At that moment Mr. Lisbon had the feeling that he didn't know who she was, that children were only strangers you agreed to live with, and he reached out in order to meet her for the first time.
In the passage from "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides, Mr. Lisbon experiences a profound moment of disconnection from his daughter. He realizes that despite being her father, he feels as if he does not truly know her as a person. This sentiment highlights a deeper theme of estrangement that can exist within familial relationships, particularly between parents and children.
This moment signifies a recognition of the complexities involved in parenting and the struggle to understand one's own child. It suggests that children can sometimes feel more like strangers than family, emphasizing the emotional distance that may arise in different circumstances. Mr. Lisbon's desire to reach out and truly connect reflects a yearning for intimacy and understanding within the familial bond.