English-12th Jayshree Periwal High School (2024-25)

On The Face Of It

SAQs (30-40 words)

Q1. In On the Face of It, Mr. Lamb told Derry about his tin leg and how kids called

him 'Lamey Lamb'. Why do you think Mr. Lamb shared these details? State two reasons

to support your answer. ( board 2019)

Mr Lamb intended to show Derry that it is okay to be imperfect.He wanted to show Derry

that he was not alone.He wanted to show Derry that he should not be afraid of what people

think of him/say to him/say about him.

Q2. Why did Derry go back to Mr Lamb’s garden even after opposition? Sample (2019)

Derry returned to Mr Lamb's garden because he realised that Mr Lamb's physical

appearance didn't define his character. He wanted to learn more about Mr. Lamb and

understand the person beyond the surface, defying the opposition from his mother.

Q3.How do you think Derry’s mother contributes to his sense of alienation and

isolation?

The mother is overprotective and doesn’t understand her son’s longing for companionship.

She treats him with a sense of pity and robs him of his dignity by perpetually treating him

like a helpless victim.

LAQs
Q1. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr Lamb despite himself? (textual)
OR
In the story, 'On the Face of It', what brings Derry and Mr Lamb together as friends?
What can you conclude about friendships from this? ( sample 2023-24)
Both Derry and Mr Lamb suffer from physical impairment. Derry has one side of his face
disfigured and burnt by acid. The old man has a tin leg because his real leg got blown off
during the war. Apart from these physical disabilities, Derry finds signs of loneliness and
disappointment in Mr Lamb’s life. The old man tries to overcome these feelings but the
sense of alienation felt by him is more painful than the pain caused by physical disability.
Derry tries to avoid meeting people because they consider his face frightful and ugly. They
avoid him as they are afraid of him. His parents seem worried about him and talk about
him and his future.
 Mr Lamb provides him with a new approach to things. He tells him to see, hear, feel and
think about things around him. He should not hate others. Hatred is worse than acid
because it bumps the inside. He has all the God-given limbs. He must make a firm decision
and work towards it. He will succeed. He should not be afraid of people and they will not
be afraid of him. All these factors draw Derry towards Mr Lamb. G
VALUE POINTS
VALUE POINTS
1. Physical Impairment: Both Derry and Mr Lamb face physical challenges – Derry with a
disfigured and burnt face, and Mr Lamb with a tin leg due to war injury.
2. Social Rejection: Derry experiences isolation as people fear his appearance, and avoid him.
Mr. Lamb understands loneliness, and attempts to overcome it despite his physical
disability.
3. Sense of Alienation: Mr. Lamb's struggle with alienation surpasses physical pain. Derry
perceives the old man's loneliness and disappointment, resonating with his own
experiences.
4. Parental Concern: Derry's parents express worry about his future, reflecting the societal
stigma attached to his disfigurement.
5. New Perspective: Mr. Lamb introduces Derry to a positive mindset, encouraging him to
observe, listen, feel, and think, emphasizing that hatred is more corrosive than acid.
6. Overcoming Fear: Derry is urged to face society without fear, with Mr Lamb instilling
confidence that others will not be afraid if he embraces his God-given abilities.
7. Empathy and Understanding: The shared experiences of physical impairment create a bond
between Derry and Mr Lamb, fostering empathy and understanding.
8. Firm Decision: Mr. Lamb advises Derry to make a firm decision and work towards it,
assuring him that success is attainable despite societal prejudices.
9. Inner Healing: Mr Lamb's wisdom teaches Derry that the internal wounds caused by hatred
are more detrimental than external physical scars.
10. Inspiration and Guidance: Derry is drawn towards Mr Lamb as a source of inspiration and
guidance, providing a new perspective on life and relationships.
Q2. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less
than the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities. What is the kind of
behaviour that the person expects from others?(textual)
The play ‘On The Face Of It’ focuses our attention on the physical pain and mental anguish
of the persons suffering from some physical impairment. The playwright, Susan Hill,
presents the two leading characters—an old man and a small boy—having different sorts of
physical disabilities.
 The old man has a tin leg. It did hurt him when it came off. Then he got used to it. He feels
pain now and then in wet weather. He finds it inconvenient to run, to climb a tree or a
ladder. He lives all alone in a big house with a garden.
The boy has one side of his face badly burnt by acid. He felt the physical pain then. After
discharge from the hospital, he feels hurt by the attitude of the people. They regard his face
as horrible and ugly, show signs of being scared and avoid his presence. In short, he is
disliked, if not hated. He is not accepted as an ordinary member of society. So, he does not
like people to look at him.
