ON THE FACE OF IT

1. Characters

● Derry (Derek)

o Adjectives: Insecure, Sensitive, Lonely, Bitter, Introspective

o Character Sketch: Derry is a teenage boy with a facial scar due to an acid burn. He feels rejected and isolated, but beneath his bitterness lies a desire for acceptance and companionship. His journey with Mr. Lamb helps him see life from a new perspective.

● Mr. Lamb

o Adjectives: Optimistic, Wise, Compassionate, Patient, Insightful

o Character Sketch: Mr. Lamb is an elderly man with a prosthetic leg who lives alone but remains cheerful and open-minded. Through his positivity and life philosophy, he encourages Derry to embrace life and face his insecurities with courage.

2. Central Theme and Subthemes

● Main Theme: Overcoming Isolation and Prejudice
The central theme of the story revolves around accepting one’s physical and emotional scars, challenging prejudice, and finding companionship despite social stigmas.

● Subthemes:

o Appearance vs. Reality: The story challenges society’s superficial judgments, emphasizing that true worth lies beyond physical appearance.

o Acceptance and Self-Worth: Through Mr. Lamb’s wisdom, Derry learns that self-acceptance and confidence are crucial to leading a fulfilling life.

o Loneliness and the Need for Companionship: Both Derry and Mr. Lamb suffer from loneliness and isolation, but they find solace and understanding in each other.

o Positivity and Resilience: Mr. Lamb’s optimism teaches Derry to focus on life’s beauty rather than dwelling on his scars and insecurities.

3. Relatively Tough Words with Meanings

● Acid Burn: A burn caused by a chemical substance, often leading to permanent scars.

● Prosthetic Leg: An artificial limb, often used by people who have lost a leg.

● Resentment: A feeling of anger or bitterness due to a perceived unfair treatment.

● Prejudice: Preconceived opinion or bias, often unfounded or based on stereotypes.

● Self-acceptance: The act of embracing one’s strengths and flaws, finding peace with oneself.

● Affirmation: Positive statements or reinforcements that encourage self-worth and confidence.

● Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

● Cynicism: An attitude of distrust or disbelief in the sincerity of people’s motives.

4. List of Good Expressions and Phrases for Answer Writing

● “Derry’s scar becomes a metaphor for his emotional wounds.”

● “A powerful lesson on self-acceptance and inner strength.”

● “Mr. Lamb’s openness contrasts with Derry’s guarded bitterness.”

● “An inspiring story of finding beauty in life despite imperfections.”

● “The superficial judgments of society create barriers for acceptance.”

● “Mr. Lamb represents wisdom and resilience, teaching Derry valuable life lessons.”

● “The play underscores the importance of empathy and human connection.”

● “Derry’s journey reflects a transition from bitterness to hope.”

● “Acceptance goes beyond physical appearance and focuses on inner worth.”

● “Mr. Lamb’s outlook is a powerful reminder of living without regret.”

5. Use of Poetic Devices and Figures of Speech

● Symbolism:

o Derry’s Scar: Represents his internal emotional wounds, self-doubt, and the social prejudice he faces due to his appearance.

o Mr. Lamb’s Garden: Symbolizes an open, accepting world where everyone is welcome, mirroring Mr. Lamb’s inclusive and positive outlook on life.

● Irony:

o Derry’s perception of himself as a social outcast contrasts with Mr. Lamb’s perception of him as an ordinary person. Ironically, Derry feels isolated despite his physical difference, while Mr. Lamb lives alone but remains content.

● Metaphor:

o “Weeds in the garden”: Mr. Lamb uses this metaphor to teach Derry that everything has its place and value, even those things society may deem undesirable or “ugly.”

● Imagery:

o Descriptions of Mr. Lamb’s Garden evoke a lively, inviting space, symbolizing the warmth and acceptance that Mr. Lamb embodies.

● Personification:

o “Things look different when you look at them closely” - Mr. Lamb’s approach encourages Derry to see life differently, giving emotions and qualities to objects as part of his philosophical outlook.

