Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
Book Discussion: Brokeback Mountain
Front-Ranger:
This is a discussion of the story, not the movie, but here is the scene I was referring to:
I could probably write 3,000 words about this picture...in addition to the ax handle, notice the sharpened end of the iron stake and where it is pointing. There is another thing pointing at Jack. In the foreground, out of focus, is an object, and I think it is the scabbard for the knife. There is a bucket near Jack and a coffeepot near Ennis. Jack is holding the whiskey bottle, and we know that whiskey means water of life. Behind Ennis is the elk, crucified on a rack, between them is the saddle, and behind Jack is a horse's rump LOL! All of these are powerful symbols!!
Front-Ranger:
Jeez, I forgot the most important thing! In between Ennis and Jack. Do you see it??
"...the can of beans with the spoon handle jutting out and balanced on a log was there as well, in a cartoon shape and lurid colors that gave the dreams a flavor of comic obscenity. The spoon handle was the kind that could be used as a tire iron."
:'(
Front-Ranger:
Back to a discussion of italicized words in the story. Here is the most famous one, probably.
--- Quote ---They went at it in silence except for a few sharp intakes of breath and Jack’s choked “Gun’s goin off. . .”
--- End quote ---
What these three little words tell me is that Jack is not a virgin. You may disagree, but the fact that he tells Ennis when he is going to come shows some experience. Otherwise, how would Ennis know? It's almost like Jack is keeping Ennis's hand there in a virtual way.
AP manages to bring into this crucial turning point in the story a mention of the gun that is so powerful a symbol of their relationship and the transformative effect of love. Ironically, she manages to make the gun, normally a weapon and a negative symbol, into a symbol of the life force and spirit. The fact that Jack says "Gun's goin off" is a self-forecast of his tragic end, as well.
The sentence also manages to portend Jack's death again with the words "sharp" and "choked." Sometimes sex is called "a little death" and it is portrayed that way in the story. It is the death of Ennis and Jack's autonomy as individuals and the birth of their union together.
Front-Ranger:
--- Quote from: Front-Ranger on April 15, 2007, 10:11:37 am ---I'm going to be talking about The New Yorker version of the story, because all caps hurt my eyes.
--- End quote ---
There is one word in The New Yorker version of the story that is all caps. I can't say it here, not now, not today. Perhaps tomorrow.
But it makes me think of the book that EDelMar bought me from the TenSleep Library. It was Telegraph Days by Larry McMurtry. It's a good book and an easy read. Across the spine (ouch!) is a sticker with a word stamped on it all caps in red. It says DISCARDED.
Front-Ranger:
Just hit the reply button and type in any old thing you want! Please!
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