Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ is a collection of short stories that explores the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the American West. Through her vivid descriptions and complex characters, Proulx provides a glimpse into the lives of those who call this rugged terrain home. This article will provide a summary of the book, highlighting some of its most compelling stories and themes.
Background of Annie Proulx
Annie Proulx was born on August 22, 1935, in Norwich, Connecticut. She grew up in a family of farmers and learned to appreciate the natural world from an early age. Proulx attended the University of Vermont, where she earned a degree in history. After graduation, she worked as a journalist for several years before turning to fiction writing. Proulx’s first novel, “Postcards,” was published in 1991 and won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. She is also the author of “The Shipping News,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1994. Proulx is known for her vivid descriptions of the natural world and her ability to capture the unique voices of her characters. Her work often explores themes of isolation, loss, and the struggle to survive in harsh environments. In “Close Range: Wyoming Stories,” Proulx turns her attention to the American West, a landscape that has long fascinated her. The collection of short stories offers a gritty, unflinching look at life in rural Wyoming, where the characters are often at the mercy of the harsh climate and unforgiving terrain.
Overview of ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’
“Close Range: Wyoming Stories” is a collection of short stories written by Annie Proulx, published in 1999. The book consists of eleven stories that are set in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Wyoming. Proulx’s writing style is known for its vivid descriptions of the natural world and its ability to capture the essence of the human experience. The stories in “Close Range” are no exception, as they explore themes of love, loss, and survival in the Wild West. From the brutal realities of ranch life to the complexities of human relationships, Proulx’s stories offer a unique and compelling perspective on life in Wyoming. Whether you’re a fan of Western literature or simply looking for a captivating read, “Close Range: Wyoming Stories” is a must-read.
Setting and Themes
Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ is set in the rugged and unforgiving landscape of Wyoming, where the characters are forced to confront the harsh realities of life in the Wild West. The stories are infused with themes of isolation, violence, and the struggle for survival in a world where the odds are stacked against you. Proulx’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters’ interactions with it create a sense of place that is both haunting and beautiful. The stories in ‘Close Range’ are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the sacrifices that were made in the pursuit of a better life in the American West.
Characters in the Stories
Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ is a collection of short stories that explores the lives of various characters living in the Wild West. The characters in these stories are complex and multifaceted, each with their own unique struggles and desires. From ranchers and cowboys to prostitutes and immigrants, Proulx’s characters are a diverse group that reflects the diversity of the American West. Despite their differences, however, they are all united by their shared experiences of living in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Through her vivid and evocative prose, Proulx brings these characters to life, painting a rich and nuanced portrait of the Wild West and the people who call it home. Whether you are a fan of Western literature or simply enjoy well-crafted stories about complex characters, ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ is a must-read.
‘The Half-Skinned Steer’
“The Half-Skinned Steer” is one of the most haunting stories in Annie Proulx’s “Close Range: Wyoming Stories.” The story follows an elderly man named Mero who receives news of his brother’s death and decides to make the long journey back to his childhood home in Wyoming. As he travels, memories of his past flood back to him, including a particularly gruesome encounter with a half-skinned steer. The story is a meditation on the passage of time and the ways in which our memories can haunt us, even as we try to leave them behind. Proulx’s vivid descriptions of the Wyoming landscape and the harsh realities of ranch life make “The Half-Skinned Steer” a powerful and unforgettable read.
‘Brokeback Mountain’
One of the most well-known stories in Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ is “Brokeback Mountain.” This story follows the lives of two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, who fall in love while working together as sheepherders in the mountains of Wyoming. The story explores the complexities of their relationship and the challenges they face as they try to navigate their feelings in a society that does not accept their love. “Brokeback Mountain” was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2005, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. The story and film have become iconic representations of LGBTQ+ love in the Wild West.
‘The Mud Below’
“The Mud Below” is a short story in Annie Proulx’s “Close Range: Wyoming Stories” that explores the harsh realities of rodeo life. The protagonist, Diamond Felts, is a young rodeo rider who dreams of making it big in the sport. However, his dreams are shattered when he is injured during a rodeo and left paralyzed from the waist down. The story follows Diamond as he struggles to come to terms with his new reality and find a sense of purpose in his life. Proulx’s vivid descriptions of the rodeo circuit and the Wyoming landscape add depth and realism to the story, making it a powerful exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
‘Job History’
Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ is a collection of short stories that explores the lives of people living in the American West. One of the recurring themes in the book is the struggle of characters to find work and make a living in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The ‘Job History’ section of the book provides a glimpse into the various occupations that the characters have held over the years, from ranch hands and cowboys to oil rig workers and truck drivers. Through these stories, Proulx highlights the challenges and dangers that come with working in the West, as well as the resilience and determination of those who call it home.
‘Pair a Spurs’
In Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’, the story ‘Pair a Spurs’ follows the life of a young cowboy named Mero. The story is set in the rugged terrain of Wyoming, where Mero works as a ranch hand. The story explores the themes of love, loss, and the harsh realities of life in the Wild West. Mero falls in love with a woman named Rollo, but their relationship is cut short when she dies in a tragic accident. The story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in the Wild West, where danger lurks around every corner. Proulx’s vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters bring the story to life, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West.
