Masks By Lucy Hardy

"Masks" by Lucy Grealy is a memoir of her life living with the effects with cancer and the scars it left. As if being diagnosed with cancer was not enough she had to endure the cruel teasing of her peers and the apathetic adults in her life. Unfortunately, her deformed face and loss of hair were not considered average so she was looked down upon. In nearly every aspect of her life she was ostracized because of the appearance of her face. So, Halloween was a night of pure bliss for Lucy. She, for one night each year, donned a mask in the hope of normalcy. This is the only time she believed she was happy. Every other day in her youth and adolescence she was faced with constant adversity. Her own mother was unsupportive and only aided Lucy in

Appearance and susceptibility to cancer are genetically predisposed; something that determines what someone is born with. When the brain is developing there are certain patterns and formations that make people think in certain ways. Identities are mostly shaped by experiences growing up but the way people perceive these experiences has a lot to do with genetic brain makeup. Also, appearance is very much tied into identity. For instance, race and ethnicity are very much a part of the way people identify themselves. In Lucy's case, because she was born with the susceptibility to cancer and because the cancer so drastically affected her appearance, her identity was affected by what she was born with and her genetic

She writes in a manner that shows the reader her identity rather that stating it right out. She tells the reader that her face is the reason for her dissatisfaction and unhappiness and one should believe this to be true. Via her anecdotes, Lucy tells us of the horrible things that happen to her because of her face and there is no doubt that they happened because of it. The reader feels for Lucy when she speaks about, for instance, the boys taunting her in the cafeteria or her experiences on Halloween. She feels awful when the boys taunt her and wonderful when she wears a mask and it is all because of her face. Even if one has not experienced this themselves, it can be understood. The reader experiences sympathy which helps them to understand the argument made. It is also a logical concept. It is known that many people treat others who are different in a poor manner. So it makes sense that Lucy went through so much pain because of her different appearance. The reader is made to believe Lucy's face was critical element to her life and her