The Moth Podcast Summary: Jeffrey Rudell’s "The Undertaker’s Daughter"

Introduction

In the November 1, 2010 episode of The Moth podcast, storyteller Jeffrey Rudell shares his compelling and haunting tale, "The Undertaker’s Daughter." Recorded live at The Moth main stage in 2003, Rudell's story delves into themes of adolescence, sexuality, and the macabre setting of a funeral home. Throughout his narrative, Rudell intertwines humor with dark reality, offering listeners a vivid journey through his transformative teenage years.

I. The End of Childhood

Jeffrey Rudell opens his story by identifying a pivotal moment that marked the end of his childhood. Set in a small town in southwestern Michigan, Rudell describes his uneasy adolescence and his attraction to Pam Hampton, the daughter of the local undertaker.

“I can pinpoint the exact moment my childhood came to an end. I was in southwestern Michigan in a small town. There was Pam Hampton and me and a burst of sexual energy. And then, bam. Childhood was over.” [02:25]

Rudell portrays himself as an outsider—lanky, embarrassed, and uncomfortable in his own body—contrasting sharply with Pam, who epitomizes confidence and rebellion. Pam’s rebellious nature is both a shield and a magnet for Rudell, who sees her as the gateway to his lost innocence and sexual awakening.

II. Pam Hampton: The Rebel with a Perfect Record

Pam Hampton is introduced as a complex character: a "bad girl from a good home," according to Rudell's grandmother. Despite her rebellious behavior—frequent use of strong language, defiance against teachers—Pam maintains an almost impeccable academic record and benefits from her father Howard’s influential position as president of the school board and the local funeral home.

Rudell's admiration for Pam is multifaceted. Not only is she sexually confident, but her intelligence and social standing make her both desirable and seemingly unattainable.

III. The Strategy to Win Pam’s Affection

Desperate to lose his virginity, Rudell devises a plan to connect with Pam by feigning an interest in mortuary science. He immerses himself in shows like Quincy and MASH, reciting obscure facts about decomposition and other postmortem processes to impress Pam.

“I really wooed her with my extensive knowledge of such postmortem things as fingernail growth and penal distention and decomposition rates. My seduction knew no bounds.” [02:25]

This strategic display of knowledge is Rudell’s attempt to bridge the emotional and physical gap between himself and Pam, hoping to initiate a sexual relationship.

IV. The Halloween Tour: A Night of Terror and Revelation

On Halloween night, with Pam's parents away, Howard Hampton hires a local man to oversee the funeral home. Unbeknownst to the group, Pam has orchestrated a midnight tour of the funeral home for herself, Rudell, his best friend Kevin Davis, and Kevin’s girlfriend Joanie Gagliardo. Pam’s aim is twofold: to provide a fright and to potentially initiate Rudell into the mysteries of sex.

The group, each intoxicated in their own way, embarks on the eerie tour. The funeral home, especially at midnight, becomes a backdrop of tension and anticipation. Rudell’s discomfort grows as they navigate the tight, dimly lit spaces, culminating in the discovery of a corpse.

V. The Encounter with the Corpse

As they reach the preparation lab, Rudell describes the setting:

“We were empty till this morning, but there was an accident last night. Four local guys going to a party, shit face drunk. They must have been doing 80 when they hit the tree. They’re still looking for all the pieces for the two guys in the front seat. We got the two guys in the back seat.” [05:30]

The presence of the body heightens the tension. Pam attempts to play the role of the fearless guide, even engaging in a mock ritual to "raise the dead," which disastrously fails when Pam's slight movement inadvertently causes a reaction that results in chaos—Kevin loses control, Joanie mishandles her drink, and Pam reacts in horror, leading to their eventual arrest.

VI. The Aftermath: Legal Consequences and Emotional Fallout

The Halloween night turns disastrous as the group's antics lead to unintended consequences, including Rudell fainting and sustaining minor injuries. The couple faces legal repercussions, receiving one year of probation and three months of community service. More significantly, Pam ends her relationship with Rudell, seeing his possession of a car as irrelevant once her parents’ return.

Rudell reflects on his obsession with the corpse and his subsequent journey through sexual identity:

“I had to get away from that body and I had to get away from that town. After graduation, I went off to college and I took the memory of that body with me through the eventual loss of my virginity and a few confused and mildly successful relationships with women, up to a relationship with a man, after which things started to make sense.” [12:00]

This revelation highlights Rudell’s internal struggle and eventual acceptance of his homosexuality, attributing his earlier fixation to the constraints and confusion of his rural upbringing.

VII. Reflections and Current Life

Rudell concludes his story by contrasting his past with his present:

“I am happy to report that my interest in dead bodies went out the side door. The minute I came out the closet door, I left that town and eventually that state and I have only been back once, ironically, for a funeral.” [14:30]

He shares tidbits about Pam’s successful transition into adulthood, including her role as a creative consultant for the television series Six Feet Under, emphasizing the lasting impact of their shared history. Rudell also mentions receiving anonymous thank-you cards from Pam every Halloween, underscoring a lingering connection despite their divergent paths.

VIII. Conclusion

Jeffrey Rudell’s "The Undertaker’s Daughter" is a poignant narrative that intertwines themes of adolescence, sexual awakening, and the haunting backdrop of a funeral home. Through his vivid storytelling, Rudell captures the complexities of teenage relationships, the struggle with sexual identity, and the indelible marks left by formative experiences. His journey from discomfort and confusion to self-acceptance offers listeners a deeply personal and resonant story of growth and transformation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rudell: “I can pinpoint the exact moment my childhood came to an end. I was in southwestern Michigan in a small town. There was Pam Hampton and me and a burst of sexual energy. And then, bam. Childhood was over.” [02:25]

• Rudell: “I really wooed her with my extensive knowledge of such postmortem things as fingernail growth and penal distention and decomposition rates. My seduction knew no bounds.” [02:25]

• Pam: “Oh, my God.” [11:20]

• Rudell: “I am not a necrophiliac it's just that to a budding homosexual in rural America, and that's what I was the idea of having the opportunity to touch and care for another man, and a naked man at that, seemed all but impossible outside the narrow permissible bounds of being an undertaker.” [14:00]

About Jeffrey Rudell

Jeffrey Rudell is a renowned paper engineer celebrated for his unique paper creations and accessible online craft tutorials. His work has been showcased at prestigious venues such as Tiffany & Co. and the New York Botanical Garden, and featured in prominent magazines including Elle Decor, Brides, and Good Housekeeping. Rudell resides in New York City, where he continues to innovate and inspire through his artistic endeavors.