Brokeback Mountains

Brokeback Mountain
overview
Themes
Main Charcaters
Its the early 1960s, and two earthy ranch hands fall in love in Wyoming's soaring mountains. Struggling with their emotions and society's expectations, they seek an uneasy balance between their romance and the demands of a homophobic and unforgiving world.
Consequences of Choices
Jack and Ennis's lives are defined by the choices they make and the ones they avoid.
Intolerance
Society treats gay people with disdain, rejection, and violence.
Love
The two men share a physical and emotional bond, yet their relationship leads to tragedy.
Ennis del Mar
Struggling ranch hand; cannot publicly acknowledge feelings for Jack
Jack Twist
Ranch hand and rodeo cowboy; wants Ennis to live with him
Joe Aguirre
Forest Service foreman; hires Ennis and Jack and spies on them
Author
Symbols
Brokeback Mountain
Symbolizes love, happiness,and life-altering experience
Shirts
Embody the hidden love and forbidden desire between Jack and Ennis
Tire Iron
Represents bias and violence
towards gay peolple
ANNIE PROULX BORN 1935
An award-winning author, Proulx chooses rural settings and eccentric characters for her writing. In part she intended "Brokeback Mountain" as a critical look at "the mythology of the West"—the manly cowboy world—in hopes of creating empathy for people who don't follow societal norms.
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