UP Board Class 12th English-Vistas – Chapter 6: Handwritten Notes of On the face of It

"On the Face of It" by Susan Hill is a thought-provoking play that delves into themes of isolation, friendship, and self-acceptance. The story revolves around an unlikely friendship between Mr. Lamb, an old man with a positive outlook on life, and Derry, a young boy with a facial disfigurement who struggles with low self-esteem and societal rejection. Through their interaction, the play emphasizes the importance of inner beauty, overcoming prejudices, and embracing life.

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Key Points

1. Characters:

   • Derry: A 14-year-old boy with a burned face who feels alienated and insecure due to the way society treats him. He has a pessimistic view of life.
   • Mr. Lamb: An elderly man with a prosthetic leg who lives alone. Despite his physical disability, he maintains a cheerful and optimistic attitude toward life.

2. Meeting Between Derry and Mr. Lamb:

   • Derry enters Mr. Lamb’s garden, initially to hide from people and their judgmental behavior.
   • Mr. Lamb engages Derry in conversation, showing kindness and a non-judgmental attitude that contrasts with Derry’s experiences with others.

3. Themes of Isolation and Prejudice:

   • Derry shares his feelings of rejection and loneliness, caused by people’s negative reactions to his appearance.
   • Mr. Lamb empathizes with him and encourages him to look beyond his scars and see the beauty in life.
   • The play highlights the harm caused by societal prejudices and the need for understanding and acceptance.

4. Mr. Lamb’s Philosophy of Life:

   • Mr. Lamb believes in living life to the fullest, appreciating simple pleasures, and not letting physical disabilities define one’s identity.
   • He shares his belief that everyone has problems, but it’s important to focus on the positives rather than dwell on negatives.

5. Transformation of Derry:

   • Through their interaction, Derry begins to see life from a new perspective. He feels inspired by Mr. Lamb’s optimism and decides to face the world with more courage and confidence.
   • Derry resolves to return to Mr. Lamb’s garden to continue their conversation, signaling a shift in his attitude toward life.

6. Tragic Ending:

   • When Derry returns to Mr. Lamb’s garden, he finds that Mr. Lamb has fallen from a ladder and died.
   • This tragic ending reinforces the fleeting nature of life and the importance of embracing relationships and opportunities without delay.

Conclusion

"On the Face of It" is a heartwarming and poignant play that explores the emotional struggles of individuals facing physical and societal challenges. Through the contrasting characters of Derry and Mr. Lamb, Susan Hill conveys a powerful message about self-acceptance, optimism, and the transformative power of human connection. The play inspires readers to embrace life with courage and to value inner beauty over outward appearances.

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