On the Face of it

People with deformities often develop an inferiority complex.

Ø Because people pity them, look down, or avoid them.
§ They like to be alone.
§ They are hypersensitive.
§ They feel hurt by remarks or looks.
Ø But if they find love or friendshipà they gain courage and confidence.
Ø Derry has a burnt face.
§ He feels unwanted.
§ He is aware of people looking at his ugly face and avoiding him.
Ø But Mr. Lamb has had one leg blown off, is full of hope.
§ His outlook is healthy.
Ø Derry comes in contact with Mr. Lamb.
§ He too gains confidence and wants to achieve something.
Scene One: Lamb’s Garden:-
Ø Mr. Lamb is alone in his garden. He is an old man with a tin leg.
Ø He lives in a big house. He has a lot of books.
Ø He overcomes his lonelinessàby keeping himself busy.
§ Reading books.
§ Listening to the sounds of the garden.
§ Talking to people.( The garden gate is always open)
Ø Derry is a young boy of 14. His face is burnt.
§ He avoids people because people stare at his face and avoid him.
§ He thinks people are afraid of his horrible looks.
§ He likes secluded places.
Ø He looks in to the garden over the wall. He thinks it is empty because he cannot see
anybody there.
§ He does not know that the gate is openàhe scales the boundary wall and jumps into
the garden.
Ø When he comes closer, Mr. Lamb speaks to him.
§ He tells Derry that there are crab apples in the grass.
§ He should be careful where he walks.
Ø Derry is startled. He thinks Mr. Lamb has been watching him all the time and believes he
has come to steal the apples.
§ Mr. Lamb assures him that he is welcome.
 § The gate is always open.
Derry Avoids People:-
Ø Derry wants to go away. Mr. Lamb reassures himàdon’t be afraid.
Ø Derry tells:-
§ He is not afraid of anyone.
§ People are afraid of him.
Ø He thinks Mr. Lamb too does not like his face.
How Derry Burned his Face:-
Ø Mr. Lamb suspects that Derry’s face got burnt in a fire.
Ø Derry tellsàit was acid that has eaten one side of his face.
Ø He regrets it won’t ever be the same again.
Lamb is Lame:-
Ø Mr. Lamb tells himàthere was no difference between them.
Ø He too had a leg blown offàby a bomb in a war.
Weed Garden:-
Ø Mr. Lamb has a weed garden.
Ø Derry says it is all rubbish over grown with weeds.
Ø But Mr. Lambàsays he makes no difference between a flowering plant and a weed. (Both
are living and growing plants.)
§ He means to say he finds no difference between Derry with a burned face and
another boy with a handsome face.
Lamey Lamb:-
Ø Mr. Lamb discloses that he is lame. He has a tin leg.
Ø His real leg was blown off in a bomb blast in a war.
Ø Children call him Lamey LambàHe does not mind it.
Ø The children are not afraid of him and he is not afraid of them.
Beauty and the Beast:-
Ø Mr. Lamb reminds Derry of the fairy tale, ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
Ø A princess loves a beast. When she kisses him she turns into a handsome prince.
Ø Derry also understands the theme of the story.
§ Ugliness is only skin deep.
Ø A man is not what he looks like but what he really is.
Ø Derry should take inspiration form the storyàHe should develop his spirit.
Shut your Ears:-
Ø Derry tellsàhe overheard women talking about his ugly face.
 § They said nobody except his mother could kiss him.
Ø Mr. Lamb tells him to keep his ears shutàPay no heed to such talks.
Bee’s Music:-
Ø Mr. Lamb tells Derry that he has hives of bees.
§ Some say bee buzzàthey consider it a jarring noise.
§ But Lamb says he thinks bees humàits like music to him.
You Cannot Shut Yourself Away:-
Ø Derry does nor like peopleàstare at his faceàso he does not go near to them. He avoids
them.
Ø But Mr. Lamb does not think keeping aloof can help anybody.
Ø Mr. Lamb tells a storyà a man always afraid that he might be run over or he might get
infection or meet some accident.
§ He was always afraid of being killed.
§ So he locked himself in a room.( He was not safe)
§ A picture fell off the wall on his head and killed him.
Derry’s Parents are worried:-
Ø Derry’s parents are worried about his future.
Ø They think no one would take car of him and he would starve and die.
Ø But Mr. Lamb does not agree with them.
Ø He has the brains and limbsàhe can achieve what ever he liked.
Ø He should even be better than others.
Hatred Horns:-
Ø Derry tells Mr. Lamb that he hates some people.
Ø But Mr. Lamb advises him not to hate anybody.
Ø That is worse than ACID.
Ø Acid burned only his face but hate could burn him from inside.
Segregation of the Physically Challenged:-
Ø Derry tells Mr. Lambà he heard some women say àPeople with similar deformities should
live together.
Ø The blind with blind and idiot boys with idiot boys.
Ø Mr. Lamb thinks it is odd.
§ People with similar physical deformities are not the same.
§ The world is full of varietyàit is a spice of life.
Ø Derry is surprisedà at Mr. Lamb’s knowledge.
§ He gets it by watching, listening and thinking.
Derry Wants to help Mr. Lamb:-
Ø Earlier Mr. Lamb asked Derry to help him collect crab apples off the trees.
Ø Now Derry wants to helpàhe could fall off a ladder and die.
§ But Mr. Lamb tells him he can help if wants to.
Derry goes home:-
Ø He goes home. Mother would be worried.
Ø Promises to come back.
Lamb Laments his loneliness:-
Ø Mr. Lamb is left all alone.
Ø He says all those who promise to come backàbut never come.
Scene Two:-Derry’s House:-
Ø Derry tells his mother he wants to go back.
Ø Mother warns him and forbids him.
Ø Derry says he is a wonderful person.
Ø He lives in a huge house with no curtains and has a garden.
Ø He wants to sit there and hear him talk.
Ø He wants to hear the bees hum.
Ø Mr. Lamb has told him things that no one ever talked about.
§ Those things make Derry think.
Ø Derry tells his mother that he has learnt that looks are not important.
§ It is what he thinks and feels and what he wants to know, that is important.
Ø Derry hurries to Mr. Lamb’s garden.
Scene Three:- Lamb’s Garden:-
Ø Mr. Lamb is on a ladderàpicking apples with the help of a stick.
Ø Suddenly the ladder falls down and Mr. Lamb is killed.
Ø Derry shouts to Mr. Lambàand says he is come back.
Ø But it is too lateàHe finds Mr. Lamb dead.
Ø He weeps.

