Fun Home by Alison Bechdel and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne Essay Example

mythological metaphor to compare Alison and her father Bruce's relationship to that of Icarus and Daedalus. In some ways, both characters embody elements of the Greek myth. Alison seeks to escape Beach Creek just as Icarus longs to escape Crete, while Bruce yearns to break free from his small hometown. Alison's father, through his emphasis on aesthetics, influences her distaste for the ornamental. When Alison comes out, it gives Bruce the courage to acknowledge and accept his own sexuality. Similar to Daedalus, Bruce fulfills a craftsman role within their elaborate home. Bechdel describes these parallels as "a tricky reverse narration that impels our entwined stories" (Bechdel, 2006, p. 232). It is evident that Alison both conforms to and rebels against the patriarchal society within her family. Fun Home and The Scarlet Letter both emphasize traditional feminine ideals.

Both characters, Alison and Hester, experience suppression of their femininity. However, they differ in how their femininity is affected. Alison chooses to reject her femininity, while Hester's femininity is forcefully silenced. In the graphic novel Fun Home, Alison defies her parents' desires and societal expectations by opting for masculine clothing instead of traditionally "girly" attire. She cuts her hair short, refuses to wear pearls, and appreciates masculine tailoring. Unlike her father, who sexualizes men, Alison admires the power and strength associated with masculinity (Bechdel, 2006, pp. 98-9). Conversely, Hester's femininity is suppressed due to the norms of her society. Puritan women were expected to dress modestly in dark and "drab" colors that reflected their social status (Bremer, 1995, p. 9).

Hester adheres to this ideal and only when she encounters Dimmesdale in the woods can she truly let her hair

down and liberate her femininity. Nevertheless, there is one exception in the form of Hester's exquisitely-embroidered letter 'A'. One of the women who observe her in the market square exclaims, "She possesses great skill with her needle... but has any woman, prior to this shameless hussy, devised such a method to display it? ...what is it other than scoffing at our righteous leaders and transforming their intended punishment into a source of pride?" (Hawthorne, 1992, ch. 2) It becomes apparent here that Hester adorns the symbol of her transgression in order to assert control over it, thereby directly subverting the patriarchy's intentions.

Both Fun Home and Hester feature female characters who express themselves through creative mediums. In Fun Home, Alison discovers her talent for illustration, while Hester showcases her impressive embroidery skills. Bechdel describes her family unit in Fun Home as resembling an artists' colony, where they would eat together but be absorbed in their individual pursuits. This is visually depicted with an image of their family home, showing each member as a silhouette engrossed in their own creative projects.

Moreover, the author expresses herself through her creativity in the graphic novel memoir. Hester, the protagonist, showcases her artistic abilities by adorning the scarlet letter with golden thread. The townspeople greatly appreciate Hester's embroidery and even commission her work. This portrays hypocrisy within the Puritan society, where they ostracize Hester but still benefit from her artistic talent.

The concept of heroism in literature is typically associated with male characters. The term 'hero' itself implies a strong male figure, whether in Greco-Roman mythology or children's comics. However, exploring female heroism offers an interesting perspective as it emphasizes emotional strength

rather than physical prowess. Both Fun Home and The Scarlet Letter challenge the stereotype of the 'weaker sex' by presenting emotionally resilient female characters who possess strength of character. Overcoming adversity and staying true to oneself are highly valued traits in both these works.

The idea that Alison is a hero is intriguing because one could argue that her true heroic act is accepting herself and her sexuality, ultimately defining her own identity as a woman. In a letter from her father, he acknowledges this by saying, "Choosing sides is quite heroic, and I am not a hero" (Bechdel, 2006, p. 211). Despite being raised in a household with strict literary values, Alison discovers her true self through the exploration of gay and lesbian literature.

Alison utilizes the tools bestowed upon her by her parents to forge her own unique identity. Her defiance of her parents' desires, such as donning boys' clothing and cutting her hair short, can be viewed as a commendable act of bravery and heroism. Moreover, through the publication of Fun Home, Alison fearlessly shares the most intimate aspects of her life, which can be perceived as a heroic accomplishment. Hence, both as a literary character and as an author, Alison Bechdel challenges the stereotype of being the 'weaker sex'. Hester's ability to maintain her strength through silence throughout the novella also positions her as a hero.

According to Simone de Beauvoir, no group can establish itself as the "One" without simultaneously establishing the "Other" as well. In Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, the Puritans categorize Hester as this "Other," viewing her as a role model against which they compare their own lives. The

women watching in the marketplace criticize and look down upon Hester, while her daughter Pearl is also mistreated by the town's children...

The little Puritans, being of the most intolerant brood that ever lived, had a general understanding of something foreign, otherworldly, or in opposition to normal customs in the mother and child, and thus despised them in their hearts and often insulted them with their words. ' (Hawthorne, 1992, ch.6) Hester silently bears this judgement - usually an indication of passivity, but here a symbol of emotional fortitude, which challenges the stereotype of the 'weaker sex'. Therefore, it can be argued that Fun Home and The Scarlet Letter both depict courageous women who have displayed emotional strength during difficult times. In both works, the female protagonists defy patriarchal norms.

Both Alison Bechdel and Hester Prynne demonstrate heroism in their own unique ways. Alison embraces her homosexuality and accepts herself, while Hester showcases strength through her silence and determination to not be forced out of her home. As a result, both women portray bravery and become heroic figures.