Class 12 English - KARNATAKA
Supplementary: On the Face of It
Supplementary chapter 'On the Face of It' by Susan Hill explores the theme of physical impairment, loneliness, and the psychological impact of social alienation. It presents a touching interaction between Derry, a young boy with a burned face, and Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg. The chapter emphasizes how society treats people with disabilities and teaches students the importance of positive outlooks, empathy, and self-acceptance. For Karnataka (KSEEB) board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing critical thinking and understanding character dynamics through textual analysis, frequently featuring in long-answer and reference-to-context questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Physical Impairment and Alienation
The chapter highlights how society isolates individuals with physical disabilities, making them feel unwanted and overly conscious of their appearance.
Derry's Complex
Derry suffers from extreme low self-esteem, bitterness, and paranoia due to his acid-burned face, believing everyone fears and hates him.
Mr. Lamb's Philosophy
Mr. Lamb represents optimism and resilience; despite having a tin leg, he keeps his gate open, welcomes everyone, and finds beauty in everyday life.
The Significance of the Bee's Buzz
Mr. Lamb compares the buzzing of bees to music, teaching Derry that perception changes how one experiences the world.
The Fairy Tale Motif
The reference to 'Beauty and the Beast' underscores how inner beauty matters more than outer appearance, a central irony explored in the play.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Karnataka (KSEEB) Class 12 English exam, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include a 1-mark or 2-mark comprehension question and a 3-mark or 4-mark descriptive question focusing on character sketches of Derry and Mr. Lamb or the significance of the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Derry initially enter Mr. Lamb's garden?
What is the significance of the title 'On the Face of It'?
How does Mr. Lamb influence Derry's life by the end of the play?
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