 Derry was a teenager, highly pessimistic and withdrawn from the mainstream society.
 He developed this attitude after one side of his face was disfigured by acid. He avoided
company of others and remained lonely lest he be noticed by other people.
 He believed that no one loved him and his mother loved him because she was
supposed to.
 Well, Derry cannot be completely blamed for his pessimistic and aggressive attitude
towards the world around him.
  Once he heard two women commenting about his monstrous appearance. They said
only a mother could love a face like his.
 On another day Derry heard his parents conversing that he would not survive after
their death because he was deformed.
 The shock he received from these words was big.
 On another occasion Derry heard his relatives saying that his being put in the hospital
where he had been treated after the accident was good for him. In their opinion a
deformed boy like Derry could accommodate himself with other deformed boys and
girls.
 Derry had his ears always open for such comments and used to respond to them in his
silent way.
 He concluded that the world altogether didn’t need a boy like him.
 One day Derry accidently met a man called Mr. Lamb.
 Mr. Lamb was an old man with a lame leg. After he became lame, Mr. Lamb began to
develop a positive attitude with his deformity.
 He worked hard to defeat this impairment and learnt to walk and climb ladders.
 He was happy to be alive and ignored his lameness.
 He made everyone his friend and had a house with no curtains and open doors. He
welcomed anyone who came to him.
 While Mr. Lamb took his impairment as a challenge and tried to overcome it, Derry
believed that he was unwanted and lost.
 His pain was physical and mental. Being a child he was not as strong as Mr. Lamb about
suffering.
 He couldn’t take the sneering and sympathizing world as taken by Mr. Lamb.
 Mr. Lamb was able to sit smart and unaffected as long as he wore trousers and sat but
Derry had no way to hide his face.
 After meeting Mr. Lamb Derry realized how foolish he had been to believe his parents.
 For him Lamb was a man who opened the doors of his closed world in an hour’s time
the same of which were shut on him by his parents and therefore believed that his
company with Lamb would make him a perfect person.
 At the end Derry goes back to his house where his mother cross questioned him. She
had instructed him not to step out of the house.
 Derry tried to convince his mother that Mr. Lamb was an extremely good man but she
was not ready to listen.
 Ignoring his mother’s thoughtless restrictions, Derry left his home and ran to Mr.
Lamb’s garden.
 On reaching, Derry found a motionless Mr. Lamb fallen from the ladder.
 He had fallen while pulling the crab apples down from the tree.

Justification of Title
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, “On the Face of it” is an informal
expression used to say that something seems to be good, true etc. but this opinion may need
to be changed when you know more about it.
This definition of the expression should leave us in no doubt about the appropriateness of the
title. An individual may be quite different from what we think of him or what he or she may
apparently appear to be at first glance. There is the imperative need for us to view others by
removing our glasses of prejudice, hatred, hearsay and dislike.
On the face of it, Mr. Lamb appears to be mysterious, lonely, lame old fellow who lives in a
neighbourhood house with a huge garden, but in reality he is very kind, generous, loving and
altruistic. Similarly, although Derek has an ugly looking scary face, he is fine lad of fourteen
with a deep longing for love. There is nothing wrong with Mr. Lamb and Derek. What is wrong
is the way people in their lives and around them view and treat them.
On the face of it, there is so much of diversity, so many differences and divides between the
people and other species of the world but underneath is a oneness, a sameness – all of them
are created by God and all of them need to live and grow together with love and mutual
acceptance/ As the play progresses the characters’ views about each other and our impression
of them changes for the better.
Thus, Susan Hill has quite appropriately entitled her play “On the Face of it

Theme
People who suffer from disabilities must always look at the bright side of things and adapt
reality of life bravely. At the same time the actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical
impairment is often much less than the sense of alienation felt by the person. The disabled
need support and acceptance and not our pity. The title ‘On the Face of it’ is used to mean that
something seems to be good, true etc. but that needs to be changed when you know more
about it.

Appearances are deceptive and most often, we go on dealing with impressions and prejudices
about other without caring to know about them actually.People know Mr. Lamb as a lonely
eccentric lame old man but in reality he is a very kind and generous man who longs for
company and he loves his fellow human beings along with all the other creations of God.
Similarly Derek appears to be an abominable ugly boy with a huge scar on his face whom no
one loves or likes or befriends. He is the object of other people’s hateful stares ridicules and
neglect. Even his mother does not dare to kiss him on the cheek with the scar. Yet this boy who
is suffering from an acute inferiority complex has a tender and sensitive heart. He wants to
love and be loved. Fortunately he eets Mr. Lamb who transforms him with his healing touch.

Q1. Who is Derry? What self-opinion does he hold?

