In the story "Shiloh,"" written by Bobbie Ann Mason, Norma Jean starts as a women who relies on her husband, but in the course of the story she begins to work on getting her independence. Making sure that her husband or mother steps in her way. Norma Jean no longer wants to be only a housewife for Leroy, she wants to become independent. Leroy and Mable (Norma Jean's mother) see the changes that Norma Jean is making; Leroy is scared that he will be left behind, so he is fixated on building a cabin for Norma Jean and himself. Norma Jean pays no attention to this because she wants to continue to grow and become a better person. Leroy and Norma Jean once had a child, but he was tragedy taken away from them. Norma Jean's main goal is to become a better person by further her education and by physically getting into shape.
Leroy brings up the idea to build cabin to Norma Jean hoping it will bring them back to way things used to be, Norma Jean is ready to move past everything. She no longer want to take part of the foolish things Leroy dreams about, Norma Jean is about improving her mind and body. Leroy is content with not working and staying at home. He dreams about a cabin, but realizes that it doesn't make any sense in making it. Norma Jean taking the steps in improving herself by eating healthier. Leroy sees these things and it frightens him, he notices how Norma Jean doesn't eat the food she cooks for him. Instead she will have a healthy bowl of cereal in the kitchen. In the story they provide a description about Norma Jean working out. First she starts out with a three pound dumbbell and ultimately starts lifting twenty pound barbell. This shows how Norma Jean is becoming stronger and is getting physically ready to do anything that she puts her mind up to. .
Norma Jean wasn't only focusing on the physical aspects, she also focusing on attending school to further her education. All the changes Norma Jean is making is to work on her independence.