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Jack and Ennis: ECONOMIC DIVIDE, HELPING HAND?
rtprod:
Hi everyone,
We never talk much about this, but in the lake scene the economic subtext that comes to the fore about Ennis' lack of success and forward economic motion in life always really affects me, perhaps because I feel something deep for Ennis. "You forget what it's like being broke all the time. You ever hear of child support?" It's also there when we see Ennis bailing hay while Jack is selling farm equipment. And it's there in the line about how his truck "won't make it" to Texas. Also, the little shack he is living in after the divorce. Reminds me of a lot of guys in my hometown, who didn't ever leave there (physically or otherwise), instead got tangled up in shit and are still doing like Ennis. I'm not friends with any of them anymore--I went on and lived in a city, started a different life. But I hear tales...
Anyway, wonder if Jack ever felt inclined to help Ennis out financially, and if Ennis would have been able to accept. Jack obviously saw and knew about all of the lost jobs, hard times and dead ends Ennis experienced.
rt
David:
I think Ennis would have refused any help from Jack financially. Too much pride.
As far as bettering himself and his family, heck, he wouldn't even consider getting a better job, ie: at the power plant, when Alma suggested it. Perhpas he was embarrassed that he didn't have a High School diploma?
Jeff Wrangler:
I guess I'd like to believe Jack might have wanted to help. But to offer, I'm certain, would have hurt Ennis's pride enormously. Like Alma's slap at him, that she'd have more of his kids if he'd support them.
rtprod:
--- Quote ---he wouldn't even consider getting a better job, ie: at the power plant, when Alma suggested it.
--- End quote ---
Think he wouldn't take it because full-time would have interfered with the trips.
Jeff Wrangler:
--- Quote from: rtprod on April 26, 2006, 12:56:06 pm ---
--- Quote ---he wouldn't even consider getting a better job, ie: at the power plant, when Alma suggested it.
--- End quote ---
Think he wouldn't take it because full-time would have interfered with the trips.
--- End quote ---
I guess it would have, but, tell you what, I think Ennis really enjoyed ranch work. I don't have a copy of the story with me here at work, but my memory is that the word Annie Proulx uses to describe his attraction to it is yearning.
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