Derek, also called Derry was a young boy of 14. He was a quiet, shy and defiant boy. One side
of his face was totally burnt by acid. He was a victim of an inferiority complex.

Q2. ‘I am not afraid, people are afraid of me’, why does Derry say so?
Derry lives in a cocoon of complexes – due to his burnt face – isolated himself – don’t mix up
– considers his burnt face an unpleasant </strong><strong>sight</strong> – people are afraid
of
Q3. Mr. Lamb says to Derry; ‘it’s all relative, beauty and the beast’, what essentially does he
mean by that?
Mr. Lamb means to say that different people have different view pints to look at the same
thing. Some find one thing beautiful, others find it ugly. It all depends onoutlook and
attitude. It is, therefore, important to adopt a positive attitude towards everything just like
the Princess Beauty who loved the monstrous Beast in the fairy tale. The point is that what
you look like, but what you are inside.
Q4 What does Derry know about the fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’? Why is he not
convinced by its moral?
-Derry had heard the tale; Beauty liked the monstrous Beast; when she kissed he turned into
a handsome prince; moral was not how you look outside but how you look inside is
important; Derry was not convinced as even if someone kissed he would never change and
his mother always kissed him only on the other cheek
Q5Mr. Lamb has successfully learned to cope with his loneliness. How?
*keeps busy by gardening, rearing bees, making apple jam etc. Also
keeps windows and doors open, welcomes all companies.
Q6. What did Derry’s mothers think of Mr. Lamb?
OR
Why did Derry’s mother stop him, going to Mr. Lamb?
Derry’s mother does not hold a good opinion about Mr. Lamb. She had heard many things
about the old man, therefore stops Derry to visit Mr. Lamb.

Q7. How does Lamb try to remove the baseless fears of Derry?
Mr. Lamb influences Derry – his optimistic philosophy – advised him not to give attentionon
other’s comments – try to be internally pure and strong – eliminate the negativity of life.
Q8. Comment on the moral value of the play
The moral of the play is very loud and clear. The physically disabled should focus on the
brighter side of life and not to brood over the shortcomings. The society should accept them
as they are and expand their social interactions .In this way they can fight out the loneliness,
depression and disappointment.
Q9“When I look in the mirror…I’m afraid of me.” Why does Derry say so?
*burn scar on his face, curious looks by people make him conscious,
avoids meeting others, sour experiences have made him bitter.
Q10What is ironical about his mother’s behaviour towards Derry?
*her over-protective attitude stops Derry from meeting new people, discourages him,
instead of making him brave – makes him timid.
Q11 “It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.” What attitudinal change do
Derry’s words to his mother indicate?
*Derry attitude is now positive & he looks forward to a better life, no longer hiding from
others
Q12Though the play ends with Mr. Lamb’s death there is still an element of hope. Explain.
*positive change in Derry’s attitude by Mr. Lamb will be permanent,
his life will get better. Mr. Lamb has passed his knowledge and philosophy to younger
generation. Though Mr. Lamb is physically dead, but his ideas will remain alive in Derry’s
heart.
Q13. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb?
*Lamb makes Derry feel comfortable, doesn’t question him about his disability, instills
confidence in him, is a good friend to him
Q14Why does Mr. Lamb leave his gate always open?
(a) – happy to have visitors / children to come there for apples, pears and

toffees / to overcome his feeling of loneliness

Long answer questions

Q1 How did Mr. Lamb’s meeting with Derry become a turning point in Derry’s life?
– Both Lamb and Derry handicapped

– Derry in the beginning withdrawn and defiant

– couldn’t stand people staring at him

– Lamb open-minded and generous.

– kept garden gate open and welcomed all

– had a positive attitude, taught Derry not to indulge in self pity/love life
– taught him the ways of dealing with people
– Derry confessed to his mother that Lamb talked of things that nobody had ever talked of –
things that gave him an optimistic outlook.
– Even defied his mother.

– Derry’s return to Lamb’s garden shows his appreciation for Lamb/ restored confidence.
.Q2 How did Mr. Lamb try to give courage and confidence to Derry?
Welcomed him and accepted him as he was.

Told him its important to see how you are on the inside than how you look on the outside

One cannot go through life being scares and alienated

Shouldn’t brood over limitations but count on his blessings-he had brain legs tongue arms
and thus was totally functional-this was a blessing

Enjoy simple joys of everyday living with people around and nature, ignoring the unpleasant-
see beauty in beez buzzim or humming-weeds growing-flowers blooming

One’s attitude that matters

Individuals make a difference to the problem

Extended unconditional love

Inspired him with love for life and instilled confidence in him to look at life in an optimistic
way. Embrace his burnt face and rise above it.

Q3. The lesson, ‘On The Face of It’, is an apt depiction of the loneliness and sense of
alienation experienced by people on account of a disability. Explain.
– loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by Derry and Mr Lamb
Derry
– loner / pessimistic / suffered from severe negative complexes / anger and
frustration / withdrawn and introverted / low confidence / indulged in self pity
/ suspicious of the intent of others
(any two)

Mr Lamb
– inwardly – lonely, craved for company and acceptance
– outwardly – jovial, optimistic, lover of nature, social, outgoing, tolerant (didn’t
mind children calling him Lamey Lamb or picking the Crab apples)
– helpful, sensitive, independent
Q4 Mr. Lamb inspite of his bravado is a lonely man. Comment.
 He lived alone in a huge house with a sprawling garden
 He left his gate open, hoping that people would just walk in
 He pretends to have hundreds of friends but in reality has none
 Welcomes Derry in his garden and keeps him engaged in conversation
 He puts Derry’s fears to rest
 Doesn’t curtain his windows as he doesn’t want to be shut away from the world
 The open window gives him the feeling of space and part of the world
 When he narrates his routine to Derry he creates an image of the house being full of
people
 He visualizes people walking and sitting in front of fire sharing food and time
 In the end he says “they never come back.” Indicating the sadness he feels on
 alienation
 One almost can see through his bravado of being very busy with lots of friends
Q5. 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 behavior
that the person expects from others?
Actual pain or inconvenience caused by physical impairment is often less than the sense of
alienation felt by the person with disabilities

– Physical disabilities caused pain once in life time like during war when Mr. Lamb got hurt
and sometimes when its rainy.

