Brokeback Mountain
Annie Proulx
"Brokeback Mountain," written by Annie Proulx and first published in The New Yorker in 1997 before being expanded into a novella, is a poignant and groundbreaking story about love, identity, and societal expectations. Set against the rugged backdrop of the American West, the novella tells the story of Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, two cowboys who develop a deep and complex romantic relationship over the course of two decades.
The story explores themes of forbidden love, the constraints of societal norms, and the emotional toll of living a life marked by secrecy and denial. "Brokeback Mountain" has been widely acclaimed for its powerful portrayal of same-sex love and its critique of the rigid gender roles and expectations of rural America.
Summary of the Novella
The story begins in the early 1960s when Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist are hired to herd sheep on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. During their time on the mountain, the two men develop a close bond that eventually turns into a romantic and sexual relationship. Although both men are initially hesitant to acknowledge their feelings, their connection is undeniable. However, at the end of the summer, they part ways, returning to their separate lives.
Ennis marries his fiancée, Alma, and starts a family, while Jack marries Lureen, a wealthy rodeo rider’s daughter. Despite their marriages, Ennis and Jack continue to harbor deep feelings for each other and meet periodically over the years for "fishing trips" that allow them to reconnect. However, the constraints of societal expectations and the fear of being discovered keep them from fully embracing their love for each other.
As the years pass, the toll of their secret relationship becomes increasingly evident. Ennis is unable to fully commit to his marriage, leading to its eventual collapse, while Jack becomes increasingly frustrated with the limitations placed on their relationship. Despite their love, both men struggle with the pressures of living in a society that does not accept their relationship. The story ends tragically when Jack dies in a mysterious accident, which may have been a hate crime. Ennis, devastated by the loss, keeps Jack’s memory alive by holding onto a pair of their shirts from their time on Brokeback Mountain.
Key Themes & Motifs
Forbidden Love and Social Constraints: "Brokeback Mountain" is a powerful exploration of forbidden love and the ways in which societal norms and expectations constrain individual desires. Ennis and Jack’s relationship is marked by secrecy and fear, as they navigate a world that is hostile to their love. The novella critiques the rigid gender roles and homophobia prevalent in rural America, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of living in a society that does not accept one’s true identity.
Identity and Repression: The story delves into the theme of identity, particularly the struggle to reconcile one’s true self with the expectations of society. Both Ennis and Jack grapple with their identities as men in a hyper-masculine environment, where vulnerability and love between men are seen as weaknesses. Ennis, in particular, is deeply conflicted, repressing his feelings and adhering to societal norms at great personal cost. The novella portrays the devastating effects of repression and the ways in which societal expectations can stifle individual authenticity.
The Passage of Time and Regret: "Brokeback Mountain" also explores the passage of time and the regrets that come with missed opportunities and unfulfilled desires. As the years pass, both men reflect on the choices they have made and the lives they might have lived if they had been able to fully embrace their love. The novella’s depiction of time as a force that both connects and separates them adds a layer of poignancy to their story, as they are ultimately unable to escape the constraints of their circumstances.
Analysis of Main Characters
Ennis Del Mar: Ennis is the novella’s protagonist, a stoic and reserved cowboy who struggles to reconcile his love for Jack with the expectations of the society around him. Ennis’s fear of being discovered and his adherence to traditional gender roles lead him to suppress his emotions and conform to societal norms. His inability to fully embrace his love for Jack results in a life marked by loneliness, regret, and missed opportunities. Ennis’s character embodies the emotional toll of repression and the ways in which societal pressures can prevent individuals from living authentically.
Jack Twist: Jack is more open and expressive than Ennis, and he is more willing to imagine a life where they can be together. However, he is also constrained by the same societal expectations that limit Ennis. Jack’s frustration with the limitations of their relationship leads him to seek other connections, but he remains deeply attached to Ennis. Jack’s character highlights the theme of longing and the desire for a life that is out of reach. His tragic death underscores the dangers of living in a society that is hostile to same-sex relationships and the risks associated with defying social norms.
