Class 12 English - TAMILNADU
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 Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, and Derry, a young boy with a burnt face who is full of bitterness and complexes. Through their poignant conversation in a garden, Mr. Lamb teaches Derry to look beyond appearances, embrace life positively, and overcome his self-pity. This chapter is vital for Tamil Nadu Class 12 board exams as it frequently appears in essay and short-answer questions testing critical thinking and empathy.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Theme of Alienation and Loneliness
Both characters suffer from isolation due to their physical disabilities—Derry from his acid-burnt face and Mr. Lamb from his artificial tin leg.
Appearance vs. Reality
The play emphasizes that outward appearances are deceptive; true beauty and character lie within a person, symbolizado by the beauty of weeds and flowers in Mr. Lamb's garden.
The Significance of the Title
'On the Face of It' suggests that things often appear different on the surface compared to how they actually are when examined closely.
Mr. Lamb's Philosophy of Life
Mr. Lamb chooses to remain optimistic, keeping his garden gate open and welcoming everyone, refusing to let his disability define or defeat him.
Derry's Transformation
Derry evolves from a bitter, defensive, and isolated boy into someone who learns to value himself and desires to live life on his own terms.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Tamil Nadu (Samacheer Kalvi) Class 12 English Board Exam, this supplementary chapter typically carries around 5 to 10 marks. Questions usually include 2-mark short answers, paragraph questions, and occasionally a general essay question testing character sketches of Mr. Lamb or Derry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the garden gate being always open?
It symbolizes Mr. Lamb's welcoming nature, openness to the world, and his desire to connect with people without any discrimination or fear.
Why does Derry initially hate people looking at him?
Derry is deeply insecure and hurt because people either stare at his burnt face in fear and horror or pity him, making him feel unwanted.
What happens to Mr. Lamb at the end of the play?
Mr. Lamb falls from a ladder while trying to pick crab apples and tragically dies, but not before he successfully instills hope and confidence in Derry.
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