Ambiguity is present in every language as 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 than words, since images are not bound within the limits of textual definitions or grammar as words are. Graphic novels manipulate images and blend them with concise text and present a story in this way. Alison Bechdel demonstrates this method of expression in her book Fun Home, a memoir that shows Alison's growth journey as she discovers homosexuality, both her own and her father's. Ambiguity is incorporated very clearly into the graphic novel, such as the ambiguity around Bruce's death being strongly suggested to be a suicide, as well as the ambiguity of Bruce's homosexuality not being revealed to Alison until he came out out first. There is also ambiguity in the overall dynamics of Alison and Bruce's relationship due to Bruce's aloof nature. However, Alison's relationship with her mother, Helen, is much less ambiguous. The clarity that exists in the relationship between Alison and 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 classroom 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, in the classroom scene (pp. 198 - 199), Bechdel highlights a moment where the bond between Alison and her father becomes stronger. This proves to be a significant scene in the story, as the bond between Alison and Bruce substantially reduces the level of ambiguity in their relationship. The scene begins with Bruce, the class teacher, asking the class, of which Alison is a member, simple questions about the book Catcher in the Rye. However, the class appears to be disinterested, with the two students in front unable to even make eye contact with Bruce. Their eyes appear to be half open, and one even replies "I don't know" to Bruce's question, showing a complete lack of respect for Bruce as well as a lack of interest in the class. In contrast to these two students, Alison, who sits one row further away from Bruce than the two students, answers Bruce's questions correctly. This scene essentially repeats itself where Bruce asks another question and no one but Alison answers. Alison believes that both Bruce and she "starved for attention" in class, and that "sometimes it was like [Bruce] and I were the only ones in the room." He also states that his course "[is] the only one worth taking"; which, surprisingly, Bruce agrees with as he believes that Alison was "the only one in that class worth teaching". This means a change in dynamics in their relationship, as so far in the story Bruce has always been somewhat detached from Alison. Yet, here the two recognize each other and recognize each other as someone significant, or “worthy,” as they say. The phrase "hungry for attention" is quite noteworthy, as it could represent the relationship between Alison and her father: a relationship that has an absence, or is "hungry" for intimate emotions. So, this scene marks the beginning of a new phase where the two discover their mutual interest in literature and are now closer. However, it is still important to recognize that even though the two have grown closer, there is still a sense ofdisconnect that exists in their relationship, as it wasn't completely eliminated just by the bond between the two of them in class. As Bruce asks his questions, there are text boxes describing the setting of the scene from Alison's perspective, and he describes one of his classmates as an "always handsome football player." This shows how there is still a certain disinterest in her father's teachings, as she is not fully involved in it. This is also demonstrated by the way he mutters “uhh” before answering the second question, instead of answering enthusiastically. Therefore, a barrier still exists between Alison and her father, a barrier that otherwise would not exist or would not be as significant, in an ideal loving relationship between a daughter and her father. Furthermore, this is exemplified by his father's solemn expression throughout the scene, even though the "only person worth teaching", who also happens to be his daughter, responds to him with disrespect from all others. There is no sign of happiness or pride. On the other hand, Bechdel also illustrates when ambiguity proves harmful to Alison and Bruce. In the scene where Alison asks her mother, Helen, how she met Bruce, Helen simply replies “I don't remember. Continue mixing. I have to focus on what I'm doing." (page 67 - page 68). Bechdel then confesses in off-panel text that she has "witnessed only two gestures of affection between" her parents, both incidents which turn out to be something as minor as Helen "putting her hand on [Bruce's] back". Similar to the first scene, the facial expressions within the images are mostly expressionless, which once again highlights the disconnection and lack of emotion within the family. However, there is one panel where Alison shows expressions, unlike the classroom scene. It's the panel where Alison appears to be surprised by her parents when they first "caught" in front of Alison. Within this panel, Alison says she is “amazed and baffled.” It is clear that the adjective "astonished" is being used negatively in this context, and by using these two words that share negative connotations, a stark contrast is drawn between Alison's reaction and how one would react if her parents did the same thing in a similar situation. ordinary family. The fact that Alison was “baffled” by her parents' pecking shows the dangers of ambiguity in a relationship. The ambiguity here lies in Alison's suspicion of her parents' love, and this ambiguity persists due to the lack of confirmation from any individual. For example, Helen simply asks Alison to stop asking questions about Helen's relationship with Bruce, but neither deliberately. confirms nothing. The existence of this ambiguity leads Alison to get used to a family devoid of intimacy and genuine love. Furthermore, this extends to the effect of affecting Alison's personality, as her aloof upbringing leads her to become aloof herself. This is exemplified by Alison's lack of response when she finds out about her father's death, describing how her family has also influenced her personality. In addition to affecting her personality, the ambiguity also harms Alison in the way she can never truly feel free from guilt over her father's death, as she ponders whether his suicide had anything to do with her decision to declare yourself a lesbian. Alison never gets to discover the truth about her father, as she never truly understood him. This is evident as she only discovers her father's homosexuality indirectly through Helen. In the two identified scenes, the representation of the accident is ultimately not simply only the..