The sense of alienation that these disabled persons feel causes them constant pain. Such
persons expect kind and considerate behaviour from others. They do not want tears,
sympathy or pity. They dislike being pointed at, nicknamed, mocked at or made fun of.
They only demand reasonable behaviour from others, full of appreciation of their
difficulties.
ChatGPT 3.5
VALUE POINTS
1. Apple Harvest: Mr. Lamb expresses his loneliness by planning to gather crab apples when
it's cooler, intending to make jelly. He invites Derry to assist him in this task.
2. Interest in God's Creations: Mr. Lamb shares his fascination with anything created by God,
be it people, flowers, fruits, grass, weeds, or even rubbish. This reflects his appreciation for
the diversity of life.
3. Observation of Nature: He finds joy in observing nature, mentioning his crab apples,
weeds, a spider climbing a silken ladder, and tall sunflowers. This illustrates his connection
with the simple yet intricate aspects of the natural world.
4. Desire for Company: Mr. Lamb values companionship and conversation. He talks about his
hive of bees, enjoys their singing, and appreciates sitting in the sun while reading books.
5. Appreciation for Light and Darkness: He expresses his liking for both light and darkness,
indicating a balanced appreciation for different aspects of life.
6. Absence of Curtains: Mr. Lamb avoids curtains at the windows, seeing them as restrictive.
This signifies his preference for openness, avoiding anything that shuts things out or in.
7. Wind Through Open Windows: He enjoys the sound of wind coming through open
windows, suggesting a connection to the outside world and a rejection of confinement.
8. Attempts to Overcome Loneliness: Mr Lamb's activities, from beekeeping to appreciating
nature, reading books, and embracing the elements, showcase his efforts to overcome
loneliness and find fulfilment in simple pleasures
Q3. Will Derry return to his old seclusion or will Mr Lamb’s brief association effect a change
in the kind of life he will lead? (textual)
(Two different answers are possible. One is being given below)
Derry will not get back to his old seclusion. He has been associated with Mr Lamb for a
short time only, but even this brief association will effect a change in the kind of life he will
lead in future. Instead of being conscious of what people comment about the ugliness of his
face, he will use his head and heart to achieve what he decides to do in life. It is also
possible that with his firm determination and zeal to achieve his aim, he might do better
than the rest, even those who do not suffer from any physical impairment.
By his persuasive manner and skilful use of anecdotes, Mr Lamb convinces Derry that a life
of seclusion and withdrawal from the world is dull and risky. The world has many
beautiful objects to see and admire, sounds to hear and ideas to think. One should have an
open mind and a positive attitude. Hatred is worse than acid.
Derry’s mother tries her best to keep Derry with her. But Derry resolves to go back to Mr
Lamb to look at things and listen to him. He no longer cares about his face. What he thinks
and feels, and what he wants to see and find out and hear is more important. He does not
want to remain at his home. He has got clear perception of things. If he does not go back
there, he will never go anywhere in that world again. In short, Derry’s coming back to Mr
Lamb is indicative of the change in the kind of life he is likely to lead in future.
VALUE POINTS
1. Transformation in Perspective:
Derry's association with Mr Lamb, though brief, sparks a significant change in his life.
He decides to break free from his old seclusion and no longer be conscious of people's
comments about his face.
2. Shift from External Perception to Internal Goals:
Instead of dwelling on external judgments, Derry resolves to use his head and heart to
pursue his life goals.
3. Determination and Zeal for Success:
Empowered by firm determination and zeal, Derry aspires to outperform others, even those
without physical impairments.
4. Influence of Mr Lamb's Persuasion:
Mr Lamb's persuasive manner and skilful use of anecdotes convince Derry that a life of
seclusion is dull and risky.
5. Appreciation for the Beauty of the World:
Derry embraces the idea that the world is filled with beautiful objects to see, sounds to hear,
and ideas to think about.
6. Open-Mindedness and Positive Attitude:
Mr Lamb instils in Derry the importance of having an open mind and a positive attitude,
contrasting the negativity of hatred.
7. Prioritizing Inner Thoughts and Desires:
Derry's shift in focus is evident as he no longer cares about his facial appearance; what he
thinks, feels, and wants to explore becomes more significant.
8. Clear Perception and Future Path:
Derry gains a clear perception of life's possibilities and decides that returning to Mr Lamb
is crucial for his future growth and exploration
Q4. Imagine that Mr. Lamb had not fallen off the ladder at the end. Recalling his
conversation with the bees, do you think Derry’s return might have changed him as
much as he had changed Derry? Elaborate. ( Board 2022)
I think it is likely that Derry's return would have changed Mr Lamb just as much as he had
