The Four Loves in Brokeback Mountain

[Sitaram]

The word ”love” occurs four times in the short story Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx.

Three puppies belonging to one of the blue heelers went in a pack basket, the runt inside Jack's coat, for he loved a little dog.

"Two little girls," Ennis said. "Alma Jr. and Francine. Love them to pieces." Alma's mouth twitched.

"What I'm sayin, Jack, I built a life up in them years. Love my little girls.

-- and I tied a note on the end of the line. It said, hello Ennis, bring some fish home, love, Alma.

Sometimes it happens that the strongest statement in a work makes itself hear loudly by its absence.

Why is it that Jack and Ennis never say this word, love, to one another?

What is Proulx saying to us by this silence?

Do you believe that the use of the word love is intentional on Proulx's part?

Do you see some significance in the number four? Why does Proulx not use the world three times or five times? Remember, Proulx spent six months writing a 30 page story. We could try to ask her, I suppose, but then Salman Rushdie states that a story is a machine to inspire interpretation, and the author must not provide an interpretation of his/her own.


What other stories or books, if any, speak loudly to you through silence or omission?

 

[DiscoDan]

I don't know if Annie Proulx is always so brilliant in her writing, but Brokeback Mountain is freaking genius. I've read it several times and get something great out of it every time.

I'm not sure of the significance of 4, other than their second meeting is after 4 years. Actions always speak louder than words so the "love" theme would be spoken louder without them telling each other that.

I had no idea how powerful 30 pages could be until I read this short story. Honestly, if there is anyone out there that hasn't read it, or at least seen the movie, then you are missing out on one outstanding literary feat. You don't have to be a fag hag or gay rights activist to appreciate this masterpiece.

 

[StillILearn]

Some of you are going to be envious of me when I tell you this, because you'd dearly love to have this treat still before you (and I don't know how I missed it since I thought I had read all of Annie Proulx), but I have not yet read the story nor have I seen the movie.

Which should I do first?

 

[Sitaram]

Well, the story is only 30 pages.

I happened to see the movie first and afterwards read the story.

The DVD was released this week.

I would suggest getting the DVD, or renting it, and seeing the movie first.

There is one very minor aspect of the story which is in great conflict with the movie.

Spoiler

In the story, Jack Twist is described as somewhat dumpy and buck-toothed, while in the move, the actor who portrays Jack Twist is more beautiful than many women, in his face. So if you read the story first, you will have the homely image of Jack Twist, which might spoil your enjoyment of the movie.

I think if you see the movie before you read the story, then you will enjoy both more.

 

[StillILearn]

Thanks, Sitaram. I will do that. Prolly the DVD will be easier to come by anyway.

 

[DiscoDan]

Spoiler

In the story, Jack Twist is described as somewhat dumpy and buck-toothed, while in the move, the actor who portrays Jack Twist is more beautiful than many women, in his face. So if you read the story first, you will have the homely image of Jack Twist, which might spoil your enjoyment of the movie.

Spoiler

When I read the story I had already seen the trailer for the movie, so I already "saw" the characters as Jake and Heath, but yeah I see where you have a point.

 

[mrkgnao]

Two out of the four "loves" are Ennis talking about his daughters. Probably, that's the only safe place where he can pour his "love". Jack only ever gets (and gives, by all means) "this thing", "I swear", and similar evasions. I have a sad feeling that even if they'd met in San Francisco in 2006, they couldn't have made it work, with Ennis being so messed up. Lovely ol' dad he had, eh?


*mrkgnao*