Shiloh

As the novel draws to a close, Marty tackles several new ethical dilemmas but remains true to his beliefs and his single-minded desire to keep Shiloh. Marty’s reasoning process and self-reflection reveal a more mature understanding of the world around him.

Witnessing Judd shoot the doe, Marty immediately realizes he can turn the situation to his advantage. However, to use this knowledge against Judd and get Shiloh, Marty must continue to lie, violate the cultural norms of his community, and break the law. Marty does all these things, rationalizing his actions through the rigid filter of saving Shiloh. He asserts, “I’d do almost anything to save Shiloh” (115). Again, Marty lies by omission to his parents, knowing that if he told them about the deer, he would break his promise to Judd. Marty is also prepared to involve the law in Judd’s business, potentially risking his dad’s reputation in the close-knit community, where snitching is frowned upon.

By lying about seeing Judd kill the doe, Marty is an accessory to Judd’s crime. Marty wonders “about whose business is it when someone breaks the law” (126). While Marty thinks Dad might have reported Judd and believes that it is important for people to make others’ criminal behaviors their business, Marty personally rejects these paths to keep Shiloh. Resulting to blackmail, Marty perceives that his actions are not much better than Judd’s, except for the fact that Marty knows his cause is just.

Shooting a deer out of season is a serious offense in hunting communities. People who shoot out of season are called poachers. Each state has different regulations about which animals may be hunted at certain times, or “seasons,” and rules limiting the number of animals a hunter can harvest. Allowing hunting during only certain times helps manage the wildlife population, ensuring there is enough food to sustain the animals and letting them breed and recover between seasons. In West Virginia, deer season is in the fall. Judd shoots the doe in the summer. Marty knows that his dad has a copy of the West Virginia hunting regulations, which also lists a number to call and report violations. Poachers like Judd threaten the wildlife population and unfairly limit the chances for lawful hunters to harvest food. In the poor community of Friendly, many people, including Marty’s family, rely on hunting as a food source. Marty regretfully recognizes that he has made life harder for all the deer, and for other hunters, since now that Judd has gotten away with killing one out of season, there is little to stop him from continuing the practice—but Marty values Shiloh more.

One of Marty’s greatest redeeming factors is his self-awareness. Marty acts deliberately, consciously acknowledging the dubious morality of his choices. He understands that his actions have far-reaching ramifications that could affect his family and others. Marty also shows an astute understanding of Judd’s personality. He recognizes it is vital not to make Judd angry, nor try and preach at him. Instead, Marty tries to influence Judd through quiet talk and example. Marty cleverly tries to get Judd to treat his dogs better by appealing to Judd’s vanity, suggesting that his dogs would look even better with a little more weight on them. Marty holds tenaciously to his end of the bargain despite Judd’s efforts to run him off. Marty’s determination, perseverance, and hard work pay off, leading Marty to reflect on how much he has learned about himself, and others.