ON THE FACE OF IT by Susan Hill - (English - XII)

Summary

In Susan Hill's play *On the Face of It*, a 14-year-old boy named Derry struggles with self-esteem due to his disfigured face. He meets Mr. Lamb, an older man who has his own physical challenges but encourages Derry to focus on life's beauty and embrace positivity. Through their interactions, Mr. Lamb teaches Derry to look beyond his disabilities and appreciate his abilities. The play explores themes of self-acceptance, the power of perspective, and the impact of others' judgments. In the tragic ending, Derry returns to find Mr. Lamb after a fatal accident, realizing the profound effect Mr. Lamb's wisdom had on his outlook.

Takeaways

• 😀 Terry, a 14-year-old boy with a disfigured face, initially feels out of place and uncomfortable in a garden where he meets Mr. Lamb.
• 😀 Mr. Lamb encourages Terry to stop fearing what others think and suggests that beauty can be found in everything, even in the smallest things like bees and flowers.
• 😀 Despite his appearance, Mr. Lamb shares that he is proud of his life, having learned to appreciate the world around him despite his own disabilities, such as a tin leg.
• 😀 Terry struggles with his self-esteem and believes that no one could love him because of his disfigurement, even though Mr. Lamb tries to help him see things differently.
• 😀 Mr. Lamb teaches Terry that negative thoughts and hate are more damaging than any physical imperfection, encouraging him to focus on his abilities rather than disabilities.
• 😀 Terry begins to open up to Mr. Lamb, acknowledging that his family has concerns about his future and his appearance, but Mr. Lamb insists that Terry should embrace his potential.
• 😀 Mr. Lamb has a positive outlook on life, considering everyone a friend and advocating for the importance of not allowing fear and prejudice to stop one from living freely.
• 😀 When Terry expresses his frustration about others staring at him, Mr. Lamb reassures him that people will always judge, but it's more important not to let it affect you.
• 😀 Mr. Lamb invites Terry to visit the garden anytime, reassuring him that it's his choice whether or not to come back and that he is welcome regardless of others' reactions.
• 😀 At the end of the play, Terry returns to the garden, only to find Mr. Lamb has had an accident, dying as Terry realizes too late that he truly valued Mr. Lamb's friendship and perspective.

Q & A

What is the initial interaction between Terry and Mr. Lamb in the garden?

Terry, a 14-year-old boy, enters the garden expecting it to be empty. He is startled when Mr. Lamb, who has a prosthetic leg, warns him about fallen crab apples. Terry initially reacts with panic, but Mr. Lamb engages him in conversation and reassures him that there is no need to be afraid.

Why does Terry feel so alienated from others?

Terry feels alienated because of his disfigured face, which he believes makes him unattractive and unlovable. He is also frustrated by the pity others show him, which only deepens his sense of isolation.

How does Mr. Lamb attempt to change Terry’s perspective on life?

Mr. Lamb encourages Terry to focus on the positive aspects of life, such as the beauty in his garden and the sounds of nature. He suggests that Terry should not dwell on others' judgments but rather appreciate the world around him. He emphasizes that there is beauty in everything, even things people often dislike, like the buzzing of bees.

What is the significance of Mr. Lamb’s attitude toward his own disability?

Mr. Lamb’s positive attitude toward his disability is central to the play’s message. He does not let his prosthetic leg or societal judgment affect his happiness or self-worth. His ability to find beauty and joy in life despite his challenges serves as a model for Terry, teaching him to focus on his abilities rather than his physical imperfections.

How does Terry react to Mr. Lamb’s suggestion that he should be thankful?

Terry becomes upset and expresses frustration with people constantly telling him to be thankful for what he has. He feels that no matter what he does, others will always see him as ugly and unworthy of love, which leads to his skepticism about Mr. Lamb’s advice.

What role does Mr. Lamb’s garden play in the play?

Mr. Lamb’s garden symbolizes the beauty of life and the idea of finding peace in nature. It serves as a place where Terry can learn to appreciate life from a new perspective, away from the negativity and prejudice he experiences in the outside world. The garden becomes a metaphor for personal growth and acceptance.

Why does Mr. Lamb insist that Terry should try to connect with others, despite his fears?

Mr. Lamb encourages Terry to connect with others because he believes that isolating oneself due to fear will only lead to further despair. He suggests that holding onto negative feelings and rejecting others can be more damaging than any physical deformity. Mr. Lamb’s own openness to everyone is an invitation for Terry to overcome his own fears and insecurities.

How does Terry’s view of Mr. Lamb change throughout the play?

Initially, Terry is defensive and resentful of Mr. Lamb, seeing him as just another person who tries to make him feel better. However, over the course of their conversation, Terry begins to see Mr. Lamb as a wise figure who offers valuable insights about life. He becomes more open to Mr. Lamb's perspective, even considering returning to the garden after their encounter.

What is the tragic outcome of the play, and how does it affect Terry?

The play ends tragically when Mr. Lamb, while picking apples, falls off a ladder and lies motionless on the ground. Terry returns to the garden, only to find Mr. Lamb has passed away. This event deeply affects Terry, as he realizes that he has lost the opportunity to learn more from Mr. Lamb and fully embrace the chance to change his outlook on life.

What is the main theme of *On the Face of It* by Susan Hill?

The main theme of the play is the importance of self-acceptance and the ability to see the beauty in life, despite physical imperfections or societal judgments. The play explores how one's perspective on life can transform through mentorship and the courage to embrace both personal challenges and the world around them.