CBSE Class 12 English: On the Face of It NCERT Solutions

Mr Lamb is an elderly gentleman who lives alone in a house with a garden. He has a prosthetic tin leg, as his real leg was lost during a past war. His garden is described as having ripe crab apples that appear golden and orange in the sunlight.

Derry enters Mr. Lamb's garden by climbing over the garden wall. Although the gate is not locked and is open, Derry chooses not to use it, opting instead for a more unconventional entry.

Yes, the interactions and conversations between Derry and Mr. Lamb are likely to significantly change Derry's attitude towards the old man. Initially, Derry is wary and perhaps fearful, as he is with most people due to his disfigured face. However, Mr. Lamb's unique perspective and gentle approach begin to influence him.

Mr. Lamb shares his own experiences and a philosophy that encourages Derry to look beyond physical appearances and societal judgments. He tells Derry a story about a man so afraid of everything that he locked himself in a room, only to be killed by a falling picture, illustrating that life itself carries risks and that withdrawal is not a solution. Mr. Lamb emphasizes that Derry possesses all the necessary physical faculties to lead a fulfilling life if he makes a firm decision and doesn't let his disfigurement or others' opinions hold him back. He points out that hatred can be more damaging than physical injury. Derry is surprised by Mr. Lamb's unconventional views and habits, such as his love for reading and his appreciation for both light and darkness. He also recognizes Mr. Lamb's own loneliness. Derry's promise to return after informing his mother signifies a growing trust and a positive shift in his feelings towards Mr. Lamb.

Several factors draw Derry towards Mr. Lamb, even though he might initially try to resist this connection. Firstly, both characters share a common experience of physical impairment: Derry has a face severely burned by acid, and Mr. Lamb has a tin leg from the war. This shared vulnerability creates a subtle bond.

Secondly, Derry perceives a sense of loneliness and disappointment in Mr. Lamb's life, which resonates with his own feelings of alienation. Mr. Lamb's attempts to overcome these feelings by engaging with the world around him, despite his disability, offer Derry a different model of coping.

Most importantly, Mr. Lamb offers Derry a new perspective on life. He encourages Derry to use his senses – to see, hear, feel, and think – and to not let hatred consume him. Mr. Lamb teaches that hatred is more destructive than physical pain and that Derry has the potential to succeed if he makes a determined decision. He advises Derry not to fear people, suggesting that if he acts normally, others will too. This combination of shared experience, perceived understanding, and a hopeful, constructive philosophy makes Derry feel drawn to Mr. Lamb.

Mr. Lamb displays signs of loneliness and disappointment primarily in the middle section of the first scene of the play. He expresses this subtly through his actions and words, indicating a desire for connection and engagement.

To overcome these feelings, Mr. Lamb actively seeks out company and finds interest in the world around him. He plans to make jelly from his crab apples and invites Derry to help him, showing a willingness to share his activities. He states his interest in "anything that God made," whether it's a person, a flower, a spider, or even weeds, demonstrating an appreciation for all forms of life. He finds beauty and fascination in simple things like a spider climbing a silken ladder or his tall sunflowers. He enjoys listening to the bees sing and reading books in his garden, appreciating both the light and the darkness. He keeps his windows open to hear the wind, embracing the natural world. These activities and his open attitude towards life and people are his ways of combating loneliness and finding meaning.

The play "On The Face of It" effectively highlights that the emotional and psychological pain of alienation experienced by individuals with physical disabilities often surpasses the physical discomfort or inconvenience they face. Both Mr. Lamb, with his tin leg, and Derry, with his acid-burnt face, experience this profound sense of being different and excluded.

The physical pain for Mr. Lamb is manageable; he feels it occasionally in wet weather and finds certain activities like running or climbing difficult. For Derry, the initial physical pain of the burns has subsided, but the constant reactions of others—staring, fear, avoidance, and mockery—cause deep emotional anguish. People's tendency to view his face as horrible and ugly leads to his social isolation.

Individuals facing such challenges do not seek pity or excessive sympathy. Instead, they expect considerate and respectful behavior from others. They wish to be treated as normal human beings, not as objects of curiosity or ridicule. They hope that people will look beyond their physical appearance and appreciate their inherent worth. They desire understanding and acceptance, rather than being singled out, given nicknames, or made fun of. Essentially, they expect a reasonable and empathetic approach that acknowledges their difficulties without making them feel like outcasts.

It is highly probable that Mr. Lamb's brief association will effect a significant and positive change in the kind of life Derry will lead in the future, rather than him returning to his old seclusion. Although their time together is short, the impact of Mr. Lamb's wisdom and perspective is profound.

Mr. Lamb's persuasive conversations and relatable anecdotes help Derry understand that a life of withdrawal is both limiting and potentially dangerous. He learns to appreciate the beauty and richness of the world around him and the importance of an open, positive mindset. Mr. Lamb's core message—that hatred is worse than acid and that one's inner strength and decisions matter most—resonates deeply with Derry.

Derry's decision to return to Mr. Lamb, even after his mother's concerns, demonstrates a newfound courage and a shift in priorities. He realizes that his own thoughts, feelings, and desires for experience are more important than his scarred appearance or what others might say. He understands that if he doesn't seize this opportunity to connect with the world and with Mr. Lamb, he might never find the courage to do so again. This determination to go back signifies a break from his past isolation and a step towards a more engaged and fulfilling future life.