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On the Face of It
5 —Susan Hill

About the Author is called Lamely Lamb and mothers were afraid of
sending the children because of his tin leg. Derry has
Susan Hill (Born: 5 February 1942 ) is an English a burnt face and everyone pities him. Only a mother
author of fiction and non-fiction works. Her novels could love such a face.
include The Woman in Black, The Mist in the Mirror Both Mr Lamb and Derry have been facing hatred
and I’m the King of the Castle for which she received and alienation. Mr Lamb takes comments lightly.
the Somerset Maugham Award in 1971. But Derry does not have the attitude like Mr Lamb.
She had to undergo tragedy early in life. In her semi- Attitude of the people needs to be changed. On
autobiographical novel, ‘In The Springtime of the the face of it, both suffer from disability but their
Year 1974’, she deals with loneliness and isolation attitudes are very different. The title is therefore
as is experienced by Mr Lamb and Derek in the play, justified.
‘On the Face of It’.
Message
Theme
The message woven into the plot of the play is that
The play deals with the sense of loss, a sense of scars do not change a person and handicaps must be
isolation and how to overcome it. The actual pain accepted by individuals and society with a burned
caused by a physical impairment is often much less face, Derry had to face discrimination, because of
than the sense of alienation felt by the person. The which he had turned pessimistic. He had started
title ‘On the Face of it’ is used to mean that something hating being around people and had concluded that
seems to be good, true etc. but that needs to be everyone hated him too because of his face. Then
changed when you know more about it. Derry meets Mr Lamb, a person who looks at things
Appearances are deceptive and most often, we go with a “half full” perspective. He points out that how
on dealing with impressions and prejudices about one green plant is considered desirable and how the
others without bothering to know them. People know other (weed) is undesirable and how the sound made
Mr Lamb as a lonely, eccentric lame old man but in by the bees may be noise to some and music to others.
reality he is a very kind and generous man who longs He teaches Derry not to look at his burned face as
for company and he loves his fellow human beings a disability and try to overcome it just as Mr Lamb
along with all the other creations of God. Similarly had dealt with his tin leg. The moral is very loud and
Derek appears to be an abominable ugly boy with a clear that people who are physically disabled should
huge scar on his face whom no one loves or likes or not be isolated, we should help them expand their
befriends. He is the object of other people’s hateful social interactions and help them fight loneliness,
stares, ridicules and neglect. Even his mother does depression and disappointment. Mr Lamb tells
not dare to kiss him on the cheek with the scar. Yet Derry that it all depends upon people’s individual
this boy who is suffering from an acute inferiority perceptions. A thing is a beauty for one while that
complex has a tender and sensitive heart. He wants beauty may be a beast for others.
to love and be loved. Fortunately he meets Mr Lamb
who transforms him with his healing touch. Summary
The play is about the friendship between an old man,
Justification of the Title
Mr Lamb, and a young boy, Derry, who is withdrawn
“On the Face of It” is an informal expression used to and defiant. The child is very disturbed because of
say that what may seem good but this opinion may his scarred face and feels that people do not want
change when you know more about it. to associate with him. He drifts into Mr Lamb’s
This definition of the expression should leave us in no garden which looks very inviting but Derry panics
doubt about the appropriateness of the title. Mr Lamb when he meets the old man. The latter tries to make
him feel at ease and advises him to accept life as it
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comes. Mr Lamb’s philosophy is to celebrate life in who have isolated him with their negative
all its forms. To him, difference is a part of life – a comments about his appearance.
flower and a weed are the same, both signs of life, of (ii) He tells Derry he can have the world; that it is
growth. Having an artificial or a ‘tin leg’, he has had
in his hands.
to cope with the cruelty of others but has taken it in
his stride. He has a positive and optimistic attitude (iii) Makes him realise that handicaps are not an
to life. He tells Derry to live life to the full and to obstacle.
avoid bitterness which can be more destructive than (iv) Tells him that all were similar and that there
the acid that destroyed his face. He advises Derry to was no difference between him and others
accept life without any pre-conceived notions. The who were not handicapped. That beauty was
power of choosing what one wants lies in one’s hands. relative.
Derry is extremely sensitive about his scarred face
and has a fixed opinion that he is repulsive and ugly. (v) He also emphasizes that people cannot
He locks himself in a world of his own and avoids be grouped together on the basis of their
contact with others. But in spite of his attitude, he impairments. Each person is different.