changed Derry. In his conversation with the bees, Mr. Lamb expressed a deep sense of
loneliness and isolation. He felt like he didn't belong anywhere and that he was just
"passing through." However, his relationship with Derry gave him a sense of purpose and
belonging. Derry was the first person who had ever accepted him for who he was, and their
friendship helped Mr Lamb to start to heal from the trauma of war.
If Mr Lamb had not fallen off the ladder, he and Derry would have had the opportunity to
continue their friendship and to grow and change together. Derry would have helped Mr.
Lamb to become more open and accepting of others, and Mr. Lamb would have helped
Derry to overcome his self-doubt and see himself in a more positive light. They would have
been a source of strength and support for each other, and they would have helped each
other to live more fulfilling lives.
VALUE POINTS
1. Mutual Transformation:
Derry's return likely influenced Mr. Lamb as much as Derry himself was changed by their
association.
The dynamics of their friendship had a profound impact on both individuals.
2. Mr. Lamb's Loneliness and Isolation:
In conversations with the bees, Mr. Lamb expressed a deep sense of loneliness and feeling
like an outsider.
He conveyed a sense of aimlessness, describing himself as just "passing through" without
belonging anywhere.
3. Sense of Purpose and Belonging:
Derry's presence in Mr Lamb's life provided a newfound sense of purpose and belonging.
 For the first time, someone accepted Mr. Lamb for who he was, offering a healing
connection.
4. Friendship as a Healing Force:
Derry's friendship became a catalyst for Mr. Lamb's healing from the traumas of war.
The relationship allowed Mr. Lamb to start overcoming the emotional scars he carried.
5. Missed Opportunity Due to Accident:
The accident, where Mr Lamb fell off the ladder, disrupted the ongoing growth of their
friendship.
The incident prevented the further development of their transformative connection.
6. Potential for Continued Growth:
Had the accident not occurred, Derry and Mr Lamb would have had the opportunity to
continue evolving together.
Their friendship could have fostered personal growth and mutual change.
7. Reciprocal Support:
Derry could have helped Mr Lamb become more open and accepting of others.
In return, Mr. Lamb would have assisted Derry in overcoming self-doubt and fostering a
positive self-perception.
8. Strength and Fulfillment:
Together, Derry and Mr Lamb had the potential to be a source of strength and support for
each other.
Their friendship could have played a crucial role in helping each other lead more fulfilling
lives.
Q5. Derry has chosen to address the school assembly on World Inclusion Day, using
one of Mr Lamb's QuotesWhy is one green, growing plant called a weed and another
‘flower’?
Imagine you are Derry and write the speech draft. (On the Face of It) (sample paper 2023)
You may begin like this:
Respected Principal, esteemed faculty members, and my dear fellow students. Today, on
the occasion of World Inclusion Day, I stand before you with a quote from someone who
meant a great deal to me - Mr. Lamb. He once said, “Why is one green, growing plant
called a weed and another ‘flower’?”. I …
Ans. Value Points:
1. seemingly simple question - holds profound meaning world we live in
2. labels and judgments - placed upon individuals - based on their differences
3. categorisation - either desirable or undesirable
4. a "flower" or a "weed" every individual
5. unique -just like every plant in a garden
6. a distinctive beauty, strength, and purpose just as a garden thrives with diverse flora - our
society with a diverse range of individuals diversity
7. enriches yet, we often witness exclusion, prejudice, and marginalisation need to challenge
this limited perspective -- embrace the concept of inclusion -
8. every individual is valued and celebrated
9. their unique qualities and contributions weeds too can bloom and flourish
10. -the right environment –lets us strive to build bridges of understanding and acceptance and
sow seeds of a more inclusive and compassionate world
6. In which section of the play does Mr Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment?
How does Mr Lamb try to overcome these feelings? ( textual)
Ans. It is in the middle section of the first scene of the play that Mr Lamb displays signs of
loneliness and disappointment. He says that when it is a bit cooler, he will get the ladder
and a stick, and pull down those crab apples. He makes jelly. Derry could help him. Then
he says he is interested in anybody or anything that God made. It may be a person, flower,
fruit, grass, weeds or rubbish. There are plenty of things to look at. Some of them are his
crab apples or the weeds, a spider climbing up a silken ladder or his tall sunflowers. He
also likes to talk and have company. He has a hive of bees. He hears them singing. He sits
in the sun and reads books. He likes the light and the darkness. He hears the wind coming
through open windows. There aren’t any curtains at the windows as they either shut things
out or shut things in. These are how Mr Lamb tries to overcome his loneliness.

