CBSE Class 12 English HOTs On The Face Of It Set 03

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What kind of garden does Mr. Lamb have? Why does he like it?
Answer: Mr. Lamb’s garden has flowers, fruit trees as well as a place for rearing bees. He likes the garden because it keeps him busy. He spends his entire day looking after the plants, breaking the crab apples from the trees and making jam out of them.

Question. Why does Mr. Lamb leave the gate of his house always open?
Answer: Mr. Lamb always keeps his gate open because he always wants visitors to come to his house. Mr. Lamb resided alone in a big house and liked to meet and talk to people. He was warm and welcoming. He had a positive outlook towards life and believed that everything that belonged to him, belonged to everyone.

Question. Why does Mr. Lamb say to Derry, “So you are not lost, are you? Not altogether?” 
Answer: Mr. Lamb makes this remark when Derry mentions that he too enjoys the sound of falling rain. He makes the remark to change Derry’s negative approach towards life. The lines boost Derry’s self-confidence and fill him with positivity.

Question. Mr. Lamb and Derry were both suffering from similar problems. Comment.
Answer: It is true that Mr. Lamb and Derry were both suffering from similar problems. They both were physically impaired by the virtue of which they both were alienated from the society. However, they both react differently to their conditions. While Mr. Lamb accepts it, Derry becomes a pessimist.

Question. How did Mr. Lamb’s conversation and company change Derry’s desire to isolate himself from the world? 
Answer: Mr. Lamb tried to remove the baseless fears of Derry by pointing out the nature and its wonders. He tells Derry about how his negative thoughts destroyed him and will continue to destroy him. He highlights the importance of perspectives and optimism. All of these bring a change into Derry.

Question. How is the Derry we meet at the beginning different from the Derry at the end?
Answer: Derry in the beginning of the play ‘On the Face of it’ is a withdrawn and a defiant person. He is filled with negativity and miserable as well as pitiable. But by the end, we find a positive change in Derry. The meeting with Mr. Lamb has given him a direction and purpose of life. He is now free from his old complexes.

Question. Why did Derry go back to Mr. Lamb’s garden even after opposition? 
Answer: Derry decided to go back to Mr. Lamb’s garden even after opposition from his mother because for the first time someone had not judged him for his injured face. Instead, Mr. Lamb had inspired Derry to overcome his disability by adopting an optimistic outlook on life. The teachings and advices given by Mr. Lamb impacted Derry to tread the path showed by him, and thus, he returned to Mr. Lamb.

Question. “It is not merely age but experience that counts.” With reference to any one example from the text, comment on how Derry found Mr. Lamb different from other adults he had encountered? 
Answer: Derry is a pessimist. His negative attitude towards the world is a result of the negative outlook of people towards him. People around him have always made him feel inferior and ugly. Even his parents reflect a similar attitude. In middle of such experience, Mr. Lamb provides him a new approach to things because he himself had experienced such behaviours in his life. Based on his experience, he tells Derry that it is the perception of an individual that matters. He teaches him the importance of being positive and also about now he needs to believe in his own self. He tells him that he should not hate others and that hatred is worse than acid because it burns the inside.

Question. Imagine that Mr. Lamb had not fallen off the ladder at the end. Recalling his conversation with the bees, do you think Derry’s return might have changed him as much as he had changed Derry? Elaborate. 
Answer: Yes, I think that Derry’s return would have changed Mr. Lamb if he had not fallen off the ladder at the end. Derry is so impacted by Mr. Lamb’s words that he decides to visit Mr. Lamb again. This would have taken the old man from loneliness to a happy companionship. Mr. Lamb liked company which he did not enjoy but with Derry he would have someone to talk to, tell his experiences to, share his joys with and enjoy his life. Most importantly, the old man will have a purpose to hand over his philosophy of life to Derry and inspire him to find out what he wants to be.

