"I figured you were sore from that punch"

[2robots4u]

The "sore from that punch" comment may not necessrily refer to the hit Ennis gave Jack, but may have reference to TS1...anal entry is often referred to as a "punch".  This is one of those situtions for personal interpretation, and doesn't change the meaning of their conversation either way.
 

[Brown Eyes]

Wow Phillip!  Thanks for the bump.  Yeah, this did turn out to be a good thread... lots of serious discussions.

[CarlaMom2]

I feel Ennis's anger because he wasn't ready for the summer to end when it did.  He carries alot of anger in him anyway.  I also agree with the whole"foolin' leads to cryin" thing, too.  I think he was confused about going back home.  He went right back into shut down Ennis.  He was loving, laighing and sharing intimacy over the summer with Jack, and then now what?  Who is he now and what did he do?  The mountains (Jack) changed him and he didn't expect the feelings to be so strong.

[mlewisusc]

 

[Shakesthecoffecan]

True, ennis didn't explain until lated about Earl and Rich, that punch could have held the meaning for him that he had become like those murderers.