Class 12 : English (core) Compulsory – Lesson 18.On the Face of It
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
🌟 Introduction to the Story
“On the Face of It” by Susan Hill is a short play that explores loneliness, isolation, and the value of human connection. It revolves around a brief meeting between two characters — Derry, a young boy with a burned face, and Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a disability. Through their conversation, the story conveys how appearances can be misleading and how openness can transform lives.
📚 About the Author
Susan Hill (born 1942) is a British author known for novels, short stories, and plays that often explore human emotions, relationships, and moral dilemmas. Her famous works include The Woman in Black, Strange Meeting, and On the Face of It. Hill’s writing blends sensitivity with realism, often portraying characters who struggle against prejudice and isolation.
🧭 The Conflict
Derry suffers from a facial disfigurement caused by acid burns, leading to social rejection and self-consciousness. Mr. Lamb, who lost one leg in the war and uses a tin leg, spends his days in his garden, welcoming all visitors. Derry’s initial hesitation gives way to a genuine conversation, but societal fears still keep him torn between isolation and change.
🌍 Themes and Significance
Don’t judge by appearances.
Overcoming prejudice and fear.
The healing power of human connection.
Courage to embrace life despite disabilities.
🔬 Turning Points in the Story
Derry wanders into Mr. Lamb’s garden and is suspicious of him.
Mr. Lamb shares his philosophy on life, acceptance, and not fearing others’ opinions.
Derry feels inspired but hesitates due to his mother’s disapproval.
In the end, Derry rushes back to see Mr. Lamb, only to find him dead after an accident.
🌱 Lessons from the Story
True worth lies beyond physical appearance.
Positivity and acceptance can transform pain into strength.
Life is unpredictable; every moment should be lived fully.
🌊 Personal Reflection
The story’s ending is tragic but symbolic — it leaves readers questioning how many opportunities for connection are lost because of prejudice, fear, and hesitation. It reminds us that kindness and openness can change a life in ways we may never fully realise.
💠 Summary
“On the Face of It” is about an unlikely friendship between Derry, a boy with a scarred face, and Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a disability. Through their conversation, Mr. Lamb helps Derry see life beyond physical appearance and prejudice. However, tragedy strikes when Mr. Lamb dies before Derry can return. The play teaches acceptance, the courage to live fully, and the value of looking beyond outward appearances.
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PASSAGE
“Derry had been walking slowly along the side of the house. He had been told there was nobody there, and so he thought it was a safe place to be. He did not like being stared at by people, because his face was burnt and scarred on one side. Then he heard a voice from behind the garden wall, and he was startled. It was the voice of Mr. Lamb, an old man who owned the garden and the house. Mr. Lamb called out to him gently, telling him he could come inside if he liked, as the gate was always open
💠 Short Answer (30 words)
Why did Derry choose to walk near the garden wall?
Answer: Derry preferred solitude and avoided people’s stares because of his scarred face. The garden wall seemed a safe, empty place where he would not be noticed or judged.
💠 Short Answer (30 words)
How did Mr. Lamb react on seeing Derry?
Answer: Mr. Lamb welcomed Derry warmly, inviting him in through the open gate. He showed no fear or pity, treating Derry with kindness that contrasted with others’ reactions.
💠 Multiple Choice
Derry avoided people mainly because:
A. He disliked conversations
B. He feared being stared at for his scars
C. He was hiding from someone
D. He liked gardens more than people
Answer: B. He feared being stared at for his scars
💠 Fill in the Blank
Mr. Lamb owned the __ and the house where Derry was walking.
Answer: garden
💠 Fill in the Blank
Derry’s face was burnt and scarred on one __.
Answer: side
💠 Assertion & Reason
Assertion (A): Derry was startled when he heard Mr. Lamb’s voice.
Reason (R): He thought the place was deserted and did not expect anyone to speak to him.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, R is false.
D. A is false, R is true.
Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
🔴 Q1. Who is the author of On the Face of It?
🔵 Answer: Susan Hill, a British novelist and playwright.
🔴 Q2. Who are the main characters in the play?
🔵 Answer: Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg, and Derry, a young boy with a scarred face.
🔴 Q3. How did Mr. Lamb lose his leg?
🔵 Answer: It was blown off during the war, and he now uses a tin leg.
🔴 Q4. Why does Derry avoid people?
🔵 Answer: He feels they stare at his scar and judge him, making him self-conscious and withdrawn.
🔴 Q5. How did Derry get his facial scar?
🔵 Answer: Acid was spilled on his face in an accident.
🔴 Q6. What is Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards his disability?
🔵 Answer: He accepts it cheerfully, lives positively, and refuses to let it control his life.
🔴 Q7. What lesson does Mr. Lamb try to teach Derry?
🔵 Answer: To look beyond physical appearance, focus on inner beauty, and live life fully without fear of judgment.
🔴 Q8. What metaphor does Mr. Lamb use about weeds?
🔵 Answer: He says weeds are also plants; it’s people’s perception that makes them unwanted—just as prejudice makes people feel unwanted.
🔴 Q9. How does Mr. Lamb keep himself engaged?
🔵 Answer: He reads books, tends his garden, and enjoys nature.
🔴 Q10. What change occurs in Derry after meeting Mr. Lamb?
🔵 Answer: He gains confidence, starts to see life differently, and decides to return to spend time with Mr. Lamb.
🔴 Q11. What tragic event happens at the end of the play?
🔵 Answer: Mr. Lamb falls from a ladder while picking apples and dies.
🔴 Q12. What is the main theme of the play?
🔵 Answer: Overcoming loneliness, prejudice, and self-pity by embracing life with positivity.
🔴 Q13. How is the title On the Face of It significant?
🔵 Answer: It suggests that initial appearances can be misleading; true worth lies beyond outward looks.
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ONE PAGE REVISION SHEET
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MIND MAPS
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