Illusion of Reality in John Barth’s Lost in the Funhouse Essay

deep in thought(p) in the Funhouse explores the many layers of the theme magic trick of reality. This invention is first introduced in the second paragraph as the explanation of initials or blanks replacing fitting addresss in fiction-writing. The attempt at disguising a place name by shortening it, is in truth a tool used by authors to make a place seem real, in need of disguising. jakes Barth explains that this tactic is merely an fallacy of reality. In the following pages of this story, the theme illusion of reality is present in the funhouse and self-perception during adolescence.The illusion of reality is a concept manifested in a funhouse. The funhouse itself is an illusion, with its rooms of mirrors that distort reality, moving floors and walls that disorient you, and its mazelike qualities that absent you away from the realities of life. A funhouse is an alternative world, one meant for lovers embarking on a newfound adventure together.Ambrose can see its falseness from his single perspective and is apprised of its deceptive powers. He is aw atomic number 18 of the perversion inherent in the funhouse, the sleazy goals of sexual gratification disguised as child-like pleasures. To be lost in a funhouse is symbolic of the confusing and disorienting aspects of adolescence and particularly the sexual aspects of puberty. unrivaleds perception of the self during adolescence can also be an illusion of reality. At one point in the story, we are led to view that Ambrose is to be forever lost in this funhouse. This is representative of Ambroses idolize that he will die illusioned, never sure of who he really is. Being lost in a funhouse alone is very overmuch like particularly painful stages of adolescence.It is a place of romance, but for Ambrose it is a scary and confusing place, where he is still too young to be a part of the romance, but old enough to recognize and buzz off that desire. These feelings are not only contained to adolescence, the sensation of being outside the bend dexter and being unable to make sense of ones emotions are present throughout life. Barth puts it best, We will never get out of the funhouse (9).