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On the Face of It Class 12 Notes: CBSE English Vistas Chapter 5

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CBSE English Class 12 Chapter 5 On The Face Of It Notes Download FREE PDF

Vedantu’s CBSE Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It, from the book Vistas, written by Susan Hill. The story explains Mr. Lamb, a man scarred by a facial disfigurement, and the unlikely friendship he forms with a curious young boy named Derry. The story explores how appearances can often misguide while true understanding lies near to the surface.

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The On the Face of It Summary highlights the themes of perception, empathy, and the complexities of human relationships. Class 12 English Vistas Notes by Vedantu make studying simpler and more effective. Download the FREE PDF of On the Face of It Notes from the Vedantu website, aligned with the CBSE English Class 12 Syllabus.

Access Revision Notes For Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It

About the Author

CBSE Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It written by Susan Hill, known professionally as Dame Susan Elizabeth Hill. She is famous for writing both fictional and non- fictional stories. Her literary contributions have made her to get global recognition. Some of her well-known books include "The Woman in Black," the haunting "The Mist in the Mirror," and the psychologically gripping "I’m the King of the Castle." Her writing appeals to younger readers by exploring themes and stories that capture their interest and imagination. Her talent for creating interesting stories that appeal to people of all ages highlights her importance in today's literature.


About the Story / Synopsis of the Story:

The story follows a young boy named Derry who feels self-conscious about his scarred face. His family, friends, and society constantly remind him of his insecurities, causing him to feel bad and spend much of his time alone. One day, he meets Mr. Lamb, a retired army man with a prosthetic leg. Through their conversations, Derry learns that it's okay to have imperfections and that everyone deserves to live with dignity, flaws and all. Mr. Lamb's wisdom profoundly impacts Derry, teaching him valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of understanding and respect in life.


Theme of the story “On the Face of It”

The theme of the story On the Face of It explores human insecurities and the societal pressures that shape them. It discusses how people differ in their perspectives and ways of living. The story encourages acceptance of one's flaws and encourages them to live with dignity, respect, and self-love despite societal judgments. It sends a powerful message to be strong in the face of criticism and to prioritize self-acceptance before getting validation from others.


Character Sketches:

Derry: Derry is a young boy with his own doubts and fears. He lacks confidence and prefers to stay alone, often feeling negative about his life. Apart from this, he is kind and attentive, forming a good bond with Mr. Lamb. Spending time with Mr. Lamb makes Derry reflect on his own life and see areas where he can improve socially.


Mr Lamb: He is a hopeful man who cares deeply about others and aims to make a positive impact on their lives. Despite his prosthetic leg, he greets everyone with a smile and is always willing to chat. He keeps his curtains open to show he's ready for conversations with anyone. He's empathetic and kind. He teaches Derry that imperfections are beautiful and should be embraced. His facial scars shouldn't isolate him; instead, he should engage socially, adopt a positive outlook, and enjoy life to the fullest. 


Chapter 5 On the Face of It Summary

  • There was a boy named Derry who has scars on his face and feels sad to show his face to society.

  • Derry enters into Mr. Lamb’s (a retired army officer) garden, thinking it's empty, until Mr. Lamb mentions the apples. Mr. Lamb insists Derry stay, welcoming anyone to visit. They talk about Derry's fears about his appearance, and Mr. Lamb shifts to making jelly from crab apples and encourages Derry to visit often.

  • As they talk, Mr. Lamb asks Derry what he sees beyond the wall. Derry sees weeds, but Mr. Lamb shows him that others see flowers and fruits, teaching Derry about different ways to see the beauty in life. Mr. Lamb also tells Derry about losing his leg and being called "Lamey-lamb," showing he's not bothered by teasing.

  • Derry recalls being mocked for his face at a bus stop, and Mr. Lamb tells a story about a fearful man who locked himself away and died from a falling picture, prompting laughter. Derry promises to return as he leaves, though Mr. Lamb doubts he will.

  • Back home, Derry argues with his mother over Mr. Lamb, insisting he speaks to him about things that matter, saying no one has before, and that he wants to return. His mother tries to stop him, but he insists if he doesn’t go back, he’ll never go anywhere in the world.

  • Mr. Lamb slips and falls while picking apples. Derry hurries back to see him. He comforts Mr. Lamb, standing quietly beside him, and crying.


Important Points of English Class 12 Chapter 5 On the Face of It

  • In this story we will see Mr. Lamb an elderly man with a tiny leg, who is cheerful and sees the beauty in everything and a young boy named Derry with a burnt face, who feels insecure and isolated because of his appearance.

  • The story takes place in Mr. Lamb’s garden, which symbolises a place of peace, acceptance, and learning.

  • The story explores how personal perceptions can shape reality. Mr. Lamb helps Derry see that beauty and worth are subjective.

