Knut haukelid autobiography of a face

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. Autobiography of a Face is a memoir written by award-winning poet Lucy Grealy.

Knut haukelid autobiography of a face: Knut Haukelid was born on this

It describes her childhood struggles with jaw cancer and the resulting disfigurement that she considers the true tragedy of her life. As she works the party, we see how acutely aware Grealy is of the partygoers curious and disturbed gazes at her disfigured jaw, which she attempts to hide behind her long hair. Even from the brief anecdote, we can see clearly how ashamed Grealy is at her own disfigurement.

Fourth-grade Lucy sustains a minor injury while playing dodgeball in school. This injury leads her to the dentist who is the first to realize something more may be wrong. After a series of doctors visits and misdiagnoses, she is diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma, a deadly form of cancer. These surgeries, while successful in treating her cancer, involve removing part of her jaw, and leave her with a disfigured face.

She is unable to go out in public without enduring the cruel taunts of other children and the stares of complete strangers.