Even stories that seem to have no commonalities end up having a binding similarity. “Shiloh”, by Bobbie Ann Mason, is about a hurt truck driver coming home to his wife who apparently kept the relationship going because her husband was never around. “Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story”, by Russell Banks, revolves around a man becoming involved with a woman because of the twisted interest he had in her regarding her ugly looks. On the surface the two stories seem to have nothing to do with each other, but with a deeper look the stories encompass the same theme of failing love due to a one sided relationship.
Both “Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story” and “Shiloh” have a love story in common, albeit not the same tale. “Shiloh” has a husband-wife duo that are struggling with a change in their marriage. That change being that the husband, who typically was never home due to his profession, is now home all the time. “Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story” has a man who kindles a relationship with a woman because she is “the most unattractive woman he has ever seen” and that “fascinates him” (Banks 56-57). Though different settings, circumstances, and characters, the authors convey the same message that one sided relationships fail. In “Shiloh”, Leroy, the husband, feels more for his wife, Norma, than she does for him. “Since [Leroy] has been home, he has felt unusually tender about his wife… but he can’t tell what she feels about him… [and] wishes she would celebrate his permanent homecoming more happily” (Mason 491). Sarah, in her story, feels more for Ron than he does for her, which becomes obvious when she tells him “you don’t want to meet my kids” and then realizes “no, you don’t want my kids to meet you, that’s it” (Banks 69). The one sided love of the two relationships in different settings still ends up with the same result.
Unrequited love ended the marriage of Leroy and Norma and ended the peculiar relationship of Sarah and Ron. “Shiloh” comes to a finish as Norma tells Leroy she wants a divorce and will not try to work anything out with him. “Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story” has Ron yelling at Sarah to get out his apartment and essentially out of his life. The authors show, in different ways, how love has to come from both sides as equally as it can in order for it to work in favor of both involved. This theme of unreturned affection ruining relationships is prevalent in both short stories between both sets of couples.
This is an interesting idea. I think this is well written and you definitely had evidence to back up your point, but I'm not sure that Ron didn't actually have feelings for Sarah. I believe he did care for her, but he was ashamed that he did. I liked your comments on Norma and Leroy, but I thought things could have been a bit more spaced out.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting approach to comparing the two stories. I do not think it is how I would have done so which is cool because I am now looking at the stories in a different way. There are a couple instance where I feel as though the language could be a little tighter. For example, in the last paragraph when you say the relationship "comes to a finish" it would feel more concise to say "'Shiloh' concludes..". Overall it is a really interesting piece. Nice job !
ReplyDeleteI agree that the theme of unrequited love can be seen in the two short stories. What's not fully explained is what impact this theme has on the stories. Pointing out why the themes are included would strengthen your argument. Otherwise, great piece.
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