I agree that this is a pattern. But I would separate Ennis's "rejection" of Jack from the other examples you stated. While it's true that some of the same factors are in play (fear of abandonment, low self-esteem) the psychological trauma he suffered at age nine when his father took him to see Earl's mutilated body is the overriding issue in that relationship that isn't present in the others.
It's too bad that Ennis learned something so important so late.
Another excellent post.
Since we see that Jack really is the only lover with whom Ennis seems to connect emotionally and he doesn't demonstrate interest in other men (and by his own admission in the short story), maybe Jack really was his one shot at true romantic happiness.
I'm not sure if Ennis believes that he could ever be happy....with Jack or any of the others. So maybe he has a kind of "why bother?" attitude toward relationships. He can't commit to Jack because of the consequences he foresees, and perhaps he simply can't see them succeeding and being happy together. Or he doesn't believe he deserves it.
hmmm. Same thing with the others. Alma, Cassie, etc. But with them it may be that his desire for Jack has ruined his other relationships. Maybe he feels there's no point in trying since he really wants to be with Jack (but won't!) and can't be satisfied with the others.
I'm not sure if Ennis believes that he could ever be happy....with Jack or any of the others. So maybe he has a kind of "why bother?" attitude toward relationships. He can't commit to Jack because of the consequences he foresees, and perhaps he simply can't see them succeeding and being happy together. Or he doesn't believe he deserves it.
hmmm. Same thing with the others. Alma, Cassie, etc. But with them it may be that his desire for Jack has ruined his other relationships. Maybe he feels there's no point in trying since he really wants to be with Jack (but won't!) and can't be satisfied with the others.
If you see Ennis in another light, he was in war zone ?
Worst in some ways, than that Greyhound man who was murdered recently ?
Now, back to the rejecting...Ennis in the story even rejected his daughters after the divorce. Although he continued to pay child support.
Yes, I recall that in the story it's made quite clear that he avoids seeing his daughters for quite a long time after the divorce.
I find the idea of Ennis being in a "war zone" interesting. Ennis described to Jack how his daily life was like navigating thru a mine field: "Ever go out on the pavement and see the people and think that they all know?" he asked Jack. Ennis was concerned for his physical safety, afraid he'd be ambushed at some unsuspecting time and strung up just like one of those two old birds he saw when he was nine.
I also think the idea of Ennis and Jack being the same is true in a way. Ennis and Jack were complementary, like the two sides of a coin, or like yin and yang. They grew up in opposite corners of Wyoming and, altho they had each endured hardships and were inured to the stoic life, they reacted to life's adversities in opposite ways, Ennis withdrawing to within, Jack reaching out.
The only thing I know about the greyhound bus, though, is that Ennis was eating pie in the station when Cassie came upon him!
Now, back to the rejecting...Ennis in the story even rejected his daughters after the divorce. Although he continued to pay child support.
Merci brokeplex !
I am sad having read your post which is interesting, but places Ennis and Jack at too much opposite ends, it seems by your statement or view !!
I must agree with most of it ! However, on some points I remain searching... still.
Do you think that Jack, according to your search, had therefore left Ennis, for someone else but... what ?
Au revoir,
hugs!