is moved by the old man’s spirit. This is evident (vi) Lets him see that people are important and that
from the fact that he defies his mother and returns you cannot reject them or be afraid of them for
to the garden, though sadly a little too late. Derry’ s then they will do the same.
face is scarred while Mr. Lamb’s leg is an artificial
one, a ‘tin leg’ as he calls it. Both have to cope with (vii) Makes him realize that you cannot just
the cruelty of others. While Derry withdraws into remember the bad things people say. That one
his shell, Mr Lamb takes it into his stride. One gets should remember the good things.
glimpses of the loneliness the old man faces in spite (viii) Tells him that he feels everyone is a friend till
of his outward bravado in the scene when he talks to proved otherwise.
the bees. From Derry’ s point of view also it is sad that (ix) The fact that he opens the world to him by
when he finally makes an effort to come out of his telling him to just wait, watch and listen. He
shell, he is confronted by the loss of the only person doesn’t expect him to do anything difficult.
who had befriended him.
Derry
CHAPTER IN A NUTSHELL 1. Scared of meeting people as he hates seeing their
fear of him and facing their rejection.
Reasons for Mr Lamb’s positive influence on 2. Very sensitive–people’s comments hurt him
Derry deeply.
1. Mr Lamb himself was physically handicapped 3. Upset with parents’ overprotectiveness and
and had also been laughed at and rejected. It was mother’s revulsion with his face.
easier for Derry to accept what he said. 4. Defiant, rude as he is too scared to talk to people.
2. His Attitude:
5. Negative about everything – sees everything in
(i) Mr Lamb is not scared or repulsed by him. a bad light.
He accepts him and treats him like a normal
6. Indulges in self pity over his face.
person.
7. Hates sympathy.
(ii) He seems to understand Derry and his anguish
and doesn’t pity him. 8. Hates the world and keeps away from it.
9. Inner deep desire to be accepted which he hides
(iii) He does not lecture or moralise.
under an abrasive exterior.
(iv) He has positive attitude towards everything.
10. Change in the end after listening to Mr Lamb.
Even feeling that bees sing and do not buzz.
Ready to face the world and overcome obstacles
(v) The fact that he doesn’t get angry or put off by to do so. Finds courage and strength to get what
Derry’s rudeness and doesn’t force him to stay
he wants.
or listen to him.
Mr Lamb
3. His views, which are so different from those held
1. Very positive in his outlook. Sees beauty in
by others:
everything, including weeds.
(i) He lets him see he can lead a normal life, unlike 2. Doesn’t let his being handicap prevent him from
Derry’s overprotective parents and others living life to the fullest.
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3. Very friendly, opened his doors to the world. (a) To explain that weeds are important and
4. Sees world is important and that people are should be valued and cared for as much as
important. flowers.
5. Strong; doesn’t let people’s negative comments (b) To emphasize that distinctions are made by
hurt him. man to serve specific purposes and uses.
6. Practical; knows one’s life is in one’s own hands. (c) To highlight that labels are arbitrary and
7. Understanding of Derry’s problems. essentially reflect a common life experience.
Things which hurt Derry (d) To remind Derry that the only difference that
1. His mother kissing him on the good cheek and matters is that of attitude and experience.
not the burnt one. (ii) How would you describe Derry’s tone when he
2. Parents talking of what he would do with his face says—“We’re not the same?”
after they died. (a) calm (b) perplexed
3. Parents’ overprotectiveness and making him feel (c) bitter (d) practical
he could not live a normal life. (iii) Why does Mr Lamb grow weeds?
4. Woman saying only a mother could love him. (iv) Describe Mr Lamb and Derry as represented
5. Person saying he would be better off with people in this extract.
of his own kind.
Answers
6. People scared of him.
(i) (c) To highlight that labels are arbitrary and
Meaning of Title essentially reflect a common life experience.
1. On the surface both Mr Lamb and Derry are (ii) (c) bitter
similar as both are handicapped, but there are
(iii) For Mr Lamb, all plants have life and are
differences in their outlook on life.
growing: For him there is no difference between
2. Mr Lamb is positive about everything and a flower garden and a weed garden.
remains happy. He likes people and lives a full (iv) Mr. Lamb is old and has a tin leg. He is sitting
life and does not think handicaps are obstacles. Derry is young, has a burned face and is
3. But Derry is bitter, hurt at people’s comments, standing. Mr. Lamb is positive and Derry in
hates the world and isolates himself. bitter.
Type I. Refe ence o on ex 2. Derry: You think.... ‘Here’s a boy.’ You look at
r
t
C
t
t
Read the extracts given below and attempt the me...and then you see my face and you think.
questions that follow: ‘That’s bad. That’s a terrible thing. That’s the
ugliest thing I ever saw.’ You think, ‘Poor boy.’
1. Mr Lamb: Look, boy, look... what do you see?
But I’m not. Not poor. Underneath, you are
Derry: Just... grass and stuff. Weeds. afraid. Anybody would be. I am. When I look in