  • Mr. Lamb shares his optimistic outlook on life and tries to explain the same in Derry.

  • Mr. Lamb tells a story about a man who locked himself away out of fear, only to die from a falling picture, teaching Derry about the futility of living in fear.

  • Both characters show resilience in dealing with their disabilities, but Mr. Lamb’s positive attitude contrasts with Derry’s initial negativity.


Importance of Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It Notes

  • Revision notes summarise the chapter, saving time during revision by highlighting the main points.

  • They highlight key themes and concepts, making it easier to understand and remember the importance of the chapter.

  • The chapter explores deep themes like acceptance, perception, and the impact of appearances.

  • The story teaches valuable lessons about inner beauty, self-acceptance, and the importance of human connections.

  • On the Face of It Summary covers the entire syllabus, ensuring that every topic is included and that the chapter is fully understood.


Tips for Learning the Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It

  • Focus on the main characters, Mr. Lamb and Derry. Understand their backgrounds and personalities and how they change throughout the story.

  • Both characters deal with physical and emotional scars but respond differently. The story highlights the importance of human connection.

  • Break the chapter into smaller sections and write a summary for each part. This helps you better understand and remember the content.

  • Try to relate the themes and lessons of the chapter to real-life situations. This can help in understanding the story's deeper meanings and moral lessons.


Conclusion

Vedantu’s Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It, from the book Vistas, teaches us valuable lessons about acceptance, inner beauty, and overcoming insecurities. The story of Mr. Lamb and Derry highlights how important it is to look beyond appearances and appreciate the person inside. Their interaction shows us the power of kindness, understanding, and positive thinking. By the end of the chapter, we learn that true beauty lies in our actions and attitudes, not in how we look. On the Face of It Summary encourages us to be more compassionate and to face our challenges with courage and optimism. Vedantu's study notes for Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It, are provided to simplify learning and enhance your understanding. Check out Vedantu’s website for more helpful resources and succeed in your studies.


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FAQs on On the Face of It Class 12 Notes: CBSE English Vistas Chapter 5

1. What are the key takeaways from Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It revision notes?

The main takeaways from the revision notes include the significance of acceptance, empathy towards differences, and the impact of societal perceptions on individual identity. The notes cover important themes, major events, and character transformations in alignment with the CBSE syllabus, making them ideal for quick revision and last-minute preparation.

2. How can students quickly revise On the Face of It using chapter revision notes?

Students should focus on summaries of each section, important character traits, central themes, and concise points on the storyline. Breaking the chapter into smaller concepts and reviewing key dialogues or turning points will help reinforce understanding and ensure effective revision before exams.

3. Why is understanding the theme of perception important in On the Face of It?

Understanding the theme of perception is crucial because the story demonstrates how external appearances can influence the way we treat others and ourselves. The chapter encourages students to look beyond superficial judgments and appreciate a person's inner qualities, aligning with major exam-focused concepts in Class 12 revision notes.

4. What is the role of key terms and concept maps in revising Chapter 5 On the Face of It?

Key terms and concept maps help students visually connect the main ideas, character motivation, and events, making it easier to recall information during the exam. They allow for a structured summary and help reinforce the understanding of core concepts required by the CBSE syllabus.

5. How do revision notes enhance understanding of character development in On the Face of It?

Revision notes distill the progression of characters like Derry and Mr. Lamb by highlighting changes in their attitudes, beliefs, and interactions. This facilitates a deeper understanding of character arcs and helps answer CBSE-based analytical or HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions.

6. What common misconceptions should be avoided while using On the Face of It revision notes?

Avoid the misconception that revision notes replace reading the original text. Notes should be used to complement full chapter study; relying solely on them may cause students to miss nuanced details or deeper meanings required for long-answer questions.

7. What are some effective strategies to connect the themes of On the Face of It to real-life situations during revision?

During revision, relate the themes of acceptance, inner beauty, and resilience to personal experiences or current social scenarios. This approach promotes a practical understanding of the chapter and helps in tackling application-based or value-based exam questions.

8. How can students structure their revision for maximum retention using the notes for Chapter 5?

Organise revision notes by

  • themes
  • character sketches
  • important events
  • key dialogues
and review each segment separately. Regular self-testing or summarising in your own words reinforces retention and speeds up last-minute revision before exams.

9. What are the essential elements covered in On the Face of It Class 12 summary notes?

The essential elements include central theme summaries, character analysis, major incidents (such as Derry's transformation and Mr. Lamb's influence), and a recap of the value-based messages as per the CBSE 2025–26 syllabus.

10. Why should students prioritise concept clarity over memorisation while revising On the Face of It?

Conceptual clarity enables students to answer analytical, evaluative, and HOTS questions confidently in the exam. Understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind themes and character actions in On the Face of It is favored by CBSE marking schemes and strengthens overall performance.