To Build or not to Build?
This is not the only question in the marriage of Leroy and Norma Jean Moffitt. The marriage very often runs into uncertainties and problems, but that is the life of the Moffit's. The foundation of their marriage was based on a problem; the writer of "Shiloh", Bobbie Ann Manson writes " I'm in a way imagining myself as I would have felt if I had... gotten a different perspective on things- if, for example, I had gotten pregnant in high school and had to marry a truck driver", well that is exactly what happened to Norma Jean. However, the baby died at the age of four months and three days from sudden infant death syndrome. About fifteen years later Norma Jean finds herself living in a small rented home with her husband, Leroy, which is normally at work, on the road. Until one day he injured his leg in a fatal accident and will probably never be able to ride his rig again.
Norma Jean (album)
Norma Jean Riley
Bless the Martyr and Kiss the ChildLeroy now finds himself at home all the time, this is very awkward for the both of them, but Norma Jeans seems to be the one most bothered by her husband's presence. "Ever since they were married, he has promised Norma Jean he would build her a new home one day" (p.443) Leroy tries to fulfill his promise building a log house, but Norma Jean is extremely annoyed and does not accept this idea. The disagreement over building of the log house further promotes the couple's individual characteristics and unveils their marital discrepancies.
Away for fifteen years, Leroy Moffit comes home injured, however he is injured mentally as well as physically. His perception of the marriage is very limited. He takes in only what his eyes see, and due to...