Mr Lamb: Some call them weeds. If you like, the mirror, and see it, I’m afraid of me.

then... a weed garden, that. There’s fruit and Mr Lamb: No, Not the whole of you. Not of you.
there are flowers, and trees and herbs. All sorts.

Derry: Yes! [Pause]
But over there... weeds. I grow weeds there. Why

is one green, growing plant called a weed and Mr Lamb: Later on, when it’s a bit cooler, I’ll get

another ‘flower’? Where’s the difference. It’s all the ladder and a stick, and pull down those crab
life... growing. Same as you and me. apples. They’re ripe for it. I make jelly. It’s a good
time of year, September. Look at them....orange
Derry: We’re not the same.
and golden. That’s magic fruit. I often say. But

Mr Lamb : I’m old. You’re young. you’ve got a it’s best picked and made into jelly. You could

burned face, I’ve got a tin leg. Not important. give me a hand.
You’re standing there... I’m sitting here. Where’s
the difference? Derry: What have you changed the subject for?

People always do that. Why don’t you ask me?
Questions Why do you do what they all do and pretend it
(i) Like the play, the given extract is a study in isn’t true and isn’t there? In case I see you looking
contrasts. What does Mr Lamb seek to do by and mind and get upset? I’ll tell....you don’t ask
bringing up distinctions? me because you’re afraid to.
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Mr Lamb: You want me to ask....say so, then. Derry: They talk about me. Downstairs, when I’m

Derry: I don’t like being with people. Any people. not there.

Mr Lamb: I should say....to look at it.... I should Questions

say, you got burned in a fire. (i) According to Mr Lamb, what does the idea of
Derry: Not in a fire. I got acid all down that side being ‘lost’ signify?

of my face and it burned it all away. It ate my (a) He who does not hear what other people say
face up. It ate me up. And now it’s like this and is lost.
it won’t ever be any different. (b) He who does not appreciate man and nature
Questions is lost.
(c) He who does not pause to reflect on wind
(i) What did Derry think about himself?
and rain is lost.
(a) He was very handsome.
(d) He who is closed off to nature and its
(b) He was very smart. wonders is lost.
(c) Everyone loved him a lot.
(ii) What does Mr Lamb do all day?
(d) He was very ugly and everyone was
(a) Sit in the sun read books
frightened of him.
(b) shut things out
(ii) Why did Derry get angry when Mr Lamb (c) open the curtains
changed the subject?
(d) wait for people to come
(a) People always did that.
(iii) What does Derry like to hear?

