Bruce Bechdel, the complex patriarch in Fun Home, juggles three significant roles that define much of his life and identity: he is a high-school English teacher, a funeral home director, and a dedicated historic home restorer.
These three distinct occupations showcase different facets of Bruce's character, from his intellectual pursuits and community engagement to his family legacy and personal passions.
Bruce's Primary Occupations
Bruce's life is intricately woven around these three major commitments, each demanding considerable time and attention.
1. High-School English Teacher
As a high-school English teacher, Bruce engages with the academic world, imparting knowledge and influencing young minds. This role highlights his intellectual side and his connection to the community beyond his family business. It also provides a contrast to the more somber duties of his other profession, allowing for a public, educational persona.
2. Funeral Home Director
The family business, the funeral home, is a central fixture in the Bechdel household. Bruce serves as the funeral home director, overseeing the somber rites and services for their rural community. This profession connects him to the cycle of life and death, and it is a source of both duty and personal conflict within the narrative. The demands of running a funeral home shape much of the family's daily life and their interactions with the townspeople.
3. Historic Home Restorer
Beyond his formal employment, Bruce dedicates significant time and effort to the meticulous historic restoration of his own home. This is not just a hobby but a profound, consuming passion that reflects his desire for order, beauty, and control. This "spare time" activity often takes on the intensity and precision of a full-time job, showcasing his artistic eye and his deep-seated perfectionism. The restoration project itself becomes a metaphor for his attempts to control his own complex life and maintain a façade for the outside world.
Summary of Bruce's Roles
To summarize, Bruce's multi-faceted life in Fun Home is shaped by these three defining roles:
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| English Teacher | Educates high-school students, reflecting his intellectual and public life. |
| Funeral Home Director | Manages the family business, dealing with community and the cycle of death. |
| Historic Home Restorer | Passionately restores his home, a testament to his perfectionism and control. |
These roles collectively paint a comprehensive picture of Bruce's character, highlighting his professional duties, family legacy, and deeply personal pursuits.
