Shiloh

In these chapters, Naylor advances the novel’s themes of dishonesty, responsibility, and moral ambiguity. Marty’s love for Shiloh takes precedence over loyalty to his family as his mounting lies affect people close to him. Marty continues to struggle to distinguish right from wrong. He is uncertain whether he should follow the letter of the law or the moral responsibility he feels towards Shiloh. Lastly, this sections gives readers a deeper understanding of Ma’s character and the culture of Friendly.

Marty is conscious that his lies have a ripple effect on his family members. In telling David about Ma’s “headaches,” Marty knows he is “asking for trouble” (59). Marty reveals that even though he recognizes the potential consequences of his lies, he chooses to continue his dishonesty. This choice shows that his devotion to Shiloh is more important to him than the minor discomfort of his family or friends. For example, Marty knows his Dad would be “embarrassed” for the townsfolk to think he could not afford food for his family, but Marty persists. Marty’s lies also affect him emotionally. His growing anxiety makes him feel like he is “waiting for a bomb to go off” (66). Marty understands that he cannot maintain his deception indefinitely and feels a sense of relief when Ma discovers his secret. At the same time, Marty involves Ma in his dishonesty, persuading her to withhold the truth from her husband for the first time.

Marty’s self-imposed responsibility to Shiloh requires Marty to give up his food, his time, and his family trust to care for the dog. For Marty, the sacrifice is worth it because Shiloh repays him with unconditional love. Marty feels that “…you’ve got yourself a dog, you sometimes feel like you don’t need anyone else” (69). Marty cares for Shiloh, cleaning up after him, providing food, shelter, water, and love. Food continues to be an important symbol in Shiloh. It is a necessity that drives many of Marty’s lies.

When Ma tries to reason with Marty, arguing that Shiloh belongs to Judd, Marty articulates his moral position. Although conflicted, Marty passionately believes that that he has a higher claim on Shiloh than Judd. Marty does not question that his decision is correct. Instead of planning to return Shiloh to Judd, Marty seeks ways to give Shiloh to a loving stranger. Love trumps the law.

Ma’s character plays a larger role in these chapters. Her sensitivity to Marty’s emotions and his unusual behaviors, shows her love and protectiveness towards him. It is Ma’s love for Marty, her awareness of his longing for a pet and their economic inability to give him one, that allows her to lie to her husband by omission and risk losing his trust. Compared to Mrs. Howard, a teacher who “thinks big,” Ma focuses on the practical, day-to-day job of caring for her family. Ma envies Mrs. Howard’s large home, but takes pride in her ability to look after her family. Marty knows Ma would be ashamed to hear him ask for more food: ashamed of Marty’s lack of manners, which are a reflection on her, and ashamed that well-off Mrs. Howard would think Marty’s family could not provide for their children. The socio-economic and implied educational differences between the Howards and the Prestons, however, are mitigated by the culture of Friendly. The townsfolk of Friendly care about and look out for one another. According to Marty, people mind their own business, but, on the other hand, Marty also sees how quickly his lies spread from the shopkeeper and the Howards, even if the results are well-meaning.