Topic: Ennis's last words "Jack, I swear . . . "

[jimmypage]

How I like this unfinished phrase,
much more than any other  more explicit one, like  "jack, I love you"...
It's so powerfull, it hits me  straight in the heart... the mortal blow.
 

[BBBOY]

Howdy.

Ennis is a man who does not waste words... so we know that when he said those words he was declaring something MASSIVE.  We know it was deeply personal and we know that it has to do with Jack.  We know that he reversed the shirts (his is now over Jack's).  We know that he has a postcard of Brokeback Mountain.  We know that the shirts were *nailed* to a *CLOSET* door.  Yet here we have a man who does not say much to anybody and he says "Jack, I swear-" to the shirts and the postcard.  Why say it just after the announcement of his daughter's wedding?

Ennis could never commit fully to Jack before and somehow he had to say the words.

I can only imagine the outpouring of love as Ennis said it, because Jack was his true love.  I can only imagine how agonizing it was for Ennis as he misses his Jack so much that he can hardly stand it.

I think it was a powerful declaration of his love for Jack and he did not have to say any more, because Jack already knew.

I think you are so right about this.

[romeshvr]

you are so right... bbboy and francis.shim...

reading your note francis made me cry... it also made me remember this line from the last argument ennis and jack had...

Tell you what, we could a had a good life together, a fu**in real good life. You wouldn’t do it, Ennis, so what we got now is Brokeback Mountain. Everthing built on that. It’s all we got, boy, fu**in all, so I hope you know that if you don’t never know the rest.

ennis never knew the rest...so all he got is brokeback mountain.... :'(

[Titus]

ennis never knew the rest

Oh, I think he had a very good idea.  Remember him sitting there as old man Twist practically machine-gunned him with the revelation that Jack was planning on bringing Randall Malone up to Lightning Flats to build a cabin.  Here Ennis is confronted by the knowledge that Jack had seriously entertained the idea (in response possibly to "Why can't you just leave me be!") of sharing the rest of his life with another man.  OUCH!

In Jack's bedroom Ennis realises how very much he meant to Jack, how sacred was the love he felt for Ennis.  Ennis finally understood that he was the obstacle to the happiness that could (and should) have been theirs.  It's that self-knowledge that enables him to say "Jack, I swear..."  A very painful lesson and one that was learnt too late.  All those years after Jack came up to Wyoming when Ennis told him about the divorce.  All those years living with the disappointment that Ennis didn't love him enough to find the courage to be together always.  That's the lesson for us. 

When I met my Peter I wasn't really sure what to do about it as I was in the middle of being selected or rejected for the ministry.  My Mama, who has never been one for good advice, said to me "Baby, the brass ring only comes around once and you'd better grab it with both hands!"  I did and I rejoice in that everyday of my life. So dig deep and find that courage and live life in all its fullness.  I bid you peace, Titus.

[BBBOY]

ennis never knew the rest

Oh, I think he had a very good idea.  Remember him sitting there as old man Twist practically machine-gunned him with the revelation that Jack was planning on bringing Randall Malone up to Lightning Flats to build a cabin.  Here Ennis is confronted by the knowledge that Jack had seriously entertained the idea (in response possibly to "Why can't you just leave me be!") of sharing the rest of his life with another man.  OUCH!

In Jack's bedroom Ennis realises how very much he meant to Jack, how sacred was the love he felt for Ennis.  Ennis finally understood that he was the obstacle to the happiness that could (and should) have been theirs.  It's that self-knowledge that enables him to say "Jack, I swear..."  A very painful lesson and one that was learnt too late.  All those years after Jack came up to Wyoming when Ennis told him about the divorce.  All those years living with the disappointment that Ennis didn't love him enough to find the courage to be together always.  That's the lesson for us. 

