Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Melancholy, Haunting, Tender, Tragic
- Read it if
- You appreciate poignant, character-driven stories about forbidden love and the complexities of human connection.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted romance or stories with a clear, happy resolution.
Brokeback Mountain Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Summer on Brokeback Mountain
In 1963, Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two young ranch hands, are hired by Joe Aguirre to herd sheep on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. Ennis, quiet and steady, is assigned to the sheep, while the more outgoing Jack works at the camp. At first, they keep a professional distance, but as the isolation and cold grow, they begin sharing the small tent. One very cold night, after drinking whiskey, they share the tent and have sex. Both men initially dismiss this as a one-time event caused by the circumstances. However, their physical relationship continues through the summer, growing into a deep emotional bond that neither man fully expresses or understands at the time.
The End of Summer and a Reluctant Farewell
As summer ends, Ennis and Jack must face their upcoming separation. They descend the mountain, and Joe Aguirre drives them back to their homes. Their parting is awkward and filled with unsaid feelings. Ennis, uncomfortable with his intense emotions and what society would think, struggles to express himself. Jack, more openly emotional, tries to make their goodbye last longer, but Ennis leaves abruptly. Both men are deeply affected by their time on Brokeback Mountain, and the connection they formed, though denied, leaves a lasting mark on their lives.
Life Apart and the First Reunion
Four years later, Ennis is married to Alma Beers, with whom he has two daughters, Alma Jr. and Francine. He works odd jobs and struggles financially. Jack, meanwhile, has moved to Texas, where he married Lureen Newsome, the daughter of a wealthy farm equipment dealer, and has a son, Bobby. Unexpectedly, Jack sends Ennis a postcard announcing his visit to Wyoming. Ennis feels a mix of apprehension and excitement. When they finally reunite, their suppressed passion immediately reignites, leading to a strong embrace and a renewed physical relationship, much to Alma's distress and suspicion.
The Pattern of 'Fishing Trips'
After their reunion, Ennis and Jack establish a routine of meeting several times a year, always pretending these are 'fishing trips' in the mountains. These trips are their only chances to be together, away from their families and society. During these secret meetings, they rekindle their physical and emotional intimacy, sharing the deep bond that began on Brokeback Mountain. Despite the happiness these trips bring, they are also tense, as Ennis's fear of being discovered and Jack's wish for a more permanent life together create constant underlying conflict. Alma, Ennis's wife, eventually confronts him about the true nature of his 'fishing trips'.
Alma's Discovery and Divorce
Alma, having seen Ennis and Jack's passionate embrace during their first reunion and enduring years of Ennis's evasiveness and emotional distance, confronts him. She directly accuses him of having an affair with Jack, showing her deep hurt and betrayal. Ennis, unable to deny it, reacts with anger and a feeling of being trapped. The confrontation confirms Alma's suspicions and breaks their marriage. They eventually divorce, a painful outcome for Ennis, who despite his feelings for Jack, also cares for his daughters and the life he had built, however imperfectly, with Alma.
Jack's Dreams of a Ranch
Jack, increasingly frustrated with the secrecy and temporary nature of their relationship, suggests a radical idea to Ennis: they should buy a small ranch together, combining their money and creating a life where they could openly be together. He imagines a future where they don't have to hide. Ennis, however, is paralyzed by fear—fear of social exclusion, violence, and losing everything he knows. He remembers a childhood story of a rancher, Earl, who was brutally murdered for living with another man, a memory that deeply traumatizes him and stops him from committing to Jack's dream. This basic disagreement creates a growing divide between them.
The Widening Chasm
As years pass, the stress on their relationship grows. Jack openly expresses his desire for a more normal, shared life with Ennis, even suggesting they could live with their families on separate parts of the same ranch. Ennis, however, remains firm in his refusal to consider such a future, always citing his fears and responsibilities. Their 'fishing trips' become more and more marked by arguments and unsaid resentments. Jack, feeling rejected and unfulfilled, hints at seeking sexual encounters with other men, a revelation that deeply hurts Ennis and shows the growing gap between their desires and expectations.
