Topic: was ennis autistic?

[lancecowboy]

This is probably way out in left field, but I am just wondering, was Ennis perhaps mildly autistic?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_spectrum_disorder

The defining characteristics of autism spectrum disorders are qualitative impairments of social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive activities and interests.[8] Individual symptoms occur in the general population and appear not to associate highly, without a sharp line separating pathological severity from common traits.[9] Other aspects of ASD, such as atypical eating, are also common but are not essential for diagnosis; they can affect the individual or the family.

[...]

Making and maintaining friendships often proves to be difficult for children with autism. For them, the quality of friendships, not the number of friends, predicts how lonely they are, despite the common belief that they prefer to be alone.[12] Being on the autism spectrum does not keep children from understanding race and gender stereotypes in a society; like normal children they learn stereotypes by observing their parents' actions, such as locking car doors when in certain neighborhoods.[

Ennis has difficulty with speech in the movie (not in the short story), and repetitively flicking the lighter while waiting for Jack at the reunion, etc.

I am wondering if the traumatic experience at nine, face to face with a dead murdered corpse, might have caused his developing brain to suffer so much, that Ennis became mildly autistic, and his tactile response to Jack during SNIT is also of interest.

Also, his difficulty in controlling his temper, his anger, and almost inability to understand his own emotions, this thing with no reins, has much in common in autism.

Just a thought and wondered what you all think about this.

[tpe]

I don't know -- although he clearly had a speech impediment.  I had attributed iot to a mixture of shyness, insecurity, and loneliness -- of not being used to opening up to people...

[jesseanne21]

This is probably way out in left field, but I am just wondering, was Ennis perhaps mildly autistic?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_spectrum_disorder

Ennis has difficulty with speech in the movie (not in the short story), and repetitively flicking the lighter while waiting for Jack at the reunion, etc.

I am wondering if the traumatic experience at nine, face to face with a dead murdered corpse, might have caused his developing brain to suffer so much, that Ennis became mildly autistic, and his tactile response to Jack during SNIT is also of interest.

Also, his difficulty in controlling his temper, his anger, and almost inability to understand his own emotions, this thing with no reins, has much in common in autism.

Just a thought and wondered what you all think about this.

Lancecowboy - I can see why you might believe this, but seriously there was NOTHING physically or mentally wrong with Ennis. 

1.  Ennis has difficulty with speech in the movie.   A lot of people are not very articulate.  Ennis managed to speak when he wanted to.  Some people like to talk and some people don't like to or feel the need to.   In today's 'ME, ME, ME' culture it may be hard to understand someone who doesn't have a constant need to talk.

2.  repetitively flicking the lighter while waiting for Jack at the reunion.  I just attributed that to nervousness and impatience.

3.  his difficulty in controlling his temper, his anger, and almost inability to understand his own emotions.  I am the mother of two sons and one daughter, and have three brothers and three sisters.  I noticed growing up that my brothers had more trouble with their tempers and their ability to understand their emotions than my sisters did.  As a parent I saw that my sons had more trouble than my daughter in those areas.

Also, Ennis was raised on a 'lonely' ranch, he lost his parents at an early age, he didn't have much education (one year of high school).  What he lacked was social skills because of the way he was raised.
 
One more thing, inability to understand his own emotions, this thing with no reins.  I was raised in a loving home, but until I met my husband I really didn't know WHAT LOVE FELT LIKE.  My parents loved me and cared for me, but they were not very demonstrative.  I didn't get hugs and kisses or sweet words.  My husband is very affectionate.  When my husband and I first started dating, I almost stopped dating him because his affection made me feel uncomfortable. 

That's the way parents were in America in the 30's, 40's and 50's - they were encouraged to not spoil their children.  Also, children were 'seen and not heard.'

I imagine that Ennis was raised by parents (and later, his brother and sister) with the same 'don't spoil your children' belief.

In regards to 'this thing with no reins', Ennis did not want to be 'queer' so he simply would not face up to his feelings for Jack.  Until they had a fight at their last meeting, his relationship with Jack, while not perfect, was working for Ennis. 

[lancecowboy]

thanks for you detailed response, jesseanne and tpe.

I put this out there after watching a few youtube videos that document autistic savants. I was fairly certainly Ennis would not be diagnosed as autistic but the parallel just seemed too much of a coincidence for me.