– But after it this physical disability – set chain for other actions – caused mental agony –
called Lamely lamb, mothers were afraid of sending the children because of his tin leg.
-Derry –burnt face –everyone pities him-only a mother could love that face
-Both Mr. Lamb and Derry have been the victims of verbal atrocities –
-Mr. Lamb takes comments lightly

-But Derry does not have the attitude like Mr. Lamb – Attitude of the people needs to be
changed

–Do not want sympathy but accept them as they are

-Wounds get healed –but bitter comments never forgotten leaves a scar
Q6“Acid…ate my face up. It ate me up.” Describe the miseries suffered by Derry after the
unfortunate incident he refers to.
*ignored by others or has to face curious looks, glances and questions, feels awkward and
abnormal, sense of isolation, unkind comments, over-protective attitude of mother, no true
friends.
Q7 Various factors can lead to psychological changes in one’s personality. Discuss with
reference to Derry’s experiences in On the face of it.
*burn scars and unkind attitude of others make him negative, encouraging, positive and kind
attitude of Mr. Lamb changes his attitude.
Q8 Physically challenged people don’t want sympathy, they just need acceptance. Comment
with illustrations from On the face of it.
*need for acceptance by fellow beings, pain of being ignored …don’t want to be reminded of
disabilities again and again, emotional scars deeper than physical one, sympathy weakens
them, need to be inspired
and encouraged..

Q.9.Explain: “Derry is a victim of his own complex.” How does there come a change in his
thinking?
Ans:Derry is a young boy of fourteen years. One side of his face is badly burnt due tofalling
of the acid. He thinks it ‘the ugliest thing’ in the world. When he sees his face in the mirror,
he gets afraid of himself. He has heard ladies saying ‘What a terrible face!’ None will like
him. He becomes dejected, withdrawn and defiant. He is unable to face the world. He avoids
the general public. All these facts turn Derry a victim of his own inferiority complex and
negative attitude. By chance he sneaks into the garden of Mr. lambthinking it to be a
secluded place. But Mr. Lamb interrupts him and tells that his door is always open. People
can come and he has got so many friends. Consequently a surge of relief starts flowing in the
mind of Derry. He is drawn towards him. Mr. Lamb tells that children tease and call
him ‘Lamey Lamb’ but he never minds. He plays with them and gives them toffees. His
viewpoint brings a great change in Derry. He becomes free from inferiority complex and
decides to face the realities of life.
Q10. Both Mr. Lamb and Derry represent two serious aspects of life, though their origin can
be called the same. Explain the statement.
Suggested Answer / Value Points-

Both Mr. Lamb & Derry are physically handicapped – but have a different perspective on
life – Derry an escapist – intentionally distances himself from people – likes solitude –
considers his burnt face as the most ugliest thing – believes none even his mother will never
love him.
On the other hand Mr. Lamb – an open hearted & broad minded – does not let his disability
affect his life – being an optimistic – takes life as it comes
 enjoys sitting in the sun – reading books – growing flower & weeds – with his
positivism enlightens Derry who then follows his foot step
Here are other short questions for testing yourself.
OTHER SHORT QUESTIONS

1. How does Derry enter the garden? What had he thought about it?
2. . How did Derry’s face get disfigured?
3. How does Mr. Lamb differentiate between weeds and flowers? What does it tell
about Mr. Lamb?
4. What did Mr. Lamb tell Derry about his handicap?
5. Why isn’t Mr. Lamb troubled by the poeple who stare at him?
6. What cruel things did the woman at the bus stop say about Derry?
7. “It was so cruel”. What does Derry refer to?
7. Which peculiar things does Derry notice about Mr. Lamb? (2008)
8. How do people react to Derry’s burnt face?
9. How does Mr. Lamb convince Derry of the uselessness of being a recluse?
10. * Why were there no curtains in Mr. Lamb’s house?
11. How does Mr. Lamb spend his time?
12. What did Derry overhear his parents talking about his future?
13. How is Mr. Lamb’s concept of a “friend” different from that of Derry’s?
14. Why does Mr. Lamb advise Derry to stop having feelings of hatred towards the
people?
15. How do Derrry’s parents add to his feelings of insecurity?
 16. How does Mr. Lamb treat the people who visit his house?
17. What according to Derry, would happen if Mr. Lamb continued his friendship with
him?
18. What has Derry been told by people who stare at him?
19. Why does Mr. Lamb tell Derry that if he went back he would never return?
20. Why does Derry’s mother object to his going to Mr. Lamb’s house? or

Mr. Lamb Welcomes Derry

– in his garden in spite of jumping over the wall

– Tries to make him comfortable
– Tells him to pick crab apples
– Talked to him, without considering his disability
– Derry thinks, pretending not to be afraid of his burnt face
– Tells usually people afraid of his face
– Mr. Lamb asks but doesn’t probe
– Tells Derry that he has a tin leg

