On The Face Of It: CBSE Class 12 English Chapter Notes

Character Sketches

Plot Summary: The Encounter and Its Impact

The play opens with Derry, a fourteen-year-old boy, climbing over the wall into what he believes is an empty garden. He is startled to find it occupied by its owner, Mr. Lamb. Derry, whose face is severely burnt on one side from an acid spill, is immediately defensive and tries to leave, assuming Mr. Lamb will be repulsed by his appearance. However, Mr. Lamb is welcoming and unbothered, starting a conversation that slowly breaks down Derry's walls. Their conversation forms the core of the play. Mr. Lamb shares his own philosophy of life, shaped by his own physical disability—a tin leg from a war injury. He talks about his bees, the 'weeds' in his garden which he considers just another type of plant, and his open-gate policy, signifying his openness to the world.

He challenges Derry's pessimism and self-pity, encouraging him to focus on the whole of life, not just the scarred part. He tells Derry that beauty is relative ('Beauty and the Beast') and that it's what's inside that matters. This perspective is a revelation for Derry, who has only ever experienced fear, pity, or revulsion from others. Feeling a glimmer of hope and acceptance for the first time, Derry decides to go home to inform his mother he will be coming back to help Mr. Lamb with the crab apples. His mother, overprotective and fearful, tries to stop him, having heard negative things about Mr. Lamb. For the first time, Derry stands up for his own choice and rushes back to the garden. The play ends on a tragic and ironic note. As Derry re-enters the garden, he finds Mr. Lamb has fallen from the ladder while picking apples and is presumably dead. Derry is left alone, but the audience is left to believe that Mr. Lamb's influence has irrevocably changed him, giving him the strength to face the world 'on the face of it'.

Derry vs. Mr. Lamb: A Study in Contrast

Key Themes to Remember

• {"point":"Loneliness and Alienation: Both characters are lonely, but they cope differently. Derry isolates himself due to bitterness, while Mr. Lamb actively seeks connection."}
• {"point":"Appearance vs. Reality: The play's title itself points to this. Things are not always what they seem 'on the face of it'. Derry's face doesn't define him, and Mr. Lamb's eccentricity hides deep wisdom."}
• {"point":"The Power of Perspective and Positive Attitude: Mr. Lamb teaches Derry that one's attitude, not circumstances, defines one's life. He sees 'weeds' as part of the garden, a metaphor for accepting imperfections."}
• {"point":"Prejudice and Stereotyping: Society has judged both characters based on their physical appearances, leading to their isolation."}
• {"point":"The Importance of Human Connection: The brief bond formed between Derry and Mr. Lamb has a profound, life-altering impact on Derry, highlighting the human need for acceptance and understanding."}
• {"point":"Disability and Identity: The play explores how physical disabilities can shape identity and how individuals can rise above societal perceptions."}

Key Terms and Symbols

On The Face Of It

An idiom meaning 'superficially' or 'judging by outward appearance'. The title itself is the central theme of the play.

Symbolism: The Garden

Represents Mr. Lamb's open and inclusive world. It's a paradise that is open to all, much like Eden, but also contains the potential for a 'fall' (Mr. Lamb's accident).

Symbolism: Weeds

Mr. Lamb's reference to weeds as 'the other flower' symbolizes his philosophy of non-judgment and seeing value in things that society discards or deems imperfect.

Symbolism: Crab Apples

Sour apples used to make jelly. They symbolize the idea that something seemingly unpleasant or 'off-putting' can be turned into something sweet and valuable, just like Derry himself.

Symbolism: The Open Gate

Represents Mr. Lamb's welcoming nature and his philosophy of openness to the world and its people, contrasting with Derry's self-imposed confinement.

Irony

The ending is deeply ironic. Just as Derry finds a reason to live and connect with the world through Mr. Lamb, Mr. Lamb dies. This is situational irony.

Exam Writing Strategy

For long-answer questions on 'On The Face Of It', focus on character transformation and thematic depth rather than just retelling the story. When comparing Derry and Mr. Lamb, use a 'Point-Evidence-Explain' structure. For instance, state a point of contrast (e.g., their attitude to isolation), provide evidence from the text (a quote or event), and explain its significance. Avoid simply stating that Mr. Lamb is 'good' and Derry is 'sad'. Instead, use specific adjectives like 'philosophical', 'empathetic', 'embittered', 'alienated'. Quoting key phrases like 'weeds', 'crab apples', or the 'Beauty and the Beast' story will show a deeper understanding of the play's symbolism.

Quick Revision Check

• Why did Derry enter Mr. Lamb's garden? He thought it was empty and wanted a place to be alone, away from people who would stare at his face.
• What physical disability did Mr. Lamb have and what was his attitude towards it? He had a tin leg from a bomb explosion in the war. He was nonchalant about it, even joking that kids called him 'Lamey-Lamb'.
• What is the significance of the play's ending? The ending is tragic and ironic. Mr. Lamb dies just as Derry returns, full of hope. However, it signifies that Mr. Lamb's lesson of living fully has been passed on to Derry, who now has the courage to face the world.
• How does Mr. Lamb redefine the concept of 'weeds'? He calls his weed patch a 'herb garden,' stating there's no essential difference between a weed and a flower. It's a metaphor for accepting people and things without prejudice.

Frequently Asked Questions