(b) He wanted to talk to Mr Lamb.
(c) He wanted to yell at someone. (iv) “You do hear things. You listen.” Choose the
option that captures the difference between
(d) He did not like Mr Lamb.
hearing and listening.
(iii) What did Derry not like doing? (a) shut in: shut out
(a) Making friends (b) smile: laugh (c) act: reflect

(b) Talking to people (d) chance: attend
(c) Being with people
Answers

(d) Going out with people
(i) (d) He who is closed off to nature and its
(iv) How did Derry get a burned face? wonders is lost.
Answers (ii) (a) Sit in the sun read books
(i) (d) He was very ugly and everyone was (iii) Derry likes to hear the rain on the roof.
frightened of him. (iv) (d) chance: attend

(ii) (a) People always did that.
4. Mother: Listen to what?

(iii) (c) Being with people
Derry: Bees singing. Him talking.

(iv) He got acid on his face and it burned it away.

Mother: And what’s he got to say to you?

3. Derry: What do you do all day? Derry: Things that matter. Things nobody else

Mr Lamb: Sit in the sun. Read books. Ah, you has ever said. Things I want to think about.

thought it was an empty house, but inside, it’s Mother: Then you stay here and do your thinking.
full. Books and other things. Full.

You’re best off here.
Derry: But there aren’t any curtains at the Derry: I hate it here.


windows. Mother: You can’t help the things you say. I

Mr Lamb: I’m not fond of curtains. Shutting forgive you. It’s bound to make you feel bad

things out, shutting things in. I like the light and things....and say them. I don’t blame you.
the darkness, and the windows open, to hear the Derry: It’s got nothing to do with my face and
wind.

what I look like. I don’t care about that and it isn’t
Derry: Yes. I like that. When it’s raining, I like important. It’s what I think and feel and what I

to hear it on the roof. want to see and find out and hear. And I’m going
Mr Lamb: So you’re not lost, are you? Not back there. Only to help him with the crab apples.

altogether? You do hear things. You listen. Only to look at things and listen. But I’m going.

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Mother: You’ll stop here. (b) He wanted to see the bees

Derry: Oh no, oh no. Because if I don’t go back (c) He wanted to steal crab apples

there, I’ll never go anywhere in this world again. (d) Out of curiosity
Questions 4. Derry was afraid that Mr. Lamb would find
his face _____.
(i) According to Mr Lamb, what do his bees do?
(a) repulsive (b) unusual
(ii) What are the things that Mr Lamb talks to (c) boring (d) hard to forget
Derry about? 5. Mr. Lamb believed that Derry wanted to turn
(a) His friends and what they do. back because he _____.
(b) How he makes jelly. (a) he had been caught (b) he was ugly
(c) Things that matter and Derry wants to (c) he was afraid of Mr. Lamb
think about. (d) he had something to hide
(d) Things Derry wants to forget. 6. Mr. Lamb asked Derry to stay back and _____.
(iii) Why does Derry’s mother say ‘I forgive you’? (a) help him in plucking crab apples
(a) Having a burnt face makes her say such (b) talk to him
things. (c) hear birds sing

(b) She knows what is best for him. (d) discuss his problems
(c) She does not want him to get hurt by talking 7. One side of Derry’s face was _____.
to others. (a) marred by scars (b) had spots
(d) She is trying to protect him. (c) was darker (d) burnt by acid
(iv) What is it that Derry does not care about 8. No one liked to look at him. This made Derry
anymore? suffer from ____.
(a) his face and what he looks like. (a) lack of self regard (b) a callous attitude
(b) his friends (c) bitter hatred for the world
(c) Looking at things and listening (d) a desire to die
(d) bees singing 9. Mr. Lamb changed the subject and started
talking about _____.
Answers
(a) apple picking (b) bees singing
(i) According to Mr. Lamb, his bees hum and sing.
(c) beauty and the beast(d) his tin leg
(ii) (c) Things that matter and Derry wants to think
about. 10. Derry didn’t like being with people because
_____.
(iii) (a) Having a burnt face makes her say such
things. (a) he was a shy boy
(iv) (a) his face and what he looks like. (b) he was deformed
(c) people repulsed him
Type II. Tex -Based Ques ons (d) people reminded him of his ugliness
t
ti
11. Derry is ____ when Mr. Lamb welcomes him
I. Multiple Choice Questions to his garden.

