Essay Comparing Proulx's 'Boys And Girls'

629 Words2 Pages

To compare the treatment of the theme of sexuality in Annie Proulx's “Brokeback Mountain” and Alice Munro’s “Boys and Girls”, we will have to delve into the very intricate nuances of human relationships, societal norms, and also the consequences that follow when suppressing one's true identity. Both narratives offer immense insight into the complexities regarding sexuality, although through very different lenses and narrative strategies In the story of “Brokeback Mountain”, Proulx crafts a touching tale of forbidden love between two young men, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, in a very conservative and traditional setting in Wyoming. Wyoming, with its rugged mountainous landscapes, sets the backdrop for this story and gives it an incredible atmosphere …show more content…

Ennis and Jack’s struggles with reconciling their desires with societal norms represent the internal conflicts faced by many other individuals navigating their sexuality in a heteronormative society. Proloux's use of the setting of the natural landscape, in particular, the isolation of Brokeback Mountain, as a symbol for the protagonists refuge from societal judgment and the freedom they strive for in finding and embracing their true selves, albeit momentarily. On the other hand, “Boys and Girls” by Alice Munro offers a far more subtle exploration of sexuality within the framework of familial dynamics and gender roles. The protagonist in this story is an unnamed young girl who grapples with societal expectations regarding femininity and the constraints imposed onto her by her farming family's traditional life. Munroe uses a reflective, retrospective narrative style by interweaving the protagonist's memories to underline the formative impact her childhood experiences has had on the development of her …show more content…

Both narratives highlight the pervasive influence of societal norms and expectations on individual identity, as well as the intense consequences of suppressing one's true desires. Furthermore, both prologue and narrative stories utilize the theme of sexuality as a lens through which to explore broader themes of isolation, conformity, and the quest for self-acceptance. In “Brokeback Mountain,” nature represents the force of desire, while society condemns love. In “Boys and Girls,” the farm symbolizes tradition and confinement, contrasting with the protagonist’s inner longings. Both stories touch on gender roles. Ennis and Jack defy expectations by loving each other, while the protagonist in “Boys and Girls” challenges the limitations placed on her as a girl. While “Brokeback Mountain” ends tragically, emphasizing the impossibility of fully fitting into societal

Open Document