Molly Bang Concepts

In this painting (Iowa American Gothic) the possible relationship between the two subjects seems strained. If it is natural tendency to feel threatened by sharp objects like Molly Bang says, then the pitchfork plays an important role. Take note that the pitchfork is also placed near the center and the center is what draws our attention the most. I have heard that the actual description of this piece is that it's a father driving away unwanted suitors from his daughter.I don't know if I agree with that unless he has been doing that for a long time because the daughter doesn't seem to be in her prime anymore. Even the roof of the house in the background comes to a point. The only roundness or security that can be found is in the shape of the subjects' head the man's glasses and the woman's brooch. Frankly, this kinda creeps me out. Their expressions are unnerving and the old man is staring at me. The woman isn't as bad because she is staring off elsewhere but her expression is sad or frustrated. The upper part of the painting does look to be freer...just look at the colors...the sky is a friendly blue and the trees are a fresh shade of green but once you shift your gaze to the bottom of the painting the colors darken and you find yourself looking at a not-s0-friendly pitchfork.