Alison Bechdel's "Fun Home" is a novel of what has become typical American growing-up for teens today. In rural Pennsylvania, Bechdel recalls issues of her relationship with her father, dysfunctional family life, suicide, gender roles, and especially sexual orientation. Bechdel documents in a graphic, textual memoir, her development of lesbian feelings and her eventual realization of her sexual orientation; all which did not add up to a "fun home."
I believe Bechdel uses an ironic, humorous title to show the struggles of growing up in American in a oxymoronic way. Teen life has become hard for most of America, but Bechdel shows the additional hardship of growing up in question of one's sexual orientation. Her experiences at the time they happen are certainly anything but "fun." The ironic title draws in a reader and allows them to understand Bechdel's humorous, light hearted way of looking at her own not always light-hearted life. There is also emphasis on the word "home" in title, as it is clear once Bechdel left for college, she began to understand herself and escape her dysfunction as she meets Joan, her first girlfriend and first sexual lesbian experience.
In analyzing a story, a title is always important to take into consideration as it is the first piece of information one takes in before they even begin reading. In Bechdel's choice, "Fun Home," says a lot, as explained it shows how she can look back and recollect with a sense of humor and peace, but it also really comments on how the American life is lived behind the scenes and the complete opposite portrayal families present on the outside.
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