Meaning: The quote "My mother is, my father certainly was. They were kind of the local intelligentsia in the town where I grew up" by Alison Bechdel, a renowned cartoonist, encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the intellectual influence of her parents. This quote reflects Bechdel's personal experiences and the impact her parents had on her upbringing, as well as their role as intellectuals within their local community.

Alison Bechdel is a celebrated cartoonist and author, best known for her graphic memoirs, particularly her groundbreaking work "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic," which explores her relationship with her father, her coming out as a lesbian, and her family's complex dynamics. Through her poignant and introspective storytelling, Bechdel has become a prominent figure in the world of graphic literature, known for her candid exploration of personal identity, family, and intellectualism.

In the quote, Bechdel acknowledges her parents' intellectual stature within the context of the town where she was raised. The phrase "local intelligentsia" suggests that her parents were respected for their intellectual pursuits and contributions to the community. This depiction of her parents as the local intelligentsia highlights the significance of intellect and knowledge in shaping her upbringing and worldview. It also implies that Bechdel's parents were influential figures who were recognized for their intellectual pursuits and possibly served as role models within their community.

Additionally, the quote conveys a sense of continuity and legacy, as Bechdel speaks of her mother in the present tense and her father in the past tense. This choice of phrasing suggests that Bechdel's mother continues to embody the intellectual qualities that her father possessed, emphasizing the enduring impact of their influence on her life and work.

Furthermore, the quote hints at the idea of intellectualism being a defining characteristic of Bechdel's upbringing. Growing up in an environment where her parents were regarded as the local intelligentsia likely exposed Bechdel to a rich intellectual atmosphere, fostering a deep appreciation for knowledge, critical thinking, and creative expression. This upbringing may have played a significant role in shaping Bechdel's own intellectual pursuits and artistic endeavors as a cartoonist and author.

Overall, Alison Bechdel's quote offers a glimpse into her personal history and the formative influence of her parents as the local intelligentsia in her hometown. It speaks to the enduring impact of their intellectual legacy and the role it played in shaping her identity as an artist and storyteller. Bechdel's poignant reflection on her parents' intellectual stature serves as a testament to the profound impact of familial influences and the power of intellectualism in shaping one's worldview and creative pursuits.