Class 12 English - WEST-BENGAL
Supplementary: On the Face of It
Supplementary: On the Face of It by Susan Hill is a poignant play exploring the themes of physical impairment, loneliness, and the psychological impact of social alienation. The story revolves around two central characters: Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg who lives in a large house with an open garden, and Derry, a young boy with a burnt face who is bitter, withdrawn, and filled with self-hatred. Their chance encounter in the garden changes Derry's perspective on life. For West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) Class 12 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing comprehension of character development, empathetic reading, and thematic analysis.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Theme of Physical Impairment and Alienation
The chapter highlights how society treats people with physical disabilities, often isolating them and making them feel unwanted, leading to deep psychological scars.
Mr. Lamb's Philosophy of Life
Mr. Lamb accepts his disability without self-pity, keeping his gates open, welcoming everyone, and finding beauty in ordinary things like weeds, flowers, and bees.
Derry's Complex and Insecure Mindset
Derry is defensive, angry, and paranoid due to constant staring and cruel remarks from people, believing that nobody will ever love or kiss him except his mother.
The Significance of the Garden
The open garden symbolizes freedom, warmth, and acceptance, contrasting sharply with the dark, suffocating fear and confinement inside Derry's home and mind.
The Irony of the Ending
Mr. Lamb's tragic accidental death while trying to pick crab apples emphasizes the unpredictable nature of life and leaves Derry to stand up for himself, having truly learned how to live.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the WBCHSE Class 12 English board exams, this chapter frequently features in the Vistas supplementary reading section. It typically carries 5 to 6 marks, including Long Answer Type Questions (6 marks) testing character sketches, theme analysis, or the significance of the title, and short-answer questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Derry initially go into Mr. Lamb's garden?
Derry climbs over the garden wall thinking the place is empty and secluded, wanting to hide because he is conscious and fearful of people staring at his burnt face.
What is the significance of the play's title 'On the Face of It'?
The idiom 'on the face of it' means 'from outward appearances'. The title suggests that things or people should not be judged merely by their external looks, as inner reality can be entirely different.
How does Mr. Lamb influence Derry's life?
Mr. Lamb teaches Derry to look beyond his facial deformity, discard self-pity, embrace the world outside, and develop a positive attitude toward life and people.
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