• Mr. Lamb’s advice to Derry

– Tells that in Nature shapes differ but the quality is the same
– no difference among the plants whether they are weeds, flowers and others all grow
– Inside is more important than outside
– Accept yourself not to fear of others
– Calling Lamey-Lamb not bother him
– Not to keep thinking of these things
– Life offers many more things
– Isolation isn’t good
– Inspires to look at things positively

• Derry’s reaction to Mr. Lamb’s advice

– Initially, very suspicious of Mr. Lamb
– Never had anybody to talk and understand
– Couldn't believe that he does not find him ugly
– Later, fascinated by Mr. Lamb’s talk
– Motivated and drawn towards him

• Mr. Lamb
– An old man with a tin leg
– Lives alone, lonely
– Found ways to overcome his loneliness
– Keeps his gate open
– Never curtains his windows
– Imagines kids and people walking all over
– Spends time listening to the bees
– Has a positive approach to life

• Derry’s Transformation
– Had bitter experience in the world
– Tells Mr. Lamb about sarcastic comments about his looks
– Even his mother kisses on the other side of face
– Not trust people and ignore their comments about his face
– Sad that he will have only half a face
– Mr. Lamb’s meeting changes his outlook towards life
– Talks to Mr. Lamb about his likes, dislikes and fears
– Wants to be loved and appreciated
– Wants to break free from the stigma of being disabled
– His going back to Mr. Lamb’s garden shows his changing personality.

Q1. Who is Derry? What self-opinion does he hold?

Derek, also called Derry was a young boy of 14. He was a quiet, shy and defiant boy. One side
of his face was totally burnt by acid. He was a victim of an inferiority complex.

Q2. ‘I am not afraid, people are afraid of me’, why does Derry say so?

Derry lives in a cocoon of complexes – due to his burnt face –isolated himself – don’t mix up –
considers his burnt face `anunpleasant sight` - people are afraid of

Q3. Mr. Lamb says to Derry; ‘it’s all relative, beauty and the beast’, what essentially does he
mean by that?

Mr. Lamb means to say that different people have different view pints to look at the same
thing. Some find one thing beautiful, others find it ugly. It all depends on outlook and
attitude. It is, therefore, important to adopt a positive attitude towards everything just like
the Princess Beauty who loved the monstrous Beast in the fairy tale. The point is that what
you look like, but what you are inside.

Q4 What does Derry know about the fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’? Why is he not
convinced by its moral?

-Derry had heard the tale; Beauty liked the monstrous Beast; when she kissed he turned into a
handsome prince; moral was not how you look outside but how you look inside is important;
Derry was not convinced as even if someone kissed he would never change and his mother
always kissed him only on the other cheek

Q5Mr. Lamb has successfully learned to cope with his loneliness. How?

*keeps busy by gardening, rearing bees, making apple jam etc. Also
keeps windows and doors open, welcomes all companies.

Q6. What did Derry’s mothers think of Mr. Lamb?

OR
Why did Derry’s mother stop him, going to Mr. Lamb?

Derry’s mother does not hold a good opinion about Mr. Lamb. She had heard many things
about the old man, therefore stops Derry to visit Mr. Lamb.

Q7. How does Lamb try to remove the baseless fears of Derry?
Mr. Lamb influences Derry – his optimistic philosophy – advised him not to give
attention on other’s comments – try to be internally pure and strong – eliminate the
negativity of life.

Q8. Comment on the moral value of the play

The moral of the play is very loud and clear. The physically disabled should focus on the
brighter side of life and not to brood over the shortcomings. The society should accept them
as they are and expand their social interactions .In this way they can fight out the loneliness,
depression and disappointment.

Q9“When I look in the mirror...I’m afraid of me.” Why does Derry say so?

*burn scar on his face, curious looks by people make him conscious,
avoids meeting others, sour experiences have made him bitter.

Q10What is ironical about his mother’s behaviour towards Derry?

*her over-protective attitude stops Derry from meeting new people, discourages him,
instead of making him brave – makes him timid.

Q11 “It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like.” What attitudinal change do
Derry’s words to his mother indicate?

*Derry attitude is now positive & he looks forward to a better life, no longer hiding from
others

Q12Though the play ends with Mr. Lamb’s death there is still an element of hope. Explain.

*positive change in Derry’s attitude by Mr. Lamb will be permanent,

his life will get better. Mr. Lamb has passed his knowledge and philosophy to younger
generation. Though Mr. Lamb is physically dead, but his ideas will remain alive in Derry’s
heart.

Q13. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb?

*Lamb makes Derry feel comfortable, doesn’t question him about his disability, instills
confidence in him, is a good friend to him

Q14Why does Mr. Lamb leave his gate always open?

(a) – happy to have visitors / children to come there for apples, pears and
toffees / to overcome his feeling of loneliness

Long answer questions

Q1 How did Mr. Lamb’s meeting with Derry become a turning point in Derry’s life?

– Both Lamb and Derry handicapped

– Derry in the beginning withdrawn and defiant
– couldn’t stand people staring at him
– Lamb open-minded and generous.
– kept garden gate open and welcomed all
– had a positive attitude, taught Derry not to indulge in self pity/love life
– taught him the ways of dealing with people
– Derry confessed to his mother that Lamb talked of things that nobody had ever talked of –
things that gave him an optimistic outlook.
– Even defied his mother.
– Derry’s return to Lamb’s garden shows his appreciation for Lamb/ restored confidence.

.Q2 How did Mr. Lamb try to give courage and confidence to Derry?

Welcomed him and accepted him as he was.