Question. How do you think Derry’s mother contributes to his sense of alienation and isolation? (On the Face of It) 
Answer: It is truly said that Derry’s mother contributes to his sense of alienation and isolation. By stating this, we cannot ignore that she as a mother is aware of how the world treats her son. She also feels over protective for him. However, she comes at fault when she fails to understand her son’s longing for companionship. Unknowingly, she treats him with a sense of pity and robs him of his dignity by perpetually treating him like a helpless victim. This pushes Derry further into alienation and isolation.

Question. What made Derry extremely self-conscious?
Answer: Derry had become extremely self conscious due to the remarks and comments he had recieved from others regarding his handicap. One side of Derry’s face is disfigured and scarred due to acid burns. When people see his face, they make mean remarks which had affected Derry and made him a pessimist as well as extremely self conscious. As a result, he had become a recluse.

Question. Do you think Derry’s mother is protective of him? Justify your opinion with textual evidence. 
Answer: Though Derry’s mother is given little characterisation in the play, in the little she exists, she comes out as simultaneously overprotective and not understanding of her son. She knows that the world would not be kind to her son and is worried for him. Her protectiveness only becomes visible when she forbids him from returning to Mr. Lamb’s house for all the bad things she had heard of him. But at the same time, she herself contributes to his isolation by keeping him home. She treats him like a helpless victim with a sense of pity that robs him of dignity and adds to her son’s pessimism.

Question. When Mr. Lamb tells Derry that, while some describe the sound that the bees make as ‘buzzing’, to him it seems they are singing. What character trait of Mr. Lamb is brought to light? Why?
Answer: The fact that Mr. Lamb tells Derry that while some describe the sound made by bees as ‘buzzing’ but to him they seem to be singing shows that Mr. Lamb was an optimistic person. He only saw the positive side of things and ignored all negativity.

Question. Why does Derry not like being with people? 
Answer: Derry did not like being in the company of other people and remained isolated because he hated the pitiful and curios stares that were directed towards him. He felt that everybody was afraid of his appearance and stayed with him out of compulsion. He also does not like when people talk about his disfigured face.

Question. How does Mr. Lamb try and convince Derry that there is no essential difference between them? 
Answer: In the story ‘On the Face of It’, Mr. Lamb tries to convince Derry that there is no essential difference between them by engaging him in a conversation and finding common ground. Mr. Lamb tells Derry that he, too, has been ‘scarred’ in life and has faced challenges. He talks about his own experience of being burned in a fire and how it changed his life. Mr. Lamb also emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the surface level and seeing people for who they are on the inside. He tells Derry that “everybody’s the same when you come down to it, in their hearts and souls.” Through this conversation, Mr. Lamb tries to build a connection with Derry and show him that they are not so different after all.

Question. How does Susan Hill subtly portray a blend of pessimism and optimism in ‘On the Face of It’? 
Answer: Susan Hill very subtly portrays a blend of pessimism and optimism in ‘On the Face of It’ through the medium of its two characters- Derry and Mr. Lamb. Both Derry and Mr. Lamb are disabled but present an opposite view of life. Derry holds pessimistic view due to his disfigured face. In contrast stands, Mr. Lamb who depicts an optimistic view of life, suggesting the possibility of emotional survival despite physical and social barriers.

Question. How does Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards Derry differ from others?
Answer: Mr. Lamb treats Derry with genuine acceptance and interest, contrasting sharply with the fear and avoidance Derry faces from society. His kindness and openness create a unique bond that transcends Derry’s appearance.

Question. What role does the garden play in the relationship between Derry and Mr. Lamb? How does Derry’s return to Mr .Lamb’s garden reflect his internal struggle?
Answer: The garden serves as a sanctuary where Derry and Mr. Lamb connect on a deeper level. It symbolises acceptance and understanding, offering them a space free from judgment and prejudice. Derry’s return symbolises his yearning for acceptance and belonging despite societal pressures. It highlights his desire to defy expectations and embrace genuine connections, even when facing rejection.

