Class 12 English - ANDHRA-PRADESH
Supplementary: On the Face of It
Supplementary chapter 'On the Face of It' by Susan Hill is a poignant play exploring the themes of physical impairment, loneliness, and societal prejudice. It revolves around two main characters: Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, and Derry, a young boy with a burnt face who carries immense psychological scars. Through their profound conversation in a garden, Mr. Lamb teaches Derry to look beyond appearances and embrace life positively. This chapter is highly important for the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 12 English board exams as it frequently features in long-answer questions testing critical thinking, empathy, and textual comprehension.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Physical Impairment and Alienation
The play highlights how society isolates individuals with physical disabilities, making them feel unwanted and self-conscious about their appearance.
The Contrast in Perspectives
While Derry focuses on bitterness, self-pity, and how people react with fear or pity to his burnt face, Mr. Lamb radiates optimism, welcoming everyone into his open garden.
Symbolism of the Garden and Apples
Mr. Lamb's open garden and his act of making jelly from crab apples symbolize openness, productivity, and a welcoming attitude towards life, contrasted with Derry's closed mindset.
The Fairy Tale of Beauty and the Beast
Derry relates to the tale of the Beast, noting that only beauty loved him and that nobody will ever kiss him except his mother, highlighting his deep-rooted insecurity.
The Significance of the Ending
Despite Mr. Lamb's tragic accidental death from falling off a ladder, Derry's transformation is permanent as he learns to step out of his shell and truly live.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 12 English examinations, this chapter regularly features in Section B or C, carrying questions worth 4 to 8 marks. Students can expect short answer questions focusing on character traits and long answer essay-type questions testing the central theme of overcoming prejudice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Derry climbs over the garden wall thinking the place is empty, wanting to hide because he is conscious of people staring at his burnt face.
Mr. Lamb's tin leg represents his physical disability, but unlike Derry, he has accepted it with humor and refuses to let it define or limit his life.
Through gentle wisdom, relatable examples (like weeds and flowers), and listening without pity, Mr. Lamb helps Derry realize that beauty and life are about inner perspective rather than outer appearances.
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