Told him its important to see how you are on the inside than how you look on the outside
One cannot go through life being scares and alienated
Shouldn’t brood over limitations but count on his blessings-he had brain legs tongue arms and
thus was totally functional-this was a blessing
Enjoy simple joys of everyday living with people around and nature, ignoring the unpleasant-
see beauty in beezbuzzim or humming-weeds growing-flowers blooming
One’s attitude that matters
Individuals make a difference to the problem
Extended unconditional love
Inspired him with love for life and instilled confidence in him to look at life in an optimistic
way. Embrace his burnt face and rise above it.
Q3. The lesson, 'On The Face of It', is an apt depiction of the loneliness and sense of
alienation experienced by people on account of a disability. Explain.

– loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by Derry and Mr Lamb

Derry
– loner / pessimistic / suffered from severe negative complexes / anger and
frustration / withdrawn and introverted / low confidence / indulged in self pity
/ suspicious of the intent of others
(any two)

Mr Lamb
– inwardly - lonely, craved for company and acceptance
– outwardly - jovial, optimistic, lover of nature, social, outgoing, tolerant (didn’t
mind children calling him Lamey Lamb or picking the Crab apples)
– helpful, sensitive, independent

Q4 Mr. Lamb inspite of his bravado is a lonely man. Comment.

He lived alone in a huge house with a sprawling garden
He left his gate open, hoping that people would just walk in
He pretends to have hundreds of friends but in reality has none
Welcomes Derry in his garden and keeps him engaged in conversation
He puts Derry’s fears to rest
Doesn’t curtain his windows as he doesn’t want to be shut away from the world
The open window gives him the feeling of space and part of the world
When he narrates his routine to Derry he creates an image of the house being full of people
He visualizes people walking and sitting in front of fire sharing food and time
In the end he says “they never come back.” Indicating the sadness he feels on alienation
One almost can see through his bravado of being very busy with lots of friends

Q5. 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 behavior
that the person expects from others?

Actual pain or inconvenience caused by physical impairment is often less than the sense of
alienation felt by the person with disabilities
– Physical disabilities caused pain once in life time like during war when Mr. Lamb got hurt and
sometimes when its rainy.
– But after it this physical disability – set chain for other actions – caused mental agony –
called Lamely lamb, mothers were afraid of sending the children because of his tin leg.
-Derry -burnt face –everyone pities him-only a mother could love that face
-Both Mr. Lamb and Derry have been the victims of verbal atrocities –
-Mr. Lamb takes comments lightly
-But Derry does not have the attitude like Mr. Lamb – Attitude of the people needs to be
changed
-Do not want sympathy but accept them as they are
-Wounds get healed –but bitter comments never forgotten leaves a scar

Q6“Acid…ate my face up. It ate me up.” Describe the miseries suffered by Derry after the
unfortunate incident he refers to.
 *ignored by others or has to face curious looks, glances and questions, feels awkward and
abnormal, sense of isolation, unkind comments, over-protective attitude of mother, no true
friends.

Q7 Various factors can lead to psychological changes in one’s personality. Discuss with
reference to Derry’s experiences in On the face of it.

*burn scars and unkind attitude of others make him negative,encouraging, positive and kind
attitude of Mr. Lamb changes his attitude.

Q8 Physically challenged people don’t want sympathy, they just need acceptance. Comment
with illustrations from On the face of it.

*need for acceptance by fellow beings, pain of being ignored...don’t want to be reminded of
disabilities again and again, emotional scars deeper than physical one, sympathy weakens
them, need to be inspired
and encouraged..

Q.9.Explain: “Derry is a victim of his own complex.” How does there come a change in his
thinking?

Ans:Derry is a young boy of fourteen years. One side of his face is badly burnt due to falling of
the acid. He thinks it ‘the ugliest thing’ in the world. When he sees his face in the mirror, he
gets afraid of himself. He has heard ladies saying‘What a terrible face!’ None will like him. He
becomesdejected, withdrawn and defiant. He is unable to face the world. He avoids the
general public. All these facts turn Derry a victim of his own inferiority complex and negative
attitude. By chance he sneaks into the garden of Mr. lamb thinking it to be a secluded place.
But Mr. Lamb interrupts him and tells that his door is always open. People can come and he
has got so many friends. Consequently a surge of relief starts flowing in the mind of Derry. He
is drawn towards him. Mr. Lamb tells that children tease and call him ‘Lamey Lamb’ but he
never minds. He plays with them and gives them toffees. His viewpoint brings a great change
in Derry. He becomes free from inferiority complex and decides to face the realities of life.

Q10. Both Mr. Lamb and Derry represent two serious aspects of life, though their origin can
be called the same. Explain the statement.

Suggested Answer / Value Points-

Both Mr. Lamb & Derry are physically handicapped – but have a different perspective on
life – Derry an escapist –intentionally distances himself from people – likes solitude –
considers his burnt face as the most ugliest thing – believes none even his mother will never
love him.

On the other hand Mr. Lamb – an open hearted & broad minded – does not let his disability
affect his life – being anoptimistic – takes life as it comes
- enjoys sitting in the sun – reading books – growing flower & weeds – with his positivism
enlightens Derry who then follows his foot step

. Why and how did Derry enter Mr. Lamb's garden ?

