Brokeback Mountain is about the complex and deeply emotional relationship between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, over the course of two decades. Their connection, which begins on the titular mountain while tending sheep, defies societal expectations and has profound effects on their lives and those around them.
Table of Content
Brokeback Mountain Book Summary
Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist are two young cowboys hired to herd sheep on Brokeback Mountain. Their initial animosity soon turns to affection, and they begin a passionate, yet clandestine, relationship.
When the job ends, they part ways. Ennis marries Alma, and Jack marries Lureen, but their feelings for each other linger.
Through the years, they reunite periodically, their love enduring. They dream of a future together, but societal pressures and personal fears keep them separated.
Ennis and Jack's wives come to understand the true nature of the bond between the two men, and their marriages suffer as a result.
Tragic circumstances prevent Ennis and Jack from living openly as a couple. Jack's yearning for a life with Ennis becomes palpable, and Ennis's inability to express his love fully leads to a deep sense of regret and loss.
Jack dies unexpectedly, and Ennis is devastated. He realizes the depth of his feelings for Jack and the opportunities they've lost.
After Jack's death, Ennis seeks solace in his memories, his heartache a constant companion. He fears for his own life, knowing the dangers of living openly as a gay man.
The story ends with Ennis hearing about another gay man who was brutally murdered. The news serves as a grim reminder of the prejudice and violence that still exists against the LGBTQ+ community.
Brokeback Mountain Quotes
- I wish I knew how to quit you.
- If you can't fix it, you've got to stand it.
Brokeback Mountain Ending Explained
At the end of Brokeback Mountain, Ennis's deep and complex relationship with Jack comes to a tragic conclusion.
Jack dies, possibly murdered, and Ennis is left to grapple with his profound sense of loss and the realization of the love he had for Jack.
The story concludes with Ennis reflecting on the dangers of being true to oneself in a society that often refuses to accept differences, mirroring the enduring struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
Characters in book Brokeback Mountain
- Ennis Del Mar: A reserved and stoic cowboy who has difficulty expressing his emotions. He is deeply affected by his relationship with Jack Twist.
- Jack Twist: A more gregarious and open cowboy who falls in love with Ennis during their time on Brokeback Mountain. His desire for a life with Ennis is always present.
- Alma Beers Del Mar: Ennis's wife, who senses the distance between them but doesn't fully comprehend the reason for it until later in their marriage.
- Lureen Newsome Twist: Jack's wife, who is ambitious and driven, with a marriage to Jack that lacks intimacy.
- Mrs. Aguirre: The owner of the sheep ranch on Brokeback Mountain, where Ennis and Jack work and where their romantic relationship begins.
- Monroe: A friend of Ennis and Jack's who becomes involved in their lives following the events on Brokeback Mountain.
- Mrs. Twist: Jack's mother, who shows a deep understanding of her son's true nature.
- Mr. and Mrs. Del Mar: Ennis's parents, who had a tumultuous relationship, which affects Ennis deeply.
Key Lessons
- Authenticity Has a Price: Living true to yourself and your feelings can bring immense joy, but it may also come with significant challenges and sacrifices.
- Regret and Lost Opportunities: Failing to take action on your heartfelt desires can lead to a lifetime of regret and a sense of unfulfilled potential.
- Embrace Love Fully: When love touches your life, it's crucial to embrace it wholeheartedly and express it openly, as the chance may never come again.
- Understanding and Empathy: Taking the time to understand and empathize with the lives and struggles of others is crucial to building a more compassionate world.
- Courage in Expression: It takes courage to express your feelings, and doing so can lead to both personal growth and stronger connections with others.
My Personal Opinion
Is Brokeback Mountain worth reading? Yes, I found it to be an incredibly moving and thought-provoking story.
I was struck by the raw and emotional portrayal of love and the human struggle for acceptance. The depth of the characters and their internal conflicts are masterfully depicted. Yet, I was sometimes frustrated by the lack of direct communication between the protagonists, which led to profound consequences. The tragic ending was haunting and left a lasting impact.
I would recommend this book to readers who appreciate beautifully crafted prose and who are open to exploring themes of love, identity, and societal expectations. It is a powerful narrative that sheds light on the inner turmoil of individuals who must hide their true selves, often at great personal cost.