On The Face Of It Class 12 English Vistas

Key Points of the Story 

• On the Face of It is a play that explores the themes of isolation, self-acceptance, and the human need for connection.
• The main character, Derry, is a young boy with a burned face who feels rejected and alienated by society.
• He meets Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a prosthetic leg, who teaches him about looking beyond appearances and accepting oneself.
• Through their conversation, Derry begins to realize that his worth is not defined by his physical appearance, and that true friendship and self-understanding come from within.

Detailed Summary

The story begins with Derry walking cautiously through Mr. Lamb’s garden. He is startled when Mr. Lamb, who is sitting nearby, speaks to him and warns him about the crab apples on the ground. Derry feels insecure and believes that people look at him with pity because of his disfigured face. Mr. Lamb, who has a prosthetic leg, speaks to Derry in a calm, wise manner and tries to reassure him that his physical appearance does not define who he is.

Derry shares his experience of being rejected by others because of his face, and he is convinced that people are afraid of him. However, Mr. Lamb challenges this perception and encourages Derry to see beyond his physical scars. Mr. Lamb tells Derry that everyone has something that makes them different, and that difference does not make a person any less valuable.

Throughout their conversation, Mr. Lamb uses his own life experiences to teach Derry valuable lessons about acceptance and the importance of not being afraid to live fully. Despite his disability, Mr. Lamb finds joy in simple things like sitting in the garden, reading books, and listening to the bees. He emphasizes that life is to be embraced, no matter the challenges one faces.

Derry begins to open up and reflects on his life. He talks about how people stare at him and make cruel comments, which makes him feel worthless. However, Mr. Lamb’s positive outlook and his ability to accept his own imperfections make Derry question his own beliefs about himself. By the end of their conversation, Derry is beginning to understand that his worth is not determined by how others perceive him.

As Derry leaves Mr. Lamb’s garden, he expresses his intention to return. However, he is suddenly confronted with the tragic sight of Mr. Lamb having fallen from a ladder while trying to gather apples. In his grief, Derry realizes that Mr. Lamb had a lasting impact on his life and that his words have given him hope for the future.

Conclusion

"On the Face of It" highlights the importance of acceptance, both of oneself and others. It teaches that true self-worth comes from within and is not defined by physical appearance. Through his brief encounter with Mr. Lamb, Derry learns that he can lead a fulfilling life despite his external appearance. The play emphasizes the transformative power of human connection and understanding.

Theme

The main theme of the play is self-acceptance and the need to look beyond physical appearances. It challenges societal norms and the prejudices people have based on appearance. The relationship between Derry and Mr. Lamb serves as a reminder that inner strength, kindness, and understanding are what truly matter in life.

Difficult Words

Word - Meaning

• Rustling - Sound when tree leaves move
• Walk tentatively - Walk aimlessly or hesitantly 
• Screen of bushes - Group of bushes
• Close at Hand - very near
• Startled - surprised
• Empty place - place where nobody lives
• Lad - boy 
• Scrump - Steal a fruit 
• Underneath - Actually, in your thoughts  
• Whole of you - your complete personality  
• Magic fruit - Very good fruit  
• Give me a hand - help me  
• Beside - Near
• Weed - Unwanted grass 
• Tin leg - Artificial leg of metal 
• Blown off - cut in a bomb blast 
• Silken ladder - web of a spider
• Monstrous - horrible 
• Now and then - Occasionally
• Wet season - Rainy Season 
• Draft in your head - Mentally sick  
• Dribble - Water coming out of mouth  
• Went by - Crossed, Went ahead
• Whispered - Spoke in low voice 
• Peculiar - Strange 
• Hive - House of bees 
• Buzz - Sound of bees
• Trespassing - Entering without permission
• Swish - Move quickly in air with a sound 
• Get on better - become better 
• Signify - To be important 
• Make out - Assess 
• To make fuss - worry or get angry without cause
• Nobody cares - nobody bothers
• Dafy - mad
• Thump - Sound of falling
• Creak - Sound of bending 
• Devil - bad person