(a) surprised (b) angry
1. Derry entered Mr. Lamb’s garden by ______.
(c) repulsed (d) curious
(a) climbing over the wall
12. Mr. Lamb has a _____ attitude.
(b) climbing through the window
(a) negative (b) crazy
(c) walked in through the open gate
(c) positive (d) pessimistic
(d) walking in stealthily
13. Mr. Lamb feels one must _____.
2. Why was Derry startled?
(a) survive
(a) He was caught
(b) struggle with disability

(b) There were many people
(c) live fully
(c) By Mr. Lamb’s presence

(d) look for sympathy
(d) On seeing a watchdog
14. Children called Mr. Lamb _____.
3. Why did Derry enter Mr. Lamb’s garden? (a) an old hat (b) a beast
(a) He wanted to see the flowers (c) Lamey-Lamb (d) an ogre
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15. Mr. Lamb felt the name children called him 27. The gate to Mr. Lamb’s house is.
by _____. (a) always shut
(a) suited him (b) heavily guarded

(b) did not suit him (c) was outrageous (c) barricaded
(d) was disgusting (d) always open
16. Derry feels that Mr. Lamb can cover up his 28. Mr. Lamb thinks the bees _____.
handicap by _____. (a) sing (b) dance
(a) not walking (b) wearing trousers (c) play (d) understand
(c) not meeting people 29. Derry didn’t like people.
(d) by being confident (a) being friendly
17. ‘Why is one green growing plant called a _____ (b) being afraid of him
and another a flower?’ asks Mr. Lamb. (c) being affectionate

(a) thorn (b) grass (d) being sympathetic
(c) weed (d) fruit 30. The man who locked himself in the room died
18. Mr. Lamb believes all living beings are the because
same – they all _____. (a) a picture fell on his head.
(a) breathe (b) make mistakes (b) he slipped over a banana peal.
(c) grow (d) make choices (c) a donkey kicked him to death.
19. Mr. Lamb says, ‘It’s all ______, Beauty and the (d) a bus ran over him.
Beast.’ 31. Derry felt Mr. Lamb said _____ things.
(a) relative (b) unimportant (a) peculiar (b) sad
(c) God’s Grace (d) destiny (c) funny (d) profound
20. Which fruit was Derry going to step on when 32. Mr. Lamb had ____ at the windows.
he jumped over Mr. Lamb’s garden? (a) barricades (b) lovely curtains
(a) Plums (b) Crab apple (c) no curtains
(c) Banana (d) Mango (d) no window panes
21. How old is Derry? 33. Mr. Lamb claimed he had ____ friends.
(a) 13 (b) 14 (a) hundreds of (b) no
(c) 15 (d) 16 (c) two or three (d) a couple of
22. Derry visits Mr. Lamb in the month of ____. 34. Mr. Lamb made _____ with honey.
(a) February (b) July (a) cake (b) cookies
(c) September (d) December (c) pie (d) toffee
23. What ate Derry’s face away? 35. The boy’s name is _____ but he prefers Derry.
(a) Mites (b) Disease (a) Dennis (b) Derek
(c) An accident (d) Acid (c) Derham (d) Derrain
24. Derry’s mother also kissed him ____. 36. ____ blew up Mr. Lamb’s leg.
(a) occasionally (a) A bomb (b) A gunshot
(b) on the other side of the face (c) An accident (d) A splinter
(c) on the burnt side of the face 37. How far is Derry’s house from Mr. Lamb’s?
(d) lovingly, regardless of the burns (a) A mile (b) 2 miles
25. The terrible woman said about Derry that it (c) 3 miles (d) 4 miles
was a face _____. 38. Derry’s family has been living in that house
(a) no one could love for only ____ months.
(b) everyone could love (a) 2 (b) 3
(c) only a mother could love (c) 4 (d) 5
(d) kids would be scared of 39. If Derry didn’t go back, he was scared _____
26. Mr. Lamb advised Derry to keep his ears (a) Mr. Lamb would not let him in
______ (b) Mr. Lamb would make other friends
(a) shut (b) open (c) he wouldn’t be able to pick crabapples
(c) clean (d) shown (d) he’d never go anywhere in the world again

