On the Face of It Summary | CBSE Class 12 English

by Yogi P - December 21, 2024

Summary of On the Face of It

On the Face of It by Susan Hill is a thought-provoking play included in the Class 12 English curriculum, addressing themes like self-acceptance, empathy, and the importance of relationships. This summary of On the Face of It provides a clear understanding of the play’s characters, themes, and messages. It also includes important questions and answers, helping students prepare effectively.

On the Face of It Summary

‘On the Face of it’  play revolves around two characters: Derry, a young boy with a scarred face due to acid burns, and Mr. Lamb, an old man with a prosthetic leg. Derry, feeling isolated and rejected by society, stumbles upon Mr. Lamb’s garden. Initially reluctant to engage, Derry starts a conversation with Mr. Lamb, who warmly welcomes him and shares life lessons.

Through their interaction, Mr. Lamb helps Derry realize that his scars do not define him. He shares his own struggles, such as being mocked as “Lamey-Lamb,” and encourages Derry to focus on his abilities and embrace life. Despite Derry’s resistance at first, Mr. Lamb’s positive outlook begins to inspire him.

However, the story takes a tragic turn when Derry decides to return home to inform his mother about Mr. Lamb. She opposes his decision, but Derry insists on returning to the garden. Upon arrival, he finds Mr. Lamb dead under an apple tree. This bittersweet moment transforms Derry, leaving him with a deeper appreciation for life and relationships.

Key Themes of On the Face of It

1. Self-Acceptance: Derry learns to accept his physical scars as part of his identity.
2. Empathy: Mr. Lamb’s kindness helps Derry see life from a broader perspective.
3. Overcoming Prejudice: The play emphasizes looking beyond appearances to understand true human worth.

Important Questions and Answers on On the Face of It

Q1: What is the central idea of On the Face of It?

The play’s central idea is self-acceptance and focusing on living life positively despite challenges.

Q2: What is the theme of On the Face of It?

The theme revolves around overcoming insecurities, finding self-worth, and the role of empathy in personal growth.

Q3: Justify the title On the Face of It.

The title symbolizes both Derry’s physical disfigurement and the metaphorical judgment of people based on appearances. It suggests looking beyond the surface to understand deeper truths.

Q4: Who is the author of On the Face of It?

The play is written by Susan Hill, known for her exploration of human emotions.

Q5: What is the moral of On the Face of It?

The story teaches the importance of accepting imperfections, building meaningful relationships, and embracing life with optimism.

Class 12 On the Face of It Question Answers

Q: Comment on the ending of the play.

The ending is tragic yet meaningful. Mr. Lamb’s death highlights the unpredictability of life, while Derry’s transformation symbolizes hope and resilience.

Q: Discuss the relevance of empathy in On the Face of It.

Empathy is a vital theme. Mr. Lamb’s understanding and encouragement help Derry overcome his insecurities and see life positively.

Conclusion of On the Face of It Summary

The play delivers a powerful message about self-belief, empathy, and personal growth. Mr. Lamb’s brief role leaves a lasting impact on Derry, helping him embrace life with a new perspective.

This summary of On the Face of It also covers important questions, themes, and moral lessons for Class 12 students. Whether you are preparing for exams or seeking to understand the play better, this resource offers valuable insights.

For further study, you can refer to On the Face of It NCERT solutions, MCQs, and character sketches of Derry and Mr. Lamb. The Class 12 On the Face of It PDF and line-by-line explanation are also useful tools for deeper comprehension.

Character Sketch of Derry

Derry is a young boy, around fourteen years old, who suffers from low self-esteem and deep emotional scars due to an acid burn that has left one side of his face disfigured.

Key Traits of Derry

1. Insecure and Sensitive
   Derry is extremely conscious of his appearance and often isolates himself, believing that people pity or ridicule him. His sensitivity makes him feel unwanted and misunderstood.
2. Lonely and Rebellious
   His disfigurement has caused him to withdraw from social interactions. He is rebellious, often lashing out against others’ pity or their superficial comments about his condition.
3. Curious and Thoughtful
   Despite his insecurities, Derry is intelligent and curious. His conversations with Mr. Lamb reveal his capacity for deep thought and introspection.
4. Transformative Journey
   Initially bitter and pessimistic, Derry undergoes significant emotional growth after meeting Mr. Lamb. He learns to value himself beyond his physical appearance and gains the courage to face life more positively.

Character Sketch of Mr. Lamb

Mr. Lamb is an elderly man who has lost one of his legs in a war and now uses a tin prosthetic. Despite his physical disability, he is a cheerful, optimistic, and wise character who radiates positivity.

Key Traits of Mr. Lamb

1. Kind and Welcoming
   Mr. Lamb’s garden is open to everyone. He welcomes Derry with warmth and treats him with genuine respect, showing no pity or judgment about his scars.
2. Optimistic and Philosophical
   Mr. Lamb believes in embracing life’s imperfections and encourages others to do the same. His positive outlook and wise observations inspire Derry to change his perspective on life.
3. Empathetic and Encouraging
   Having faced prejudice himself, Mr. Lamb empathizes with Derry’s struggles. He shares his personal experiences of being mocked as “Lamey-Lamb” and teaches Derry to focus on his abilities rather than flaws.
4. Lonely but Content
   Although Mr. Lamb lives alone and acknowledges his loneliness, he remains content. His ability to find joy in small things like his garden, books, and conversations shows his resilience and inner strength.

Comparison of Derry and Mr. Lamb

While Derry starts as a bitter and insecure boy, Mr. Lamb is a symbol of wisdom and acceptance. Their meeting highlights the contrast between despair and hope, with Mr. Lamb serving as a mentor who transforms Derry’s outlook on life.

Both characters share an underlying loneliness but differ in their approach to life: Derry learns to embrace positivity from Mr. Lamb’s example, making their interaction the heart of the play.