I also found out yesterday, that the most intelligent of these savants, Daniel Tammet, is openly gay and living with a gorgeous boyfriend in Avignon...living the sweet life. http://www.optimnem.co.uk/blog/index.php

I guess my purpose for this discussion is to shed some light on the difficulties of autistic people, who suffer as Ennis suffered, and that there is hope, such as there was hope for Ennis, if only he was brave enough, and had loving support enough (as in Jack's Ma), to embrace who he was.

Everything you said, of Ennis' lonely upbringing etc, I am in agreement. I think the defining characteristics of autistic disorders are not necessarily a life-long conditions, but mere symptoms of the disorder. The lucky ones, like Daniel Tammet and to extend the parallel, Ennis, when these lucky ones find the loving support they need, can Embrace the Wide Sky, as the title of Daniel's latest book says. 

[rimasworld]

This is an interesting topic. I always thought Ennis had problems communicating and interacting with others. He was painfully shy and also scarred from his experience as a child. But it got me to thinking that he might have had Asperger's Syndrome, a lesser form of Autisim. My friend's teenage son has it and he has problems socially interacting and comes off as being shy, disinterested or just not paying attention. He can't express himself well so he's very quiet but also sometimes can explode in anger. Anyway, ty for bringing up this point of view. Something to consider for sure.   

[ethan]

An interesting topic, LC.

It hasn't really come to my mind that Ennis would be autistic but I definitely had thought about his way of dealing with people surrounding him. rimsasworld has described Ennis well the way I would feel about him.

[lancecowboy]

hi, rimasworld, thanks for the contribution. I was impressed by science's new understanding of autism, in terms of the fuzziness of the disorder. In addition to Asperger's, there is also Autism Spectrum Disorder. Instead of a precise sharp delineation, the fuzzy spectrum shows the many different degrees of the manifestation of the levels of social dysfunction.

For the mildly afflicted, such as Daniel Tammet, they can learn to function with little difficulties. For the more severe cases, even learning social algorithms to function in social situation is insufficient because they will always have difficulty communicating because they lack something that keeps them from understanding others emotionally. It is this lack which prompted me to think of this topic.

For Ennis, his emotional connection with Cassie was never mature until that moment in the diner, when all of a sudden, it was as if scales were lifted from his eyes, and he saw for the first time what Cassie felt, and what he meant to her.

Is it possible that Ennis, all that time with Jack, was only aware of his own "thing with no reins" but not Jack's love and devotion? It would make sense of his reluctance to commit, to feel safe, to reach out and accept Jack's hand, his offer to build a sweet life, because all those moments, the only emotion in his mind was the fear and loathing from the homophobia implanted by his father, not the love that was there with Jack. Just as in the dozy embrace, the only time he would allow himself to feel the love, was when the homophobia was not triggered, in your face, so to speak.

As in the discussion raised by jesseanne, I don't believe Ennis suffers from autism but I see the parallel in terms of the emotional disability.

I am also reminded of another article I read, concerning many children diagnosed with autism recovering totally, after early detection and treatment. As I said earlier, the disability is not necessarily a life-long condition, and that Ennis, by the time he returned from Lightning Flats with the two shirts, by the time he sat down to talk with Junior about love, was certainly very aware of the emotions of himself and of others.

To me, Heath's performance as Ennis Del Mar is simply marvelous in its simple complexity.

[lancecowboy]

An interesting topic, LC.

It hasn't really come to my mind that Ennis would be autistic but I definitely had thought about his way of dealing with people surrounding him. rimsasworld has described Ennis well the way I would feel about him.

Thanks Ethan, as always, for giving us this forum to explore Brokeback Mountain. It's a huge place and I am never tired of finding new ranges to pitch up a new pup tent. It may smell like cat piss or worse, but it's the company that I treasure. 

[rimasworld]

This movie is so wonderful, always new ideas and concepts to explore.

[lancecowboy]

This movie is so wonderful, always new ideas and concepts to explore.

yup. that's for sure.

[vedrana]

Oh my! 

Never thought of it... but.. I don't think that we can diagnose Ennis accurately from the symptoms seen in the movie. Yet, surely there was some disorder in his behavior! Was is the autism or something else, I don't know!

But it made all those rare moments when he was opening to Jack and showing his beautiful soul - even more precious and lovely! 
 

[lila70]

Possibly he had a mild form, such as Aspergers, given his difficulties with communciating, making eye contact and being win general.  On the other hand, his behaviour may just have been the product of childhood neglect.