When I met my Peter I wasn't really sure what to do about it as I was in the middle of being selected or rejected for the ministry.  My Mama, who has never been one for good advice, said to me "Baby, the brass ring only comes around once and you'd better grab it with both hands!"  I did and I rejoice in that everyday of my life. So dig deep and find that courage and live life in all its fullness.  I bid you peace, Titus.

[BBBOY]

ennis never knew the rest

Oh, I think he had a very good idea.  Remember him sitting there as old man Twist practically machine-gunned him with the revelation that Jack was planning on bringing Randall Malone up to Lightning Flats to build a cabin.  Here Ennis is confronted by the knowledge that Jack had seriously entertained the idea (in response possibly to "Why can't you just leave me be!") of sharing the rest of his life with another man.  OUCH!

In Jack's bedroom Ennis realises how very much he meant to Jack, how sacred was the love he felt for Ennis.  Ennis finally understood that he was the obstacle to the happiness that could (and should) have been theirs.  It's that self-knowledge that enables him to say "Jack, I swear..."  A very painful lesson and one that was learnt too late.  All those years after Jack came up to Wyoming when Ennis told him about the divorce.  All those years living with the disappointment that Ennis didn't love him enough to find the courage to be together always.  That's the lesson for us. 
When I met my Peter I wasn't really sure what to do about it as I was in the middle of being selected or rejected for the ministry.  My Mama, who has never been one for good advice, said to me "Baby, the brass ring only comes around once and you'd better grab it with both hands!"  I did and I rejoice in that everyday of my life. So dig deep and find that courage and live life in all its fullness.  I bid you peace, Titus.

I couldn't agree with you more. I think Ennis was saying so many things in those three word, he was declaring his love, his regret and his pain. That's a lot to put into 3 little words.

[johnvn]

First, Give a gratitude to Ang Lee because he created a very romantic story that i've never seen before. Thank you.

I've seen this film several times (i dont remember how many times), remember each scene, each place and each voice of two cowboys.
Really sad when the film gone to the end.

But i dont know what Ennis means when he said at the last scene. He said : "If you're gone, i swear..."
What he means?
I think he will not bring the clothes back to Brokeback Mountain and he will lead his life alone until the death, is it right?
Or he will be back to the Brokeback Mountain where the story is started and end up it, and get married with some one (Jack will understand for Ennis in this case)
But i think the first ending is better than the other right?
Let me see your opions

[ethan]

johnvn, welcome and thanks for the post.

Do you mean "Jack, I swear" ?

There has been a discussion about Ennis's last line and I am going to merge your topic with that topic. Hope it helps you answer your question.

[rebecca]

it"s a promise. Ennis loves jack forever.

[tpe]

Einsam steigt er dahin, in die Berge des Ur-Leids.
Und nicht einmal sein Schritt klingt aus dem tonlosen Los.

Aber erweckten sie uns, die unendlich Toten, ein Gleichnis,
siehe, sie zeigten vielleicht auf die Kätzchen der leeren
Hasel, die hängenden, oder
meinten den Regen, der fällt auf dunkles Erdreich im Frühjahr.

Und wir, die an steigendes  Glück
denken, empfänden die Rührung,
die uns beinah bestürzt,
wenn ein Glückliches fällt.




He climbs alone, on the mountains of primal grief.
And not once do his footsteps sound from his silent fate.

But if the endlessly dead woke a symbol in us,
see, they would point perhaps to the catkins,
hanging from bare hazels, or
they would intend the rain, falling on dark soil in Spring-time.

And we, who think of ascending
joy, would feel the emotion,
that almost dismays us,
when a joyful thing falls.




- Rilke (Die zehnte Elegie)

[matsuki33]

For me, I had to brake the story into two stories.  That is, the good story of -- they were working it out.  They were on the right track -- twenty years behind them. 

Ennis was talking more, making more eye contact, speaking to Jack in a more affectionate manner.  Hec, Ennis was even asking -- how do you handle ...? or are you experiencing (such and such)?   They were even having cathartic discussions as most couples do when they are at the end of their ropes and need something to change.  Their relationship was going in a very positive direction. 

