Brokeback Mountain – Annie Proulx Essay Example

wife, Alma, adds to Ennis's shame with her unhappy voice and growing resentment towards his relationship with Jack. Ennis's emotional distance from her and their children further contributes to his shame. Ennis displayed this shame when leaving that summer by telling Jack, "I ain't no queer".

The weekend fishing trips that Jack and Ennis take to cheap motels provide a temporary escape from their family-man facades. Despite this transient existence, Jack dreams of finding a place to live together with Ennis, although Ennis still maintains his preference for women. Their relationship faces further conflict when Jack confesses, "I wish I knew how to quit you," but Ennis does not reciprocate this emotional commitment. The relationship is further tested when one of Jack's postcards, meant to arrange another fishing trip, is returned to him marked 'deceased,' causing immense sadness for Jack. The harsh Wyoming setting also reveals the true character of Lureen Twist, who coldly explains over the phone that Jack's death was caused by an exploded truck tire, although Ennis believes that he was killed in a similar manner as an old man named Earl, whom his father took him to see as a child. The story ends with Ennis visiting Jack's parents in Lightning Flat, passing through desolate country and abandoned ranches reminiscent of the story's beginning. It concludes in the same trailer where it began, with Ennis haunted by his dreams of Jack, utilizing potent symbolism.Ennis places Jack's shirt, which contains his own plaid shirt discovered at Lightening Flat, inside Jack's cramped closet. He then secures a postcard of Brokeback above it. Lastly, while shedding a few teary-eyed emotions, Ennis surrenders his heart to

Jack, expressing a solemn vow. This scene leaves us pondering whether Jack laments not revealing his true feelings while still alive or understands that their love can only exist in another realm – within the enchanting world of Brokeback.

Despite the societal pressures placed upon Jack & Ennis, "Brokeback Mountain" is essentially a tragic romance, similar to "Romeo & Juliet" or "Love Story". It demonstrates the impact of prejudice on their relationship, mirroring the external forces present in the aforementioned stories. This narrative reminds us that even true love cannot overcome the strength or fragility of the individuals we choose to oppress or accept.