[lancecowboy]

  lila70

I am not familiar with the process of diagnosis but I am fairly certain it would be a long and detailed process that requires a lot of information. The limited information we have from the short story and from the movie is just insufficient to make a definitive diagnosis of any certainty and reliability.

What interested me at first in this topic was the plasticity and fuzziness of behavior, of labeling, of the parallel between some (not all, not even most) of Ennis' behavior compared to people who exhibit Asperger's or ASD. The plasticity of the brain allows the evolution of Ennis (from the lonely cowboy, through friendship and transformation, to the loving father, and devoted soulmate) as well as the children who recovers from ASD, and the learned behavior of social adaptation strategies of those who are high functioning.

I guess what I learned is that "was Ennis autistic?" is a question where the answer (whether the cause was genetic or environmental) is less important than the transformation of Ennis (the effect was the same). Whether he was autistic or not, meeting Jack transformed Ennis - love, the force of nature.

[myprivatejack]

I guess what I learned is that "was Ennis autistic?" is a question where the answer (whether the cause was genetic or environmental) is less important than the transformation of Ennis (the effect was the same). Whether he was autistic or not, meeting Jack transformed Ennis - love, the force of nature.

Beautifully expressed,as always,Andrew¡  I don't have enough medical knowledges as to determinate the degree of autism that Ennis could or not overcome;however,I tend to believe that his shyness and loneliness is more due to his difficult childhood and his uprooted youth,marked moreover for this tragic and unbearable souvenir of a violence's act.
Of course and in spite of all this,meeting Jack changed him,because-as I have already said several times-he was and had what Ennis was lacked of,and viceversa;for example,with Jack´s company,he was able to speak more than never before because he had found somebody who was ineterested in him and his problems,somebody who-far beyond any sexual or romantic interest-valued and appreciated him,somebody who could understand him because,in the end,they talked the same language;the one of love's need.

[vedrana]

Beautifully expressed,as always,Andrew¡  I don't have enough medical knowledges as to determinate the degree of autism that Ennis could or not overcome;however,I tend to believe that his shyness and loneliness is more due to his difficult childhood and his uprooted youth,marked moreover for this tragic and unbearable souvenir of a violence's act.
Of course and in spite of all this,meeting Jack changed him,because-as I have already said several times-he was and had what Ennis was lacked of,and viceversa;for example,with Jack´s company,he was able to speak more than never before because he had found somebody who was ineterested in him and his problems,somebody who-far beyond any sexual or romantic interest-valued and appreciated him,somebody who could understand him because,in the end,they talked the same language;the one of love's need.

Oh, I so love how you put this MPJ!

 

[tpe]

Possibly he had a mild form, such as Aspergers, given his difficulties with communciating, making eye contact and being win general.  On the other hand, his behaviour may just have been the product of childhood neglect.

Could it also be caused by circumstances forcing Ennis to mature more quickly, at least in terms of not having what many would consider a more "normal", carefree childhood?

[myprivatejack]

Could it also be caused by circumstances forcing Ennis to mature more quickly, at least in terms of not having what many would consider a more "normal", carefree childhood?

I tend to believe that this was the root of his behaviour and,in sum,of his and their tragedy in the end...

[vedrana]

Could it also be caused by circumstances forcing Ennis to mature more quickly, at least in terms of not having what many would consider a more "normal", carefree childhood?

   There are a lots of kids forced to mature more quickly and they don't develop any kind of  communication problem... anyway, the exposure to Earl's awful destiny and the cognition that he himself has the same "deadly disease" in himself could be a big part of the reason!

But, I wouldn't mix those two! 

[myprivatejack]

  There are a lots of kids forced to mature more quickly and they don't develop any kind of  communication problem... anyway, the exposure to Earl's awful destiny and the cognition that he himself has the same "deadly disease" in himself could be a big part of the reason!

But, I wouldn't mix those two! 

Yes,but this situation is somehow the root of his more quick maturing;since Ennis lost his childhood from the very moment he saw Earl's dead body.

[lancecowboy]

  There are a lots of kids forced to mature more quickly and they don't develop any kind of  communication problem... anyway, the exposure to Earl's awful destiny and the cognition that he himself has the same "deadly disease" in himself could be a big part of the reason!

But, I wouldn't mix those two! 

I highly doubt Ennis had any genetic or physiological cause for autism. However, as you said, the psychological trauma from the Earl incident, not just the murder itself and the witnessing of its horrific aftermath, but the implication as you said, of Ennis thinking that his father not loving him, capable of harming him simply for being himself, raising doubt as to who he is, etc, may be so psychological traumatic that Ennis suffers the same conditions that affect those with ASD...focusing on his own emotions instead of others.

