On the Face of It | Lesson 5 | English 12th | Vistas | Summary | Questions | Answers

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On the Face of It | Lesson 5 | English 12th | Vistas | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

Short Summary

On the Face of It by Susan Hill is a poignant play that explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and acceptance. It revolves around the interaction between Mr. Lamb, an old man with a disability, and Derry, a young boy with a facial scar. Initially hesitant, Derry learns from Mr. Lamb's optimistic outlook on life and begins to see himself beyond his physical appearance. The play highlights the importance of inner strength, breaking barriers of prejudice, and finding hope in human connections.

 

Read and Find Out

Q. Who is Mr Lamb? How does Derry get into his garden? (Page No. 48)

Answer: Mr. Lamb is an elderly man with a disability; he has a tin leg due to an accident. He is kind-hearted and optimistic despite his loneliness. Derry, a boy with a burnt face, enters Mr. Lamb's garden by climbing over the wall, thinking it is deserted.

Q. Do you think all this will change Derry’s attitude towards Mr Lamb? (Page No. 54)

Answer: Yes, Mr. Lamb’s positive outlook and encouraging words significantly impact Derry’s attitude. Derry begins to view life differently, gaining confidence and understanding the importance of inner beauty and embracing life despite challenges.

 

Reading with Insight

Question 1. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr Lamb in spite of himself?

Answer: Derry is drawn to Mr. Lamb because of his openness, kindness, and non-judgmental attitude. Unlike others who pity or avoid Derry, Mr. Lamb treats him as an equal, encouraging him to focus on life’s possibilities rather than his scars. His optimism and wisdom inspire Derry to rethink his self-imposed isolation.

Question 2. In which section of the play does Mr Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment? What are the ways in which Mr Lamb tries to overcome these feelings?

Answer: Mr. Lamb’s loneliness and disappointment are evident when he mentions how people, including children, avoid him because of his tin leg. He overcomes these feelings by keeping his garden open to everyone, enjoying nature, and engaging with those who visit, seeking companionship in small but meaningful interactions.

Question 3. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less than the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities. What is the kind of behaviour that the person expects from others?

Answer: A person with disabilities often expects empathy, acceptance, and equality from others. Instead of being pitied or shunned, they seek genuine companionship and understanding. Treating them with respect and focusing on their abilities rather than their disabilities helps alleviate their sense of alienation.

Question 4. Will Derry get back to his old seclusion or will Mr Lamb’s brief association effect a change in the kind of life he will lead in the future?

Answer: Mr. Lamb’s influence is likely to have a transformative effect on Derry. His words encourage Derry to embrace life and find value in himself beyond his scars. While the ending is left open, it is implied that Derry will step out of his seclusion and approach life with a more positive attitude, inspired by Mr. Lamb’s philosophy.