Illusion of Reality in John Barth's "Lost in the Funhouse"

"Lost in the Funhouse" explores the many layers of the theme "illusion of reality." This concept is first introduced in the second paragraph as the explanation of initials or blanks replacing proper names in fiction-writing. The "attempt" at disguising a place name by shortening it, is really a tool used by authors to make a place seem real, in need of disguising. John Barth explains that this tactic is merely an "illusion of reality." In …

…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 have that desire. These feelings are not only contained to adolescence, the sensation of being outside the fold and being unable to make sense of one's emotions are present throughout life. Barth puts it best, "We will never get out of the funhouse" (9).