Ans. The young man Derry entered Mr. Lamb's garden by climbing over the garden wall. He
thought that it was an empty place. He didn't know there was anybody there. He didn't come
to steal apples or anything. He just wanted to be in a secluded place. The garden appeared to
be quite a suitable place for him.
Q. 2. What was the reaction of Mr. Lamb when he saw Derry entering his garden after
climbing over the garden wall ?
Ans. Mr. Lamb saw Derry entering his garden. Derry was startled. He gave explanation that he
didn't enter to steal anything. Mr. Lamb tried to comfort Derry. Anybody could enter the
garden. He asked him to pick up ripe apples lying in the long grass.
Q. 3. Why does Derry say : " .... I'm not afraid. [Pause] People are afraid of me ?"
Ans. Derry suffers from a complex. Most of the physically impaired persons suffer from such a
complex. He becomes withdrawn and defiant. He has got a burnt face. People find his face very
terrible. They get scared when they look at his horrible face. So he is not afraid of the people
but they are afraid of him.
Q. 4. "What have you changed the subject for ?" says Derry to Mr. Lamb. What does Derry
want Mr. Lamb to do ?
Ans. Derry was telling about his face. People called it a "terrible" and the "ugliest thing". Mar
Lamb starts talking of the crab apples and of making jelly out of them. Derry gets angry. He
thinks perhaps Mr. Lamb doesn't dare to talk about his "ugly" and "terrible" face. He is only
trying to change the unpleasant subject.
Q. 5. Why did Derry come into Mr. Lamb's garden ? Why was he startled ?
(A.I. CBSE 2008}
Ans. Derry told Mr Lamb that he didn't enter the garden to steal anything. He thought it was
an empty place. He didn't know if anybody was living there. He was startled to find Mr Lamb
suddenly coming near and speaking to him. Derry asked in disbelief and
surprise: "What ? ...Who's there ?"
Q. 6. According to Derry, what do people think and say about him ?
(A.I. CBSE 2008)
Ans. Derry thought that people were afraid of his burnt face. It was a terrible thing. Derry
thought that no one would ever kiss him except his mother. When people stared him, he felt
they were afraid of him. This made him withdrawn. He tried to avoid meeting people. Derry
thought he was as ugly as a 'devil' and people thought him so.
Q. 7. How did Derry get his face burnt ?
Ans. One side of Derry's face was totally burnt. Mr Lamb guessed that Derry's face got burned
in a fire. Derry corrected him. He got acid all down on that side of his face. The acid burned it
all the way. It ate his face up.
Q. 8. "I'm interested in anybody. Anything. There is nothing that God made that doesn't interest
me." Do these words truly reflect Mr Lamb's character ?
Ans. Mr Lamb is a man with a positive attitude towards life and people. He is not an escapist
like Derry. He is also a physically disabled person. But the matter ends here only. He has zest
for life. He loves people. He loves growing weeds, collecting honey and making jelly. He is
always interested in anybody and anything.
Q. 9. Why does Mr Lamb have a tin leg ?
Ans. Mr Lamb has a tin leg. One of his legs was blown off in the war. He has to walk on an
artificial tin leg. But Mr Lamb doesn't feel like a physically handicapped person. Nor does he
suffer from an inferiority complex. Children call him "Lamey-Lamb" but he doesn't mind it.
Q. 10. What was the fate of the man who locked himself up in his room ? Why does Mr Lamb
give this example ?
Ans. There was a man who was afraid of everything. A bus might run over him. A donkey might
kick him to death. So he went into his room. He locked the door and stayed there. A picture fell
off the wall on to his head and killed him. Mr Lamb doesn't want Derry to alienate himself. It
can be dangerous.
Q. 11. "I'm not fond of curtains. Shutting things out." says Mr Lamb. How do these words
reveal Mr Lamb's personality ?
Ans. Mr Lamb's physical disability doesn't crush his openness and large-heartedness. He is not
alienated from the mainstream of life like Derry. On the other hand, he keeps his house and
heart open to people. Anybody can enter his garden. He is not fond of curtains. He doesn't
believe in shutting things out.
Q. 12. Why does Mr Lamb say to Derry that "People are never just... nothing. Never" ?
Ans. Mr Lamb's message is very clear. Alienation or withdrawal is not the solution. Derry
believes in funning away from people. For him people are just nothing. Mr Lamb lives among
the people. He keeps his heart always open for the people. They are important and "never just
nothing".
Q. 13. What kind of world will it be if all the physically disabled start living together to avoid
people staring at them ?
Ans. Derry believes in withdrawal and escapism. He wants to live where no one may stare and
pass cruel remarks at him. The blind ought to be with the blind people and the idiot boys with
the idiots. Mr Lamb doesn't believe in such a segregation. It will not be a pleasant and healthy
world.
Q. 14. "Once you got home, you'd never let yourself come back." says Mr Lamb to Derry. Is he
right in his assessment ?
Ans. Mr Lamb says that once Derry gets home, he will never let himself come back. People say
but never come back. But Derry says that he will come back. Mr Lamb should wait for him.
Derry does come back. His mother tries to hold him back but he comes back to Mr Lamb.
Q. 15. Why does Derry's mother warn him not to go to meet Mr Lamb ?
Ans. Derry's mother claims to have heard many things about Mr Lamb. She has been told and
warned by the people. She asks Derry not to go back there. Derry asks her not to believe all
she hears. He is determined to go there.
Q. 16. Why doesn't Derry stay to help Mr. Lamb to get crab-apples ?
(A.I. CBSE 2008)
Ans. Derry can't stay to help Mr Lamb to get crab-apples. He was away from home for long. His
mother must be worried. She wanted to know where he was. His home was at a distance of
three miles across the fields. He was fourteen but still his mother wanted to know where her
son was.
Q. 17. Why does Derry go back to Mr Lamb ?
Ans. Derry is determined to go back to Mr Lamb. Mr Lamb says "things nobody else has ever
said". Moreover, he has promised Mr Lamb to come back to him. He wants to prove that he
