Shiloh Literary Analysis
What makes a seemingly normal book a classic? Literary lenses. One of those classic books, Shiloh by
Phyllis Reynolds, shows the reader justice, difficult choices, and allows the reader to discover how it
uses literary lenses to become a classic. By studying the novel through various literary lenses, the
reader can see different perspectives which is important because it brings more depth and dimension,
making Shiloh a children s classic.
Word choice, figures of speech, literary devices, symbols, themes in Shiloh help bring the book to life
(shows new perspectives). Using this lense in text greatly enhances the reader s understanding of the
novel. As stated in Shiloh, [...]but if he wanders off again, I ll whup the daylights out of him .
(Reynolds, 27). This quote vaguely suggests that this takes place in the 1900 s, reminding the reader
that reading in between the lines is key to thoroughly understanding the book. This novel also states,
My dream sort of leaks out like water in a paper bag. (Reynolds, 21). This quote underpins the idea of
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My ma packs us a lunch and lets us eat it out in the woods. Mrs. Howard always sits down to eat with
us and talks about grown up things. (Reynolds, 69). This quote demonstrates how the main character,
Marty, and his friend, David, have contrasting ways of living. Marty lives a more simple and humble
life, while his friend lives more opulently. Like word choice, binaries too help the reader understand
the novel in a more in depth way. The book also states, For the first time I can tell Dad s getting
impatient with me. Now you get of your head right now. If it s Travers s dog, it s no mind of ours how
he treats it. (Reynolds, 24). This quote demonstrates how binaries can be seen, spoken, and even
thought. In this example, Marty has opposing opinions with his father about about a dog named
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