Class 12 English - KERALA
Supplementary: On the Face of It
Supplementary chapter 'On the Face of It' by Susan Hill explores the themes of physical impairment, loneliness, and psychological alienation through a profound dialogue between an old, reclusive man named Mr. Lamb with a tin leg and a bitter, young boy named Derry who has a burned face. The play highlights how societal prejudice affects disabled individuals and emphasizes the healing power of empathy, kindness, and positive perspective. For Kerala SCERT Class 12 board exams, questions frequently test character analysis, thematic interpretation, and critical appreciation of the dramatic narrative.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Mr. Lamb's Character
An optimistic, open-minded old man who lives alone in a house with an open garden, dealing with his physical disability and social isolation through acceptance and love for nature.
Derry's Insecurity
A fourteen-year-old boy suffering from severe psychological trauma and low self-esteem due to an acid-burned face, making him resentful, suspicious, and socially withdrawn.
The Symbolism of the Garden and Apples
The garden represents openness, life, and freedom, while the crab apples represent the bittersweet reality of life that Mr. Lamb makes into jelly.
The Theme of Loneliness and Alienation
Explores how society treats people with physical deformities with pity, fear, or revulsion, forcing them into isolation.
Perspective and Acceptance
The central message that outward appearance does not define a person's worth and that true beauty lies within.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 12 English board examinations, this chapter typically carries about 4 to 8 marks. Questions usually appear as short-answer questions focusing on specific dialogues or character traits, as well as paragraph or essay-type questions exploring the central themes, the significance of the title, or the contrast between Mr. Lamb and Derry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the title 'On the Face of It'?
The idiom means judging a situation or person based only on outward appearance, which directly relates to how people judge Derry and Mr. Lamb without knowing their true inner worth.
Why does Derry enter Mr. Lamb's garden?
Derry climbs over the garden wall thinking the place was empty, as he prefers being alone and away from people who stare at his burned face.
How does Mr. Lamb influence Derry's life by the end of the play?
Mr. Lamb changes Derry's pessimistic outlook, teaching him to overcome self-pity and face the world bravely, leading Derry to return to the garden even at the cost of Mr. Lamb's tragic death.
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