The Last Postcard and Ominous News
Ennis and Jack have a particularly difficult last meeting, full of tension and unresolved conflict. Ennis receives a postcard from Jack, dated a few months after their last meeting, saying he plans to visit Wyoming soon. However, before Jack can arrive, Ennis receives a phone call from Lureen, Jack's wife. She tells him that Jack has died in a strange accident, claiming a tire iron fell on him while he was fixing a flat. Ennis immediately suspects foul play, seeing her description of the accident as a thinly veiled account of a violent hate crime, similar to the one he had always feared.
A Pilgrimage to Lightning Flat
Devastated by Jack's death, Ennis travels to Lightning Flat, Texas, to meet Lureen and arrange for Jack's ashes to be scattered on Brokeback Mountain, as he believes Jack would have wanted. Lureen, however, tells him that Jack's parents insist on burying his ashes in the family plot. During his visit, Ennis finds two shirts in Jack's closet: his own blood-stained denim shirt from Brokeback Mountain, tucked inside Jack's own, also stained. This discovery deeply affects Ennis, showing the depth of Jack's lasting love and his private longing for their shared past, which he had kept hidden for decades.
The Shirts and Unspoken Grief
Ennis takes the two shirts with him, carrying them back to his small trailer. He hangs them carefully in his closet, a silent reminder of the love he shared with Jack. The image of the nested shirts, one inside the other, symbolizes their intertwined lives and the lasting nature of their bond, despite the secrecy and tragedy. Ennis is left with a deep sense of loss, regret, and the weight of a love that could never be fully realized in the harsh realities of their world. He frequently looks at the shirts, a private way to remember and grieve.
A Fading Memory, an Enduring Love
Years pass, and Ennis continues to live a solitary life, working as a ranch hand. He occasionally sees his daughters, but his emotional world remains largely closed off. The memory of Jack and their time on Brokeback Mountain never fades. He keeps the shirts, a constant, physical link to his past and his deepest love. The story concludes with Ennis in his trailer, gazing at the shirts, a poignant image of a man forever bound by a love he couldn't publicly acknowledge, a love that defined him, and a mountain that held their secret.
Principal Figures
Ennis del Mar
Protagonist
A stoic, repressed cowboy burdened by fear and societal expectations.
Ennis is a reserved and emotionally stunted cowboy from a poor background. He is deeply affected by the violence he witnessed in his youth against homosexual men, which instills in him a profound fear of social reprisal. This fear dictates his actions and prevents him from fully embracing his love for Jack. Despite his emotional repression, he possesses a deep capacity for love and loyalty, which he struggles to express openly. He is a man of few words, often communicating through actions or internal monologues.
Relationships: Jack Twist (His lover and soulmate, a deeply complicated and passionate connection.); Alma Beers (His ex-wife, whom he marries and has children with, but whose marriage is strained by his hidden life.); Alma Jr. and Francine (His daughters, whom he loves but struggles to connect with emotionally.)
Jack Twist
Protagonist/Lover
A charismatic and passionate cowboy who longs for a shared life with Ennis.
Jack is more outgoing and openly emotional than Ennis. He is a rodeo cowboy who, despite marrying into wealth, yearns for a life with Ennis, free from secrecy. Jack is more willing to challenge societal norms and actively seeks a way for them to be together, proposing they buy a ranch. His love for Ennis is profound and unwavering, leading to frustration and heartbreak when Ennis's fears prevent their dreams from materializing. He is ultimately a tragic figure, unable to achieve the life he desires.
Relationships: Ennis del Mar (His lover and soulmate, the most significant person in his life.); Lureen Newsome (His wife, a wealthy woman he marries, but with whom he shares a distant, unfulfilling relationship.); Bobby Twist (His son, whom he raises but whose family life is overshadowed by his secret love.)
