Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

The story of two young men, a Wyoming ranch hand and a rodeo cowboy, who meet in the summer of 1963 and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys, and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love.

Annie Proulx on 'Brokeback Mountain'

Brokeback Mountain is a short story by Annie Proulx that was published in 1997. The story tells the tragic tale of two young men, Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, who fall in love while working as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. Despite their deep love for each other, the men are forced to keep their relationship a secret due to the societal pressures of the time.

This ultimately leads to tragedy when Jack is killed and Ennis is left heartbroken. Proulx’s story is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and loneliness. It resonates with readers because it so accurately captures the pain of unrequited love and the difficulties faced by those who must hide their true selves from the world.

This story will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

Brokeback Mountain Analysis

Few films have caused as much controversy as Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain. The film tells the story of two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, who fall in love while working together herding sheep in Wyoming. While the film was praised by many for its honest portrayal of homosexual love, it was also criticized for its graphic sex scenes and “unnatural” relationship between the two main characters.

Whether you loved or hated the film, there’s no denying that it is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of cinema. In this blog post, we’re going to take a deep dive into the movie and analyze its themes, symbols, and messages. We hope that this analysis will help you appreciate the film even more (or at least understand it better).

Warning: This post contains spoilers for Brokeback Mountain!

What Short Story is Brokeback Mountain Based On?

Brokeback Mountain is a short story by Annie Proulx that was published in 1997 in The New Yorker. It tells the tragic story of two young men, Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, who meet while working as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming and fall in love. Despite the fact that they are both married to women, they continue their relationship for twenty years, meeting up secretly whenever they can.

The story ends tragically, however, when Jack is killed by a jealous husband who discovers their affair.

What is Brokeback Mountain About?

Brokeback Mountain is a 2005 American romantic drama film directed by Ang Lee and produced by Diana Ossana and James Schamus. Adapted from the 1997 short story of the same name by Annie Proulx, the screenplay was written by Ossana and Larry McMurtry. The film stars Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams, and Randy Quaid.

The film tells the story of two men – Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal) – who meet as shepherds in 1963 Wyoming and fall in love, despite the societal pressures surrounding them. Over the next 20 years, their relationship ebbs and flows through different phases – at times estranged but never entirely out of each other’s lives. The movie explores issues of homophobia within society as well as what it means to truly be in love with someone – regardless of gender.

While many critics praised Brokeback Mountain for its realistic portrayal of a homosexual relationship in Western society, some conservative groups denounced the film for its subject matter. Nonetheless, it went on to receive numerous accolades, including eight Academy Award nominations (winning three), four Golden Globe Award nominations (winning two), and numerous other awards throughout the world.

What is the Famous Line from Brokeback Mountain?

The famous line from “Brokeback Mountain” is “I wish I knew how to quit you.” This line is spoken by the character Ennis Del Mar, played by Heath Ledger, to his lover Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. The line reflects the character’s internal conflict between his love for Jack and his fear of being found out as a homosexual.

What Do the Tire Iron Symbolize in Brokeback Mountain?

The tire iron is a symbol of the strength and power that Ennis Del Mar possesses. He is able to use it to fix his truck, which represents his ability to provide for himself and his family. The tire iron also symbolizes the violence that Ennis is capable of, as he uses it to beat up another man who tries to rape Jack Twist.

Conclusion

Annie Proulx’s short story, “Brokeback Mountain,” tells the story of two young men, Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, who meet while working as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming. They develop a strong friendship and eventually become lovers. However, they are forced to keep their relationship a secret due to the social attitudes of the time.

The story spans twenty years and follows the men as they live their separate lives, each with a wife and family, while still yearning for each other. Ultimately, their love for each other is stronger than anything else in their lives, and they are willing to risk everything to be together.