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40. Why does Derry begin to weep in the end? Ans. Derry thought the garden was an empty place
(a) Out of relief as had managed to come. and had come out of curiosity. On seeing Mr.
(b) Mr. Lamb was dead. Lamb, Derry wanted to go home because he
(c) Mr. Lamb did not want him. felt that Mr. Lamb like other people would find
his face repulsive and frightful.

(d) His mother prohibited him from stepping
out of doors. 4. What is the attitude of Mr. Lamb to Derry who
Answer comes to his garden?
1. (a) Climbing over the wall Ans. Mr. Lamb is gentle and friendly. He is not
2. (c) By Mr. Lamb’s presence repulsed by Derry’s appearance and tells him
to mind the crab apples. He urges Derry to
3. (d) Out of curiosity
stay on.
4. (a) Repulsive
5. What terrible complex did Derry suffer from?
5. (c) he was afraid of Mr. Lamb
Ans. One side of Derry’s face was severely burnt
6. (a) help him in plucking crabapples
by acid. Nobody liked him or befriended him.
7. (d) burnt by acid 8. (a) lack of self regard
They were repulsed by his ugly face and
9. (a) apple picking avoided him. He withdrew on account of this
10. (d) people reminded him of his ugliness and avoided people.
11. (a) Surprised 12. (c) positive 6. Why does Derry feel that Mr. Lamb had
13. (c) live fully 14. (c) Lamey-Lamb changed the subject?
15. (a) suited him 16. (b) wearing trousers Ans. Derry feels that Mr. Lamb had changed the
17. (c) weed 18. (c) grow subject because he was afraid to ask him
19. (a) relative 20. (b) Crab apple about his burnt face. Others had also done this
21. (b) 14 22. (c) September before. He felt that people merely pretended
23. (d) Acid the physical impairment wasn’t there.
24. (b) on the other side of the face 7. Why does Derry not like being with people?
25. (c) only a mother could love Ans. When people looked at Derry’s face they found
26. (a) shut it repulsive. They thought it was the ugliest
27. (d) always open thing they had ever seen. Some were afraid of
28. (a) sing what they saw. Derry did not like being with
29. (b) being afraid of him people who reminded him of his scars. He
30. (a) A picture fell on his head spurned people because he felt rejected and
unloved.
31. (a) peculiar 32. (c) No curtains
8. ‘We’re not the same’, says Derry. How does
33. (a) hundreds of 34. (d) toffee
Mr. Lamb try and convince him that there is
35. (b) Derek 36. (a) A bomb
no essential difference between them?
37. (c) 3 miles 38. (b) 3
Ans. Mr. Lamb tells Derry, that despite apparent

39. (d) he’d never go anywhere in the world again
differences, they are the same. They have life
40. (b) Mr. Lamb was dead and are growing. Both of them have a physical
II. Short Answer Questions disability. The differences are superficial and
unimportant.

