Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum

Bitter and sweet

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Front-Ranger:
Maybe so, but Ennis seems to show a preference for the bitter side of life throughout the whole story. When his children were infants, Ennis was reassured by the smell of sour milk (yuk!) that reminded him of fecundity and life's continuance. At the Motel Siesta, the smell of sour hay was one that accompanied Ennis. In contrast, his run-ins with sweets were sometimes disastrous. After eating Alma's Thanksgiving pie, he was subjected to a humiliating tongue lashing by Alma. Later, as he pushed a slice of apple pie around a plate at the bus station, Ennis was forced by Cassie to confront his lapse of ethics in leading her on.

HerrKaiser:
I think that was an important scene, too. The cake was not just "cake"...it was "cherry cake". Cherry cake has an enhanced image of happiness, good times, welcoming; all in dire contrast to the state of emotion Ennis bore, and clearly not the mood of Jack's Dad.

by refusing the cake, Ennis confirms his demeanor, establishes his sense of deep mourning, and this allows Jack's Mom to seek another way to be gracious...offering Ennis the opportunity to view Jack's room.

serious crayons:

--- Quote from: HerrKaiser on October 27, 2006, 07:30:20 pm ---by refusing the cake, Ennis confirms his demeanor, establishes his sense of deep mourning, and this allows Jack's Mom to seek another way to be gracious...offering Ennis the opportunity to view Jack's room.
--- End quote ---

Nicely put, HerrKaiser!

Front-Ranger:
Listening to "Meet Me on the Mountain" today, there was a song sung by a woman that said "I wouldn't be bitter, if it wasn't so sweet."   :'(

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