Fun Home

 In Bechdel’s Fun Home, the theme of outward appearance creating a false narrative is present in many of the characters. This is first seen in Allison’s father with how he decorates the house to portray himself as wealthy and put together. Allison describes him as “an alchemist of appearance, a savant of surface, a daedalus of decor” (Bechdel, 6). How he chooses to present himself differs greatly from his internal struggles. Bechdel comments on this when she writes, “He appeared to be an ideal husband and father, for example. But would an ideal husband and father have sex with teenage boys?” (Bechdel, 17). The way that her father presents himself does not reflect his true character or actions. 

While Allison’s father is the starkest example of this theme, Allison and her mother both also have trouble with the way they present themselves not reflecting them accurately. Growing up, Allison often fought with her father about the clothes she wore and how she did her hair. Allison’s father wanted her to present as very feminine but Allison pushed back. When Allison goes off to college and gets older, she is able to express herself how she wants to. Only at this point is Allison able to match her outward appearance with her internal identity. 

Allison’s mother also is an example of this theme. When she is in her play, Bechdel includes two photographs of her mother - one during her play and one the week before. Bechdel writes, “In a photo taken a week before the play opened, she’s literally holding herself together” (Bechdel, 164). In this photo, her mother is curled up on a rocking chair looking exhausted. In the photo of her on stage she looks strong and lively. Bechdel notes, “But in her publicity shot as Lady Bracknell, she’s a victorian dominatrix to rival wilde himself” (Bechdel, 164). The dichotomy between these two images shows how Allison’s mom is able to embody the character she is playing, even if that character takes the life out of her real self. 

These three examples are very different but all portray the theme that appearances are not what they seem. It is interesting that this theme is present in three different characters all at different points of the book. This serves as a reminder to readers that there is more to people than what is on the surface. 

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