Brokeback Mountain Forum @ ennisjack.com
The Movie & Story => AP Short Story & Screenplay => Topic started by: jackster on Aug 22, 2007, 08:22 AM
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I’ve just started reading the recently released “Reading Brokeback Mountain: Essays on the Story and the Film” and find it to be very enjoyable and enlightening. It’s a collection of 15 critical essays about BBM, both the SS and the movie, and in some cases comparing the two. I’ve only gotten through three of the essays, but they have provided some very interesting insights into the story, characters, and its historical precedents (going clear back to the Greek stories about shepherds and their “friendships”). Good reading with lots of careful analysis and thoughts about the story.
O0 Recommended.
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Wow! Thanks for the tip. I'll see if I can pick up a copy tomorrow when I'm in the ' burgh. :t)
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Thank you Jackster! If you want, you can elaborate on some of the essays. We can start a discussion going as soon as we have more people who have read it!
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jackster,
Don't mean to jump the gun or rush you, but, as Reading Brokeback Mountain was not available at the bookstore I visited, I am forced to order it online, and I hesitate to do that sight unseen, as literary criticism is not always gripping reading, and the price is substantial. So I would love to see some of your reactions to it when you have the time and inclination.
proulxfan
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dear proulxfan:
I was afraid it might not be available yet in stores. I got mine at Amazon, and you're right it is a little pricey - but hey, its Brokeback, so what am I gonna' do? Once your addicted you’ll pay any price to get your “fix” right? I've been trying to read an essay a night so as to not get them all blended together in my feeble head. I wish I was better at remembering the things that strike me as I'm reading them, but I don't take notes and it's kind of difficult to go back later because there as so many interesting issues raised.
The book is organized (i.e. the essays are presented) in a somewhat chronological manner, so that ones dealing with historical precedents and issues come first and others dealing with 20th or 21st century issues come last. I've only read the first four so far, so these are the only ones I can comment on. The first two were absolutely fascinating to me as history is something I find very engaging. A really in-depth discussion of various Greek, Roman, and later myths and stories going all the way up to Shakespeare with Romeo & Juliet and his other creations. The third essay was a little less interesting, but the fourth sparked my interest back again.
Some might find the text a little "academic" but not overly so. There are good footnotes and every time a passage is cited from either the SS or screenplay it's identified as such and the page number from the published text is included. It's NOT fluff. There is a lot of discussion of ancient Greek writers many of whom I don't recognize but if you're an English major or interested in Literature you'd probably know them, (I'm an architect, duh . . .) for instance I knew nothing of Theocritus, but his work is discussed as it relates to directly to BBM.
What I’ve found most fascinating is to learn other, “outsider” points of view and interpretations of the scenes and storyline. You know how to some degree people tend to congregate with their own type; so many of us here at ennisjack have generally the same interpretation of certain aspects of the SS or movie? Well here’s an entirely new, fresh and intelligent take on many scenes and aspects of the entire phenomena. These aren’t “reviews” or even criticisms, but truly enlightened analysis. I find myself thinking Wow! I never thought of it like that!
It will be interesting to see if my own interest level stays as high when I get to essays dealing with more contemporary issues and aspects, like gay rights, etc. I sometimes feel it is difficult to analyze recent history because we are “sitting too close to the screen” to see the entire picture.
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I’d say if you are at all interested in literature, writing, and movies; or the analysis of literature, writing and movies you will find this very intriguing. I’m just guessing but I’ll bet it will be used in countless college courses dealing with these subjects as well as the Brokeback Mountain phenomena itself due to its thoughtful approach and (as we all know) the endlessly fascinating subject of Ennis, Jack, Annie, Larry, Diana, and Ang.
jackster
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jackster,
Sold! Like Lashawn, I have no sales resistance! :8
proulxfan
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I just ordered it ::)
English is not my first language but... wtf! I enjoyed reading Close Range in the original English. Like Jackster said, hey, it's Brokeback. It would be cool to discuss about it if more Brokies buy it. :)
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Thank you Jackster! If you want, you can elaborate on some of the essays. We can start a discussion going as soon as we have more people who have read it!
