A Harmonica bet (Now that we have the DVD)

[SFEnnisSF]

I think the harmonica continues the Jack as Wind metaphor.  It's a wind instrument that only plays when someone blows wind into it.  Jack plays "He Was a Friend of Mine" a couple of times -- foreshadowing his own death.

I think Ennis' comment about the harmonica breaking in two is symbolic of Jack's death and the fact that he was broken in two... half of his ashes in Texas and half of them in Lightning Flat.

I'm new here so if this has been mentioned before...

I had never thought of that or seen it posted/discussed.  Thank you! 

[Brown Eyes]

I think the harmonica continues the Jack as Wind metaphor.  It's a wind instrument that only plays when someone blows wind into it.  Jack plays "He Was a Friend of Mine" a couple of times -- foreshadowing his own death.

I think Ennis' comment about the harmonica breaking in two is symbolic of Jack's death and the fact that he was broken in two... half of his ashes in Texas and half of them in Lightning Flat.

I'm new here so if this has been mentioned before...

Most excellent observation indeed!  I'm the resident advocate/ biggest fan of the Jack and the wind metaphor.  I've never heard anyone discuss the harmonica that way!  Awesome indeed.  Welcome to BetterMost.  Have a piece of cherry cake.  And you might like to post your cool idea in the Jack and the Wind thread!  I'm sure it would be much appreciated.
 

Well, around these parts the thread is actually called "I was supposed to control the weather-Jack and the Wind"  http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=1097.0

[newyearsday]

I think the harmonica continues the Jack as Wind metaphor.  It's a wind instrument that only plays when someone blows wind into it.  Jack plays "He Was a Friend of Mine" a couple of times -- foreshadowing his own death.

I think Ennis' comment about the harmonica breaking in two is symbolic of Jack's death and the fact that he was broken in two... half of his ashes in Texas and half of them in Lightning Flat.

I'm new here so if this has been mentioned before...

A very sharp observation indeed, ruthlesslyunsentimental. In the way that it's a teasing comment but also one about death, it kind of reminds me of the comment Ennis makes the night before the Lake Scene, when Jack is talking about how he's afaid he'll "get shot by Lureen or the husband each time [he] slips off to see her," and Ennis says, with a smile, "You probly deserve it," not realizing that Jack'll be gone forever sooner than Ennis realizes.

And I'll add a very warm welcome to you too! Hope you like it here and will come back and see us again (real soon, not just sometime).

Jenny

[ruthlesslyunsentimental]

it kind of reminds me of the comment Ennis makes the night before the Lake Scene, when Jack is talking about how he's afaid he'll "get shot by Lureen or the husband each time [he] slips off to see her," and Ennis says, with a smile, "You probly deserve it," not realizing that Jack'll be gone forever sooner than Ennis realizes.

I agree.  It also reminds me of the river (reunion) scene when Ennis said he was glad Jack forgot to bring the harmonica.  There, they didn't need (or want?) the harmonica as a harbinger of Jack's death.  But Ennis sure threw one in with his story of Earl.     

[Ellemeno]

Thanks for the observation, ru.  I LOVE the harmonica.

As to the bet:  I hear something different than either you, Mandy, or you, Jenny.  I hear, "Woulda broken too."

[newyearsday]

That's actually what I hear too, Elle. "Broken too," not "broke in two." (I never corrected Mandy's first post about it though.)

Just the way his inflection is, it sounds like he's referring to something else happening that would have been lucky--first the horse (ME!)  being lucky to throw Jack, and then Ennis being lucky that the harmonica got broken, not just flattened.

Hmmm, we may have to call in Heath to answer this question! Enquiring minds want to know!