ON THE FACE OF IT BY SUSAN HILL
ON THE FACE OF IT BY SUSAN HILL
POINTS TO REMEMBER
• 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
– talks 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 quality is the same
– no difference among the plants whether they are weeds, flowers and others all grow
– inside is 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 not be good
– inspires to look at things positively
• Derry’s reaction to Mr. Lamb’s advice
– initially, vary suspicious of Mr. Lamb
– never had anybody to talk and understand
– not 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.
SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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 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 learnt to cope with his loneliness. How?
*keeps busy by gardening, rearing bees, making apple jam etc. Also
keeps windows and doors open, welcomes all company.
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 has 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.Thogh Mr. Lamb is physically dead, but his ideas will remain alie 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 peopel 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?
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 acceptance2 6
– 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 have 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
• 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
– 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 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. 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 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
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?
8. Which peculiar things does Derry notice about Mr. Lamb? (2008)
9. How do people react to Derry’s burnt face?
10. How does Mr. Lamb convince Derry of the uselessness of being a recluse?
11. * Why were there no curtains in Mr. Lamb’s house?
12. How does Mr. Lamb spend his time?
13. What did Derry overhear his parents talking about his future?
14. How is Mr. Lamb’s concept of a “friend” different from that of Derry’s?
15. Why does Mr. Lamb advise Derry to stop having feelings of hatred towards the people?
16. How do Derrry’s parents add to his feelings of insecurity?
17. How does Mr. Lamb treat the people who visit his house?
18. What according to Derry, would happen if Mr. Lamb continued his friendship with him?
19. What has Derry been told by people who stare at him?
20. Why does Mr. Lamb tell Derry that if he went back he would never return?
21. Why does Derry’s mother object to his going to Mr. Lamb’s house? or
What did Derry’s mother think of Mr. Lamb ?(2009)
22. Why does Derry say “if I don’t go back there I’ll never go anywhere in this world”?
23. * Do you think Derry is a changed person at the end of the play? Give reasons.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
• 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
– talks 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 quality is the same
– no difference among the plants whether they are weeds, flowers and others all grow
– inside is 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 not be good
– inspires to look at things positively
• Derry’s reaction to Mr. Lamb’s advice
– initially, vary suspicious of Mr. Lamb
– never had anybody to talk and understand
– not 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.
SHORT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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 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 learnt to cope with his loneliness. How?
*keeps busy by gardening, rearing bees, making apple jam etc. Also
keeps windows and doors open, welcomes all company.
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 has 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.Thogh Mr. Lamb is physically dead, but his ideas will remain alie 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 peopel 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?
–
–
–
–
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 acceptance2 6
– 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 have 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
• 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
– 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 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. 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 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
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?
8. Which peculiar things does Derry notice about Mr. Lamb? (2008)
9. How do people react to Derry’s burnt face?
10. How does Mr. Lamb convince Derry of the uselessness of being a recluse?
11. * Why were there no curtains in Mr. Lamb’s house?
12. How does Mr. Lamb spend his time?
13. What did Derry overhear his parents talking about his future?
14. How is Mr. Lamb’s concept of a “friend” different from that of Derry’s?
15. Why does Mr. Lamb advise Derry to stop having feelings of hatred towards the people?
16. How do Derrry’s parents add to his feelings of insecurity?
17. How does Mr. Lamb treat the people who visit his house?
18. What according to Derry, would happen if Mr. Lamb continued his friendship with him?
19. What has Derry been told by people who stare at him?
20. Why does Mr. Lamb tell Derry that if he went back he would never return?
21. Why does Derry’s mother object to his going to Mr. Lamb’s house? or
What did Derry’s mother think of Mr. Lamb ?(2009)
22. Why does Derry say “if I don’t go back there I’ll never go anywhere in this world”?
23. * Do you think Derry is a changed person at the end of the play? Give reasons.
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