I'll try this and see what happens. Here's a view . . . .
Essay Number Six
Ennis the radical QUEER (my title)
In this essay Hiram Perez proposes that while most mainstream liberal homos feel that Ennis is one that’s too “restricted” in his approach to life, too bound by his fear of being found out, and that Jack is the one more comfortable with himself and being homosexual – it is really Ennis who is the “queerer” of the two. Jack’s idea of the “sweet life” with Ennis is basically a gay version of the traditional family lifestyle. Two men living together in a more normalized version of what was started on Brokeback. A homestead with one partner out working (herder) and the other staying home doing the chores (camp tender).
Perez proposition is that this is not what Ennis wants at all; he wants a more radical lifestyle – a “queerer” one so to speak. One totally outside the norm and one more akin to the traditional “cowboy” lifestyle of roaming, no home, no permanent job, furtive friendships, occasional sex, and the outdoors. THIS then is the real “queer” and is seen as queer by most of society – not only in the sexual sense but also in the sense of being strange – queer. What Ennis really wanted was a MORE radical version of what was started on the mountain. Infrequent couplings with fiery emotional and sexual release, but not a constant companion. Ennis wasn’t able to make it work with Alma, didn’t want it to work with Cassie, and couldn’t get Jack to be satisfied with this type of life.
Isn’t this fascinating? Ennis as the REAL queer, Ennis as the one wanting a truly radical lifestyle totally outside the bounds of what’s considered normal by society. This is what the American cowboy has traditionally been, an outsider.
I’m really condensing his argument here and certainly missing some of his points, but as one of “team Ennis” I find this a really thought provoking view. Huh?
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jackster,
Hmmm....
"Mainstream liberal homo" huh; well at least now I have an identity! :8
Thanks for starting this off. My copy has been shipped but won't arrive til the middle of next week.
Gotta say I disgree heartily with this analysis, though maybe when I read the full essay I'll be more convinced. :-\\
In the ss at least, Ennis tells Jack that the reason for his physical illness after they part ways at the end of their Brokeback summer was because he shouldn't have let Jack out of his sight, ie let him leave. And in their conversation in the motel he goes on to add: " I goddamn hate it that you're goin a drive away in the mornin an I'm goin back to work. But if you can't fix it, you got a stand it." So their enforced separation is pain he feels forced to bear, not a lifestyle choice-I use those words advisedly.
And Annie describes Ennis as "that achingly needy ranch kid", and that essence is what anchors the whole tale and makes it so wrenching. He's hardly living out his dream here....
Nah...
Nice try though! O0
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Nah...
Nice try though! O0
So as one M.L.H. to another - you'd say this was just some "dumbass missin'?"
Well, it was worth a shot. ;)
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Yeah, kinda. ;D
But my limited experience in the world of literary criticism tells me that you're liable to read almost anything, no matter how far-fetched!
But keep up the good work.
Much obliged!
But...on further reflection, there are some interesting points to ponder here.
In many ways, Ennis doesn't really seem cut out for a life of domestic bliss, and it might not have worked out with Jack much better than it had with Alma. Witness his real love of the outdoors and preference for the company of animals. In that sense he does represent a sort of throwback to the "real cowboys".
Well, gotta run. My partner is making his hurry-up noises.
Later.