Alma Beers Del Mar: Alma, Ennis’s wife, represents the collateral damage of Ennis’s inability to fully commit to his marriage. She is initially unaware of Ennis’s relationship with Jack, but when she discovers the truth, it devastates her. Alma’s character reflects the broader impact of societal expectations on women, as she is trapped in a marriage where she is unable to receive the love and commitment she desires. Her eventual separation from Ennis is a consequence of the emotional distance between them, a distance created by Ennis’s internal conflict.
Lureen Newsome Twist: Lureen, Jack’s wife, is a strong-willed and independent woman who provides financial stability for Jack. However, their marriage is marked by emotional distance, as Jack’s love for Ennis prevents him from fully engaging with Lureen. Lureen’s character highlights the ways in which societal expectations impact not only the individuals directly involved in a forbidden relationship but also those around them. Her reaction to Jack’s death, particularly her suspicion about the circumstances, suggests that she may have been aware of Jack’s true feelings, adding another layer of tragedy to the story.
Setting & Social Context
"Brokeback Mountain" is set primarily in the rural American West, spanning several decades from the early 1960s to the 1980s. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ lives and the constraints they face. The rugged, isolated landscape of Wyoming and Texas reflects the harsh realities of the characters’ existence and the societal pressures they face.
The cultural and social environment of the time, marked by rigid gender roles and widespread homophobia, creates a backdrop of repression and fear that defines Ennis and Jack’s relationship.
The historical context of the novella, set against the backdrop of changing attitudes toward homosexuality in America, adds depth to the story’s exploration of identity, love, and societal expectations.
Writing Style & Narrative Techniques
Annie Proulx’s writing style in "Brokeback Mountain" is characterized by its spare, unadorned prose and its focus on the emotional and psychological landscapes of the characters. The novella’s language is direct and evocative, capturing the raw, unspoken emotions of the characters as they navigate their complex relationship. Proulx’s use of imagery, particularly in her descriptions of the natural landscape, creates a powerful sense of place that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles.
The novella’s structure, which spans several decades, allows for a deep exploration of the passage of time and the ways in which the characters’ lives are shaped by their choices and circumstances. Proulx’s narrative voice is both empathetic and unflinching, offering a profound exploration of love, loss, and the consequences of living in a world that does not accept one’s true self.
Important Quotes & Analysis
"There’s no reins on this one. It scares the piss out of me.": Ennis’s admission of fear highlights the depth of his emotions and the internal conflict he faces in acknowledging his love for Jack. The quote reflects the theme of repression and the fear of losing control in a society that demands conformity.
"I wish I knew how to quit you.": Jack’s anguished declaration to Ennis encapsulates the intensity of their relationship and the pain of being unable to fully live their love. This quote has become one of the most iconic lines from the novella, symbolizing the struggle between desire and societal constraints.
"If you can’t fix it, you’ve got to stand it.": Ennis’s resignation to the limitations of their relationship reflects the theme of endurance and the emotional toll of living a life marked by unfulfilled desires. The quote underscores the novella’s exploration of the tension between acceptance and resistance in the face of societal pressures.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
"Brokeback Mountain" is a powerful and emotionally resonant novella that offers a profound exploration of love, identity, and the constraints of societal expectations. Annie Proulx’s portrayal of Ennis and Jack’s relationship challenges traditional notions of masculinity and love, offering a critique of the rigid gender roles and homophobia that define rural America.
The novella’s themes of repression, regret, and the passage of time continue to resonate with readers, making "Brokeback Mountain" a significant and enduring work of contemporary literature. Through its spare prose and evocative imagery, "Brokeback Mountain" tells a story of love that is both universal and deeply personal, capturing the complexities of human emotion and the pain of living in a world that does not accept one’s true self.