Shiloh

In this section, Naylor expands the novel’s dominant theme of the blurred distinction between right and wrong. We learn more about Marty’s morality as he navigates the complicated grey area between two moral principles. New facets of Marty’s character develop, and we gain insight into the motivations behind novel’s antagonist, Judd Travers.

Marty’s moral principles are rooted in Christianity. He believes in Jesus and asks God’s forgiveness for his childhood lie about the chocolate rabbit. But now that he is eleven, Marty recognizes that the line between right and wrong is not clear-cut. He has developed his own moral compass, based on his Christian upbringing. Marty believes that Jesus would rather he lie to Judd and his parents—something the Bible generally considers a sin—to protect the life of one of God’s creatures. Marty shows a strong belief in the right to life for every living thing. Marty also feels a responsibility to save Shiloh, even though it involves stealing Judd’s dog.

Marty is confident in his decision, although his dishonesty troubles him and he recognizes the complexity of his dilemma, saying, “the problem’s more mixed up” than just a matter of protecting Shiloh (30). Marty’s guilt reflects the conflicts between his personal beliefs and his love and respect for his family, his upbringing, and his community’s norms. In addition to his mounting deceptions to his family and Judd, Marty breaks a promise to Judd to make what he feels is a higher promise to Shiloh. Naylor will continue to explore themes of the moral ambiguity and the ramifications of dishonesty as the novel develops.    

Because he loves and wants to keep Shiloh, Marty, somewhat selfishly, initially avoids thinking about the larger practical and ethical problems involved with hiding Shiloh. Providing food for the beagle, however, is one problem he cannot defer. Marty justifies sneaking food to Shiloh by arguing that it was his share to eat and he is not taking anything away from the family. Food is an important symbol in the novel, representing sustenance, love, and sacrifice. Marty shows a practical and mature understanding that the food on the family table is the product of work, money, and time. Marty also displays a self-sacrificing nature: he is willing to go without food for Shiloh and insists that Judd will have to shoot him to get Shiloh back.

Seeing Shiloh mistreated rouses Marty’s sense of justice. He cannot bear to think of Shiloh chained, and the beagle’s sweet nature ruined like Judd’s other dogs. Chains will become a significant symbol in Shiloh. Marty’s actions are fueled by the knowledge that Shiloh needs him, and by the growing love Marty feels for the beagle. Marty finally experiences the long-desired boyhood joy of having a dog and experiencing its unconditional love. Marty’s bond with Shiloh, however, reveals a potential conflict of loyalty and responsibility, another of the novel’s important themes. 

Lastly, Marty learns a little about the reasons Judd Travers acts so cruelly to his animals. Beaten by his pa since the age of four, Judd endured an abusive childhood. He dismisses Marty’s sympathy. Judd’s lack of empathy for others—people and animals—as an adult stems from his unhappy childhood.