jean Moffitt are a married couple living inPaducah, Kentucky. Leroy has spent the past 15 years driving a tractor-trailer across thecountry. foursome months ago, Leroy was moved in a highway accident that required steelpins to be placed in his hip. He returned home to rest and rehabilitate his leg. He isconfined to his house, something that he hasnt seen for an extended period since hesbeen on the road. Like a college student, this is Leroys long weekend. Leroy comeshome to his wife, Norma Jean, hoping that she will be the same person he left many yearsbefore. Unfortunately for Leroy, Norma Jean has moved on with her life, much likefriends who move on after high school graduation. Leroy would like for things to be theway they were, but Norma Jean has chosen a different course in her life that doesntinvolve Leroy. She works at the Rexall Drug Store, loves to play music, and is takingclasses in compo stupefyion at Paducah Community College. Bobbie A... ...se. Leroy knows that something has to be done to save hismarriage. Mabel, Leroys mother-in-law, suggests they take a trip to Shiloh, a Civil Warbattleground. This is ready-made symbolism. A battling couple takes a trip to a famousbattleground. Looking for a place to picnic, they sit down next to a cemetery for UnionSoldiers, which symbolizes the death of their life together as husband and wife. She tellsLeroy that she is leaving him and when she walks toward the bluff overlooking theTennessee River, Leroy tries to follow. His good leg, even is asleep, and his bad legstill hurts him. This symbolizes that he will never catch her. She has her own life and he isstuck in the same place.In conclusion, I have personally experienced the loss of a friend after we bothembarked on different paths. Although we were the best of friends in high school, whenthe time came on that long weekend to hang out, we didnt even pick up the phone to seewhat the other was doing. Although its natural to move in different directions, it still hurtsto no longer have that friend in your life any longer, just like it hurts Leroy not to haveNorma Jean