Genre
A short story
Setting and Context
The action of "Brokeback Mountain" takes place in the 60s in Wyoming, America.
Narrator and Point of View
The narrator of the short story is third0person.
Tone and Mood
The mood is tragic because of the sad story of two men – Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The main protagonists are Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar. The main antagonist is society in the 60s.
Major Conflict
The main conflict occurs between Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar and non-traditional orientation and society. At the time, American society does not admit same-sex marriage and is hostile to same-sex relationships. That is why the main characters cannot be together.
Climax
The climax happens when the main character Jack Twist dies. Ennis thinks that homophobes killed Jack.
Foreshadowing
American society against same-sex marriages, so it foreshadows the fact that Ennis and Jack will not be able to be together.
Understatement
N/A
Allusions
The short story alludes to Carl Perkins (a singer), Riverton, Wyoming, Childress, Texas and other geographical positions.
Imagery
Imagery is widely used in characters descriptions. Also vivid images of nature are provided, which serve as a background for the events descriped
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
There is a parallel of love and hatred. While Jack and Ennis love each other, they show their hatred and indifference to their wives Alma and Lureen.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Nature personifies the spirit of the mountains. When the reader reads the description of Brokeback Mountain, he or she can imagine the cold wind, the noise of rivers, the singing of birds and the howl of coyotes. Everything comes alive.