Below the surface of the Bechdel Family

 In Fun Home, appearances play a large role in how the Bechdel family lives. Their house, restored by the father Bruce, is full of antique furniture, with every detail made to perfection; and from the outside, it all almost seems perfect. Though, as we get the full story, we learn that isn't the case and that they aren't put together as they may seem on the outside. 

Allison's father, is someone who cares very deeply about the appearance of things. He spends most of his time fixing the house and the yard, making sure it looks jsut how he wants it to. As Allison illustrates and brings you through the home, it almost feels like a museum, where each piece has a place. Though it makes for a beautiful home, it doesn't make for a comfortable one, the house is more for looks rather than a place to actually live. 

As we learn later in the book, this attention to appearance is directly connected to dto Bruce and his own life. To others he presents himself as a remarkable father, and seems well rounded overall, but there are many secrets to his life. Instead of being open with these secrets, he hides them to maintain his perfect image. 

As Allison grows up, she starts to notice the difference, the gap between his image and reality. Even though her whole life her family lived in a beautiful home, it was a cover up for the lack of communication. Many important things were left unsaid, and throughout the book, it feels as though everyone is trying to keep conflicts at bay to appear "normal" on the surface. 

In a way, the home reflects the Bechdel family. From the outside it looks perfect, but inside, there is much more to it. Bruce uses the homes restored furniture as a way to have control, just as he controls the family. Because of this Allison becomes more interested in Bruce, and questions many things about her childhood after his death.

Overall, Fun Home shows that things aren't always as they appear. The Bechdel family seemed perfect, as did their home. But, in reality there was more to both the family and the home. The family had many problems, and the house was built from restored junk. It reminds us that not everything is perfect, even it appears that way.