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Well, thanks so much everyone for starting this thread. I am an easy sell apparently, 'cause I managed to order the book 90 seconds after realizing exactly what y'all were talking about. ;D I should get a copy within the week, so again .. THANK YOU!! :cr)
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&**) It's here!! It arrived today! And I already love the Acknowlegements! I don't think I've ever said that about a book before, but it talks about the phenomenon of so many people being deeply affected in the wake of the film and feeling the need to discuss it with others. Sound familiar to anyone here??? I can't wait to discuss these essays with those of you who are interested. Will keep y'all posted. (Pun intended... (t) )
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proulxfan, I would love to, but unfortunately, my life is a bit messed up right now on account on some bad planning by my condo management. Needless to say, I need to reread the book, but my place looks like a war zone right now, with everything stowed away in boxes, furniture covers, and the like -- to keep things out of harm's way.
To everyone here interested: please start the discussion going. I can perhaps recall a few things without a rerread, and I can certainly join once things are a bit back to normal...
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I'm still waiting for mine... should be there tomorrow :P
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The book was waiting for me at home 8) I just love Amazon <^( Now I need to find some time to read... other than during sleeping hours. :i
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Well, I've read four of the essays so far, and have had widely varying reactions. (Sometimes I find myself wondering if these people saw or read the same film/story.)
We're off to camp for a four day weekend which should give me lots of time for reading and reaction. Will report back on Monday. :cr)
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I just read the preface, I'm stuck in another book for now.
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tpe,
Sorry to hear about your condo-related travails...hope they have all been satisfactorily resolved by now.
It sure has been quiet on this thread the last couple of weeks. And I had too much fun over labor day weekend to get all that much reading done.
I have now read through all the essays, which took me a bit longer than I had planned. I was going along okay until I got to no.7: "When This Thing Grabs Hold of Us...", when the wheels fell completely off my c*nt truck. It took me 3 days to struggle through the piece-it didn't grab ahold of me-and I finished it with very little clearer idea of what point the writer was trying to make than I had on the first page.
It seems to me that almost half of these essays were written for a fairly small, academically inclined audience. And many of those contained a lot of jargon relating to post-modernism and queer theory, areas in which I have no training and limited experience. Those presented quite a challenge, and sometimes I wondered whether or not the struggle was worthwhile. I can't honestly say at this point that they whetted my appetite for more.
Others were apparently intended for a broader audience, and should be able to provide fodder for some interesting discussions here. I plan to cycle back through some of these and maybe post a question or topic.
Before I forget though, I owe Jackster an apology of sorts. The essay about Ennis prefering to keep his relationship with Jack as it was, with few strings attached, did present an interesting case. The view presented is consistent with what we see of Ennis throughout the film. Ennis seems unable to deal with the complications, compromises and demands that any close relationship entails,-remember he's had very little experience with this from his childhood-and by limiting his time with Jack to their 2-3- times-a-year get-togethers, it keeps things neat and uncomplicated, however painful their partings.
I shall read this one again and see if I can comment on this more clearly; I am having to reach too far back with my weak memory... *^)
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I should seriously start this reading this week, I'm almost done with I Claudius. Reading what you posted, I expect some challenge... English is not my first language. :i
I'll comment later if the army don't get me.
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cham,
I can't wait to see your opinions/thoughts on these. And as you are a non-native English speaker, I empathize with your struggle. I shudder to think how much I would be able to understand in French, though I should go and check out that thread to practice a bit... *o)
Just be prepared to get a little tired of the word "heteronormative". I know I did.
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Oh gosh! :P Thanks for the warning.
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I'm going to have to check out amazon and get me a copy. :)
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I'm going to have to check out amazon and get me a copy. :)
I'll take mine to Salisbury, it will be most likely my reading stuff for the waiting time in airports so if you want to wait you could have a look at it.
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Thanks Pierre :^^)
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It sure has been quiet on this thread the last couple of weeks. And I had too much fun over labor day weekend to get all that much reading done.
I have now read through all the essays, which took me a bit longer than I had planned. I was going along okay until I got to no.7: "When This Thing Grabs Hold of Us...", when the wheels fell completely off my c*nt truck. It took me 3 days to struggle through the piece-it didn't grab ahold of me-and I finished it with very little clearer idea of what point the writer was trying to make than I had on the first page.
