ipl-logo

Domesticity And Family In Ringo's On Brokeback Mountain

1604 Words7 Pages

Ringo, the young outlaw, is masculine and charming. But, under his layers of rock, Ringo has wishes of domestication much like Lassiter. Ringo was left without a family after their tragic murder. In fact, he was left entirely alone, away from society, as he was locked up in prison directly following the murder. For Ringo, his relationship with Dallas represents a sort of head start to return to the ways of domesticity and family. According to Cawelti, women are synonymous with the meaning of the word “town”. Both represent love, domesticity, and family. (Cawelti 31) In addition, Ringo yearns for a paradise which includes Dallas. He does not want to be assimilated into society, but he does not want to continue living his life in solitude.
By understanding these needs, Dallas is the perfect companion. She understands what it is like to be shunned from society. According to …show more content…

Ennis appears shy, and it is evident that he does not talk freely. On the other hand, Jack appears lively and confident. According to Eric Patterson, a professor of American studies and American literature, in On Brokeback Mountain: Meditations about Masculinity, Fear, and Love in the Story and the Film, the men’s first exchange of words shows Jack’s confidence and sociability, and Ennis’s insecurity and indifference (12). In that scene, Jack boldly jokes with Ennis about his name, and Ennis shyly responds. Patterson adds to the contrast of the characters by stating, “Where Jack is animated, Ennis is withdrawn” (10). This first encounter can also be decoded by the clothing each man wears. Ennis’s shirt was fully buttoned, but Jack was showing some skin at the neck (Patterson 11). From this, one can infer that Ennis is quite reserved, both in his sexuality and his emotions, and Jack is very open in both of these categories. This contrast of personality characteristics helps to develop both

Open Document