Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
A different viewpoint
Scott6373:
I still can't shake the feeling that he kept the situation unchanged out of fear. I know he loved Ennis, but he never really knew if Ennis loved him. He could assume, and he probably did. I don't think we can ever discount that there are always other chances for happiness out there for all of us...if we can overcome the fear of the unknown long enough to explore that world.
HerrKaiser:
--- Quote from: Scott on April 05, 2007, 10:02:23 am ---
Let's face it...if Jack were smarter, he would have and should have left Ennis behind. It's not testament to anything but fear that he stayed with Ennis...or wished to. Fear of losing, of never finding, of not knowing. There were moments of happiness, but a lifetime of hurt and anguish. Even if Jack had gone on to leave Lureen and find another man, it would be better than what he ended up with. But...hindsight is 20/20
--- End quote ---
Interesting, but I think the one thing you left out is love. Jack was no dummy, he was in love with Ennis, pure and simple; and Ennnis with him. My particular high opinions of Ennis aside, Jack imo had a life of hope, anticipation, and happiness with Ennis. Sure, it was not what jack felt he truly wanted, but if was not fear that kept Jack tied to Ennis for 20 years; it was love. And good love. Jack knew perfectly well how easy it was to find another bed and with that goes the chance for a relationship. I don't think he was afraid of that; in fact, I think he was rather bold and fearless. But, he set all that aside for Ennis. Ennis was his chosen man and I think he, in spite of deeply wishing he and Ennis "had more", would have never cut it off with Ennis if he had the chance to relive the 20 years.
serious crayons:
Herr, I agree. Scott, I'm of the mind that Jack DID know Ennis loved him -- that wasn't the problem. He realized Ennis was paralyzed by his own fear. Does that mean Jack should have called it quits and looked around for a more flexible partner? Well, I'm not in that camp. Real love does count for a lot. Not everything, maybe, but a lot.
Ellemeno:
--- Quote from: Scott on April 05, 2007, 10:02:23 am ---Let's face it...if Jack were smarter, he would have and should have left Ennis behind. It's not testament to anything but fear that he stayed with Ennis...or wished to. Fear of losing, of never finding, of not knowing.
--- End quote ---
Wow, I don't see it this way at all. What's smart got to do with it? I don't think Jack operated out of fear much. I think he operated out of hope. Pretty different.
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