Topic: Ennis, hat in hand.

[manhattangirl]

I was wondering if any of you feel the same way I do.  On second encounter, did you get the feeling Ennis was approached Jack in the tent as a nervous suitor, his hat in hand, unsure of what to do next?   Then Jack guided him into the relationship they ultimately have with each other?  That was moment where Ennis showed vunerability, he was drinker, and a fighter, closed in emotion, but even after the first night taking Jack in violent way,  he wanted Jack in loving, tender, and sensual way, he needed and wanted that.

After being dumped by his sister, and brother Ennis found one person who wanted him. But, that's the beginning of Ennis desperate struggle with his relationship with Jack, he declared "I ain't queer".

[tpe]

manhattangirl, there are a number of very old posts that said precisely what you said.  Specifically, taking off the hat was a sign reminiscent of courtship.  I wish I could remember where exactly that post was.  I'll try to find it.

But this thread is fine, as I don't think this was the primary topic in the thread where that old post was located.

[welshwitch]

t's kind of unexpected too, in this context - somehow one doesn't see Ennis as observing the rules of etiquette slavishly, but there he looks just like someone being invited into the home of someone he's in awe of, or going into church.

[aintfoolin]

Yes WW. Also ,him going down on one knee too the way he did.  An old-fashioned, but romantic courting gesture of a true gentleman, a sign of honor which is sadly missing in today's dating scene. I adored this. It was very fitting for the event that followed I think.

[tpe]

t's kind of unexpected too, in this context - somehow one doesn't see Ennis as observing the rules of etiquette slavishly, but there he looks just like someone being invited into the home of someone he's in awe of, or going into church.

Very nicely stated.  There certainly was a mark of reverence and awe in that gesture.  It seemed to me like a gesture of surrender.

 

[tpe]

Yes WW. Also ,him going down on one knee too the way he did.  An old-fashioned, but romantic courting gesture of a true gentleman, a sign of honor which is sadly missing in today's dating scene. I adored this. It was very fitting for the event that followed I think.

It was a genuflection that Ennis did, no?  There is indeed something courtly about this.  It is a gesture of submission, as much as a knight takes off his helmet in the presence of his Lord or Lady love.

[aintfoolin]

Exactly! When I first saw it, I felt impressed. Says alot about how he felt about Jack.

[tpe]

Exactly! When I first saw it, I felt impressed. Says alot about how he felt about Jack.

It probably moved Jack.  I think Jack was confident that Ennis would come in, but I wonder if he expected this gesture.  Jack must have been overjoyed...

[jackster]

    A lot has been written about the significance of hats to cowboys in general and I’m sure this has been discussed in other posts. The shape and style define the man. It's interesting how few times we see Ennis without his hat, shaving on Brokeback, at home & church, at the motel, and at Jack's folks. He even wears it while eating his pie at the diner. I can recall only three times when we actually see him take it off, Aguirre’s trailer, sitting down at the fire after meeting the bear, and entering Jack’s tent SNIT.
    Removing the hat was (still is) a sign of respect and deference (like Jack tipping his hat to Alma when introduced). I think its another “silent” way that Ennis uses to communicate without words, and what really works well in this scene is the way that Jack gently takes it from him and sets it aside. It's almost a bit of foreplay as the hat is so important a part of the man. This is another small but highly significant gesture which could have been easily overlooked, but adds greatly to setting to tone for the upcoming kiss and embrace. Genius Ang.

jackster

[tpe]

    A lot has been written about the significance of hats to cowboys in general and I’m sure this has been discussed in other posts. The shape and style define the man. It's interesting how few times we see Ennis without his hat, shaving on Brokeback, at home & church, at the motel, and at Jack's folks. He even wears it while eating his pie at the diner. I can recall only three times when we actually see him take it off, Aguirre’s trailer, sitting down at the fire after meeting the bear, and entering Jack’s tent SNIT.
    Removing the hat was (still is) a sign of respect and deference (like Jack tipping his hat to Alma when introduced). I think its another “silent” way that Ennis uses to communicate without words, and what really works well in this scene is the way that Jack gently takes it from him and sets it aside. It's almost a bit of foreplay as the hat is so important a part of the man. This is another small but highly significant gesture which could have been easily overlooked, but adds greatly to setting to tone for the upcoming kiss and embrace. Genius Ang.

jackster

jackster, I love very much your idea of silent communication, as well as the idea of foreplay.  And yes, the way Jack takes it away is quite beautifully done.  Ennis at this point shows a look that appears momentarily helpless.  It appears that he becomes vulnerable, as if he says to Jack: do whatever you desire of me.