Shiloh Season

A complicated man with an abusive past, Judd acts as the novel’s antagonist. As Judd’s behavior worsens over the course of the novel, Marty must confront the man and work to change him for the better. Judd is depicted as being lonely, selfish, cruel, and abusive, and he also has an addiction to alcohol. He frequently intimidates everyone, including his own dogs. In the second half of the novel, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor reveals that Judd endured a traumatic and abusive upbringing, and he now shows his dogs the same level of cruelty that he once had to endure. Doc reveals to Marty that Judd’s father would “[beat] his kids. They get out of line, he’d take a belt to them” (107). As the youngest in his family, Judd was trapped with his father after all his siblings left, and his father beat him the most, forging him into the harsh and cruel adult he has become. Because Judd has never experienced real love and affection, he does not know how to be nice to others, including his animals. Throughout the book, this cycle of abuse is highlighted in Judd’s character. He must learn kindness from others before he can return the favor, and Marty’s determined, genuine care for Judd becomes the catalyst that provokes Judd to change.

At his core, Judd is a lonely man who denies others’ care and concern, showing his deeply ingrained selfishness and his inability to give and receive love. For the majority of the novel, he has no empathy toward others and is never concerned about their feelings, opinions, or desires. For instance, Judd accuses Marty of setting his dogs loose and demands that the boy return Shiloh, evincing no remorse for having abused the dog. Judd’s harmful and increasingly criminal actions are a constant threat to the community. His frequent intoxication and dangerous behaviors arise from his internal conflicts of loneliness, self-loathing, and brutality: qualities that he learned from his abusive father. Once Judd overcomes his internal conflicts and accepts others’ help, he shows the first signs that he may be capable of redemption, as shown when he pets Shiloh gently for the first time.

As the titular character, Shiloh plays an important role in the story and makes a positive difference in many people’s lives. The beagle is described as reliable, playful, affectionate, smart, and active. Because of his keen sense of smell, he is a talented tracker and hunting dog, so he also functions as a reliable means of survival. Shiloh can track and hunt animals, such as deer, that Marty’s family can eat, and he also offers Marty’s family companionship and love. In fact, he is so reliable that he meets Marty and Dara Lynn at the bus stop every day and is always eager for adventure. As Marty states, “[Shiloh’s] always in a good mood. Always ready to jump to his feet and do any fool thing you got in mind” (25). Because he is so docile, Shiloh can even withstand Becky and Dara Lynn’s attempts to dress him up. He never bites, and given the traumatic abuse in his past, Shiloh’s adoring nature stands as a strong example that it is possible to meet the world with love and kindness despite past misfortunes.

Most importantly, Shiloh functions as Marty’s best friend, the family’s beloved pet, and a rescuer for those in trouble. First, Shiloh finds Becky when the family believe that she has gotten lost. Shiloh also saves Judd after his car accident; if Shiloh had not barked and whined, it would have taken Marty and Dad much longer to find Judd, and he surely would have died. Thus, Shiloh is not only a companion but also a savior, even to the abusive Judd.

Ray Preston is Marty’s father. He functions as one of Marty’s primary mentors. Ray is even-tempered, caring, protective, quiet, and understanding. He is a strong role model for Marty and encourages him to be kind, even to harsh people like Judd. Ray teaches Marty by example; he remains cordial with Judd, but he also doesn’t back down from conflict. For instance, he admits to Marty that he told Judd not to hunt on their land and threatened to call the sheriff if he trespassed. Ray only stays steadfast on this issue with Judd because his children could be harmed or killed by Judd’s irresponsible approach to hunting. Because Ray loves his family and wants to protect them from danger, he isn’t afraid to cause conflict with Judd. Still, Ray doesn’t go out of his way to anger Judd and continues to treat him with kindness.

Ray also influences Marty to become more honest and mature. Without his father’s frequent insistence on honesty, Marty would not have told him the truth about blackmailing Judd, nor would he have admitted that Judd shot at him and Shiloh. When Ray evinces anger at Marty’s dishonesty, the boy promises to be truthful in the future. With Ray’s guidance, Marty realizes that omitting the truth is just as serious as lying outright, and he ultimately becomes more forthcoming. Because Marty admires his father, Ray is able to make a lasting impression on his son, transforming him into a braver, more candid person.