Question. How do themes of resilience and human connection emerge from the play?
Answer: The play explores themes of resilience as characters confront adversity and societal prejudice. It highlights the transformative power of human connection, emphasising the importance of acceptance, empathy, and understanding in overcoming barriers to belonging.

Question. How does Derry’s journey throughout the play reflect the universal human desire for connection and acceptance?
Answer: Derry’s journey mirrors the universal human longing for connection and acceptance in a world that often judges based on appearances. His pursuit of belonging highlights the inherent need for companionship and understanding.

Question. How does ‘On the Face of It’ challenge traditional notions of beauty and acceptance?
Answer: ‘On The Face of It’ challenges traditional notions of beauty by portraying characters like Derry, whose physical appearance is undesirable, yet they seek acceptance and understanding. It prompts reflection on the deeper qualities that define human worth beyond appearances.

Question. Mr. Lamb from ‘On the Face of It’ says the following lines. Or Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’? Where’s the difference. It’s all life... growing. Same as you and me. Or Why does he compare a weed to a flower? What effect is it intended to have on Derry? Explain in 20-30 words. 
Answer: Mr. Lamb compares a weed to a flower to show that what society parameters of defining ‘ugly’ and ‘pretty’ are baseless and devoid of logic. Things that may essentially be the same, such as growing plants cannot be logically divided into weeds and flowers based on one’s preferences. In this way, Mr. Lamb intended to challenge Derry’s rejection of himself based on his appearance. He wanted to comfort Derry and bring him out of his dejection.

Question. How does Mr Lamb’s dislike of curtains symbolise his views on life and people? Describe based on your understanding of the text ‘On the Face of It’ in 20-30 words. 
Answer: Mr Lamb’s dislike of curtains symbolises the fact that he didn’t like shutting things in or out. Similarly he didn’t like isolating himself or pushing people away. He was open to meeting all kinds of people which is further proved by his congenial and warm treatment of Derry.

Question. What overall impact did Derry’s mother seem to have on him? Support your answer with evidence from the play ‘On the Face of It’ in 40-50 words. 
Answer: Derry’s mother seemed to have a negative impact on Derry. Her excessive focus on Derry’s scar probably caused him to view his own self in a negative sight and lead to his self-rejection. He had overheard her worrying about his future, and he felt that she only showed him affection because it was her duty to do so.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Discuss the relevance of the title ‘On the Face of It’.
Answer: The title of the play ‘On the Face of It’, seems somewhat odd and awkward at first. However, it is related to the central thematic concern that sometimes people may be quite different from what they appear to be at first. Mr. Lamb appears to be a secretive, mysterious, lonely, lame old man who lives all alone. But in the story, he appears to be a gentle, kind, generous and considerate person who helps Derry in overcoming his fears, obstacles, complexes and inhibitions. In a similar way, Derry seems to be a introvert who hates people because of his ugly face. He is withdrawn and defiant. However, as the story move on, one finds out the Derry is not completely pessimistic and his pessimism results from the way the world has treated him. Both Mr. Lamb and Derry undergo a transformation. Mr. Lamb gets a companion in Derry and Derry find a mentor and guide in Mr. Lamb. On the face, it may seem that their age might hinder their companionship. However, their circumstances bring them closer.

Question. Mr. Lamb died just as soon as Derry was beginning to feel positive about life. Do you think that this would bring about a setback in his life? Give reasons for your answer. 
Answer: I don’t think that Mr. Lamb’s death would bring a setback in Derry’s life. Mr. Lamb plays an instrumental role in changing Derry’s attitude to life. Suffering from a physical impairment, Derry had become a pessimist. But after meeting Mr. Lamb, he gradually began to see the bright side of life. He realised that, in Mr. Lamb, he has found a true friend who has shown him the right approach towards life. A brief association with Mr. Lamb boosted Derry’s self-confidence and made him respect himself as he was. This new self-esteem brought about a major change in Derry and he told his mother that his looks do not matter. A change has certainly come about in Derry’s attitude towards himself and towards life in general. It is unlikely that he will revert to his past secluded life, even with Mr. Lamb’s probable death at the end of the story. In fact, he will now lead a more active life with the positive thoughts given to him by Mr. Lamb, because Mr. Lamb was the person who taught him the correct approach to life.

