Shiloh Dissatisfaction Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"Mabel has never really forgiven him for disgracing her by getting Norma Jean pregnant. When the baby died, she said that fate was mocking her." (2.14)

Oh Mabel, we want to like you, we really do…but lines like these are what make it hard to be down with your selfish, bitter self. This line explains to us that Mabel is dissatisfied about unfortunate events that occurred in her daughter's life—but not because of the unhappiness they created for her daughter. Mabel's dissatisfaction is selfish; she is only concerned with how she imagines those events made her look in the eyes of society (disgraced and mocked).

Quote #5

"It's O.K.," says Norma Jean. "Well, we've seen it. I hope she's satisfied." (7.5)

It's clear from Norma Jean's comments that she doesn't feel much satisfaction herself in seeing Shiloh, but she's fulfilled an obligation to her mother. She's done something to satisfy Mabel, not herself. Her moment is coming, though—just wait 'til we get to the part where she spreads her wings and flies off the bluff (maybe).

Quote #6

"She won't leave me alone—you won't leave me alone." (7.29)

Norma Jean is expressing her dissatisfaction with her mother and Leroy. Both have expectations of her that she doesn't want to fulfill. As long as she is expected to make her mother and husband happy, she won't have a chance to figure out what will make her happy. It sounds to us like Norma Jean was really…under pressure.