Close Range is about the struggles and resilience of people in the harsh landscapes of the American West. Through a series of short stories, the book delves into the lives of characters facing loneliness, violence, and the unforgiving natural environment. Each story encapsulates a unique perspective, shedding light on the human condition in the frontier.
Table of Content
Close Range Book Summary
Close Range is a collection of short stories that paints a vivid picture of life in the rural American West. The book begins with "Brokeback Mountain," which tells the poignant tale of Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two ranch hands who develop a deep and complex romantic relationship.
Despite their intense bond, the societal pressures of the 1960s force them to conceal their love. They marry women and lead separate lives, but their connection endures, shaping the course of their existence.
Ennis's first marriage to Alma Beers is marked by hardship and silence. He is a stoic and solitary figure, haunted by the choices he has made. Jack, on the other hand, marries Lureen Newsome, a woman whose wealth and ambition contrast with Jack's rugged past.
The stories follow the characters through the years, exploring themes of isolation, longing, and the impact of the landscape on their lives. Ennis and Jack's secret meetings on the mountain continue to define them, as both men struggle with their identities and desires.
Alma eventually discovers the truth about Ennis and Jack, leading to a painful divorce. Ennis's daughters are caught in the crossfire, their innocence disrupted by the complexities of adult relationships.
Lureen's marriage to Jack reveals a web of deceit and unfulfilled promises, as Jack yearns for the mountains and the freedom he once knew. He dies in a freak accident, leaving Ennis devastated and alone.
Throughout the stories, secondary characters like Monroe, Aguirre, and a couple named Richard and Earl represent the broader, interconnected community of the West. Their lives intersect with those of Ennis and Jack, reflecting the harsh realities of the frontier.
The natural world is a formidable presence in Close Range. The land itself seems to shape the characters' fates, with its stark beauty and unforgiving climate mirroring the tumultuous emotions of the people who inhabit it.
Ennis and Jack's story is one of love and loss, a powerful narrative that transcends the limitations of their environment. It is a tale of the human spirit, struggling against adversity and yearning for acceptance.
The book's final story, "The Blood Bay," brings closure to the collection, underlining the themes of mortality and the cyclical nature of life. It is a reminder that in the West, every ending is a new beginning, and every loss is a chance for renewal.
Close Range Quotes
- The land, like the King, seems to be aware of its own history and to have memory of its past.
- There's a lot of bad people in the world, but there's a lot of good people too.
Close Range Ending Explained
At the end of Close Range, Ennis del Mar, the story's protagonist, is left to grapple with the profound loss of his beloved Jack Twist. The devastating news of Jack's death fractures the fragile existence that Ennis has built.
Despite the passing years and the many changes in their lives, Jack's absence is a wound that refuses to heal. Ennis is confronted by the harsh reality that he can never again be with the one person who truly understood him.
In the final moments of the collection, as with much of the book, the unyielding landscape stands as a silent witness to the human drama. It serves as a reminder of the formidable forces that shape our destinies, and the enduring impact of the West on those who call it home.
Characters in book Close Range
- Ennis del Mar: A complex and introspective ranch hand who forms a deep, secret romantic relationship with another man named Jack Twist.
- Jack Twist: A free-spirited and adventurous cowboy who shares a forbidden love affair with Ennis del Mar.
- Alma Beers: Ennis's first wife and the mother of his two daughters; a hardworking and resilient woman who faces the heartbreak of her husband's true feelings.
- Lureen Newsome: Jack's eccentric and ambitious wife; she is a calculating businesswoman who seems to have little understanding of her husband's desires.
- Monroe: A family man and ranch boss who offers Ennis a job and becomes a friend and confidant.
- Aguirre: A rough and tough rodeo boss who employs Jack and introduces him to a life of excitement and danger.
- The Girls: Ennis and Jack's respective daughters, who symbolize the innocence and hope of the next generation.
- Richard and Earl: Secondary characters who are also in a secretive relationship, reflecting the challenges faced by Ennis and Jack.
Key Lessons
- Embrace Authenticity: Living true to oneself and acknowledging one's deepest desires is crucial for personal fulfillment.
- Overcome Obstacles: Perseverance in the face of societal and environmental challenges is a testament to one's strength and resilience.
- Seek Connection: Human relationships and the bonds we form with others can provide solace and meaning in even the most desolate of landscapes.
- Accept Loss: Grieving and coming to terms with loss is an essential part of the human experience, and it can lead to personal growth.
- Value Freedom: The pursuit and preservation of freedom, whether physical or emotional, is a fundamental right worth protecting.
My Personal Opinion
Is Close Range worth reading? Totally. I found the collection to be a profound commentary on love, freedom, and the human condition. The depth and complexity of the characters left a lasting impression on me.
I was particularly moved by the central story "Brokeback Mountain," which masterfully depicted the agony of forbidden love. On the other hand, I felt that some of the other stories in the collection did not resonate with me as deeply, and I yearned for more closure in their narratives.
In my opinion, this book is best suited for readers who appreciate literary fiction and are open to exploring themes of identity and longing. It is a compelling read for those who enjoy introspective tales that delve deep into the human psyche against the backdrop of a harsh and unyielding natural world.