Question. Derry mentions two kinds of responses people often have to justify misfortune, one “Look at all those people who are in pain and brave and never cry and never complain and don’t feel sorry for themselves”; and secondly, “think of all those people worse off than you.” Far from comforting him, these empty words only agitate him. In both cases, one’s sense of self is derived from others and how they live their lives, (i) How far might looking at others itself be the cause of suffering? (ii) In what way can people, especially children, be empowered to face their challenges without the spectre of comparison? 
Answer: (i) Looking at others can easily become the cause of suffering simply because of the comparison we make with others. Others suffering and even betterment can make one feel dejected and alienated. This is exactly what happens with Derry. While some people feel sorry for Derry because of his burned face, others alienate him for being different from other people. Due to such comparisons one becomes prone to a pessimistic attitude, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, desolation and withdrawal. (ii) People, especially children can be easily empowered to face their challenges without any spectre of comparison by simply considering all of them as equals irrespective of their genders, disabilities etc. With right opportunities, genuine concern and no differentiation everyone should be given a chance to prove themselves. A person with any physical impairment can live life with respect and honour, if he/she is not ridiculed. He/she expects empathy rather than sympathy. The feeling of sympathy and pity is just a constant reminder of the disability which should be avoided. In the play, Mr. Lamb, as an adult, is able to cope with such problems, but Derry falls into the pit of seclusion and pessimism. It is only when he finds an equal optimistic approach without judgement that he undergoes a change.

Question. Mr. Lamb stands as a symbol of optimism and hope. Support your answer with examples from the text. 
Answer: In the story Mr. Lamb represents a symbol of optimism and hope. He constantly tries to convince Derry that there is no essential difference between them and that they are both human beings with the same potential for goodness. Mr. Lamb’s hope for a better future is also evident in his conversation with Derry about the potential for peace and understanding between people of different backgrounds. He believes that by getting to know each other, people can overcome their differences and live together in harmony. Furthermore, Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards life is a symbol of hope and optimism. He does not let his circumstances get him down and always looks for the good in every situation. He is hopeful that Derry will eventually come around and see things from his perspective. Thus, Mr. Lamb’s character represents a symbol of hope and optimism in the story. His unwavering faith in humanity and his hope for a better future are evident throughout the story, and serve as an example of how one can maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity.

Question. ‘Mr. Lamb Lord boy, you’ve got two arms, two legs and eyes and ears ........ You could get on better than all the rest. Optimism is the best tool to face challenges in life’. Imagine you are Mr. Lamb. You want to give a motivational speech to a group of differently abled students urging them to be positive in their approach to life. Write the speech on the behalf of Mr. Lamb. You may begin like this: Hello! Dear Students! Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible.
Answer: Hello, esteemed students! I implore you to embrace your capabilities and believe in your innate potential. Despite the challenges posed by our circumstances, remember that nothing is unachievable with determination and resilience. Life may present obstacles, but it is our response to adversity that defines our character. Instead of dwelling on limitations, focus on your strengths and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. Each of you possesses unique talents and abilities waiting to be unleashed upon the world. Embrace a positive mindset, for it is the foundation upon which success is built. Look at me, I have a tin leg. Yet, I have my own beautiful world, my garden. It is different yet complete, just like each one of us. Do not let the world define your disabilities, instead show the world what you are capable of. Together, let us strive for greatness and prove that with perseverance, there are no limits to what we can achieve. For only the sky is your limit. Life will always be beautiful, it just depends on our perspective of looking at things. Thank you.