1. Why is Derry startled as soon as he enters the 9. What is Mr. Lamb’s response to Derry saying
garden? that the tin leg did not trouble him?
Ans. Derry, a boy of fourteen, climbs over the Ans. Derry feels that Mr. Lamb can cover up his
boundary to enter Mr. Lamb’s garden assuming tin leg and people would not even get to know.
it to be empty. Mr. Lamb’s ‘Mind the Apples’ Mr. Lamb replies that if he got affected, people
startled Derry. would still make fun of him. One has to stop
2. Why does Derry enter Mr. Lamb’s garden? bothering about people and their reaction to
Ans. Derry thought there was no one in Mr. Lamb’s one’s disability.
garden. He did not come to steal apples but out 10. Why did kids call Mr. Lamb ‘Lamey-Lamb’?
of curiosity. How does he feel about it?
3. Why does Derry want to go home as soon as Ans. Mr. Lamb had an artificial leg. His limb had
he comes face to face with Mr. Lamb? been blown off in a bomb explosion. The street
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children called him Lamey-Lamb. It no longer Derry wanted to be in Mr. Lamb’s garden and
troubled him as he had come to terms with his listen to things that matter. Things nobody
disability. else had ever said. Things he wanted to think
11. Why is one green plant called a ‘weed’ and about. He added it was nothing to do with his
another ‘flower’? face but about what he felt.
Ans. Mr. Lamb says there is no difference between 17. What made Derry decide to go to the old man?
a weed and a flower. They are variations of Ans. Derry decided to go to the old man because he
the same life which is all important. They had promised him that he would come. Mr.
are both growing and they both represent Lamb had helped him add a new meaning to
life – developing or growing with Mr. Lamb his life. It was no longer about his face and
and Derry. There is inherent oneness in God’s looks but about what he thought. He no longer
creation. wanted to shun people. Derry knew that if he
12. Why do people’s consolations fail to console didn’t go back, he’d never go anywhere in this
Derry? world again.
Ans. Derry feels that he is too ugly to be consoled. 18. Comment on the ending of the play ‘On the
He has been advised to take inspiration from Face of it’.
those who have been blinded, born deaf, Ans. Mr. Lamb who lived a full life in spite of a
invalid or mentally retarded. Since Derry has disability and loneliness helps Derry overcome
none of these disabilities, he should realise his fears. He falls down exactly as Derry had
that he was more fortunate than them. He said he would earlier in the play. Mr. Lamb
feels sermons cannot make his face change to has left the reformed Derry to complete the
a handsome one. good work he had started. Even though the
13. What peculiar things does Derry notice about ending appears sad there is hope in the form
the old man? of young Derry.
Ans. Derry felt Mr. Lamb had no friends and lived 19. Why did Mr. Lamb leave his gate always open?
a lonely life. He had no curtains. He was not Ans. Mr. Lamb was a lonely man. The gate was
fond of shutting things in. He liked the light always open. People would often come in.
and the darkness. He also liked to hear the Kids came for the crab apples and for toffee.
wind and listen to bees singing. Mr. Lamb was not afraid of anything and he
14. What did Derry feel about the conversation did not mind strangers entering his house or
the two women had at the bus stop? garden.
Ans. Derry once overheard a woman who went 20. How does Mr. Lamb keep himself busy when
by him when he was at a bus stop whisper it is a bit cool?
about him. She told the other woman that his Ans. When it got cooler, Mr. Lamb kept himself
face was a terrible thing. It was a face only a busy by getting the ladder and a stick to pull
mother could love. Derry felt it was a cruel down the ripe crab apples. He made jelly out
thing to say and it upset him very much. of them.
15. Why does Mr. Lamb narrate the story of a man 21. What is the bond that unites the two – Mr.
who locked himself in a room because he was Lamb, the old man, and Derry, the young boy?
afraid? Ans. Mr. Lamb and fourteen-year-old Derry suffer
Ans. Mr. Lamb told Derry a story of a man who from physical impairment. The old man has
was afraid of everything in the world. He went a tin leg because he got one of his legs blown
into his room and locked the door. A picture off in the war. Derry has one side of his face
fell off the wall on his head and killed him. He disfigured and burnt by acid. It is the feeling
narrated this story to make Derry realize that of empathy that creates the bond. Mr. Lamb
building a wall around him would not help. draws Derry out and infuses positivity into
Derry needed to shed his fears and live life. him giving him the courage to believe in
16. What arguments does Derry give to convince himself as a person.
his mother why he wanted to go to the old 22. How does Derry interpret the fairy story
man’s garden? ‘Beauty and the Beast’? What does he feel
Ans. Derry told his mother that Mr. Lamb had a tin about himself?
leg. He lived in a huge house with no curtains. Ans. The story about the inner beauty being more