It seems to me that almost half of these essays were written for a fairly small, academically inclined audience. And many of those contained a lot of jargon relating to post-modernism and queer theory, areas in which I have no training and limited experience. Those presented quite a challenge, and sometimes I wondered whether or not the struggle was worthwhile. I can't honestly say at this point that they whetted my appetite for more.
Others were apparently intended for a broader audience, and should be able to provide fodder for some interesting discussions here. I plan to cycle back through some of these and maybe post a question or topic.
Yes, quiet indeed! I'd have to say I agree entirely with your overview of the intended audience. After reading the first two or three I was very intrigued by the prospect of what I thought they were trying to do here. Unfortunately by the time I got to No's 8, 9, 10, etc. it began to get a little much, one might even say pedantic or repetitive. Especially, as you say in the post-modernist, queer theory viewpoints that, like you, I'm really unfamiliar with (and really have no interest in). I had to stop, take a breather and then go back. I was also curious as to what other EJ opinions would be. In addition, I felt guilty of sounding so excited by the early essays then feeling almost bored by the later ones. I will try and start some again, but it is difficult reading at times.
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Before I forget though, I owe Jackster an apology of sorts . . . . . . I shall read this one again and see if I can comment on this more clearly; I am having to reach too far back with my weak memory...
No apology needed whatsoever, I'm a tough old bird and can take all kinds of gruff O0. Thanks.
That essay was one that I could actually understand (I think) and see the point of what he was trying to say. Though like a lot of academia, and unlike Alma Jr., he's says a lot in order to get his point across. ;)
But now dear proulxfan, we need you to stick your neck out and summarize one of these essays for the audience. >:D
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The first handful of essays were very interesting and enlightening. Then they started to get a bit "pompous" as in "gee look how many big words I can string together in one sentence and show off how smart I am". A few of the essays made no sense to me....and I don't think I'm a mental slacker.
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I just found this thread, after all this time. ::) I guess I have been too busy with the other threads to go looking. Now that the forum is kinda quiet, it's perfect time to catch up on the quiet corners.
I never heard of the essays, and haven't seen it in the local bookstore.
Jedibarrister's review doesn't inspire to go and buy it.
In any case, I find the discussion in the forum more and enough to satiate my appetite for Brokeback discussion.
What is the first essay about? Don't type in the whole thing, but I'd be happy to share in the interesting and enlightening bits. :)
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Not to sound pompous, but I'm always rolling my eyes over supposed 'experts' writing essays about this precious topic. We posters in these forums, many of us well-educated, have devoted enough time and thought to qualify for the title, don't you think? I seriously doubt there's anyone who's spent as much time pondering and discussing as we BBM compulsives!
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You could rolling your eyes over because I have this book and was never able to finish it, boring big time!
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I'll try this and see what happens. Here's a view . . . .
Essay Number Six
Ennis the radical QUEER (my title)
In this essay Hiram Perez proposes that while most mainstream liberal homos feel that Ennis is one that’s too “restricted” in his approach to life, too bound by his fear of being found out, and that Jack is the one more comfortable with himself and being homosexual – it is really Ennis who is the “queerer” of the two. Jack’s idea of the “sweet life” with Ennis is basically a gay version of the traditional family lifestyle. Two men living together in a more normalized version of what was started on Brokeback. A homestead with one partner out working (herder) and the other staying home doing the chores (camp tender).
Perez proposition is that this is not what Ennis wants at all; he wants a more radical lifestyle – a “queerer” one so to speak. One totally outside the norm and one more akin to the traditional “cowboy” lifestyle of roaming, no home, no permanent job, furtive friendships, occasional sex, and the outdoors. THIS then is the real “queer” and is seen as queer by most of society – not only in the sexual sense but also in the sense of being strange – queer. What Ennis really wanted was a MORE radical version of what was started on the mountain. Infrequent couplings with fiery emotional and sexual release, but not a constant companion. Ennis wasn’t able to make it work with Alma, didn’t want it to work with Cassie, and couldn’t get Jack to be satisfied with this type of life.
