I have read Fun Home before, so I will do my best to
post without giving anything away. I find the topic of Alison’s house interesting,
because her father goes to great lengths to make the house beautiful, but her
family is not close. Bechdel says at one point: “That our house was not a real
home at all but the simulacrum of one, a museum” (Bechdel 17). I believe that
Alison Bechdel’s home is an example of her father playing pretend: “He used his
skillful artifice not to make things, but to make things appear to be what they
are not” (Bechdel 16). Bruce Bechdel is hiding from his true-self and playing
the role of the perfect father. Alison’s house can never be a true home,
because Alison and her father are trapped in defying gender roles. Moreover,
this gigantic mansion is cold and separates Alison’s family from one other. I
believe a house can never truly become a home without a connected family. Is
this huge house a place for Bruce to hide from his problems?
I think you're making a really smart point Kristen. I definitely think that the home is connected to Brue's problems. As we know, Bruce was molested when he was younger, and this is something he couldn't control. I wonder if remodeling the house is a way for Bruce to "control" something in his life. I know that this behavior can be quite common for people who have experienced horrible moments in their life, such as molestation.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great point! I definitely see the house as a hide out for Bruce. Perhaps fixing it up makes him feel more patriarchal and meaningful-like he has an actual purpose. The house seems like a way for Bruce to cope, and give him the credit to say "my family is a disaster, but look at our beautiful home."
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