Finding Metafiction in the Funhouse

Sept. 2 2008

"Lost in the Funhouse" by John Barth


It was one of those stories that I could not wait to finish reading. "Lost in the Funhouse" is an incredibly topsy-turvy story that leaves the reader shaking their head. It leaves them wondering about many aspects, at times filling in the blank spots themselves. The story can be related to a person looking into a trick mirror. They see something in it, but they are not sure exactly what it is. There are clues that readers may be able to pick up along the way, but then again they may not be able to, which leaves them staring in confusion at those uncertain "objects in the mirror". If specific points in the story don't trip the reader along the walk through the fun house, the instructions and suggestion on how to write an actual story probably will. These statements are a clear example of metafiction, although they do not add anything to the flow of the story at all. It should be understood though that the story itself is about the growth and maturation of a boy of about thirteen years old. Now, I may be going out on a limb, but the author lends us advice on how to write and develop a story, just as he shows us the growth and development of a young man. There may be some substance behind that, but then again it may just be a symbol hunt. I'll let you decide.