It's amazing how this thread had helped me draw the distinction between being a loner and being lonely. Ennis, as a product of his circumstances is a loner - not used to being around people, anger/fear keeping him from being close to people. I think, yes, he is lonely too because he has no one to tallk to, no one who understands him, no one he is willing to RISK opening up to. When he meets Jack he is still a loner, but less lonely, because at least he has someone he can share his SOUL with. Someone who forces him to let his guard down.
Of course, Ennis is still very attached with his kids...but then, does he really love them intimately, or does he do all the things he thinks a father should do. I get the feeling even though Ennis is more demonstrative with his kids, he still keeps his walls up.
After Jack's death, although Ennis is still a loner, I see him as less lonely. (I know, it's my optimism again....I just want him to be OKAY!!) Maybe it's those shirts in the closet, that daily reminder that someone loved him to his SOUL, and he was WORTHY of this love, that makes me hope that Ennis is more accepting of himself.
Maybe I'm reading more into it than I should ( I just want him to be OKAY!), but the little interchange with Mrs. Twist seems promising to me, as well. Kind of like, well maybe she can take him on as her son and he can take her on as his mother and, there you go, there's Jack's influence from beyond the grave. It just gives me comfort to think 'No more apple pie for Ennis in that lonely old diner. Maybe a nice piece of cherry cake over at Jack's childhood home, once the Stud Duck kicks off." Oh well, we can only dream...
