Masculinity and Sexuality Essay

Masculinity and Sexuality: The Importance of Understanding Modern Sexuality in Annie Proulx’s “Brokeback Mountain” There have always been specific views on the meaning of masculinity and sexuality as concepts. The typical Christian view of sexuality has dominated since, essentially, the conversion of Constantine. This view can be widely contrasted with that of modern sexuality. Annie Proulx’s “Brokeback Mountain” is a short story that follows the adult life of two cowboys names Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist. While one might believe that sexuality is eternal and rigid and one must conform in order to appease society, Proulx criticizes the dominant view of masculinity in relation to sexuality. By analyzing the sexual identity of Jack and Ennis and its effects, stereotypical masculinity, and societal views of sexuality, one can understand Proulx’s critique of typical masculinity and sexuality. The concept of sexual identity influences Jack and Ennis’ self-image and actions. From the beginning of the novella, Proulx emphasizes the lifestyle of both Jack and Ennis, notably their ruggedness and use of colloquial language. After their first intimate encounter at Brokeback Mountain, Ennis states that “‘I’m not no queer’” ( Proulx 64). This short, yet extremely interesting statement effectively demonstrates their inability to express how they feel. This is due to the fact that society has always had a clear and strict view of masculinity, which is dominant, logical, and apathetic, to name a few. Thus, Ennis represses his homosexuality, while Jack adds that he agrees. However, one may believe this Freudian slip is an attempt to defy both typical masculinity and sexuality because of his double negative. In addition, “Jack butted against [Ennis]; without saying anything about it both knew how it would go for the rest of the summer, sheep be damned” (Proulx 64). Evidently, both of the characters knew that their intimate relationship was not a figment of their imaginations but rather something that happened, which they specifically would not speak about. Due to all the stigma, notably of the era in which they lived, homosexuality was not only frowned upon but also seen as a sin that had life-threatening repercussions. To make matters more difficult, both Jack and Ennis were not people of high class with much social, economic or human capital; they had to abide by society’s rules in order to survive. Therefore, their awareness of their homosexuality directly influenced their actions (sexual or otherwise) and how they even perceived themselves. Stereotypical masculinity remains unchanged, as presented in Proulx’s depiction of two typical cowboys. From the very beginning of the novella, Proulx describes Jack and Ennis as being: “brought up to hard work and privation, both rough-mannered, rough-spoken, inured to the stoic life” (Proulx 60). Hence, one understands typical masculinity, in terms of how a man must act, as well as verbal and nonverbal communications, which is quite rough. In addition, the way they expressed their sexualities and feelings towards each other were both non-expressive, yet violent as noted through the aforementioned quotes. Another example where expected masculine traits are demonstrated are in the scenes between Ennis and his wife Alma, as well as Jack and Ennis’ own discussions of fatherhood and their own marriages. An evident example is when Ennis says, “‘I’m stuck with what I got, caught in my own loop. Can’t get out of it. Jack, I don’t wanna a be like them guys you see around sometimes. And I don’t want a be dead’” (Proulx 70). Evidently, he stuck with what he had because it was the right manly thing to do. In a sense, they rathered be intimate with one another in secret than defy social norms by leaving their families and embracing their homosexuality. To strengthen this masculinity, when Alma finally confronted Jack about his true relationship with Ennis, he responded with extreme anger and violence, which was expected of men: the use of force and brutality trumped the use of calm reasoning and logic for it was the woman’s job to remain calm and passive (Proulx 72). Proulx’s depiction of Jack and Ennis is a clear example of the view of masculinity spewed by society during the era, which has to be abided by in order to survive. Although sexuality is fluid and continues to make progress in our society, Jack and Ennis’ own views of homosexuality attempt to dictate their sexualities. The history of sexuality is one of both oppression, regulation, conformity, and resistance. Our modern Western understanding of sexuality. Although there were many highs (and lows) in the West, the 1960s was defined as sexual freedom and big strives towards gender equality. Nevertheless, there were and continue to be strict standards for sexuality. This plays a role in the sexuality of both Jack and Ennis because their somewhat repressed sexualities are based on their own experiences in the society in which they live, while while their true sexualities exist independently of their society. Jack’s experience with his dad made him believe that “‘[if] he was alive and was to put his head in that door right now you bet he’d go get his tire iron. Two guys livin together? No’” (Proulx 70). He was so traumatized by his own experience as a child, making him repress his sexualityto a point where he would be offended by the thought of the true essence of his sexual identity. Nevertheless, the way he feels towards Ennis is something he cannot escape because what he feels is real and true. On a less extreme case however, Ennis’ view of homosexuality is based on how he feels with Jack, which is something he has never felt with a woman before, even though he knows a happy life for the two of them together is impossible due to their circumstances and the society the live in. Sexuality has changed countless times, yet Jack and Ennis’ own personal experiences in society dictate the way the express their homosexuality, as well as how the feel about their own sexual identities. By analyzing the effects of Jack and Ennis’ sexual identities, stereotypical masculinity, and societal views of sexuality, one can understand Proulx’s critique of archetypal masculinity and sexuality. This is not to say that the way Proulx depicts both of these concepts is incorrect. Rather, she highlights the essential role they play in the lives of people, as seen through Jack and Ennis. In addition, by showing their harsh reality on society, Proulx attempts to urge readers to be more conscious of the importance of understanding modern masculinity and sexuality.