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important than the outer appearance has often Apart from this Mr. Lamb does not bother

been narrated to Derry. The beast in the story about his lameness or that children make
changed into a handsome prince. Derry feels fun of him. He takes life as it come without
his situation will never change. No one kissed grumbling. He keeps the gates of his house
him, not even his mother. She only kissed him and windows open. Mr. Lamb loves all the
on the other side of the face. creatures of God and states, ‘There’s nothing
23. Why does Derry’s mother oppose his going God made that doesn’t interest me’. Weeds and
back to Mr. Lamb? flowers demonstrate life and growth. If one
Ans. Derry’s mother has heard things about the isolates oneself, one might suffer like the man
old man. Though they have been here for in Mr. Lamb’s story who died when a picture
only three months, she had been warned. She fell off the wall and killed him.
wants to protect Derry. Derry on the other hand is a young boy of

24. How does Mr. Lamb react when Derry enters fourteen who is conscious of his ugly face
his garden? [All India 2017] and is full of bitterness. Derry is withdrawn
and complexed. He hates meeting people. He

Ans. Derry entered Mr. Lamb’s garden by climbing
suffers on account of the pain caused by his
over the garden wall. He had thought that it
notions of how much people hate him and are
was an empty place. He didn’t know there
repulsed by him. Derry is forced by Mr. Lamb
was anybody there. He just wanted to be in a
to see that actions are more important than
secluded place. On seeing Mr. Lamb Derry
looks and even weeds have their value. Mr.
was startled. He clarified that he didn’t enter
Lamb’s positive attitude changes Derry and
to steal anything. Mr. Lamb tried to comfort
inspires him to rush back and face the world.
Derry and allay his fear by saying that
anybody could enter the garden. He asked him 2. What is the theme of the play ‘On the Face of
to pick up ripe apples lying in the long grass. it’? How has it been worked out?
25. What kind of garden does Mr. Lamb have? Ans. ‘On the Face of it’ deals with the theme that
Why does he like it? [All India 2017] appearances are deceptive. Derry’s mother
has been warned about Mr. Lamb and Derry

Ans. Mr. Lamb’s garden was an empty, unkempt
is seen as a repulsive, ugly boy. Mr. Lamb,
garden where both weeds and flowering plants
on the contrary, is a kind and generous man
grew side by side. There was a crab apple tree
who has a positive and practical outlook.
which was laden with ripe, red and orange
Derry is a vulnerable boy who desires love and
fruits. There was also a beehive. The gate
acceptance.
always remained open. Lamb enjoyed talking
to anyone who cared to walk in. The garden The play also deals with the consequences of

was a source of solace to his lonely life. He physical impairment on the person’s emotions.
enjoyed the sunshine and living in the lap of People need love and not pity. This theme has
nature. been brought out through the positive attitude
of Mr. Lamb who draws Derry out of his
III. Long Answer Questions shell. He tells Derry that acid only burns the
  

face but isolation and withdrawing from the
1. Compare and contrast the characters of
world consumes the whole being. Mr. Lamb
Mr. Lamb and Derry.
illustrates that scars do not change a person.
Ans. Both Mr. Lamb and Derry suffer from physical On the face of it, people may appear differently
impairment. Mr. Lamb has an artificial leg abled but they are all the same. They are God’s
made of tin and Derry has a severely burnt creations like the weeds and the flowers. It is
face – both the experiences have been terribly life. The theme has been woven into the play
painful for the respective sufferers. through the interaction of the two characters.

398 English Cor -X