Shiloh Season

As in Shiloh, The Ethical Treatment of Animals represents a central focus of Shiloh Season, and the deeper nuances of this issue are reflected in the immoral behavior of the antagonist, Judd, who is callous and cruel toward humans and animals alike. Marty, his family, neighbors, and the law all agree that animals and people should not be abused in any way. Treating animals ethically includes giving them food, shelter, social activity, exercise, and love, and Judd does none of these things, viciously abusing and neglecting his own dogs. Although Marty has saved Shiloh, Judd’s other dogs aren’t lucky enough to find a new, loving home and continue to endure a life of neglect and abuse with Judd. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor brings this issue to the forefront of the narrative in multiple ways. As Marty remarks, “Ma says if [Judd] took the money he spent on beer and spent it on his dogs instead, he’d have a lot happier, healthier animals. Happy and healthy ain’t what interests Judd, though” (66). Thus, Naylor uses indirect language and understated implication to address these serious issues in a way that allows the narrative to remain palatable for younger readers.