Bruce vs Alison: A cautionary tale

Throughout Fun Home there are snippets of text where we can compare the lives of Alison and Bruce. Primarily these comparisons consist of the difference in how they view and express their sexual identity. Bruce, possibly as a result of the time he grew up in, lives a very repressed and artificial life. In Alison's eyes, Bruce's is not only a victim, but also a cautionary tale. 

Similarities. Bruce and Alison are similar in a few ways. For the most part, Alison's similarities to Bruce are likely because she learned certain things from him. The main similarity they share is their level of discomfort when discussing their sexuality with each other. The scene that best exemplifies this is their car ride on the way to the movies. They have a very brief and awkward conversation in which Bruce maintains a very monotonous look. I think reason why Alison has trouble expressing herself to Bruce is her prior experiences with him. Firstly, Bruce attempted to control the way Alison dressed. From this age, Alison was fed the idea that there was a set way she should and shouldn't act in front of her dad. Also, when they both saw the women dressed in men's clothing at the diner, Bruce asks in an almost disgusted manner, "is that what you want to look like?" (Bechdel 118). This likely invoked a level of fear and shame for Alison to have conversations relating to her sexuality with her dad. Another example of a similarity between them is their use of literature to express themselves. They often communicate by book recommendations.

A key difference between the two characters is the level of self-acceptance they have. Unlike Alison who openly accepts her identity, Bruce hides his true identity under a veil. He attempts to maintain a certain stereotypical family image, seen in the amount of detail he puts into the family home. Alison is different than Bruce in that she doesn't hide from her identity. She comes out to her parents in a letter, actively participates in and embraces the queer community, and regards the woman in the diner as someone she identifies with. I think to a large extent the differences between the two characters form because Bruce serves as a warning to Alison. She can see how much he obsesses over artificial appearance (the house) than the actual truth, and how that ruins his life. His life of secrecy and repression is highly unappealing to Alison.