Isn’t this fascinating? Ennis as the REAL queer, Ennis as the one wanting a truly radical lifestyle totally outside the bounds of what’s considered normal by society. This is what the American cowboy has traditionally been, an outsider.
I’m really condensing his argument here and certainly missing some of his points, but as one of “team Ennis” I find this a really thought provoking view. Huh?
It is interesting to see another point of view, but I disagree.
I can go along with the viewpoint of Ennis as the more "cowboy" nomadic lifestyle while Jack is the more "homestead" lifestyle. However, I see Jack's preference for the home life as more "queer" because Ennis roaming nomadic life is more "manly". Yes, I understand we have fallen into the trap of using stereotypes but if we are going to use labels, we need to at least use them with a sense of logic. Ennis is the "hunter" and the masculine role in the relationship. It was after they switched, with Jack taking the camp-tender role, that their friendship blossomed into something more.
If Jack wanted the sweet life, it would be the role of the woman who nurtures the little animals, caring for the sick and injured, while Ennis would be the ranch hand who goes about taking care of the property, fixing fences, the barns and tents. Ennis is the handy-man to Jack the imaginative dreamer - isn't that a feminine quality? Speaking of stereotypes again, muses are always portrayed as women.
Having said that, I don't agree either of them as more queer than the other, in the sense of their lifestyle choice because there is, in my opinion, no such thing as a queer lifestyle (unless you go to the city, like Denver, and the clubs, like Spike or Dungeon). What they chose were simply what they knew best under those circumstances, in those times, and those settings. If they lived in the city, it would be a different story, literally.
I think a better indication of "queerness" is the number of same-sex partners Jack had, compared to Ennis. There is no question that Jack was more queer than Ennis.
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Yes, quiet indeed! I'd have to say I agree entirely with your overview of the intended audience. After reading the first two or three I was very intrigued by the prospect of what I thought they were trying to do here. Unfortunately by the time I got to No's 8, 9, 10, etc. it began to get a little much, one might even say pedantic or repetitive. Especially, as you say in the post-modernist, queer theory viewpoints that, like you, I'm really unfamiliar with (and really have no interest in). I had to stop, take a breather and then go back. I was also curious as to what other EJ opinions would be. In addition, I felt guilty of sounding so excited by the early essays then feeling almost bored by the later ones. I will try and start some again, but it is difficult reading at times.
No worries, Jackster. I had fun taking apart essay number six. If you have time one cold snowed-in winter evening, feel free to post more summaries and I'd be happy to provide some entertainment. :c) :cb:
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It is interesting to see another point of view, but I disagree. . . . . .
I think a better indication of "queerness" is the number of same-sex partners Jack had, compared to Ennis. There is no question that Jack was more queer than Ennis.
Dear LC:
I think maybe there is a misunderstanding of my use of “queer” here. I wasn’t really referring to a sexual orientation thing. What I was referring to (and what I think the Essayist was referring to also, though it's been a long time since I read this!) was that queer quality of being odd, eccentric, - unconventional in all aspects. Not just queer in the typical usage that has become predominant in the recent past as being a synonym for homosexual or gay and referencing a persons sexual orientation. The Ennis/Jack, who is more gay? more butch? more fem? top/bottom? discussion is, I think, really separate from this. The fact that Ennis appears to be the more traditionally (stereotypically) dominate male in this pairing blurs this issue, but I'd say it is really beside the point in an analysis of his unconventional (queer) thinking.
