The Cost of Being Different
After reading Jason's story in Black Swan Green , and from what we've read so far in Fun Home , a common theme becomes visible. We see both of our protagonists face the pressures of "fitting in", of being like everyone else. It causes them to change, put on a facade to find comfort and safety. Both Jason and Alison hide aspects about themselves and struggle to live as if they're both under constant scrutiny. Jason with his stutter and passion for poetry and Alison with her sexuality. The only place where these two can be themselves is when they're alone. The power of social influence almost makes these two hate how they are, makes them want to be different. In Black Swan Green the pressure comes from classmates and in Fun Home , it's mostly exuded by Alison's mother. Just as their insecurities are similar, so are their coming of age. Both Alison and Jason learn to accept who they are, and no longer fall victim to their differences. Jason's transfo...