Class 12 English - MP
Supplementary: On the Face of It
Supplementary chapter 'On the Face of It' by Susan Hill from the Class 12 English Vistas book explores the unusual friendship between Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, and Derry, a young boy with a burned face. The play delves into the themes of physical impairment, loneliness, bitterness, and the psychological impact of social alienation. For MPBSE board exams, questions often test your understanding of character traits, symbolic elements like the weeds and apples, and the profound message about changing one's perspective toward life and people with disabilities.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Derry's Complex
Derry is a fourteen-year-old boy suffering from severe inferiority complex and bitterness because of his acid-burned face, leading him to believe that everyone hates and fears him.
Mr. Lamb's Optimism
Mr. Lamb is an elderly man with a tin leg who accepts his physical disability with a positive attitude, welcoming everyone into his garden and teaching Derry the value of looking beyond outward appearances.
The Symbolism of the Garden and Weeds
Mr. Lamb treats both growing flowers and weeds equally in his garden, symbolizing that all human beings have intrinsic value regardless of societal labels.
The Impact of Words
The chapter highlights how thoughtless remarks and pity from society hurt disabled people more than their actual physical conditions.
The Ending and Transformation
Derry undergoes a major psychological shift, defying his overprotective mother to return to Mr. Lamb, only to find the old man has tragically died, marking a poignant turning point in Derry's life.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Madhya Pradesh (MPBSE) Class 12 English board exam, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 4 marks. Questions are usually in the form of short answer questions (SAQs) testing character motivation or long answer questions (LAQs) based on the central theme of the play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Derry initially hate people looking at him?
What is the significance of the title 'On the Face of It'?
The title suggests that things or people should not be judged merely by their outward appearance. True reality is often different from what appears on the surface.
Why did Derry return to Mr. Lamb's house in the end?
Derry returned because Mr. Lamb's words and acceptance completely changed his perspective on life. He learned to stop listening to his mother's pessimistic boundaries and wanted to live freely.
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