(no subject)
The story of the slave-freeing and branding is PotC canon. Other aspects of Jack and Beckett's history have been left to speculation (and plenty of fanfic writers have been happy to offer theories, particularly about Beckett's mark.)
Other than that backstory, our single most important source of information about their relationship is that fascinating AWE scene, where Beckett and Sparrow had their face-to-face negotiation aboard the Endeavor. There was obviously a heck of a lot more going on than what the dialogue revealed. The whole thing reminded me of two eels circling each other- one sleek, the other shaggy- and you can't tell if it's a prelude to a deadly fight, or a courtship ritual. Or maybe both.
I'll go out on a limb here and say, my impression is that Beckett finds Jack sexually attractive. Perhaps because Sparrow- being of lower-class background, an outlaw, an exotic half-gypsy, and a male- represents All Things Forbidden to men of Beckett's social class. And forbidden fruit is always intriguing, eh?
Indications are that Jack is aware of this attraction, and, though he can deal with it, it's definitely not mutual. Note Jack's alarmed expression upon first learning he's to be taken aboard Beckett's ship. Equally telling; watch his face when Beckett says, "I have this wonderful compass which points to whatever I want." Sparrow is clearly not at ease, knowing that what Beckett wants most is "Me. Dead." Beckett is primarily interested in killing this troublesome pirate, because he's bad for business, and Beckett always gives highest priority to his business interests. But that eloquent pause between the two words suggests, that's not the only thing Beckett might want to do to him, given the chance.
Small wonder Jack went to such extraordinary lengths to get the heck off that ship.
Other than that backstory, our single most important source of information about their relationship is that fascinating AWE scene, where Beckett and Sparrow had their face-to-face negotiation aboard the Endeavor. There was obviously a heck of a lot more going on than what the dialogue revealed. The whole thing reminded me of two eels circling each other- one sleek, the other shaggy- and you can't tell if it's a prelude to a deadly fight, or a courtship ritual. Or maybe both.
I'll go out on a limb here and say, my impression is that Beckett finds Jack sexually attractive. Perhaps because Sparrow- being of lower-class background, an outlaw, an exotic half-gypsy, and a male- represents All Things Forbidden to men of Beckett's social class. And forbidden fruit is always intriguing, eh?
Indications are that Jack is aware of this attraction, and, though he can deal with it, it's definitely not mutual. Note Jack's alarmed expression upon first learning he's to be taken aboard Beckett's ship. Equally telling; watch his face when Beckett says, "I have this wonderful compass which points to whatever I want." Sparrow is clearly not at ease, knowing that what Beckett wants most is "Me. Dead." Beckett is primarily interested in killing this troublesome pirate, because he's bad for business, and Beckett always gives highest priority to his business interests. But that eloquent pause between the two words suggests, that's not the only thing Beckett might want to do to him, given the chance.
Small wonder Jack went to such extraordinary lengths to get the heck off that ship.