CBSE Class 12 English Vistas NCERT Solutions: Chapter 6 On the Face of It

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

CBSE Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 6, 'On the Face of It,' delves into profound themes of isolation, prejudice, and the enduring human need for connection. The NCERT Solutions meticulously examine the poignant relationship that blossoms between Derry, a teenager ostracized due to his facial disfigurement, and Mr. Lamb, an elderly man who carries the weight of a prosthetic limb. Through detailed analysis, the solutions illuminate Mr. Lamb's compassionate wisdom and Derry's hesitant journey from deep-seated bitterness towards a burgeoning sense of hope and self-acceptance. These resources offer comprehensive answers to chapter-related questions, guiding students to grasp the characters' complex motivations, the play's central messages about embracing differences, and the critical importance of transcending both physical and emotional scars. The solutions aim to foster a deeper understanding of the play's subtleties, equipping students with the insights needed for effective exam preparation.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectEnglish Vistas
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 6

Chapter summary

Chapter 6, 'On the Face of It,' presents a poignant dialogue between Derry and Mr. Lamb, focusing on their physical differences and emotional scars. The NCERT Solutions cover key questions about their relationship, exploring how Mr. Lamb's acceptance and wisdom help Derry confront his fears and negative self-perception. The solutions analyze the themes of alienation, appearance versus reality, and the healing power of human connection, providing a clear understanding of the play's central ideas.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the characters of Derry and Mr. Lamb and their initial interactions.
  • Analyze the themes of prejudice, isolation, and acceptance in the chapter.
  • Explain how Mr. Lamb's perspective influences Derry's attitude.
  • Identify the significance of physical differences and their impact on self-esteem.
  • Appreciate the importance of empathy and human connection in overcoming adversity.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character analysis of Derry and Mr. Lamb
  • Themes of prejudice and isolation
  • Overcoming physical disfigurement
  • Human connection and empathy
  • Appearance vs. reality
  • Derry's psychological state
  • Mr. Lamb's philosophy of life
  • The significance of the garden setting

Important topics

  • Derry's transformation and Mr. Lamb's influence
  • The theme of acceptance
  • Understanding Mr. Lamb's perspective
  • The impact of societal attitudes
  • Symbolism in the chapter

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Who is Mr. Lamb? How does Derry get into his garden?
Solution: Mr. Lamb is an elderly man who has lost a leg during a past war, which has been replaced by a tin leg. He lives a solitary life in his house, which has a garden filled with ripe crab apples. Derry enters Mr. Lamb's garden by climbing over the garden wall. Despite the gate being open, Derry chooses not to use it, indicating his reluctance to interact openly or perhaps his habit of avoiding conventional entry points due to his self-consciousness.

Question 2

Do you think all this will change Derry's attitude towards Mr. Lamb?
Solution: Yes, it is highly likely that Derry's experiences and conversations with Mr. Lamb will significantly change his attitude towards him. Initially, Derry is pessimistic and believes everyone despises him due to his burnt face. However, Mr. Lamb treats Derry not with pity, but as an equal, acknowledging their shared physical differences (his tin leg, Derry's face). Mr. Lamb's empathetic approach, his welcoming nature, and his philosophical outlook on life, where he encourages Derry to see beyond outward appearances and embrace life, begin to break down Derry's defenses. This positive and non-judgmental interaction fosters respect and liking in Derry, moving him away from his isolation and bitterness.

Question 1

What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb in spite of himself?
Solution: Several factors draw Derry towards Mr. Lamb, despite his initial reservations. Firstly, Mr. Lamb's reaction to Derry's disfigured face is unlike anyone else's; he shows no shock or fear and speaks to Derry kindly, even welcoming him into his garden. Secondly, Mr. Lamb treats Derry as an equal, sharing his own experience of having a tin leg and discussing how people react to differences. He offers Derry friendship and practical help, like making apple jelly. Most importantly, Mr. Lamb offers Derry a new perspective on life, suggesting that outward appearances are less important than inner qualities and that one should not let physical differences or others' opinions define them. He contrasts the harm of acid burns (external) with the harm of hatred (internal), which resonates deeply with Derry.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting Mr. Lamb's intentions as pity rather than genuine empathy.
  • Underestimating the psychological impact of physical disfigurement on Derry.
  • Focusing solely on the plot without analyzing the deeper themes of acceptance and belonging.
  • Failing to recognize the parallel between Mr. Lamb's tin leg and Derry's burnt face as symbols of overcoming physical challenges.

Revision tips

  • Reread the dialogues between Derry and Mr. Lamb, paying close attention to their tone and underlying emotions.
  • Summarize the key points of Mr. Lamb's philosophy on life and acceptance.
  • Compare and contrast the characters of Derry and Mr. Lamb, noting their similarities and differences.
  • Reflect on how the chapter challenges conventional notions of beauty and normalcy.
  • Use the provided solutions to clarify any doubts about character motivations or thematic interpretations.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is Mr. Lamb's physical characteristic that Derry might relate to?

Q2. Why does Derry initially climb over the garden wall instead of using the gate?

Q3. What does Mr. Lamb offer to make for Derry?

Q4. According to Mr. Lamb, what can do more harm than acid?

Q5. How does Mr. Lamb view Derry?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 6, 'On the Face of It'?

The main themes of 'On the Face of It' are prejudice, isolation, the importance of human connection, and overcoming physical and emotional scars. It explores how acceptance and empathy can help individuals overcome feelings of alienation and self-loathing.

Who are the main characters in Chapter 6?

The two main characters are Derry, a young boy with a severely burnt face, and Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a prosthetic tin leg.

How does Mr. Lamb's attitude differ from others towards Derry?

Unlike others who pity or fear Derry's burnt face, Mr. Lamb treats him with respect and as an equal. He doesn't show shock and engages Derry in conversation, offering acceptance and understanding.

What does Derry learn from Mr. Lamb?

Derry learns from Mr. Lamb to look beyond physical appearances, to not hate others, and to embrace life positively. Mr. Lamb helps Derry to see himself as a whole person, not just his disfigurement.

Why is Mr. Lamb's garden significant in the chapter?

Mr. Lamb's garden serves as a sanctuary where Derry feels safe to interact. It symbolizes growth, life, and the possibility of beauty, contrasting with Derry's internal turmoil and the harshness of the outside world.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 12 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the complex characters, themes, and literary devices used in 'On the Face of It,' aiding in their exam preparation.

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