Telegraphic Summary

1. Introduction to Derry’s Isolation and Bitterness

● Introduction to Derry’s Character and Insecurities:

o Derry - teenage boy with facial scar from acid burn - bitter, insecure - withdrawn from society due to fear of judgment - deeply affected by people’s insensitive remarks.

● Derry’s Encounter with Mr. Lamb:

o Derry enters Mr. Lamb’s garden - expecting to be alone - surprised to find Mr. Lamb - an elderly man with a prosthetic leg - cautious and defensive at first.

2. Mr. Lamb’s Positive Outlook and Initial Conversation

● Mr. Lamb’s Friendly Approach:

o Mr. Lamb welcomes Derry warmly - invites him to stay - Derry initially skeptical of Mr. Lamb’s kindness - starts opening up gradually.

● Conversation about Scars and Differences:

o Derry shares pain of living with facial scar - feels defined by his appearance - Mr. Lamb encourages him not to judge life by superficial aspects - teaches that scars don’t define one’s worth.

3. Mr. Lamb’s Life Philosophy and Impact on Derry

● Mr. Lamb’s Lessons on Acceptance:

o Mr. Lamb shares positive outlook on life - talks about his “tin leg” without embarrassment - teaches Derry that everyone has their “disabilities” but can still live fully.

● Garden as a Symbol of Openness and Acceptance:

o Mr. Lamb’s garden is full of life - symbolizes his acceptance of all people and things - teaches Derry about finding beauty in differences - invites him to see life beyond his insecurities.

4. Discussion on Loneliness and Need for Companionship

● Derry’s Realization of Mr. Lamb’s Loneliness:

o Derry learns Mr. Lamb lives alone - Mr. Lamb unbothered by solitude - Derry begins to feel kinship, as both experience isolation - bond grows stronger between them.

● Mr. Lamb’s Optimism about Human Connections:

o Mr. Lamb explains importance of reaching out and connecting - suggests companionship can ease loneliness - Derry feels encouraged to try breaking out of his shell.

5. Derry’s Transformation and Decision to Return

● Derry’s Inner Change:

o Derry feels hopeful after talking to Mr. Lamb - realizes he can be accepted despite scars - feels desire to change perspective on life - starts embracing positivity.

● Decision to Return to Mr. Lamb’s Garden:

o Derry goes home, tells his mother about Mr. Lamb - mother discourages him, fears Mr. Lamb is not safe - Derry, defiant, decides to return to Mr. Lamb, feeling determined.

6. Tragic Ending and Mr. Lamb’s Death

● Derry Rushes Back to the Garden:

o Derry, excited to see Mr. Lamb, runs to garden - realizes he wants Mr. Lamb’s companionship and wisdom - emotional shift from bitterness to hope.

● Discovery of Mr. Lamb’s Death:

o Derry reaches garden - finds Mr. Lamb has fallen from a ladder - realizes Mr. Lamb has died - tragic moment as Derry loses his first true friend and mentor.

7. Conclusion and Derry’s Final Reflection

● Emotional Impact on Derry:

o Derry deeply affected by Mr. Lamb’s death - realizes importance of Mr. Lamb’s lessons - vows to live life without bitterness, embracing optimism and self-acceptance.

● Legacy of Mr. Lamb’s Wisdom:

o Mr. Lamb’s message of resilience and positivity stays with Derry - story concludes with hope that Derry will continue to live by Mr. Lamb’s philosophy.

Master Passage

In On the Face of It by Susan Hill, the story explores themes of acceptance, loneliness, and overcoming prejudice. Derry, a young boy with a severe facial scar, feels isolated due to his appearance and has withdrawn from society. One day, he meets Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a prosthetic leg, who embraces life with positivity despite his disability. Mr. Lamb teaches Derry the importance of self-acceptance and challenges him to see life beyond his physical scars. Through their conversation, Derry learns that he need not let his appearance define him and that everyone has their own struggles. Mr. Lamb’s optimism and wisdom help Derry overcome his bitterness and fear of judgment. The story concludes on a tragic yet hopeful note, emphasizing that true beauty lies in resilience and that companionship and understanding can help heal emotional scars.