Question. ‘Derry Oh no, because if I don’t go back there, I’ll never go anywhere in this world again’. Derry later realises that the decision taken at that moment helped him to come out of shell. As Derry, write a diary entry expressing your happiness and thanking your stars for the right decision taken. You may begin like this: I was so fortunate to be able to be decisive at the right moment ........
Answer: Friday, 18th March, 20XX
I was so fortunate to be able to be decisive at the right moment that today, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as I reflect on it. When I uttered those words to my mother - “Oh no, because if I don’t go back there, I’ll never go anywhere in this world again” - I had no idea how profoundly they would shape my future. Looking back now, I realise that returning to face my fears at Mr. Lamb’s garden was the catalyst for my personal growth and liberation. Confronting my anxieties head-on has allowed me to break free from the confines of my self-imposed limitations and emerge from my shell. I am filled with a sense of empowerment and renewed purpose, knowing that I have taken control of my life and embraced the opportunities that lie ahead. I am deeply thankful for the courage and conviction that guided me to make the right decision. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my journey, and I am eager to embrace it with open arms.
Derry

Question. Imagine you are Derry speaking at the funeral of Mr. Lamb highlighting Mr. Lamb’s optimism and the change he brought about in your attitude towards life.  You may begin like this: Dear Friends, I will be eternally grateful to Mr. Lamb ....... .
Answer: Dear Friends
I will be eternally grateful to Mr. Lamb for if I had not met him, I would have never realised what a fool I had been. For the large part of my life after my accident, I had felt that people were scared of me. I paid a lot of attention to what other people said for me. As a result, I had felt that I was not enough for even my mother. Hence, I became an introvert and anti-social child. All of this changed when I met Mr. Lamb. Mr. Lamb helped me see that my accident did not define me and that I did not need to pay attention to what others think of me. He taught me to be confident of myself and that I am just as important as others. His optimistic attitude had filled a pessimist like me with an optimistic attitude towards life.

Question. Examine the characters of Derry and Mr. Lamb in the context of the themes of alienation and loneliness in the story ‘On the Face of It’. 
Answer: One can find a lot of affinity between the characters, Derry and Mr. Lamb, in the story ‘On the Face of it’. Both of them suffer from a physical affliction. However, their attitude towards the afflictions is very different. In Derry’s case, his face is burnt by acid, so he suffers from a sense of inferiority complex and has a negative attitude towards life. People are scared of him and he tries to alienate himself. He is defiant and withdrawn. He does not trust people and thinks that no one will ever love him except his mother. He can’t face the stare of the people. On the contrary, Mr. Lamb does not allow his disability to come in his way. He develops a positive attitude and accepts it as it comes. Though children tease him by calling ‘Lamey-Lamb’, he does not mind. He keeps his door always open. People visit him and he gives toffees to the children. He has friends everywhere. He sits in the sun to read books. He grows weeds, plants, flowers and fruits. He believes in living life to the fullest.

Question. Mr. Lamb calls Derek his friend while Derek refuses his affirmation. Would you consider their relationship with each other as friendship? Support your answer with reference to the instance(s) from the text.
Answer: Although Mr. Lamb calls Derek his friend, Derek refuses his affirmation. I would still consider their relationship with each other as friendship. This is simple because during the interaction with Mr. Lamb, Derek seems to develop a bond with him. Mr. Lamb’s positivity, optimism, maturity and persistence impresses Derek. Mr. Lamb calls Derek his friend and also says that there are friends everywhere. He accepts Derek with all his imperfections. This makes Derek open up to him and he finds his company appealing. Derek states to Mr. Lamb that his condition has made him bitter due to people’s bad behaviour and treatment towards him. Mr. Lamb’s words have an impact on Derek and he overcomes issues that held him back. Even though Derek does not affirm his friendship with Mr. Lamb openly, Mr. Lamb’s words inspired trust in him. Later, he gets back to Mr. Lamb’s garden just because he wanted to spend time with him. This is only due to the fact that he considered Mr. Lamb his friend.

