Topic: Jack & His Son

[jacks_key]

Don't know if this has been mentioned in another thread, but I was thinking today about Jack's relationship with his son.  Was he a good father?  We know that he was...indifferent to Lureen, pretty much, but how close was he to Bobby?  What kind of memories is Bobby left with of his dad?

[manhattangirl]

In the short story, as well as the film, Jack seem like he was the most involve with his son, as oppose to Lureen, who was more interested in the business.  If you remember in the film, Jack wanted to Lureen, to talk with the son's teacher about a tutor, mentioning that the teacher didn't like him because apparently he was a pest. 

So I believe Jack did care about his son.   

[jacks_key]

Yes, it was obvious that he had much affection for his son.  I guess I was sort of thinking about it from Bobby's point of view.  Like, how did he handle Jack's death (what did Lureen tell him about it), etc.

[LuvJackNasty]

There is a short thread with a few posts about Bobby http://ennisjack.com/index.php?topic=1137.msg12207#msg12207

I believe Jack loved Bobby. As Manhattan girl mentioned he was the one who was concerned about getting the tutor and when he said "I complain too much, that teacher don't like me" it implies (to me) that he's very involved. Then there is that scene where he's letting Bobby "drive" the tractor- it may not be a big major scene but it just shows a bonding moment between father and son. I would say he was a good father-in the Thankgiving scene he backs up Lureen when she tells Bobby to stop watching tv- that shows respect for her as well as trying to teach Bobby some respect. Of course it ended up turning into a power play with LD.

[JT]

There is a short thread with a few posts about Bobby http://ennisjack.com/index.php?topic=1137.msg12207#msg12207

I believe Jack loved Bobby. As Manhattan girl mentioned he was the one who was concerned about getting the tutor and when he said "I complain too much, that teacher don't like me" it implies (to me) that he's very involved. Then there is that scene where he's letting Bobby "drive" the tractor- it may not be a big major scene but it just shows a bonding moment between father and son. I would say he was a good father-in the Thankgiving scene he backs up Lureen when she tells Bobby to stop watching tv- that shows respect for her as well as trying to teach Bobby some respect. Of course it ended up turning into a power play with LD.

IMO Jack is a much better father than any of the forefathers(Ennis' father, John Twist, and LD Newsome).  He definately loved his son and tried to be there for him.  Unlike his own father.

As for Bobby's pov, I'm not sure.  Not enough informations were presented in the movie or the SS regarding the relationship between Jack and his son, but we know Jack was a good father or atleast tried to be, even with his personal problems.  If I was Bobby, I would be davastated.

[aintfoolin]

What little we did see of Jack and his son He showed genuine love and concern. Too bad this relationship was'nt expanded on further.

[tpe]

He did appear to be genuinely concerned for his son, although from the Thanksgiving scene, it would appear that he was undermined by his father-in-law as an authority figure, no?   Did the son look up to him, I wonder?