Alma Beers (del Mar)
Supporting
Ennis's ex-wife, who discovers his affair and is deeply hurt by his deception.
Alma is Ennis's first wife and the mother of his two daughters. She is a practical woman who loves Ennis but becomes increasingly aware of his emotional distance and the true nature of his 'fishing trips' with Jack. Her discovery of their affair leads to immense pain and eventually their divorce. She represents the conventional life Ennis attempts to lead and the collateral damage of his hidden identity.
Relationships: Ennis del Mar (Her husband, then ex-husband, whose emotional absence and infidelity cause her great pain.); Alma Jr. and Francine (Her daughters with Ennis.)
Lureen Newsome Twist
Supporting
Jack's wife, a pragmatic woman from a wealthy background.
Lureen is Jack's wife and the daughter of a successful farm implement dealer. She is sharp, business-minded, and somewhat aware of Jack's emotional detachment, though perhaps not the full truth of his sexual orientation. Her call to Ennis about Jack's death is pivotal, and her description of the 'accident' hints at a darker reality. She represents the conventional life Jack attempts to lead.
Relationships: Jack Twist (Her husband, with whom she has a son but a distant relationship.); Bobby Twist (Her son with Jack.)
Joe Aguirre
Mentioned
The rancher who hires Ennis and Jack for the summer on Brokeback Mountain.
Joe Aguirre is the employer who brings Ennis and Jack together on Brokeback Mountain. He is a gruff, observant man who, after the summer, seems to have a suspicion about the nature of Ennis and Jack's relationship. His presence and the possibility of his judgment contribute to Ennis's fear of exposure.
Alma Jr. and Francine
Supporting
Ennis and Alma's daughters, who experience the fallout of their parents' strained marriage.
Alma Jr. and Francine are Ennis and Alma's daughters. They represent the innocent victims of their parents' marital discord and Ennis's emotional unavailability. Ennis loves them but struggles to connect with them on a deep emotional level due to his own inner turmoil and the secrecy of his life. Their presence underscores Ennis's attempts at a conventional family life.
Relationships: Ennis del Mar (Their father, who struggles to be emotionally present.); Alma Beers (Their mother, who raises them after the divorce.)
Bobby Twist
Mentioned
Jack and Lureen's son.
Bobby Twist is Jack and Lureen's son. He is mentioned briefly, representing the family Jack creates in Texas. His existence highlights Jack's attempt to lead a conventional life while secretly yearning for Ennis.
Relationships: Jack Twist (His father.); Lureen Newsome (His mother.)
Earl
Mentioned
A rancher from Ennis's past, whose violent death serves as a warning.
Earl is a rancher Ennis knew as a child, who was brutally murdered, along with another man, for living openly as homosexuals. This memory is deeply ingrained in Ennis's mind and becomes a powerful deterrent, fueling his fear and preventing him from ever fully committing to a life with Jack. He represents the real-world consequences and dangers faced by gay men in their era.
Themes & Insights
Forbidden Love and Societal Repression
The main theme is the intense, lasting love between Ennis and Jack, which is forbidden by the strict societal rules of their time and place. Their relationship is forced into secrecy, causing immense emotional pain and limiting their lives. Ennis's fear of violence and social exclusion, stemming from a childhood memory of a murdered gay man, directly shows the widespread homophobia that suppresses their love. The 'fishing trips' directly show this repression, giving them the only space where their true selves can emerge, away from judgment. This theme highlights how prejudice harms individual lives and relationships.
“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 live with it.”
Loss and Unfulfilled Dreams
The story is filled with a deep sense of loss—the loss of a shared future, the loss of authenticity, and ultimately, the loss of Jack himself. Jack dreams of a ranch where they can live together, a dream repeatedly crushed by Ennis's fear. This unfulfilled desire for a life together haunts both men. After Jack's death, Ennis faces the painful realization of what could have been and the lasting pain of a love that could not be openly lived. The shirts in the closet symbolize this tragic loss and the private grief Ennis carries.