Ennis's idea of a sweet life is so totally unconventional (i.e. queer) as to be almost unrecognizable, especially to Jack who thought, in structural terms anyway, of a much more traditional sweet life. That is, for Jack it was a couple living together, sharing a ranch, a house, and a bedroom. It's not at all clear that Ennis actually understood the radical nature of his own view; I'd have to say that he almost certainly didn't. But I am fascinated by this view of Ennis, in his extremely pragmatic thinking, trying to figure out a way to meld a free roaming, cowboy lifestyle with a long-term meaningful relationship with an individual man.
I see Ennis's thinking going sort of like this: “Two men can't live together, we'll be dead. Being a cowboy is all I know, and wanna’ know. So the only way to make this work is to see each other every now and then way the hell out in the middle of nowhere. That oughta' work.” Yes, that’ll work if you can get the other person to go along.
I feel that even today, with our (supposedly) more enlightened more modern eyes, it may still be difficult for many people to recognize or accept this type of long-distance, infrequent relationship has having much real meaning or significance. Maybe one reason there's so much crying at the end of the movie, many feel they never had the opportunity to have a "real" relationship. Some who do consider this as a meaningful relationship might possibly be thought odd and unusual – i.e. queer. Believe me, as you're aware, I have some experience. It would not matter if it is a man-man, man-woman, or woman-woman relationship. The relationship Ennis had in mind, or at least the only way he could imagine the relationship with Jack working, was this truly unconventional "queer" arrangement. IMHO.
Thanks for prompting me to rethink this idea yet again Andrew. Maybe if I get snowed in (alone) this winter I will try and dig it out and read a few more essays.
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Dear LC:
I think maybe there is a misunderstanding of my use of “queer” here. I wasn’t really referring to a sexual orientation thing. What I was referring to (and what I think the Essayist was referring to also, though it's been a long time since I read this!) was that queer quality of being odd, eccentric, - unconventional in all aspects. Not just queer in the typical usage that has become predominant in the recent past as being a synonym for homosexual or gay and referencing a persons sexual orientation. The Ennis/Jack, who is more gay? more butch? more fem? top/bottom? discussion is, I think, really separate from this. The fact that Ennis appears to be the more traditionally (stereotypically) dominate male in this pairing blurs this issue, but I'd say it is really beside the point in an analysis of his unconventional (queer) thinking.
Ennis's idea of a sweet life is so totally unconventional (i.e. queer) as to be almost unrecognizable, especially to Jack who thought, in structural terms anyway, of a much more traditional sweet life. That is, for Jack it was a couple living together, sharing a ranch, a house, and a bedroom. It's not at all clear that Ennis actually understood the radical nature of his own view; I'd have to say that he almost certainly didn't. But I am fascinated by this view of Ennis, in his extremely pragmatic thinking, trying to figure out a way to meld a free roaming, cowboy lifestyle with a long-term meaningful relationship with an individual man.
I see Ennis's thinking going sort of like this: “Two men can't live together, we'll be dead. Being a cowboy is all I know, and wanna’ know. So the only way to make this work is to see each other every now and then way the hell out in the middle of nowhere. That oughta' work.” Yes, that’ll work if you can get the other person to go along.
I feel that even today, with our (supposedly) more enlightened more modern eyes, it may still be difficult for many people to recognize or accept this type of long-distance, infrequent relationship has having much real meaning or significance. Maybe one reason there's so much crying at the end of the movie, many feel they never had the opportunity to have a "real" relationship. Some who do consider this as a meaningful relationship might possibly be thought odd and unusual – i.e. queer. Believe me, as you're aware, I have some experience. It would not matter if it is a man-man, man-woman, or woman-woman relationship. The relationship Ennis had in mind, or at least the only way he could imagine the relationship with Jack working, was this truly unconventional "queer" arrangement. IMHO.
Thanks for prompting me to rethink this idea yet again Andrew. Maybe if I get snowed in (alone) this winter I will try and dig it out and read a few more essays.
:s) hmmm...yes, I see your distinction here, queer as in the original meaning of the word, not Queer.