‘The Blood Bay’
“The Blood Bay” is one of the most haunting stories in Annie Proulx’s “Close Range: Wyoming Stories.” It tells the tale of a young cowboy named Mero who becomes obsessed with a wild horse, a blood bay mare, that he sees on the range. Mero is determined to capture the horse and make her his own, but the mare is elusive and dangerous. As Mero’s obsession grows, he becomes more and more reckless, putting himself and others in danger. The story is a powerful exploration of the wildness that exists both in nature and in human nature, and the tragic consequences that can result when we try to tame it.
‘People in Hell Just Want a Drink of Water’
In the short story “People in Hell Just Want a Drink of Water,” Annie Proulx explores the harsh realities of life in the Wild West. The story follows a group of ranchers who are struggling to survive in a drought-stricken landscape. As they search for water, they encounter a group of Native Americans who are also in desperate need of water. The two groups are initially wary of each other, but they eventually come together in a moment of shared desperation. Proulx’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and compassion in times of hardship.
‘The Bunchgrass Edge of the World’
“The Bunchgrass Edge of the World” is one of the most captivating stories in Annie Proulx’s “Close Range: Wyoming Stories.” The story follows the life of a rancher named Mero, who lives in a remote area of Wyoming known as the “bunchgrass edge of the world.” Mero’s life is one of isolation and hardship, as he struggles to make a living in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Despite the challenges he faces, Mero is determined to hold onto his way of life, even as the world around him changes. Proulx’s vivid descriptions of the Wyoming wilderness and the characters who inhabit it make “The Bunchgrass Edge of the World” a must-read for anyone interested in the American West.
‘A Lonely Coast’
“A Lonely Coast” is one of the most haunting stories in Annie Proulx’s “Close Range: Wyoming Stories.” Set in the desolate landscape of Wyoming, the story follows a young woman named Mero as she struggles to make a life for herself in a place where there are few opportunities and even fewer people. Mero’s only companion is her dog, a loyal and loving creature who is her constant source of comfort and companionship. As she wanders the lonely coast, Mero reflects on the harsh realities of life in the West, where the land is unforgiving and the people are few and far between. Despite the challenges she faces, Mero remains determined to make a life for herself, and her resilience and courage are a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. “A Lonely Coast” is a powerful and moving story that captures the essence of life in the West, and it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who call this rugged and beautiful land home.
‘The Governors of Wyoming’
Wyoming has had a total of 32 governors since it became a state in 1890. The first governor was Francis E. Warren, who served from 1890 to 1893. He was a Republican and a Civil War veteran. Some of the notable governors of Wyoming include Nellie Tayloe Ross, who was the first female governor in the United States and served from 1925 to 1927, and Dave Freudenthal, who served from 2003 to 2011 and was known for his efforts to protect Wyoming’s natural resources. The current governor of Wyoming is Mark Gordon, who took office in 2019.
Symbolism and Imagery
In Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’, symbolism and imagery play a significant role in conveying the themes and emotions of the stories. The harsh and unforgiving landscape of Wyoming is a recurring symbol throughout the collection, representing the harsh realities of life in the West. The characters are often depicted as being at the mercy of the land, struggling to survive in a world that is both beautiful and dangerous.
In the story “Brokeback Mountain”, the mountain itself serves as a powerful symbol of the forbidden love between Ennis and Jack. The mountain is a place where they can be themselves and express their love freely, but it is also a place that they must keep secret from the rest of the world. The mountain becomes a symbol of their love, but also of the isolation and loneliness that comes with it.
Proulx’s use of imagery is also notable in the collection. In “The Half-Skinned Steer”, the image of the steer being skinned is a gruesome and vivid depiction of death and decay. The image is used to convey the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. Similarly, in “Job History”, the image of the protagonist’s hands being covered in grease and oil is a powerful symbol of the dehumanizing nature of work and the loss of identity that comes with it.
Overall, Proulx’s use of symbolism and imagery in ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ adds depth and complexity to the collection, allowing readers to explore the themes and emotions of the stories in a more nuanced way.
Writing Style and Techniques
Annie Proulx’s writing style in “Close Range: Wyoming Stories” is characterized by its rawness and authenticity. She uses vivid descriptions and colloquial language to transport the reader to the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Wyoming. Proulx also employs a unique narrative structure, often jumping between different characters and time periods, to create a sense of interconnectedness between the stories. Additionally, she uses symbolism and metaphor to explore themes of isolation, violence, and the struggle for survival in the Wild West. Overall, Proulx’s writing style and techniques make “Close Range: Wyoming Stories” a powerful and unforgettable collection of stories.
Reception and Criticism
Annie Proulx’s “Close Range: Wyoming Stories” has received both critical acclaim and mixed reception since its publication in 1999. The collection of short stories explores the harsh realities of life in the American West, with themes of isolation, violence, and the struggle for survival. Some critics have praised Proulx’s vivid descriptions and ability to capture the essence of the West, while others have criticized the bleakness of the stories and the lack of hope for the characters. Despite the mixed reception, “Close Range” remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on the American West.
Adaptations and Legacy
Annie Proulx’s ‘Close Range: Wyoming Stories’ has left a lasting impact on the literary world. The collection of short stories, which explore the harsh realities of life in the American West, has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film, ‘Brokeback Mountain’. The film, directed by Ang Lee, was a box office success and received numerous awards, including three Academy Awards. Proulx’s writing has also inspired other authors to explore similar themes in their own work, cementing her legacy as a pioneer of Western literature.