“I wish I knew how to quit you.”
The Power of Memory and Nostalgia
Brokeback Mountain itself becomes a strong symbol of memory and nostalgia for Ennis and Jack. Their time there represents a brief period of freedom and true self-expression. Throughout their lives, the mountain and its memories serve as a touchstone for their love. Ennis constantly revisits these memories, especially after Jack's death, holding onto the image of their shared past. The shirts, with the scent and stains of their time together, are a physical link to this powerful memory, allowing Ennis to privately mourn and remember a love that defined him.
“He'd never had a dream in his life that wasn't of Brokeback Mountain.”
Masculinity and Identity
The story explores the complexities of masculinity within the rugged, traditional cowboy culture. Ennis and Jack are typical cowboys, expected to be tough, stoic, marry, and raise families. Their homosexual relationship challenges these strict gender roles and expectations, forcing them to live double lives. The story questions what it means to be a 'man' in a society that defines masculinity so narrowly, suggesting that true identity can conflict with societal performance. Their struggle to balance their inner selves with external expectations is a central conflict.
“There ain't no reins on this one. It's a one-way deal. Nobody's got a handle on it.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Brokeback Mountain Setting
A physical and symbolic space of freedom and authenticity.
Brokeback Mountain is more than just a location; it functions as a sanctuary where Ennis and Jack can be their true selves, away from societal judgment. It's a liminal space, 'above the tree line,' suggesting its detachment from conventional society. Symbolically, it represents freedom, intimacy, and the purity of their love. The eventual inability to return there, or to replicate its freedom in their 'real' lives, underscores the tragedy of their situation. Its memory becomes a powerful anchor for their enduring bond.
The Shirts
A tangible symbol of enduring love, memory, and loss.
The two blood-stained shirts – Ennis's inside Jack's – discovered by Ennis in Jack's closet, are a powerful symbol. They represent the intertwined nature of their lives, Jack's enduring love, and the private, hidden nature of their relationship. The bloodstains hint at the pain and sacrifice inherent in their love. For Ennis, the shirts become a sacred relic, a tangible manifestation of Jack's presence and a constant reminder of their shared past, serving as a focal point for his grief and remembrance in his solitary life.
The 'Fishing Trips'
A recurring euphemism for their clandestine rendezvous and a symbol of their double lives.
The 'fishing trips' serve as a recurring plot device that highlights the necessary secrecy of Ennis and Jack's relationship. This euphemism allows them to escape their conventional lives and reunite, yet it also underscores the dishonesty and emotional toll of their double lives. The trips become increasingly fraught with tension as Jack pushes for more and Ennis resists, illustrating the widening gap between their desires and the constraints placed upon them by society and Ennis's fear. They are both a source of joy and a symbol of their tragic limitations.
Foreshadowing of Violence
Ennis's memory of a murdered gay couple, anticipating Jack's likely fate.
Ennis's vivid, traumatic childhood memory of the brutal murder of a rancher, Earl, and his male partner, serves as a powerful instance of foreshadowing. This memory instills in Ennis a deep, paralyzing fear of discovery and violence, which directly informs his unwillingness to live openly with Jack. When Jack dies, Lureen's description of the 'accident' – a tire iron falling – strongly implies a similar violent hate crime, fulfilling Ennis's deepest fears and adding a layer of tragic inevitability to Jack's demise. It highlights the pervasive danger faced by their community.
Brokeback Mountain Quotes
“There was some open space between what he knew and what he tried to believe, but nothing could be done about it.”
“It was in a place where there was no time, and no time was passing.”
“He wanted to know what Jack thought, if Jack was thinking the same thing, if Jack was feeling the same thing.”
“There ain't no cure for it.”