I am not sure which side I stand on this issue of Ennis having queer idea of the sweet life. On the one hand, it is not at all uncommon for men to have a wife, and a mistress or two. In 'em earlier days, when gays had to remain in the closet, it was not uncommon for men to have their buddies and the wives turning the other way. What made Ennis stand out, in my opinion, was his deliberate or unconscious sabotage of his marriage to Alma. If there wasn't that kiss at the stairs...if he had taken on that job at the power plant...if he had brought home a fish or two. It seems Ennis just didn't care to put any effort into his marriage with Alma. This is in contrast to Jack, who did everything he needed, from being a father to Bobby, being the best combine salesman, and a good husband to Loreen in every way, except perhaps in bed.
I think Jack's idea of ranching together with Ennis, is ironically the queer one, given the traditional concept of husband and wife and family. Perhaps, being a queer idea of the sweet life as Queers make Jack's idea paradoxically less queer. :s) ::) Does that make sense? Two negatives make a positive?
In the end, I think Ennis and Jack needed to strike out as originals and map out their relationship in their own way. There ain't no precedent or pattern to follow. Ennis was afraid to death of following in the footsteps of Earl and Rich. But times are always changing, so all Ennis needed to do was to follow the times to a better future, instead of following the fears of the past.
I cannot speak to the viability of long-term long distance relationships or a-few-times-a-year relationships since I have not any experience that matter. I suspect it is probably difficult because it will only work for two people with characteristics that are similar to Ennis, the introverted self-sufficient loner, which make their mutual attraction highly unlikely. Their passion stems from the differences between them. One of them is bound to need the other more than a few times a year. The question here, I believe, is the reason for the infrequent queer sweet life. If they were both married with children and they had to stay with their families for the sake of the children, I guess that's one thing. If it were just to placate the irrational homophobic fears planted by Ennis' father long ago, then I think Jack had a responsibility to help Ennis along in his emotional growth and evolution, to be freed from the shackles of fear. That's why Jack was singing king of the hill on his drive up from Texas after the divorce. He was seeing the potential for change. But when Ennis slammed the door on his face, his hope faded, and his whole personality changed - becoming more cynical and bitter.
So whose sweet life was more queer? I think they were both unique, both queer, but Jack's was certainly more stable and happy.
I suppose I see Ennis struggling to be rid of his queerness, but couldn't. And in a sense, I think it would have been better for him to embrace his own uniqueness, as he would be encouraged to do today, and as Jack undoubtedly did on Brokeback that summer, finding friendship where none was expected, respecting each other. Once he were to overcome his fears, then he would have the sweet life. Perhaps that was the point of riding a piece of stock for eight seconds, to help develop the courage needed to face 'em other intangible, more sinister fears with no names, no reins. 'em rodeo cowboys were NOT all f@#@-ups ... after all. :c)
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I suppose I see Ennis struggling to be rid of his queerness, but couldn't. And in a sense, I think it would have been better for him to embrace his own uniqueness, as he would be encouraged to do today . . .
Yup.
If you can't fix it Jack, you gotta' stand it.
He'd sure been better off he'd hadn't thought he was broke to begin with. But his dad taught him he was broke, never got over it, but he was able to stand it.
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Yup.
If you can't fix it Jack, you gotta' stand it.
He'd sure been better off he'd hadn't thought he was broke to begin with. But his dad taught him he was broke, never got over it, but he was able to stand it.
Ain't that the truth. Ennis was the kind who holds on to whatever he has and never let go. If he'd only learn to let go a little faster, once in a while, so he can grab on to something more worthwhile in life...
...letting go of being broke, and get that better job at the power company,
...letting go of being stuck in Riverton, and move to Denver or Lightning Flat,
...letting go of that horrific memory of Earl and Rich, and start a sweet life together with Jack.
No, he couldn't let go when he needed to, and now he's stuck in Riverton, broke with only memories of Jack. :(
The lesson here is to learn to reach out more often, and maybe catch a star or two.