Question. Both Derry and Lamb are victims of physical impairment, but much painful for them is the feeling of loneliness. Comment. Or 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.
Answer: It is true to say that 'On the Face of It' is an apt depiction of the loneliness and sense of alienation experienced by people on account of a disability. Mr. Lamb and Derry both were victims of physical impairment. Mr. Lamb had an artificial leg made of tin and Derek had a scarred face. Undoubtedly, both had suffered humiliations in life on account of their handicaps. One such humiliation came in the form of social rejection which led to loneliness and a sense of alienation experienced by Derry and Mr. Lamb on account of disability. It is not their disability which pains them but the rejection, the harsh words and treatment given to them by others that brings them pain. Derry suffered from severe negative complexes because of his burnt face. He became a pessimistic loner as people got scared and stayed away from him. So, he indulged in self-pity and was always suspicious of the intention of others. His anger and frustration made him withdrawn. Mr. Lamb, on the other hand, was a loner who craved for company and acceptance. Though outwardly he was an always jovial, outgoing and optimistic, he was an extremely sensitive person.

Question. Mr. Lamb is a complex and empathetic character whose presence enriches the thematic exploration of friendship, acceptance, and resilience in ‘On the Face of It’. Elaborate.
Answer: It is true to say that Mr. Lamb is a complex and empathetic character whose presence enriches the thematic exploration of friendship, acceptance, and resilience in “On the Face of It.” Mr. Lamb is an old man with a prosthetic limb. However, his character attracts us to him. Mr. Lamb exudes warmth and empathy in his interactions with Derry and others who enter his garden. He demonstrates genuine concern for Derry’s well-being and seeks to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel accepted and understood. Mr. Lamb exhibits resilience and adaptability. He reftises to be defined by his disability and embraces life with optimism and zest, evident in his love for gardening and beekeeping. He encourages Derry to embrace his individuality and find solace in their shared experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. Mr. Lamb possesses a wealth of wisdom and patience from a lifetime of experiences and observations. He imparts these valuable lessons to Derry about resilience, empathy, and the importance of embracing life’s uncertainties with grace and humility. Mr. Lamb emerges as a symbol of hope and redemption, offering Derry a glimpse of kindness and compassion beyond societal prejudices and superficial judgments. His friendship with Derry serves as a beacon of light in the darkness, inspiring both characters to confront their fears and embrace the beauty of human connection.

Question. How did Derry’s character evolve from the beginning to the end of the play ‘On the Face of It’? Describe in 100-120 words with ideas and examples from the play. 
Answer: Derry transformed from being hostile and lonely to becoming more open and hopeful. Initially, Derry avoided others, feeling that everyone was repulsed by his appearance. He feared cruel remarks and being shunned, resenting the empty platitudes people offered him. However, his interaction with Mr. Lamb was different. Mr. Lamb engaged him in an unprejudiced and tolerant conversation, which intrigued Derry. When Mr. Lamb shared his own experiences with impairment and ridicule, Derry felt a sense of kinship with him. He even grew out of his fear and defied his mother’s wishes by helping Mr Lamb. Mr. Lamb’s philosophical outlook on life and people had a significant impact on Derry, helping him understand the difference between living with fear and without it. By the end, Derry wanted to embrace a hopeful life despite the inevitable challenges he would face, inspired by Mr. Lamb’s wisdom and acceptance.

Question. In the story ‘On the Face of It’, Derry’s responses suggest that other people have attempted to comfort him unsuccessfully about his face. However, Mr Lamb’s words have a different impact on Derry. In 120-150 words, analyse Mr Lamb’s approach and the effect that it has on Derry. 
Answer: In ‘On the Face of It’, Mr. Lamb’s approach to Derry is significantly different from the way others have tried to comfort him. While others may have offered pity or superficial reassurances, Mr. Lamb treats Derry with genuine respect and acceptance. He doesn’t focus on Derry’s disfigurement but instead engages him in meaningful conversation, encouraging him to look beyond his physical appearance and see his own worth. Mr. Lamb shares his own experiences and perspectives, showing that physical imperfections don’t define a person’s value or potential. This empathetic and philosophical approach helps Derry to begin seeing himself in a new light. Mr. Lamb’s words empower Derry, instilling a sense of self-worth and optimism that he hadn’t felt before. This shift in Derry’s mindset highlights the profound impact of authentic human connection and understanding in overcoming personal insecurities and challenges.

