Proulx, Annie: *1935

Brokeback Mountain, 1997 - Information about the Book

  • General Information
    • The story depicts the complex romantic relationship between two American cowboys. It is part of "Close Range: Wyoming Stories", 1999
    • Information from Wikipedia
  • Facts
    • AwardS: "Brokeback Mountain," which was originally published in The New Yorker on October 13, 1997, won the National Magazine Award for Fiction in 1998.
    • Awards:
      While the short story itself did not directly win major literary awards, it received immense critical acclaim and recognition through the success of the film adaptation.
      Developed by Perplexity AI
    • Characters
    • Character List with analyses

    • Forbidden Love and Societal Constraints
      The central theme revolves around the forbidden love between Ennis and Jack, two ranch hands in 1960s Wyoming. Their intense emotional and sexual bond defies societal norms and expectations, forcing them to conceal their relationship from a homophobic society. Their love is tragically constrained by the era's intolerance towards same-sex relationships.

      Masculinity and Sexuality
      The story challenges traditional notions of masculinity and sexuality. Ennis and Jack's relationship subverts the stereotypical portrayal of rugged, heterosexual cowboys, highlighting the complexities of human desire and identity. Their love transcends societal definitions of what it means to be a "man."

      Inescapable Nature of Desire
      Proulx portrays desire as a powerful, natural force that cannot be denied or controlled, even when it goes against societal norms. Ennis and Jack's passion for each other is depicted as an irresistible, overwhelming force that governs their actions, despite the risks involved.

      Isolation and Loneliness
      The harsh, unforgiving landscape of Wyoming serves as a metaphor for the isolation and loneliness experienced by the characters. Ennis and Jack's love is confined to brief, secret reunions in remote settings, underscoring their inability to fully embrace their relationship in a judgmental society.

      Inevitability of Change
      The story spans two decades, highlighting the inevitability of change and the passage of time. Despite their enduring love, Ennis and Jack's lives are shaped by external forces, such as marriage, children, and societal expectations, emphasizing the tragic nature of their situation.

      In essence, "Brokeback Mountain" is a poignant exploration of love, desire, masculinity, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a conservative society that condemns the protagonists' relationship.

      Developed by Perplexity AI

    • Reader Rating:
  • Author
  • Articles
    • Explanation. Why do Jack and Ennis split up? The Review Geek; September 15, 2022
    • Masculinity in Brokeback Mountain.
    • How “Brokeback Mountain” Changed a Nation’s Point of View: "The flip-flopping of point of view stimulates characterization more than just one point of view could. By beginning the story in the broader omniscient view, Proulx was able to set the tone for Jack and Ennis’s characterization." Shelby Saunders; August 2, 2016
    • The Moral Lessons of Brokeback Mountain: "Decades ago, much of American society rejected the Marlboro Man myth as cancerous, racist, and inhuman — a twisted caricature of masculinity that damaged families when misguided men actually tried to emulate the myth." December 31, 2005
    • Reading Brokeback Mountain: Essays on the Story and the Film
    • Meditations about Masculinity, Fear, ...