Quick Overview: Plot, Themes, and Important Questions
On the face of it summary class 12, the story is about an adolescent kid, Derry, who has a consumed face, and Mr Sheep, who is an impaired elderly person with a counterfeit leg made of tin. Derry accidentally enters his nursery to conceal himself from individuals who scorn him due to his revolting face. Mr Sheep invites him to his nursery and urges him to have an ordinary existence, abandoning his past.
Theme
On the Face of It summary, the theme revolves around the idea that people with physical disabilities suffer from loneliness and mental pain. The play gives us an insight into how appearances are deceptive.
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Introduction: On the Face of It Summary in English
The principal scene is situated in Mr Lamb's nursery. Derry's strides are heard as he strolls gradually and reluctantly through the long grass. He comes to cycle through a screen of shrubberies.
In the second scene, we see Derry and his mom. He advises his mom about the faltering elderly person.
The third or last scene is again situated in Mr Lamb's nursery. Derry arrives at Mr Lamb's nursery, gasping. He discovers Mr Lamb lying on the grass with the stepping stool.
On the Face of It Summary Class 12
The summary of On the Face of It in class 12 starts with a high school kid entering a nursery. His face is scorched on one side because of a mishap when a corrosive fell on half of his face. He has gone there to conceal himself as he fears confronting individuals. He fears being prodded by others for having such a face. However, when he enters, he discovers somebody effectively presents there. He attempts to leave the spot, yet he is halted by the elderly person, Mr Sheep, the nursery's proprietor. Derry feels remorseful for entering the nursery without consent. Mr Sheep invites him and instructs him not to leave due to his essence.
Derry needs to leave as he might suspect individuals don't care for his face, and in addition, they get terrified of his looks. Be that as it may, Mr. Sheep demands him to remain there. They go into a discussion about how nobody loves Derry and how he loathes individuals carrying on like this with him. Mr. Sheep attempts to reassure him. He discloses to him that he has a tin leg, and children ridicule him. Still, he isn't discouraged and makes an incredible effort. The two of them talk about different things, and this prompts disclosure of Derry's dread, melancholy, and scorn about his being in such a condition.
In any case, Mr. Sheep continues instructing him to think about the positive things. Before long, they become companions, and Mr. Sheep requests that he help him in culling the crab apples of his nursery. Derry discloses to him that he had overcome much from his home and hadn't enlightened anything regarding this to his mom. Mr. Sheep instructs him to take authorization from his mom. Derry thinks that it's troublesome, and this prompts a little squabble between the two. Finally, Derry discloses to him that he would return in the wake of taking his mom's authorization. His mom doesn't need him to return; however, he returns again to satisfy his guarantee. Then Mr. Sheep ascended the stepping stool all alone to cull the crab apples as he was certain that Derry would not return. He was crippled, and it was hard for him to climb. Derry, then again, re-visited the nursery to support him. At the point when he enters the nursery, he sees Mr. Sheep lying on the ground.
Derry makes a decent attempt to make him move; however, he didn't get any reaction from him. He then comes to realize that he is dead and starts crying.
Conclusion
On the Face of It chapter 12 is an interesting chapter and we have covered the summary section to give an overview of the story. You can download the PDF file of this chapter from Vedantu website.
FAQs on On the Face of It Summary: Key Themes & Character Insights
1. What is the central theme of Susan Hill's play, 'On the Face of It'?
The central theme of 'On the Face of It' revolves around the idea that appearances are deceptive and should not be the basis for judgment. The play explores the loneliness and alienation felt by individuals with physical disabilities and highlights the transformative power of acceptance, kindness, and a positive perspective. It argues that emotional pain caused by social isolation can be far more damaging than any physical impairment.
2. Explain the contrasting attitudes of Derry and Mr. Lamb at the beginning of the play.
Derry and Mr. Lamb present a stark contrast in their outlooks despite both having physical disabilities.
- Derry: He is pessimistic, withdrawn, and filled with bitterness. He believes his burnt face makes him an object of pity and disgust, causing him to isolate himself from the world and distrust others.
- Mr. Lamb: He is an optimist who embraces life with openness and acceptance. Despite his tin leg, he welcomes everyone into his garden, sees beauty in everything (even weeds), and refuses to let his disability or others' opinions define his happiness.
3. How does Mr. Lamb’s garden serve as a crucial symbol in the play?
Mr. Lamb's garden is a powerful symbol of an inclusive and non-judgmental world. It represents a space where everything is accepted as it is, without labels of 'good' or 'bad'. Mr. Lamb explains this by comparing people to the plants in his garden, stating, "What's a weed? A flower, too, if you like." The garden symbolises a paradise of acceptance where Derry, for the first time, feels he doesn't have to hide his face, allowing for his emotional healing to begin.
4. What is the significance of the play’s title, 'On the Face of It'?
The title 'On the Face of It' is highly significant as it directly references the play's core theme of looking beyond superficial appearances. The phrase means 'superficially' or 'at first glance'. The entire play is a critique of judging people 'on the face of it'—whether it's Derry's scarred face or Mr. Lamb's seemingly lonely life. It urges the audience to understand the deeper reality and character that lies beneath the surface.
5. How does Mr. Lamb’s philosophy about the 'bees' and 'weeds' influence Derry?
Mr. Lamb's philosophy is about perception. He tells Derry that bees seem to 'hum' if you like them but 'buzz' if you don't, implying that the nature of things depends on one's attitude. Similarly, he sees his 'weeds' as a 'green, growing plant' just like a flower. This simple yet profound idea makes Derry realise that his own identity is not fixed by his scar; rather, it is shaped by how he chooses to see himself and the world. This empowers him to challenge his own negativity.
6. What is the importance of the play's ending, with Mr. Lamb's death?
The ending is both tragic and hopeful. Mr. Lamb's accidental death is tragic, but his influence on Derry signifies a triumph. When Derry returns to the garden, defying his mother, it shows that he has broken free from his self-imposed prison of fear and isolation. He is ready to face the world. Mr. Lamb's death is not a sign of failure but a testament to his success; his legacy of hope and acceptance now lives on through Derry, demonstrating that even a brief, meaningful connection can change a life forever.
7. Besides their physical disabilities, what is the main psychological barrier Derry must overcome?
The main psychological barrier for Derry is his deep-seated self-hatred and the belief that he is unworthy of love or friendship. His physical scar is merely an external manifestation of this internal wound. He assumes everyone will react with horror or pity, and this assumption isolates him more than the scar itself. Mr. Lamb helps him understand that the real prison is not his face, but his mind, and that he has the power to break free by changing his perspective.
