In 2005, art historian Sue Taylor suggested that the figures in the portrait may actually represent Wood's parents. She claimed that due to Wood's father passing away when Wood was only 10 years old, Wood did not develop a close relationship with him but noted that he did spend the rest of his life very closely attached to his mother. She theorizes that Wood may have developed an Oedipus complex and subconsciously expressed that in the painting. Taylor cites the lack of warmth between the two figures as well as Wood's classification of them as “father and daughter” was a way for Wood to remove any sexual connotation so that Wood wouldn't have to face his own fears and insecurities. Taylor also points out similarities between other portraits of Wood's mother and the woman in American Gothic, including the brooch that she wears.