Ennis and Jack are cowboys in the classic sense: they're lean, tall, and not inclined to say a whole lot. But "Brokeback Mountain" throws a big wrench in that stereotype in that neither one sweeps a local cowgirl off her feet—they sweep each other off their feet, completely. What's key to understand, though, is that their sexual identities don't compromise their manly-man tendencies—they're still a ranch hand and a rodeo rider through and through. Rather their sexuality complicates their manliness, helping to poke a hole in the cowboy stereotype we've all come to know.
Questions About Men and Masculinity
- How much does Jack and Ennis's masculinity hide their sexuality and how much does it draw attention to their sexuality?
- What does the characters' assertion of their masculinity say about the world they live in and the dangers they face?
- Is Ennis's silence indicative of his masculinity in the story? Why or why not?
- How do both men's fathers impart masculinity to their sons? Why does it leave them so scarred?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Ennis's masculinity demands his silence, which is why he can't express himself the way he should.
Ennis's silence is just who he is; masculinity doesn't enter into it.