Value Points:
1. Engagement with Nature:
Mr. Lamb expresses a proactive approach to overcoming loneliness by engaging with
nature.
He plans to use a ladder and stick to pick crab apples and make jelly, inviting Derry to join
him in the activity.
2. Interest in God's Creations:
Mr. Lamb communicates a broad interest in anything that God made, spanning from
people and flowers to fruits, grass, weeds, and even rubbish.
3. Diverse Points of Focus:
 Mr Lamb finds joy in observing various elements, including his crab apples, weeds, a
spider climbing a silken ladder, and tall sunflowers.
4. Desire for Companionship:
Expressing his interest in people and things, Mr. Lamb reveals a desire for companionship
and connection.
He acknowledges the potential for Derry to be a companion, especially in making jelly from
crab apples.
5. Appreciation for the Small Things:
Mr. Lamb's interests extend to the minutiae of life, such as the sound of his hive of bees
singing and the wind coming through open windows.
6. Contrast Between Light and Darkness:
Mr Lamb appreciates both light and darkness, symbolizing his acknowledgement of the
dualities in life.
7. Preference for Open Windows:
He rejects curtains at the windows, suggesting a preference for openness and the free flow
of elements rather than confinement.
8. Reading and Solitude:
Mr Lamb finds solace in reading books while sitting in the sun, revealing a solitary activity
that provides him comfort.
Q7. What does the play ‘On the Face of It’ suggest about the importance of empathy in
overcoming prejudice and stereotypes? (sample 2023)
Ans. The play highlights the damaging effects of prejudice and stereotypes on both the victim
and the perpetrator. However, it also suggests that empathy and understanding can
overcome these barriers. Through the development of a relationship between the two
characters, Derry and Mr Lamb, we see how their initial assumptions about each other are
challenged and ultimately broken down. This underscores the importance of empathy in
recognizing and overcoming prejudices, as it allows individuals to see beyond surface-level
differences and connect on a deeper level.
Value Points:
1. Damaging Effects of Prejudice:
 The play illuminates the harmful consequences of prejudice, illustrating how it negatively
impacts both the victim and the perpetrator.
2. Impact on Victim and Perpetrator:
Prejudice creates negative consequences for both the individual facing discrimination
(Derry) and the one harbouring prejudiced beliefs (Mr Lamb).
3. Empathy as a Powerful Tool:
The narrative suggests that empathy and understanding can serve as powerful tools to
overcome the damaging effects of prejudice.
4. Relationship Development Between Derry and Mr Lamb:
The evolving relationship between Derry and Mr Lamb serves as a central example of how
initial assumptions about each other are challenged and ultimately shattered.
5. Challenging Assumptions:
The play emphasizes the transformative impact of the characters challenging their initial
assumptions, highlighting the potential for personal growth and change.
6. Breaking Down Barriers:

As Derry and Mr Lamb break down the barriers of prejudice, it showcases the possibility of

dismantling preconceived notions and fostering genuine connections.

7. Importance of Empathy:

The narrative underscores the vital role of empathy in recognizing and overcoming

prejudices.

Empathy allows individuals to move beyond surface-level differences and fosters a deeper

understanding of one another.

8. Connecting on a Deeper Level:

The play ultimately conveys the importance of connecting on a deeper, more meaningful

level, transcending societal stereotypes and prejudices

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