Ennis said hardly anything at all and withdrawn from people because he was forced to live life alone, physically and emotionally.

Once he met Jack, the friendship and eventually love, liberated him from his shell, and he talked more than in a year.

People suffering from autism can also occasionally be lifted from the disorder, through intense and loving therapy.

I am just saying, there is a parallel on the surface, but that does not mean Ennis is autistic. I think science does not yet understanding the human brain fully, and we are only beginning to understand the deeper relationships that drive people's motivation, behavior, and evolution.

[vedrana]

Lance, I agree - brain is definitely the least explored organ in human body!

And can be easily influenced in the childhood!

What I meant by - not mixing the two, was - not mixing the moment of facing the deadly parallel between Earl and him, and being forced to mature quickly coz of his parents early death. Surely, both can be traumatizing, but I believe that early maturing can not provoke the communication problems that Ennis had.

And you're right - Jack liberated him... unfortunately, not completely! At least not to the very sad end!  :\'(

[lancecowboy]

Lance, I agree - brain is definitely the least explored organ in human body!

And can be easily influenced in the childhood!

What I meant by - not mixing the two, was - not mixing the moment of facing the deadly parallel between Earl and him, and being forced to mature quickly coz of his parents early death. Surely, both can be traumatizing, but I believe that early maturing can not provoke the communication problems that Ennis had.

And you're right - Jack liberated him... unfortunately, not completely! At least not to the very sad end!  :\'(

I see. Interesting point. What if...Ennis was raised by his homophobic father, perhaps with a loving mother, instead of his brother and sister? Would he become homophobic, and perhaps even a gay basher, to overcompensate for his own feelings? We'll never know.

And yes, many others had childhood like his, but turn out differently.

Would the combination of a seed of self-hatred planted early in life and a lack of loving nurturing like Jack's Ma, yield the self-imposed isolation for Ennis? Perhaps, and I agree we should not mix the two. Each has its distinct impact.

I think Jack's love was enough to open up Ennis and lead him to a sweet life, eventually. The tragedy was that he only had sixteen years, and the time was snatched from him. Was it long enough? I'd like to think that by the final scene, it was enough, even though he opened to an empty bed, an empty trailer, he had to rely on his memories and his dreams. It was still better than being locked inside his own world, not even reaching out to Junior or Jack's Ma. It was not as good as with Jack, but it was enough for someone who was happy with beans.

[tpe]

  There are a lots of kids forced to mature more quickly and they don't develop any kind of  communication problem... anyway, the exposure to Earl's awful destiny and the cognition that he himself has the same "deadly disease" in himself could be a big part of the reason!

But, I wouldn't mix those two! 

I do agree that the trauma over seeing the dead Earl must have contributed in some way.  But is it also probable that kids who are forced to mature more quickly and without any external/internal support structure (e.g., family, mentors, active role-models, etc.) do develop a kind of reticence later in life?

[athena0204]

I definitely don't believe Ennis had any sort of autistic disorder. I share a lot of qualities with Ennis, and I'm not autistic in the least bit. I don't know why this society values talkative people more than quiet ones. If you are quiet, it's considered almost "abnormal" by society. Being quiet or not making eye contact much, or not joining in the group and chatting is considered by this society to be something wrong with a person. I find that very sad. The fact is that most people's talk is just empty and lacks meaning and depth. Most people talk and talk and talk but what do they really have to say? There is an old Taoist proverb that goes something like this: "Those who don't know, say, but those who know don't say." I find it to be very true in this world. A lot of people who are quiet, it doesn't mean that we don't have anything to say, or that we're not thinking. Still waters run the deepest. I myself am an introverted person, and don't often say what I'm feeling, or what I'm thinking. In certain East Asian cultures, being introverted and quiet is thought of as a higher quality than being chatty and talking all the time without really knowing what you're talking about, or saying empty meaningless things. Sometimes I've found those who are the most vocal are also the most ignorant. So I think as a culture, society needs to stop treating introvertedness as something abnormal or strange. That said, I feel I understand Ennis and that the way he is was his inward personality and self and also because of his fears and distrust of others. Also, he is a human soul on his own journey, and we all have lessons we learn all the way that help us grow spiritually. For Ennis, that lesson was to let go of all the fear and conditioning of society, and to listen to your heart and just be who you are. Only his soulmate, Jack could show him and teach him this. Ennis had a long hard road learning that lesson in this life, and in the end, he has a lot of regret for not learning it sooner, but he does achieve what he's meant to in this life.