“He would've been a good man if he'd just let himself be.”
“The truth was that he had a hard time with the idea of being happy.”
“You know, this is a one-shot thing we got goin' on here.”
“He had a notion that he could have saved Jack, but he couldn't.”
“Jack, I swear...”
“There was a space between them, and it was getting wider.”
“He just wanted to be with Jack, to feel Jack's hand on his neck, to hear Jack's voice.”
“He was stuck with the knowledge that he had let Jack down.”
“The jacket and shirt, folded together, were Jack's.”
“He never knew how to quit you.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
Where do Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist first meet and begin their relationship?
- At a local rodeo competition
- Working as ranch hands on Brokeback Mountain
- In a small town bar after a long day's work
- Through mutual friends in their hometown
Show answer
B. Working as ranch hands on Brokeback Mountain Ennis and Jack first meet and begin their affair while working as sheepherder and camp tender on Brokeback Mountain.
Question 2
What is the primary reason Ennis and Jack initially part ways after their summer on Brokeback Mountain?
- Jack found a new job opportunity in a different state.
- Their summer employment contract ended, and they had to return to their separate lives.
- Ennis's family moved away, making it impossible to continue seeing Jack.
- They had a major argument and decided to go their separate ways.
Show answer
B. Their summer employment contract ended, and they had to return to their separate lives. Their initial separation is due to the end of their seasonal work on Brokeback Mountain, forcing them back to their regular lives.
Question 3
What does Ennis tell Jack in their final confrontation regarding their future together, which deeply frustrates Jack?
- That he is planning to leave his wife for Jack.
- That he cannot live with Jack due to the risks and his fear of being discovered.
- That he wants to move to Texas and start a ranch with him.
- That he has found a new partner and needs to end their affair.
Show answer
B. That he cannot live with Jack due to the risks and his fear of being discovered. Ennis's fear and inability to commit to a shared life with Jack due to societal pressures and past trauma is a recurring source of tension and ultimately leads to their final, frustrated confrontation.
Question 4
What is the significance of the two shirts Ennis finds in Jack's closet after Jack's death?
- They are gifts Jack had bought for Ennis that he never got to give him.
- They are the shirts they wore on Brokeback Mountain, intertwined, symbolizing their enduring bond.
- They represent Jack's secret ambition to become a fashion designer.
- They are old shirts Jack kept for sentimental value, unrelated to Ennis.
Show answer
B. They are the shirts they wore on Brokeback Mountain, intertwined, symbolizing their enduring bond. Ennis finds their intertwined shirts from Brokeback Mountain in Jack's closet, a poignant symbol of their secret and undying love, kept hidden by Jack.
Question 5
How does Ennis primarily perceive his relationship with Jack throughout their lives?
- As a temporary diversion from his marital responsibilities.
- As an undeniable, yet dangerous and often painful, necessity in his life.
- As a casual friendship that evolved into something more.
- As a source of adventure and excitement, nothing more.
Show answer
B. As an undeniable, yet dangerous and often painful, necessity in his life. Ennis struggles with the intensity and danger of his feelings for Jack, viewing it as a powerful, almost fated connection that brings both profound joy and immense fear.
Question 6
What is the commonly implied cause of Jack Twist's death?
- A tragic accident involving farm machinery.
- A heart attack due to a pre-existing condition.
- A violent hate crime, disguised as an accident.
- Complications from a long-term illness.
Show answer
C. A violent hate crime, disguised as an accident. While initially presented as a tire iron accident, Ennis and the reader understand that Jack was likely murdered in a hate crime, mirroring a past violent incident Ennis witnessed.
Question 7
What does Ennis's recurring dream about Brokeback Mountain symbolize for him?
- His desire to return to a simpler, more solitary life.
- The only place where he and Jack could truly be themselves without judgment.
- A place of danger and the source of his deepest regrets.
- A memory of a lost job opportunity.
