Ethical issues examined

In Shiloh, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor examines ethical and moral issues through the protagonist, Marty Preston. The narrative addresses animal cruelty, with Judd Travers mistreating his beagle, Shiloh. This raises questions about ownership rights and moral obligations toward animals. Marty, troubled by Judd’s behavior, questions his duty to intervene.

The story also explores honesty and deceit. Marty lies to protect Shiloh, hiding the dog and deceiving his family. This creates tension between his intentions and actions, prompting consideration of the ethics of lying for a greater good. Marty's internal conflict highlights challenges in moral integrity and the burdens individuals face.

The narrative further examines moral responsibility. Marty shapes Shiloh’s future, confronting Judd and securing an agreement for the dog's safety. This act demonstrates Marty’s courage and personal growth, showing that ethical decisions often require sacrifice and bravery.

Themes

Compassion and empathy

Shiloh centers on compassion and empathy. Marty, the young protagonist, forms a bond with a mistreated beagle he finds. Empathy motivates Marty to care for Shiloh, leading him to conceal his actions and challenge moral boundaries.

Moral ambiguity

Marty's choices in Shiloh involve moral ambiguity. He must decide between honesty and Shiloh's safety. This internal conflict forces Marty to consider the implications of his actions and suggests that morality involves more than simple distinctions between right and wrong.

Personal growth

Marty undergoes personal growth in Shiloh. As he interacts with Shiloh's owner, Judd Travers, Marty confronts complexities in human behavior. He learns that people possess both virtues and flaws. This experience contributes to Marty's deeper understanding of human nature.

Quick facts

• Shiloh won the Newbery Medal for excellence in children's literature in 1992.

• Phyllis Reynolds Naylor was inspired to write the novel after a real-life encounter with an abused dog in West Virginia.

• The story is set in rural West Virginia, where the natural landscape significantly shapes the narrative.

• The protagonist, Marty Preston, faces moral and ethical dilemmas like honesty, responsibility, and animal welfare.

• Marty names the dog Shiloh after the place where he finds him.

• Marty demonstrates determination and compassion by building a secret shelter and working hard to earn money for Shiloh's vet bills.

• Judd Travers, initially an antagonist, undergoes significant character development, exploring themes of redemption.

• Shiloh challenges young readers to consider complex ethical decisions and is often read in elementary school classrooms across the United States.

• Naylor is a prolific, award-winning author who has published over 130 books, with Shiloh being her 65th.

• The novel has three sequels: Shiloh Season, Saving Shiloh, and A Shiloh Christmas.

• Shiloh was adapted into a film released in 1996, staying largely faithful to the book and followed by two sequels.

Film adaptation

Shiloh was adapted into a 1996 film, directed by Dale Rosenbloom, starring Blake Heron as Marty and Scott Wilson as Judd. While faithful to the novel’s core storyline, the movie introduces a focus on Marty’s friend, Sam, and alters some character arcs and the conclusion for cinematic appeal.  

About the author

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (1933-) is an American author of children's and young adult literature. Her early life during the Great Depression included daily storytelling from her parents, which sparked her interest in writing. She published her first story at age 16. Over her career, Naylor has written more than 130 books, including the Alice series, and earned numerous accolades. In 1992, she was awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal for Shiloh, the story of a young boy’s bond with a mistreated beagle, inspired by her own encounter with a frightened dog in West Virginia.