[lancecowboy]

I do agree that the trauma over seeing the dead Earl must have contributed in some way.  But is it also probable that kids who are forced to mature more quickly and without any external/internal support structure (e.g., family, mentors, active role-models, etc.) do develop a kind of reticence later in life?

I think it all depends on the person...some children mature and become very social, outgoing, reaching out to people without making close friends, the social butterfly so to speak. Personality development follow many patterns. Ennis was only one of many.

Just my two cents.

[lancecowboy]

I definitely don't believe Ennis had any sort of autistic disorder. I share a lot of qualities with Ennis, and I'm not autistic in the least bit. I don't know why this society values talkative people more than quiet ones. If you are quiet, it's considered almost "abnormal" by society. Being quiet or not making eye contact much, or not joining in the group and chatting is considered by this society to be something wrong with a person. I find that very sad. The fact is that most people's talk is just empty and lacks meaning and depth. Most people talk and talk and talk but what do they really have to say? There is an old Taoist proverb that goes something like this: "Those who don't know, say, but those who know don't say." I find it to be very true in this world. A lot of people who are quiet, it doesn't mean that we don't have anything to say, or that we're not thinking. Still waters run the deepest. I myself am an introverted person, and don't often say what I'm feeling, or what I'm thinking. In certain East Asian cultures, being introverted and quiet is thought of as a higher quality than being chatty and talking all the time without really knowing what you're talking about, or saying empty meaningless things. Sometimes I've found those who are the most vocal are also the most ignorant. So I think as a culture, society needs to stop treating introvertedness as something abnormal or strange. That said, I feel I understand Ennis and that the way he is was his inward personality and self and also because of his fears and distrust of others. Also, he is a human soul on his own journey, and we all have lessons we learn all the way that help us grow spiritually. For Ennis, that lesson was to let go of all the fear and conditioning of society, and to listen to your heart and just be who you are. Only his soulmate, Jack could show him and teach him this. Ennis had a long hard road learning that lesson in this life, and in the end, he has a lot of regret for not learning it sooner, but he does achieve what he's meant to in this life.

Well said, athena. Being Ennis-like, I also feel moments when silence and solitude can be golden. There is nothing innately wrong with it, and for the record, those suffering from autistic disorders can be very productive members of society. I hate labels like "normal" because it refers to something artificial and arbitrary. People, as you said, all have their own journeys in life, unique, and precious in each person's own way.

Having said that, I also find the process of Ennis meeting Jack, meeting a soul mate who understands, sharing in life's journey, to be the beauty that we all share here. It would be a pity, that Ennis in his chosen moments of solutude, ignore and miss the opportunities for making connections with others, with Jack.

As the saying goes in many cultures, everything in moderation. Solitude and silence can be good, but so can companionship where none is expected, and communication that flows without misunderstanding....feeling like he can paw the whites out of the moon. That can only come from two people meeting.

[athena0204]

Well said, athena. Being Ennis-like, I also feel moments when silence and solitude can be golden. There is nothing innately wrong with it, and for the record, those suffering from autistic disorders can be very productive members of society. I hate labels like "normal" because it refers to something artificial and arbitrary. People, as you said, all have their own journeys in life, unique, and precious in each person's own way.

Having said that, I also find the process of Ennis meeting Jack, meeting a soul mate who understands, sharing in life's journey, to be the beauty that we all share here. It would be a pity, that Ennis in his chosen moments of solutude, ignore and miss the opportunities for making connections with others, with Jack.

As the saying goes in many cultures, everything in moderation. Solitude and silence can be good, but so can companionship where none is expected, and communication that flows without misunderstanding....feeling like he can paw the whites out of the moon. That can only come from two people meeting.