Question. Compare and contrast the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry in the play ‘On the Face of it’. 
Answer: In ‘On the Face of It’, Mr. Lamb and Derry represent contrasting perspectives on life despite both facing physical disabilities. Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg, embraces life with optimism, refusing to let his impairment define him. He enjoys simple pleasures, welcomes visitors, and finds beauty in everything, demonstrating resilience and acceptance. He encourages Derry, a young boy with a burned face, to adopt a similar outlook. Derry, in contrast, is initially withdrawn, bitter, and self-conscious due to his scars. He avoids social interactions, believing people judge him based on his appearance. He fears rejection and isolates himself, feeling unworthy of love or friendship. However, through his conversation with Mr. Lamb, he begins to rethink his perspective, realising that his scars do not define his worth.

Question. Analyse the theme of optimism being the right approach to life in the play ‘On the Face of It’.
Answer: In ‘On the Face of It’ by Susan Hill, optimism emerges as the right approach to life through the interaction between Mr. Lamb and Derry. Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg, refuses to let his disability define him. He embraces life with positivity, keeping his doors open to everyone and enjoying nature’s beauty. Derry, a young boy with a burned face, initially sees himself as an outcast, believing that society judges him solely by his appearance. However, Mr. Lamb teaches him to focus on inner strength rather than external flaws. He encourages Derry to overcome self-pity and social fears, inspiring him to embrace life despite challenges. The play conveys that optimism helps individuals rise above adversity. Mr. Lamb’s philosophy—seeing the good in everything—proves that hope and confidence can change one’s perspective, making life meaningful and fulfilling.

Extract Based Questions

It’s got nothing to do with my face and what I look like. I don’t care about that and it isn’t important. It’s what I think and feel and what I want to see and find out and hear. And I’m going back there.

Question. Complete the sentence suitably. Derry is willing to go to ........
Answer: Mr. Lamb’s garden.

Question. Derry has transformed himself as ........ person.
(a) positive
(b) confident
(c) introvert
(d) straightforward
Answer: (b) confident (or (a) positive)

Question. What was the reason due to which Derry wants to return to that place?
Answer: Derry wants to return because he has found a place and a person where he is not judged by his appearance. He feels empowered by Mr. Lamb's philosophy and wants to listen and find out things that truly matter to him.

Question. What does Derry see when he returns to the garden?
Answer: When Derry returns to the garden, he sees Mr. Lamb lying on the ground next to the ladder, having fallen while trying to pick the crab apples.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Why does Mr. Lamb say that names are not important?
Answer: Mr. Lamb believes that names are just labels that don't define a person's character or the essence of their friendship. To him, what truly matters is the connection between hearts and souls, not the formal details about a person.

Question. Did Derry consider Mr. Lamb his friend? Why/Why not?
Answer: Yes, eventually Derry did consider him a friend. Although he initially hesitated, Derry returned to the garden despite his mother's opposition, proving he valued Mr. Lamb's non-judgmental company and transformative ideas more than anything else.

Question. How does Derry’s mother talk about Mr. Lamb?
Answer: Derry’s mother talks about Mr. Lamb with suspicion and prejudice. She had heard bad things about him and considered him a "strange" man, warning Derry not to go back to his house.

Question. How does Mr. Lamb overcome his feelings of loneliness?
Answer: Mr. Lamb overcomes his loneliness by keeping his gate always open, welcoming any visitors, reading books, tending to his bees, and maintaining an optimistic outlook that sees everyone as a potential friend.

