Ambiguity is present in every language because each word can be interpreted slightly differently. In literature, complex ideas are often represented indirectly through the use of metaphors and symbols. Likewise, images also possess a sense of ambiguity, perhaps even more so than words, in that images are not bound by the confines of textual definitions or grammar the way words are. Graphic novels manipulate images and mix them with concise text and thus present a story. Alison Bechdel demonstrates this method of expression in her book Fun Home, a memoir that presents Alison's journey of growth as she discovers homosexuality, her own and that of her father. Ambiguity is very clearly incorporated into the graphic novel, such as the ambiguity surrounding Bruce's death which is strongly suggested to be suicidal, as well as the ambiguity of Bruce's homosexuality which was only revealed to Alison 'upon its release. There is also ambiguity in the overall dynamic of Alison and Bruce's relationship due to Bruce's detached nature. However, Alison's relationship with her mother, Helen, is much less ambiguous. The clarity of Alison's relationship with her mother clearly juxtaposes Alison's relationship with her father, and it is this juxtaposition that illustrates both the importance and dangers of ambiguity. There are two scenes in the graphic novel that highlight this nature of ambiguity: the scene where Alison is in her father's class and the scene where Alison asks Helen how she met Bruce. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay First, in the classroom scene (pages 198-199), Bechdel highlights a moment where the bond between Alison and her father becomes stronger. This turns out to be an important scene in the story, since the bond between Alison and Bruce essentially reduces the level of ambiguity in their relationship. The scene begins with Bruce, the class teacher, asking the class, of which Alison is a part, simple questions about the book Catcher in the Rye. However, the class seems disinterested, with the two students at the front not even making eye contact with Bruce. Their eyes seem half-open, and one of them even responds "I don't know" to Bruce's question, demonstrating a complete lack of respect for Bruce as well as a lack of interest in the class. Unlike these two students, Alison, who sits one row further from Bruce than the two students, answers Bruce's questions correctly. This scene basically repeats itself where Bruce asks another question and no one but Alison answers. Alison believes that she and Bruce "lacked attention" in class and that "sometimes it felt like [Bruce] and I were the only ones in the room." She also claims that her course "[is] the only one worth taking"; which, surprisingly, Bruce agrees with as he feels that Alison was "the only one in that class worth teaching." This signifies a change in dynamics in their relationship, as up until this point in the story, Bruce has always been somewhat detached with Alison. Yet here the two recognize each other and each other as someone important, or “worthy” as they put it. The phrase "starved for attention" is rather notable, because it could represent the relationship between Alison and her father: a relationship that has an absence or is "starved" of intimate emotion. This scene therefore marks the beginning of a new phase during which they discovered their mutual interest in literature and are now closer. However, it is still important torecognizing that even though they have grown closer, there is still a connection between them. sense of disconnection that exists in their relationship, as it has not been completely eliminated just by them bonding in class. As Bruce asks his questions, text boxes describe the scene's setting from Alison's perspective, and she describes one of her classmates as a "still good-looking football player." This shows how there is still some disinterest in her father's teaching, as she is not fully engaged. This is also seen in the way she mumbles "um" before answering the second question, instead of answering it enthusiastically. Thus, there is still a barrier between Alison and her father, a barrier that would otherwise not exist or be as significant, in an ideal romantic relationship between a daughter and her father. Additionally, this is illustrated by her father's solemn expression throughout the scene, despite the fact that the "only person worth teaching", who also happens to be his daughter, responds to him with all world that disrespects him. There is no sign of happiness or pride. On the other hand, Bechdel also illustrates when ambiguity proves harmful for Alison and Bruce. In the scene where Alison asks her mother, Helen, how she met Bruce, Helen simply responds, "I don't remember." Continue mixing. I have to concentrate on what I’m doing.” (p67 - p68). Bechdel then admits in the text outside the panel that she "witnessed only two gestures of affection between" her parents, two incidents which turn out to be something as minor as Helen "putting her hand on [Bruce’s] back.” As in the first scene, the facial expressions in the images are mostly expressionless, again emphasizing the disconnection and lack of emotion within the family. However, there is a panel where Alison shows expressions, unlike the classroom scene. This is the panel where Alison seems surprised by her parents when they first "peck" in front of Alison. Within this panel, Alison said she was “surprised and disconcerted”. It's clear that the adjective "astonished" is being used negatively in this context, and by using these two words that share negative connotations, it generates a stark contrast between Alison's reaction and how one would react if their parents did the same thing in a similar context. ordinary household. The fact that Alison was "disconcerted" by her parents' pecks shows the dangers of ambiguity in a relationship. The ambiguity here lies in Alison's suspicions regarding her parents' love, and this ambiguity persists due to the lack of confirmation from an individual. As an example, Helen simply asks Alison to stop asking questions about Helen's relationship with Bruce, but neither of them deliberately confirm anything. The existence of this ambiguity leads Alison to become accustomed to a family without intimacy or true love. Additionally, this has the effect of impacting Alison's own personality, as her detached upbringing leads her to become detached herself. This is illustrated by Alison's lack of response when she finds out about her father's death, describing how her family also had an impact on her personality. As well as impacting her personality, the ambiguity has also harmed Alison in that she never truly feels free from the guilt of her father's death, as she wonders if his suicide caused to do with her decision to become a lesbian. Alison never manages to discover the truth about her father, because she never really understood him. This is evident in that she only finds out about her father's homosexuality indirectly...