Lost in the Funhouse
"Lost in the Funhouse" is a short story by author John Barth, first published in 1968. The narrative follows a young boy named Ambrose as he navigates a funhouse at a carnival. The story explores themes of identity, perception, and the complexities of storytelling through a unique structure that mirrors the disorienting experience of the funhouse itself.
The story is notable for its experimental style, blending traditional narrative with metafictional elements. Barth uses Ambrose's journey to reflect on the nature of reality and fiction, inviting readers to consider how stories shape our understanding of the world around us.