Question. How has Mr. Lamb kept himself open to everyone?
Answer: He physically keeps the garden gate open and mentally keeps his house "full" of books and thoughts. He doesn't use curtains, signifying his desire to not shut anyone or anything out.

Question. Why did Mr. Lamb help Derry?
Answer: Mr. Lamb helped Derry because he recognized a kindred spirit suffering from isolation due to a physical affliction. He wanted to share his optimistic philosophy to help Derry overcome his self-hatred and see the beauty in life.

Question. Derry was amazed and attracted towards Mr. Lamb. Why?
Answer: Derry was attracted to Mr. Lamb's peculiar way of thinking and his lack of fear or pity towards Derry's burnt face. Mr. Lamb's genuine interest and his non-judgmental acceptance were completely different from the reactions Derry usually received from society.

Question. How does ‘On the Face of It’ illustrate the impact of societal judgments on individuals with physical differences?
Answer: The play shows that societal judgments (staring, cruel remarks, or over-pity) cause more pain than the actual physical disability. Derry's bitterness is a direct result of being judged solely by his face, leading him to isolate himself to avoid being hurt.

Question. In what sense is the friendship between Mr. Lamb and Derry fruitful?
Answer: The friendship is fruitful because it leads to a total transformation in Derry, replacing his pessimism with hope and self-confidence. For Mr. Lamb, it provides the companionship he secretly craved and a purpose to impart his life's wisdom.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Derry and Mr. Lamb both are victims of physical impairment but their attitudes towards life are completely different. Explain.
Answer: Derry and Mr. Lamb are both physically impaired—Derry has a face disfigured by acid, and Mr. Lamb has a tin leg. However, their outlooks are polar opposites. Derry is a 14-year-old boy consumed by bitterness, pessimism, and self-loathing. He believes the world is cruel and that he is an outcast who will never be loved. He tries to isolate himself to escape the "rubbish" of people's stares and remarks. In contrast, Mr. Lamb is an elderly man who has learned to accept his disability with grace and optimism. He doesn't care if children call him "Lamey-Lamb" and keeps his doors open to the world. He finds beauty in everything, even weeds, and values "watching, listening, and thinking" over isolation. While Derry shuts himself in, Mr. Lamb opens himself up, ultimately teaching Derry that it is one's perspective, not their physical appearance, that determines their quality of life.

Question. Derry sneaked into Mr. Lamb’s garden and it became a turning point in his life. Comment.
Answer: Derry's accidental entry into Mr. Lamb's garden serves as the pivotal moment that alters the course of his life. Before this meeting, Derry was on a path of permanent seclusion and deep-seated hatred for society. However, the conversation with Mr. Lamb introduces him to a radically different way of seeing the world. Mr. Lamb challenges Derry's complexes by showing him that external disfigurement does not equal internal worthlessness. Through the story of the man who died in his room and the philosophy of bees "singing" instead of "buzzing," Mr. Lamb helps Derry realize that he has the power to choose his own life. The "turning point" is evidenced when Derry returns to the garden at the end, declaring that his face "doesn't care anymore." He has transitioned from a boy afraid of the world to a boy determined to live his life on his own terms.

Question. Briefly analyse Derry’s character as a complex and multifaceted character whose journey of self-discovery and resilience forms a central narrative arc in ‘On the Face of It’.
Answer: Derry is a deeply complex character, representing the vulnerability of youth colliding with the harshness of societal prejudice. Initially, he is defined by his scars, which act as a shield and a prison. His complexity lies in his oscillation between hostility and a desperate longing for acceptance. He is not just "angry"; he is deeply hurt and observant, as seen in his narration of overheard conversations. His journey is one of profound self-discovery where he peels away the layers of his own negativity. His resilience is shown in his ability to process Mr. Lamb's peculiar wisdom and act upon it by defying his mother. By the end of the play, Derry’s narrative arc is complete—not because his face is healed, but because his mind is. He demonstrates resilience by facing the reality of Mr. Lamb's death and choosing to carry forward the torch of optimism that the old man ignited in him.