Shiloh

“A lie don’t seem a lie anymore when it’s meant to save a dog” Marty argues (61), justifying what he knows to normally be bad behaviors. Marty lies, keeps secrets, breaks promises, and resorts to blackmail all to protect Shiloh. Marty understands that his dishonesty has far-reaching consequences and the lies he tells his neighbors have embarrassing effects on his parents. Marty’s lies cause him mental anxiety as well as physical stress and trouble sleeping. He becomes paranoid, his heart “thumping” every time his lies, and the secret of Shiloh, threaten to be exposed.

The secrets Marty keeps from his parents betray their trust in him. When his dad learns about Shiloh, he wonders what other secrets Marty has been keeping, and is right to question whether Marty tells him the truth. Once trust is lost, it is hard to regain. Ma knows this; trust can damage relationships and cause suspicion and resentment. Her lie of omission—keeping Shiloh a secret from her husband—causes strife between them.

Despite the knowledge that his dishonesty has negative repercussions, Marty believes it is a necessary evil, and a lesser evil than Judd’s abuse of Shiloh. The hurt his lies cause to others is less critical than the fate that Shiloh would face. Marty’s deceptions support his ethical beliefs.

Marty’s reasoning is example of scalar consequentialism; the view that right and wrong is a continuum, and right and wrong actions are defined by their consequences. One action is better than another because its consequences are better. Marty’s blackmail is morally better than Judd’s poaching because it saves Shiloh. Marty’s promise to Shiloh to protect him is more important than the promise Marty breaks to Judd. This sliding scale of right and wrong is underpinned by Marty’s personal ethos. In Marty’s eyes, Judd’s actions—mistreating animals, poaching, cheating the storekeeper—are not morally justifiable, whereas Marty’s dishonesty is for a legitimate cause. Marty’s actions are fueled by love and focused on protecting the helpless, which make them ‘right.’

Although not yet in junior high, Marty is a responsible, self-aware kid. He wanders the woods safely on his own, knows how to handle a rifle, respects his parents’ directions (until he meets Shiloh), and does his part around the house. The arrival of Shiloh forces Marty out of his comfort zone and gives him new—potentially conflicting—responsibilities.

Shiloh helps Marty mature emotionally. Marty takes responsibility for the dog’s safety and well-being, sacrificing his own food, building a shelter, cleaning up after and loving the dog; all points that show he is mature enough for a pet. More importantly, keeping Shiloh prompts Marty to evaluate his beliefs and solidify his personal ethos. Standing up for what he believes is right empowers Marty. He shows courage in taking responsibility for his actions; telling the truth to Doc Murphy, promising to repay Shiloh’s medical cost, and boldly defying Judd.

Marty becomes an individual force for change. He challenges insular community norms and ineffective laws. He bravely speaks out to Judd, contrary to his upbringing and cultural norms that kids should stay quiet, showing that the younger generation has a voice that deserves to be heard. Marty is willing to “snitch” in order to expose cruelty, arguing that “There’s got to be times that what one person does is everybody’s business” (126). By championing Shiloh, Marty makes a small step towards societal change. He tells his dad, “There’s got to be a first time” (86) and Dad agrees. Marty even works to change Judd, quietly making suggestions about his dogs and teaching Judd integrity through his own hard-working example. In taking responsibility for Shiloh, Marty discovers his own inner strength and conviction. He recognizes these changes within himself, saying the whole experience “opened my eyes some” (137).