has fulfilled his promise. Mr Lamb has given him a new meaning of life. So he is coming to
meet him again.
Q. 18. Has Derry overcome the complex regarding his burnt face ? How ?
Ans. Derry feels bad when people talk about his face. But now Derry is not the same person.
He has overcome his inferiority complex. Nor does he care what he looks like. It is not
important for him now. He is going back to Mr Lamb only to look at things like him.
Q. 19. Describe the message that the play 'On The Face of It' conveys to the readers.
Ans. The one-act-play 'On The Face of It' conveys a definite message. Life has to be lived. We
should always be within the mainstream of life. We should not allow ourselves to be alienated.
Nor should we suffer from a complex if we are physically challenged. We should accept life as
it comes.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Both Derry and Mr Lamb suffer physical disabilities but their attitude towards life and
people is totally different. Highlight their contrasting traits in your own words.
(V. Imp.)
Ans. Derry's main problem is his burnt face. One side of his face was eaten up by acid. He
suffers from a tremendous sense of inferiority complex. He is always conscious that his face is
"bad", "terrible" and "the ugliest thing". People are "afraid" of him. He tries to escape peo ple.
He allows himself to be alienated from the world. On the other hand, Mr Lamb doesn't allow
his physical disability to come in his way. He accepts life as it comes. He has a positive attitude
towards life, things and people. He doesn't find solace in escapism. Children tease him by
calling "Lamey-Lamb" but he doesn't mind it. One of his legs was blown off in the war. But he is
full of life and enjoys it at his best. He enjoys sitting in the sun, reading books and growing
weeds and flowers.
Derry is withdrawn and defiant. He doesn't trust people. He thinks that no one will ever love
and kiss him except his own mother. He can't stand people staring at him or passing
uncharitable remarks. He is touchy and hyper-sensitive. Mr Lamb is open-minded and open-
hearted. All are welcome. He loves everybody and everything. He teaches Derry how to handle
people and things.
Q. 2. How did Mr. Lamb's meeting with Derry become a turning point in Derry's
life ? (C5S£ 2008)
Ans. The play 'On the Face of It' features an old man and a small boy. The man is Mr Lamb and
the boy Derry who meets him in the former's garden. Derry is withdrawn and defiant. He does
not like being with people. Once he got acid all down on one side of his face. The acid burnt it
all away. This creates a complex in his mind. He considers his face as the most terrible thing in
the world. When he looks in the mirror and sees it, he is afraid of himself. He thinks that
people are afraid of him. He doesn't like being near them. No one will ever kiss him. Only his
mother kisses him and that too on the other side of his face. People look at his face and pass
uncharitable remarks. Mr Lamb is a physically challenged man. He has got a tin leg. The real
one got blown off, years back. Children tease him calling "Lamey — Lamb". But Mr Lamb never
minds such things. He has a positive attitude towards life. He likes to talk and have company.
He is open and never shuts himself in.
Mr Lamb's meeting with Derry brings a turning point in Derry's life. He gives confidence to
Derry. He persuades him that he can get better than rest of the people. He should stop hating
people. Hatred burns oneself away inside. Derry should take life as it is. This leaves a deep
impression on Derry. He comes back to Mr Lamb only to find him dead. But Mr Lamb brings a
change in Derry's life. He develops confidence to face the world in a more positive way.
Q. 3. Derry is a victim of his own complex. He develops a negative attitude towards life and
people. Do you find some change in him in the end ? (V. Imp.)
Ans. Derry is a victim of his own inferiority complex. This complex is born out of a distorted
understanding of himself and the world. One side of his face was badly burnt by acid. When he
sees his face in the mirror he gets afraid of himself. Derry develops a negative attitude towards
life. He doesn't fit anywhere. He is withdrawn and defiant. He avoids people. He can never
think that anybody can love and kiss him except his mother.
Derry's deep complex leads him to total alienation. He is unlike Mr Lamb. Mr Lamb has a tin
leg. But he never allows his disability to sour the joys of his life. Derry makes himself quite
pitiable and miserable. His hyper-sensitivity is like an open wound. He can't stand people
staring at him. Cruel and uncharitable remarks upset the balance of his mind. Children call Mr
Lamb : "Lamey-Lamb" but he doesn't rnind it. Derry has developed a perverted thinking. He
mistrusts the world and its people. We find a change in Derry in the end. Mr Lamb's ideas leave
their imprints on him. He is free from that diseased complex now.
Q. 4. Generally persons suffering from a physical impairment feel a sense of alienation and
withdraw themselves from the world. But Mr Lamb never allows his physical disability to sour
and spoil the pace and pleasures of his life. Justify the statement by giving examples from the
text. (Imp.)
Ans. Physical impairment causes a deep mental agony. It gives birth to a deep inferiority
complex. The person gets alienated from the mainstream of life. He finds solace in withdrawal
and self-pity. But Mr Lamb is an exception. He has a tin leg. One of his legs was blown off in the
war. He never allows his physical disability to sour and spoil the pace and pleasures of his life.
He accepts life as it comes. He tries to find and give a definite meaning to it. He always lives for
others and among others. Nor does he become an object of self-pity. He always keeps open his
heart for others. Everyone is welcome. He loves everybody and everything.
Mr Lamb is full of life. He enjoys sitting in the sun and reading books. He grows plants, flowers
and fruit trees. He collects honey and makes jelly from apples. Children sometimes call him
"Lamey-Lamb" but he doesn't mind it. On the other hand, he plays with them. He gives apples
and toffees to them. He gives a new direction and meaning to Berry's life before his death.