Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum
"Jack, I swear..." What do you think Ennis meant by that?
Marge_Innavera:
--- Quote from: Andrew on July 23, 2006, 02:31:18 pm ---in Macbeth's last scene in his castle, Act 5 scene 3, when we get the effect of the king's world crashing slowly to broken phrases, sentences that don't need to be finished because the reality they address may not be around much longer, the retainers who should listen all deserted. Macbeth is overtaken by a great fatigue that can't remember the original point he meant to make with his sentence, or with his life ambition for that matter
--- End quote ---
Interesting, one other exchange from Macbeth that I often recall in discussions of this scene:
When Macduff learns that Macbeth has had his wife and children murdered, he initially collapses in grief. "Dispute it [i.e., "take it"] like a man", an aide admonishes him.
"I shall do so," Macduff answers. "But first I must feel it like a man."
One of Ennis' failings in the story is that while he has emotions, he doesn't always consent to feel them, if that makes sense. There seems to be quite a sea change in that sense, not only in the last scene but in the two preceding it. In the Macbeth scene, "man" is used in two different senses: masculinity and humanity. Ennis in the last scene appears to be on the verge of coming to terms with both.
Yeah, I know this is off in the ozone.... :o
Rayn:
--- Quote from: Marge_Innavera on October 22, 2006, 05:05:53 pm ---Interesting, one other exchange from Macbeth that I often recall in discussions of this scene:
When Macduff learns that Macbeth has had his wife and children murdered, he initially collapses in grief. "Dispute it [i.e., "take it"] like a man", an aide admonishes him.
"I shall do so," Macduff answers. "But first I must feel it like a man."
One of Ennis' failings in the story is that while he has emotions, he doesn't always consent to feel them, if that makes sense. There seems to be quite a sea change in that sense, not only in the last scene but in the two preceding it. In the Macbeth scene, "man" is used in two different senses: masculinity and humanity. Ennis in the last scene appears to be on the verge of coming to terms with both.
Yeah, I know this is off in the ozone.... :o
--- End quote ---
Hey, no way Marge... you're not out in the Ozone (what's left of it!); what you've said is very true about Ennis. Not to blame him, because I feel Ennis wants to express more, but hasn't had the chance to learn how! Also, Ennis is a man "of present means and ways", of necessity due to his background and life situation.
He wasn't able to "dream" like Jack. His main focus was on providing for himself and his family after he was married and then there was, Jack, the other "focus" of his life. He was really torn in two, trying to be true to both his family and the true love of his life.
Ennis is also a man enslaved by conventions and fear. He knew what he was taught as a boy: how things ought to be and what can happen if one goes against the way things ought to be. His fear of what could happen, "Two guys livin' together, no way!" was part of the tragedy of his life and, of Jack's life too.
Social conditioning and fear play a large part in most human lives. On the other hand, Jack was more imaginative and perhaps a bit more intelligent too. He had vision, could "see" a way to be with Ennis...."We could've had a damn good life together, but you didn't want it! So what we got now is Brokeback Mountain!" The contest of wills and the strong need and attraction they had between them is what makes the tension, the drama so unforgettable.
But you've also hit upon this "Masculinity and Humanity" issue in men too! How often have we heard, "Take it like a man!" when what is meant is "Don't be (weak) like a woman"?! What a crock! There are strong women and weak men, and men, when they can express their humanity fully, can express sadness, grief and loss with tears. Big Boys Do Cry!
It's a very good point, Marge.
Thanks,
Rayn
HerrKaiser:
I think Ennis is as deep and insightful as Jack; maybe more. In fact, i find that people who are more outwardly expressive tend to be less inner-thinking and analytical about their feelings. I believe Ennis pondered his feelings and knew what was in his heart to a very high degree. The morning after their first night together, he is deeply engrossed in turmoil, sulking up to BBM and symbolically witnessing the gutted sheep as some sort of punishment.
When Ennis said "....that's more than I've said in two years..." he admits his extremely inward sense of being while at the same time clearly shows he has thought about his life and who he is. In my experience, the non-verbal communicators are often people who know themselves best.
Also, when Jack said "....sometimes, I miss you so much I can hardly stand it..." Ennis says nothing, but his demeanor reeks of expression and yearning to respond.
The "I swear..." to me is Ennis swearing to never lose the moment or the man. I believe Ennis is placing time on hold for the rest of his life.
serious crayons:
HerrKaiser, this is the third post I've seen of yours and responded with "Very well put!" I feel like I'm following you around the boards going, "Yep!" to everything you say. I haven't seen you around before, so welcome to BetterMost.
HerrKaiser:
thank you latjoreme. Your comments are most appreciated and kindly accepted. I am brand new as of today...I'd previously been semi active on the Cullen board during the first 3 months of the year, and when I found out about this site, I joined today!
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