Siren Peralta
September 12, 2014


"No Face" by Junot Diaz
Question #2

2) What do you think the No Face is running from all the time? What kind of symbolism does this hold in the story?


      No Face is running away from people around him and from the truth, that he has an imperfection on his face. But most important from himself. That is why he wear a mask every morning when he wake up, because he is afraid of the male he has become. He also doesn't have the support of his family, the author mention his uncle but he only describe how the boy run across his land. And they don't even say a word to each other. But there is one person who help the boy called No Face, and that person is padre Lou. You can say Padre Lou is his angel. Takes time out to teach him and also shields him away from criticism and harmful people. No Face feels he has to run away from everybody except Padre Lou. Those dreams and memories also haunt him, taking him back to that horrific event. He is helpful to the boy and state that he will help the boy get an operation done on his face. He's a strong boy inside but he's trying to find a comfortable safe place to escape his enemies, It seems the world is out to get him. Remember he's from Dominican Republic and he was in a alley looking for change on the floor. So it sounds like he's having a difficult moment all together. Most likely dealing with his family economic issues and adding on that most of his face is missing, would be sad and frustrating most of the times. That's why he's always running. The kind of symbolism this story holds, is how people go through the same situation as No Face in the world. Like having to feel insecure because mean people are bothering, bullying, calling them names like that boy No Face just because they have an imperfection or scar on their face or body.