5. On the face of It - Class 12 - Vistas

Author: Susan Hill

Textbook: Vistas

Genre: Play / Drama

Summary

The play “On the Face of It” by Susan Hill is a heart-touching story about an unexpected friendship between two individuals who feel isolated because of their physical disabilities. Mr Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg, and Derry, a 14-year-old boy with a burnt face, meet in Mr Lamb’s garden. Derry is bitter, insecure, and withdrawn, believing that people judge him solely based on his appearance. Mr Lamb, on the other hand, is optimistic and welcoming despite his own disability.

Their conversation begins with hesitation but gradually becomes deeper. Mr Lamb teaches Derry important life lessons about acceptance, courage, and seeing beauty in everything—including oneself. Through this encounter, Derry begins to change. He starts opening up, thinking differently, and feels drawn toward Mr Lamb’s positivity.

In a tragic twist, when Derry finally decides to return to Mr Lamb's garden, he finds the old man dead after falling from a ladder. The play ends with Derry kneeling beside Mr Lamb’s body, showing he had finally found meaning, connection, and confidence—but perhaps too late.

Character Sketches

Derry

• A 14-year-old boy with acid-burn scars on one side of his face

• Extremely self-conscious and withdrawn

• Bitter and angry at society’s reactions to his appearance

• Sensitive, intelligent, but deeply insecure

• Shows emotional growth and hope after meeting Mr Lamb

  
  

Mr Lamb

• An old man with a tin leg, lost in a war

• Friendly, philosophical, and optimistic

• Loves nature and people; keeps his garden gate open

• Believes in acceptance and inner beauty

• Imparts deep wisdom through conversation

Themes

✨ Literary Devices / Dramatic Devices

Title Justification

The title “On the Face of It” appears to refer to physical appearances, particularly Derry’s burnt face and Mr Lamb’s tin leg. However, the deeper meaning of the title suggests that initial appearances can be misleading. Beneath what is seen “on the face of it” lies human depth, resilience, and emotion. The play challenges society’s habit of judging people based on looks, and instead encourages empathy and understanding. Thus, the title effectively captures the essence of the play’s message.

One-Mark Questions

1. Why does Derry avoid people?

   → Derry avoids people because he feels they stare at his scarred face and judge him. This makes him feel unloved and unwanted.

   
   

2. How does Mr Lamb respond to Derry’s bitterness?

   → Mr Lamb listens patiently and encourages Derry to see the world beyond his appearance. He tries to change Derry’s negative outlook with positive thoughts.

   
   

3. Why does Mr Lamb keep his garden gate open?

   → Mr Lamb believes in being welcoming and open to all people. He wants his garden to be a place of peace and freedom.

   
   

4. What is Derry’s initial reaction to Mr Lamb?

   → Derry is suspicious, guarded, and angry. He thinks Mr Lamb will treat him like everyone else.

   
   

5. What does Derry do at the end of the play?

   → Derry returns to Mr Lamb’s garden to help, showing his emotional growth. Sadly, he finds Mr Lamb dead and breaks down, having finally found connection.

   
   

Three-Mark Questions

1. What draws Derry toward Mr Lamb despite his initial hesitation?

   → Derry feels a strange comfort in Mr Lamb’s garden. Mr Lamb does not pity or judge him but instead treats him normally. His philosophical thoughts and kindness slowly break Derry’s emotional walls. Derry finds in Mr Lamb a mentor who helps him think positively. This rare emotional connection makes Derry want to return, something he had never done before.

   
   

2. How does the play contrast physical disability with emotional isolation?

   → The play shows that physical disabilities often come with emotional pain and loneliness. Derry’s face and Mr Lamb’s leg are symbols of society’s cruelty and neglect. However, Mr Lamb has accepted his condition and lives joyfully, while Derry is bitter. Through their interaction, the play shows that emotional healing is more important than physical appearance. Acceptance, companionship, and positive thinking are what truly matter.

   
   

3. What role does the setting of the garden play in the story?

   → Mr Lamb’s garden is a symbol of life, acceptance, and peace. Unlike the outside world, the garden has no barriers—its gate is always open. It is here that Derry finds a safe space to open up. The garden reflects Mr Lamb’s personality—natural, honest, and welcoming. It becomes the place where Derry begins his transformation.

   
   

Value-Based Question

Q: What does the play teach us about how society should treat people with physical disabilities?

→ The play teaches us that people with disabilities should not be judged or pitied for their appearance. They deserve respect, love, and acceptance like anyone else. Emotional isolation can be more painful than physical impairment. Society should encourage inclusion and support people to live with dignity and confidence. The play also reminds us that every person has worth and inner beauty, regardless of how they look.

End

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