On the face of it

Info that can help in answer writing

This is a play featuring an old man and a small boy meeting

in the former’s garden. The old man strikes up a friendship
with the boy who is very withdrawn and defiant.

MR LAMB: Later on, when it’s a bit cooler, I’ll get the ladder
and a stick, and pull down those crab apples.
They’re ripe for it. I make jelly. It’s a good time of
year, September. Look at them....orange and
golden. That’s magic fruit. I often say. But it’s
best picked and made into jelly. You could give
me a hand.

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 Conceptual information

Role of Abandoned House and Garden:

The abandoned house and its garden serve as a symbolic backdrop for the
story, reflecting the isolation and neglect experienced by both Derry and Mr.
Lamb.

The setting creates a sense of solitude and mystery, mirroring the characters'
internal struggles and the barriers they face in connecting with others.

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 The garden also represents a sanctuary where Derry and Mr. Lamb can
escape from the judgment and expectations of the outside world, allowing
their friendship to blossom.

Significance of the Title "On the Face of It":

The title "On the Face of It" suggests that appearances can be deceiving
and that true understanding requires looking beyond surface-level
impressions.

Scene Demonstrating Empathy:

One scene that showcases empathy is when Derry shares his own struggles
and insecurities with Mr. Lamb.

Mr. Lamb listens attentively and offers words of encouragement and

understanding, validating Derry's feelings and experiences.

This exchange deepens their connection and reinforces the importance of

empathy in their relationship.

1. Emotional Tone: The conversation carries an undertone of tension and

vulnerability as Derry grapples with his insecurities and Mr. Lamb tries to offer
acceptance and understanding.

2. Symbolism: The crab apples and the garden itself serve as symbols of growth,
transformation, and the possibility of finding beauty and purpose despite
challenges.

3. Themes:

Isolation and Loneliness: Derry's reluctance to engage with others stems

from his fear of rejection and isolation due to his appearance.

Acceptance and Empathy: Mr. Lamb's kindness and willingness to engage

with Derry despite his disfigurement highlight the importance of
acceptance and empathy in overcoming prejudices and fears.

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 Self-Perception and Identity: Derry's disfigurement and his perception of
how others view him reflect deeper themes of self-perception and identity,
as he struggles to come to terms with his appearance and its implications
on his sense of self-worth.

1. Derry's Perception of Himself and Others:

Derry expresses a profound awareness of how people perceive him

based on his disfigurement. He believes that others are afraid of him
because of his appearance, which he perceives as monstrous.

His statement, "I can see...What they think," indicates his acute
sensitivity to the thoughts and reactions of others towards him.

Derry's self-perception is deeply affected by the fear and pity he

senses from others, leading to feelings of isolation and alienation.

2. Mr. Lamb's Response:

Mr. Lamb listens attentively to Derry's concerns and attempts to offer

comfort and understanding.

He subtly challenges Derry's negative self-perception by suggesting

that not everyone is afraid of him and that there are positive aspects to
his identity beyond his physical appearance.

Mr. Lamb's gentle demeanor and willingness to engage with Derry's

emotions demonstrate his empathy and compassion towards the boy.

3. Derry's Frustration and Vulnerability:

Derry's frustration with people's avoidance of the truth about his

appearance is evident when he accuses Mr. Lamb of changing the
subject and pretending not to notice.

His vulnerability is highlighted when he reveals the source of his

disfigurement and the emotional pain it has caused him. His use of
vivid language to describe the acid burning his face emphasizes the
trauma he has endured.

4. Mr. Lamb's Attempt at Connection:

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 Mr. Lamb's suggestion of picking crab apples together and making
jelly is his way of extending an invitation to Derry, offering him a sense
of belonging and purpose.

Despite Derry's initial resistance and defensiveness, Mr. Lamb persists

in trying to engage with him and include him in simple activities,
demonstrating his genuine desire to connect with the boy.

Mr. Lamb's Distraction Technique:

Mr. Lamb changes the subject to picking crab apples and making
jelly, possibly to steer the conversation away from the sensitive
topic of Derry's disfigurement.

He may be trying to lighten the mood and engage Derry in a more

pleasant and ordinary activity.

Derry's Frustration and Perception:

Derry interprets Mr. Lamb's change of subject as avoidance and

denial of the reality of his disfigurement.

He feels frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment and

understanding from others, which increases his sense of isolation
and alienation.

Questioning Social Norms:

Derry questions why people often avoid discussing uncomfortable

topics like his disfigurement, suggesting a societal tendency to
ignore or downplay differences.

He challenges Mr. Lamb to confront the truth directly rather than

pretending it doesn't exist, highlighting his desire for honesty and
authenticity in their interaction.

Challenging Derry's Assumptions:

Mr. Lamb challenges Derry's assertion that they are different

by highlighting their shared humanity and the common

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 experiences that bind them together.

He prompts Derry to reconsider his perspective and recognize

the underlying similarities that exist between them.

Empowering Message:

Mr. Lamb's message conveys a sense of empowerment,

encouraging Derry to embrace his identity and recognize his
intrinsic value as a human being.

Mr. Lamb's Philosophy of Equality:

Mr. Lamb expresses his interest in all living things,

suggesting that he sees value and significance in every
aspect of life.

He challenges Derry's assertion that they are not the same

by pointing out that superficial differences, such as age
and physical appearance, are insignificant in the grand
scheme of things.

Perception of Differences:

Mr. Lamb emphasizes the arbitrary nature of labeling

certain plants as "weeds" while others are deemed
"flowers." He suggests that these distinctions are
subjective and do not alter the fundamental essence of life.

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 Different perspective singing vs buzzing

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