Sometimes, in a person's life, there comes along someone truly special, and that is what happened to Ennis when he met Jack. Jack had that ability to bring the wall that Ennis had built around himself down. It is because Jack took the time to truly know Ennis. He was the only one who understood him, and loved him for who he was. Jack loved Ennis just the way he was, he didn't want Ennis to be something he wasn't, and he didn't want Ennis to change. He only wanted Ennis to realize the truth inside his own self. He wanted Ennis to learn that lesson his soul needed to learn in this life, and that lesson is to be true to yourself, be who you are, not what others expect you to be or want you to be. His frustrations with Ennis were only because Ennis still couldn't let go of his fear completely. Jack's immense love for Ennis never diminished. It was something pure and deep and unconditional. He only wanted Ennis to see the light, and in the end, Ennis does. Ennis opened up to Jack that first summer they met because Jack was unlike any person Ennis had ever met in this life. Jack valued him, treasured him, treated him with respect, listened to him, wanted to know him and understand him. Ennis felt for the first time in his life, accepted, and treated like an actual human being. Here was someone reaching out to him with the utmost human feeling and understanding, and that is what an introverted and quiet person like Ennis wanted. That was all Ennis needed in his life, someone to come along and cherish him, and make him their world, make him feel loved, respected, and understood. And that person arrived in his soulmate Jack. That is why Ennis talks to him, that is why Ennis comes out from behind his wall. Jack was the only person who showed such pure kindness towards Ennis. Jack had unlocked the gates to Ennis's heart, something no one else could do. Ennis had felt alienated and alone all his life, surrounded by people, but not belonging, he felt apart from everything and everyone around him. When Jack came along, Ennis for the first time in this life no longer felt so alone and isolated. In Jack's arms, and in Jack's heart, he had found his home. This is where he truly belonged. There he could be himself, he could be happy and be free, there all the expectations and restrictions and cruel judgement of an oppressive and ignorant society could be left worlds away, because none of that mattered. Jack saw Ennis in a way no one else could, and that is why Ennis felt safe coming out from him behind his wall with him, from the very beginning.

[lancecowboy]

Sometimes, in a person's life, there comes along someone truly special, and that is what happened to Ennis when he met Jack. Jack had that ability to bring the wall that Ennis had built around himself down. It is because Jack took the time to truly know Ennis. He was the only one who understood him, and loved him for who he was. Jack loved Ennis just the way he was, he didn't want Ennis to be something he wasn't, and he didn't want Ennis to change. He only wanted Ennis to realize the truth inside his own self. He wanted Ennis to learn that lesson his soul needed to learn in this life, and that lesson is to be true to yourself, be who you are, not what others expect you to be or want you to be. His frustrations with Ennis were only because Ennis still couldn't let go of his fear completely. Jack's immense love for Ennis never diminished. It was something pure and deep and unconditional. He only wanted Ennis to see the light, and in the end, Ennis does. Ennis opened up to Jack that first summer they met because Jack was unlike any person Ennis had ever met in this life. Jack valued him, treasured him, treated him with respect, listened to him, wanted to know him and understand him. Ennis felt for the first time in his life, accepted, and treated like an actual human being. Here was someone reaching out to him with the utmost human feeling and understanding, and that is what an introverted and quiet person like Ennis wanted. That was all Ennis needed in his life, someone to come along and cherish him, and make him their world, make him feel loved, respected, and understood. And that person arrived in his soulmate Jack. That is why Ennis talks to him, that is why Ennis comes out from behind his wall. Jack had unlocked the gates to Ennis's heart, something no one else could do. Ennis had felt alienated and alone all his life, surrounded by people, but not belonging, he felt apart from everything and everyone around him. When Jack came along, Ennis for the first time in this life no longer felt so alone and isolated. In Jack's arms, and in Jack's heart, he had found his home. This is where he truly belonged. There he could be himself, he could be happy and be free, there all the expectations and restrictions and cruel judgement of an oppressive and ignorant society could be left worlds away, because none of that mattered. Jack saw Ennis in a way no one else could, and that is why Ennis felt safe coming out from him behind his wall with him, from the very beginning.

Beautifully expressed, athena. 

[athena0204]

Beautifully expressed, athena. 

Thank you, lancecowboy. 

[vedrana]

I do agree that the trauma over seeing the dead Earl must have contributed in some way.  But is it also probable that kids who are forced to mature more quickly and without any external/internal support structure (e.g., family, mentors, active role-models, etc.) do develop a kind of reticence later in life?

I am not so sure about that... Earl was the trigger point for Ennis. But,  only from that one event we know that Ennis's father was a merciless person, his brother was also a kind of a bully. Ennis was always suppressed and not allowed to open up - no one to open to. Only his mother, but how much could she do for him? Losing his parents was only a final strike, after his misfortune childhood. But the things were already unfavorable for him. He was already closed and introverted. So, I believe that his parents death wasn't the crucial point for his behavior in the terms of communication problems.