Show answer
B. The only place where he and Jack could truly be themselves without judgment. Brokeback Mountain represents a sanctuary for Ennis, the one place where he and Jack found freedom and authenticity in their relationship.
Question 8
What is the primary internal conflict Ennis faces throughout the story?
- His struggle to choose between a life of ranching or moving to the city.
- His desire for a conventional family life versus his overwhelming love for Jack and fear of societal reprisal.
- His difficulty in maintaining friendships outside of his relationship with Jack.
- His financial struggles and inability to provide for his family.
Show answer
B. His desire for a conventional family life versus his overwhelming love for Jack and fear of societal reprisal. Ennis is torn between his deep love for Jack and the intense societal pressure and fear of violence associated with their relationship, leading him to maintain a 'normal' life while secretly longing for Jack.
Question 9
What does Jack repeatedly propose to Ennis that Ennis always refuses?
- That they invest in a cattle ranch together.
- That they leave their wives and live together on a small ranch.
- That they move to a big city where they can be anonymous.
- That they go on an annual hunting trip with their families.
Show answer
B. That they leave their wives and live together on a small ranch. Jack consistently tries to convince Ennis to leave their wives and buy a small place together, a dream Ennis always rejects due to his fear.
Question 10
What is the overall tone of 'Brokeback Mountain' as described in the provided text?
- Humorous and light-hearted.
- Optimistic and hopeful.
- Gorgeous and haunting.
- Detached and analytical.
Show answer
C. Gorgeous and haunting. The provided description explicitly states that Proulx uses 'gorgeous and haunting prose' to tell the story.
Brokeback Mountain FAQ
What is the central premise of 'Brokeback Mountain'?
'Brokeback Mountain' tells the story of Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two cowboys who develop a profound and secret romantic relationship over many years, beginning during a summer spent herding sheep in Wyoming. Despite marrying women and living conventional lives, their bond becomes the most significant aspect of their existence, fraught with societal dangers and personal sacrifices.
When and where do Ennis and Jack first meet and begin their relationship?
Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist first meet and begin their intimate relationship in the summer of 1963 while working as a sheepherder and camp tender on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. Their initial encounters occur in an isolated tent above the tree line, far from the judgments of society.
How do Ennis and Jack attempt to maintain their relationship over the decades?
Ennis and Jack maintain their relationship through infrequent, clandestine 'fishing trips' to Brokeback Mountain or other remote locations, which serve as euphemisms for their time together. These trips allow them to reconnect physically and emotionally, despite the long periods of separation and the risks involved.
What are the major external obstacles to Ennis and Jack's relationship?
The primary external obstacles are the deeply ingrained homophobia and intolerance of their rural, conservative society, particularly in the mid-20th century American West. This societal pressure forces them to keep their relationship a secret, leading to fear of violence, social ostracization, and the need for constant deception.
How does the story conclude for Jack Twist?
Jack Twist is brutally murdered in what Ennis suspects was a hate crime, though his wife Lureen claims it was an accident involving a tire iron. Jack's death, described in chilling detail by Lureen, leaves Ennis devastated and haunted by the unfulfilled potential of their life together.
What is the significance of the shirts Ennis finds in Jack's closet?
The shirts are a powerful symbol of their enduring love and Jack's longing. Ennis finds his own blood-stained shirt from their first summer, meticulously preserved within Jack's shirt, both hanging together in a closet. This discovery confirms the depth of Jack's devotion and his desire to keep their memory alive.
Are there any clues to Jack's death being a murder rather than an accident?
While Lureen insists Jack's death was a freak accident with a tire iron, Ennis immediately connects it to a childhood memory of a rancher being tortured and killed with a tire iron for being gay. The vague details provided by Lureen, coupled with the violent nature of the alleged 'accident,' strongly suggest a homophobic murder.
What does the recurring image of Brokeback Mountain symbolize?
