What was derry's infirmity and how had it made him withdrawn and defiant from on the face of it?
Answers
Derry preferred to stay away from the society because of the mishap that had taken place in his life.
He had gone weak emotionally and physically in his state of mind as he was not able to come in terms with the harsh reality.
Hence he took out his space.
Answer :
In the play 'On The Face Of It' by Susan Hill, Derry's infirmity was that his face had been burnt by acid. One side of his face looked very ugly and frightful.
Derry's infirmity had made him withdrawn and defiant as he did not want to meet anybody fearing that they would pass judgement on his physical impairment. He suffered from an inferiority complex and, as a result, had become very sensitive to such comments. He thought that he was ugly like the ‘devil.’ He does not like the apprehension, worry, fear and repulsion shown by other people towards his infirmity.