Ennis had a point, it wasn't working for him either.  I'm surprised he could get away as much as he did.  My employer today would never allow that.  Ennis' daughters were soon to be married.  I have a feeling in a few years, Ennis would have moved on.  He was just gearing up for it.

For me this was the happy part of the story, coming from that part of the country and growing up with men very confused, troubled, and over compensating.  To see a man change out of this character into his own really hits me hard in a good way.

I didn't want the sad story -- the unexpected death of a loved one -- to take away from the happy story.

In the sad story, Ennis says, "Jack I swear _____ _______ ________"

For me, Ennis said, "Jack I swear, I didn't mean what I said. I swear we would've worked somethin' out."

Once I had this in my mind, I have found it helps to put down the story (or leave the movie) before the sad part begins.

I personally think that What Ennis was trying to do is at least be able to have his daughters older to be able to understand him in the short story is said that after the thanksgiving issue he didn't visit them because he was worried about them. and when you see his daugther talking with the bar lady (sorry dear forgot your name ) you see that his daughter was looking like she knew something bet she knew. well back to the point i think that What jack was trying to swear in the movie was that he was not going to let the time pass again because he was not going to assist to his daugther wedding then he changes and why he did the same to jack and that cost him never seing him again. so he decide to not let the things pass.

Enis to me says "Jack I swear That from now on i won't let the time pass by"

[Jay-ee]

What do u think, guyz, was Ennis thinking when he said this line?!... or what does he really mean by that line?!... coz i think it's too complicated to comprehend or understand... Sorry..C= Loved it though!... The Best Movie Ever!... Like/Love all the scenes, dialogues/ quotes, emotions and aLL!... Thankz!C=

[*Froggy*]

Hi you might want to check this thread

http://www.ennisjack.com/index.php?topic=1896.0

(Tip: also check the Index thread.)

[matsuki33]

I have read the story and I have seing the movie twice, as matter of fact I went to see for the 2nd time today, and I might need to say that I truly have the belief the Ennis change through all the movie from that person that was kinda cold to that warm person, and i say warm because in a certain way I think that Jack woke up in his heart that part that not much of us have feelings, because we can say that we have feelings when we don't truly have them. because having feelings are not just showing sadness, fear, happiness, etc, in fact it is something more deeply. because you realize what is truly have feelings when you meet that person that make you loose your mind, that person that you don't stop thinking and for which you'll do everything and would like to show him /her that.

To me Ennis liked Alma but he really Loved Jack and all of us agreed that but it was more deep Jack was the person that share that link those feelings that none other was. throught the movie you see Ennis being showing a lot of joy and feelings when he was with Jack more that the ones he showed with Alma, and i say Alma. Ennis was the kind of person that put a protective shell to hide from the world and Jack broke it, he entered in his heart and stayed there forever. Some people said that it was all sex, but i need to tell you something Waiting four years to hear of some sign of live, indeed is not just for sex it was Love. The way that he hug jack in that aggressive way was not in that way he was so full of joy, rage and love. When he kissed him it was saying in corporal language "I love you and I'll forever will". Ennis was himself with jack it was the only person that saw him smiling more than other they shared toguetter his feelings. Jack teached Ennis to be himself, but Ennis was not prepared to be able to be with jack because eventhough that he loved him he was scared of everything. it is like those little puppies that when they are separated from their mother and you bring them to your home they try to hide themselves because they are scare and they don't know what to expect. that is what ennis was he was scared of being killed or discoverded and i think that it was not for him it was more for Jack he was worried of loosing it. you see that in all the movie he start worrying for jack and jack was indeed was in his hear.

