Old Father Old Artificer Essay

A personality is a combination of various attributes that belong to a single person. Each one has its own unique qualities and traits that create an individual that is different from any other human being. How this individuality is formed depends on the environment that a person has lived through and their experiences. Alison Bechdel grew up in a home with a father who alienated himself from his family so that he could conceal a dark secret from his life. Nevertheless, Bechdel was able to take from her past so that she could become a strong and independent women who kept true to who she was. Likewise, straying from the expected path of her family, Dorothy Allison was determined to become the person who she wanted to be. Expressing who she is

Masculinity, physical strength and a modern outlook were her personality traits as she grew, becoming the “Butch to [her father’s] Nelly” (269) and his opposite in several aspects. A conscious effort was made on her part to set her own pace from what her father expected of her. He was a strong, influential figure within her life. Expressing emotions towards her father was strictly not allowed in the home. Bechdel was left “rushing from the room in embarrassment” (273) on the one unforgettable occasion that she went to kiss him goodnight. She desperately desired the affection of her father but was not sure how to achieve it. Displaying fondness was not a frequent action within the home, but instead subtle displays of affection. These strains created the stubborn and secluded childhood version of Bechdel who was unwavering in her

She focuses on his beliefs that it was imperative to not let his “dark secret” (270) be unveiled to the public’s eyes, even going as far as to create an understanding with his wife to achieve successful concealment. An ache formed for Bechdel as she matured and grew into adulthood. Her father had built a bridge that separated him from his wife and children, only occasionally crossing over to show affection to those who craved it the most. He might have been physically present, however, he was not truly with his family. There were only infrequent bouts of time when he showed affection towards his children. Instead, he was focused on his decorum that he took care of as if it were his children while he treated his “children like furniture” (268). As an adult, Bechdel is influenced by her father’s action; creating a strong, honest women who knows the dangers of hiding information and the consequences that it can