Brokeback Mountain symbolizes a sanctuary of freedom and authenticity for Ennis and Jack, a place where they could be their true selves without societal judgment. It represents their shared past, their love, and the only place where their forbidden desires could be openly expressed, making it both a source of joy and a poignant reminder of what they lost.
How does Ennis's past influence his reluctance to fully commit to Jack?
Ennis's traumatic childhood memory of a local rancher being brutally murdered for being gay deeply instills in him a fear of violence and exposure. This fear becomes a significant barrier, preventing him from fully embracing a life with Jack and leading to his repeated rejections of Jack's dream to live together.
What psychological impact do their secret meetings have on Ennis and Jack?
The secrecy and infrequent nature of their meetings create a cycle of intense longing, frustration, and emotional dependency. For Jack, it fuels a desire for a more public and permanent life with Ennis, leading to growing despair. For Ennis, it reinforces his internal conflict between desire and fear, contributing to his stoicism and emotional repression.
How does Alma's discovery of their affair affect her and Ennis?
Alma's discovery of Ennis and Jack's affair during a fishing trip shatters her trust and ultimately leads to their divorce. She becomes bitter and resentful, forever changed by the betrayal and the realization of Ennis's true nature, which he could never openly acknowledge.
What role does masculinity play in the characters' internal struggles?
Traditional cowboy masculinity, with its emphasis on stoicism, heteronormativity, and self-reliance, profoundly shapes Ennis and Jack's internal struggles. They are trapped between their genuine affection and the societal expectations of what it means to be a 'man,' leading to repression and a life of pretense.
Is Ennis's inability to express his emotions a character flaw or a product of his environment?
Ennis's emotional repression is arguably both a character flaw and a direct product of his environment. While some of it is inherent to his personality, the harsh, homophobic society he lives in severely curtails his ability to express vulnerability or love, especially towards another man, making his stoicism a survival mechanism.
Does the story suggest that Ennis and Jack could have had a different outcome if they had lived in a different time or place?
The story strongly implies that the societal intolerance of their time and place was the primary impediment to their happiness and survival. In a more accepting environment, they might have been able to openly pursue their relationship, avoiding the secrecy, fear, and ultimate tragedy that befell them.
What is the ultimate message or theme Annie Proulx conveys through 'Brokeback Mountain'?
Annie Proulx conveys the destructive power of societal intolerance and the profound, enduring nature of love that defies conventional boundaries. The story highlights the tragedy of unfulfilled lives, the pain of repression, and the lasting impact of a love that, despite its secrecy, defines the characters' entire existence.
How does the narrative structure, particularly the use of flashbacks and time jumps, contribute to the story's impact?
The narrative structure, moving across decades with significant time gaps, emphasizes the enduring nature of Ennis and Jack's bond despite long separations. It highlights the cyclical nature of their clandestine meetings and builds a sense of inevitable tragedy, showing how their initial summer on Brokeback Mountain profoundly shaped the rest of their lives.
What significance does the phrase 'If you can't fix it, you gotta stand it' hold for Ennis?
This phrase, uttered by Ennis, encapsulates his fatalistic approach to life and his relationship with Jack. It reflects his belief that certain circumstances, particularly the societal dangers of their love, are unchangeable and must simply be endured, rather than actively challenged or altered. This mindset contributes to his resistance to Jack's plans for a shared life.
How does Jack's desire for a ranch and a life together with Ennis contrast with Ennis's fears?
Jack consistently dreams of a tangible future with Ennis—a small ranch where they could live and work together, even if ostensibly as 'cousins.' This contrasts sharply with Ennis's paralyzing fear of exposure and violence, which prevents him from ever seriously considering or acting on Jack's hopeful proposals, creating a constant tension and source of heartbreak between them.
About the author
Edna Ann Proulx is an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist. She has written most frequently as Annie Proulx but has also used the names E. Annie Proulx and E.A. Proulx.
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