Jack broke his shell  and in wrote with blood in his heart his name, he was part of him he was his other half when you see the scene in which they talk about mexico you discover for the first time that Ennis was capable of being Jealous and that in fact he was afraid of loosing jack and not being able to have a part of jack. he was in that scene scared of jack experiences he was scare that jack may not feel the same for him. he was hurted, it is hard to discover that the person you love is not a 100% with you. to him was hard to believe that jack was with other men, he could stand women (which is weird to me) but not men, because that was just between them.

Ennis last word to Jack was It is because of you that i'm like that, not what he really wanted to say but it could be part of his sadness that his last words hurted his last one. he knew that jack loved him but he was scared and hurt. And when he realizes that he was dead his mind start to blame him it was because of him it was his fault. maybe if he hadn't cancel august maybe he still alive, or maybe that when he went to his house he should have accept him inn, but there were a lot of things that may have make him feel. the person he loved for all his live was dead.

whe you read the short story you see that at the end he growed up as a person because he lost his job and was up the point of being in a bad situation but just because Jack Twist was in his dreams he was happy. he truly grew up as a person and in the short story you understand that he was able at the end for showing his feelings with his loved ones.

the same in the movie, to me Alma Jr always knew that he loved jack because whe you see her talking with the bar lady you realized she knew something because she said maybe he's not the marrying kind and she grew up seeing ennis and jack and may have heard her mother saying something and i think that was the one more closest to him. and when she visit him it was in a way really emotive she always managed to talk with his father and share her feelings with him. her face when he said that he was not going was valuable without any word she said dad i'll be sad if you are not there dad please, and ennis realized that he let that happen before that he lost jack because he canceled him his meeting. he realize that when you love someone you never let that person alone you are with that person in the good one and the bad ones.

and when he open the closet and saw his shirt and jack's shirt as one skin, he knew that like in Jack's house he have Ennis under his as a way of saying that Ennis was in his heart he was with Jack under his because it was Jack that was on his heart.

and when he said "Jack I swear" he may have said Jack" I swear that I'm sorry for not leting you be with me but you must never think that i never loved you because I do and will always love you Little darlin"

[chameau]

and when he said "Jack I swear" he may have said Jack" I swear that I'm sorry for not leting you be with me but you must never think that i never loved you because I do and will always love you Little darlin"

 :'( :'( :'(

You got me matsuki33

[*Froggy*]

and when he said "Jack I swear" he may have said Jack" I swear that I'm sorry for not leting you be with me but you must never think that i never loved you because I do and will always love you Little darlin"

got me too!

[coguaro]

yeah thats correct  :-\  :'(

[n061857]

ennis never knew the rest

When I met my Peter I wasn't really sure what to do about it as I was in the middle of being selected or rejected for the ministry.  My Mama, who has never been one for good advice, said to me "Baby, the brass ring only comes around once and you'd better grab it with both hands!"  I did and I rejoice in that everyday of my life. So dig deep and find that courage and live life in all its fullness.  I bid you peace, Titus.

What a wonderful story.  You are so blessed to have such a wise and caring mother.                      - Nancy

[francis.shim]

Howdy.

I jus' love some of the beautiful perspectives that all of you revealed.  I hope I can add some of mine.

I decided to go back to Annie Proulx's short story and put some more context to Ennis' last line "Jack, I swear-".  In Annie Proulx's short story, it ended with a reflection on Ennis seeing Jack in his dreams and about Ennis' state of mind and heart.  Then it closed with something I though was very stoic and significant about the Ennis' ambiguous "Jack, I swear-".  Here is the paragraph:

    There was some open space between what he knew and what he tried to believe,
    but nothing could be done about it, and if you can't fix it you've got to stand it.

First, remember the movie version closed on a view through a window onto the "vast northern plains" which is like the "open space" between what Ennis knew (in this case, stuff in his "closet" and "trailer", physical symbols of what he knew) and what he tried to believe.  So what was it, that Ennis "tried to believe"?  Could it have been his dreams?  His love for Jack?  That it was the tire iron used to kill his beloved?  That he could get Jack's ashes?  There are no truly obvious answers.  It is ambiguous; however, just like Ennis, we the reader/audience want to believe for the best(?) or the truth(?) and so I felt a very tight empathy for Ennis.  It was agony... that open space was ambiguous, vast and bleak.  I thought that Ennis' helplessness was brutally bared, raw and unhealing to the open.  Is it no wonder that Ennis could not say anything more?  It is already a wonder that Ennis could say anything.  Everything he said must have hurt like rubbing more salt on the open wound.

Next, Ennis also believed that nothing could be done about it.  He could not fix it.  So he had to stand it.  What exactly is it?  It must be the problem that he 'b]wants[/b] to fix, but he is helpless.  The problem was his situation, his current stage in life, his loss of Jack, his fear of others knowing about him and Jack, his fear of their fears, his fear that he would be killed if they found out... it just keeps going on.  All that "open space" was not empty, it was filled with the immensity of these fears.  For Ennis, who has lost so much to the fierceness of these fears, is it no wonder that he is still able to stand it?

Jack was in his dreams again.  So I think we can safely say that Ennis still loves Jack and he knows that Jack loved him.  What I thought that Ennis might also be promising is that he was going to continue to stand it, it was the only remaining option that such a bleak reality allowed him.  So Ennis continues and will have Jack in his dreams, because they were truly in love.

Peace,
Frank (aka Jack Nasty)

[matsuki33]

 :'( :'( :'( :'(
that is so true, you got it deeply

[chameau]

Francis, you got me...  :'( :'( :'(

I just read again the short story yesterday.

 :'(

Thanks for this great posting.

[n061857]

Hey Frank,  Thanks for a wonderful post.  I had wondered about those lines in the story.  I could not have put it more eloquently.      - Nancy

[madisondel]

okay...I am not tyring to oversimplify such an important statement in the movie, but I am a Southern girl and sometimes I say "I swear" when I can't think of anything else to say! When I'm mad or sad or both,when my emotions are running way too deep for words and I could never, ever get them all out anyways, I will just say "I swear"!! and that in itself usually gets my point across to whoever is listening or not listening! I have been listening to southerners say that all my life.
Annie Proulx is such a genious! Leaving so much for us to discuss and ponder on our own! That one statement leaves a whole world worth of wondering!
I love reading each and every thought that is ever on this board and am so glad I am not the only with BBM constantly on my mind.

[siredevienne38]

"I swear, you will always be on my mind". I love the way he closes the buttons of Jack's shirt...... it is as if carressing his lover, to protect him, to take care of him.... feelings he could not show him in real life anymore, since he had been too confused and full of self-hatred and doubts whenever they had met.

[*Froggy*]

"I swear, you will always be on my mind". I love the way he closes the buttons of Jack's shirt...... it is as if carressing his lover, to protect him, to take care of him.... feelings he could not show him in real life anymore, since he had been too confused and full of self-hatred and doubts whenever they had met.

thank you...I love the way Ennis bottons the shirt too.

[*Froggy*]

Thank you Patriot1 x

[*Froggy*]

I am very very very sorry.  I quess the joke was in poor taste.  I truly apologize to all.

ohhhhhhhhh x

[*Froggy*]

Am I allowed to delete that?  I really would like to.

Its up to you x

[Prepster]

I JUST watched Brokeback for the first time like an hour ago and was wondering if someone could clarify what Ennis says in the last scene. I'm pretty sure it's the last spoken part of the movie and it's when he's holding up Jack's shirt & coat. Is it "I'm not a queer"? I couldn't tell.

Btw - I'm new here. I'm 15 and LOVEEE Jake Gyllenhaal.

[ethan]

Hello Prepster, welcome.

Jack, I swear......, said Ennis.

You can read a lot of great posts from the members. Also, there is an index page which shows all the topics of discussions. Have a good browse and enjoy your time here.

http://www.ennisjack.com/index.php?topic=1896.0
http://www.ennisjack.com/index.php?topic=1056.0