On the Face of It Class 12 Summary

Summary

A 14-year-old boy named Dairy, scarred by a facial burn, encounters Mr. Lam, an elderly man with a prosthetic leg, who teaches him profound lessons on self-acceptance and the importance of inner character. Mr. Lam’s kindness and wisdom help Dairy see beyond physical appearances and the judgment of others. Through their conversations, Dairy learns that true understanding comes from empathy, not fear. Tragically, after promising to return, Dairy finds Mr. Lam has passed away, leaving him with a deep sense of loss and the valuable life lessons imparted by his unlikely friend.

Takeaways

• 😀 Derry, a 14-year-old boy, feels isolated due to the burns on his face.
• 😀 Mr. Lam, an elderly man with a tin leg, offers wisdom and comfort to Derry.
• 😀 Mr. Lam's garden, overrun with weeds, symbolizes acceptance and patience.
• 😀 Derry is told by a woman that he should only live with people who have burnt faces, but Mr. Lam disagrees.
• 😀 Mr. Lam teaches Derry that it's what's inside a person that truly matters, not their appearance.
• 😀 Derry opens up to Mr. Lam, expressing his frustration with how others treat him.
• 😀 Mr. Lam shares a story about a man whose fear ultimately led to his death, emphasizing the danger of living in isolation.
• 😀 Derry promises to return to Mr. Lam, feeling comforted and less afraid.
• 😀 Derry's mother forbids him from returning to Mr. Lam, but he sneaks away to visit him anyway.
• 😀 Upon returning to Mr. Lam's garden, Derry finds that Mr. Lam has tragically passed away after falling from a ladder.

Q & A

What is Dairy's physical condition, and how does it affect his interactions with others?

Dairy is a 14-year-old boy with a burnt face, which leads others to fear him and treat him differently. This physical scar contributes to his feelings of isolation and self-consciousness, as he feels judged based on his appearance.

What does Mr. Lam mean when he says, 'it’s not what you look like, it’s what you are inside'?

Mr. Lam is emphasizing the idea that true value and worth come from a person's inner qualities, not their physical appearance. This message counters societal judgments based on looks, suggesting that character and actions are more important.

How does Mr. Lam's prosthetic leg influence his character and his interaction with Dairy?

Mr. Lam's prosthetic leg, which he lost in the war, serves as a symbol of resilience and strength. Despite his physical disability, he teaches Dairy that physical scars and impairments do not define one's worth or ability to lead a fulfilling life.

What does Mr. Lam mean by 'waiting, watching, and listening' in his philosophy?

Mr. Lam's advice to 'wait, watch, and listen' suggests that understanding and wisdom come from being patient and observant. Instead of rushing to judgments or actions, one should take time to learn and reflect on the world and others.

Why does Dairy feel isolated from others, and how does Mr. Lam help him overcome this feeling?

Dairy feels isolated because people fear him due to his burnt face, leading to social rejection. Mr. Lam helps him by offering a different perspective on life, teaching him that inner character is what truly matters, not outward appearance.

What is the significance of the story Mr. Lam tells about the man locked in a room?

The story about the man locked in a room who is killed by a falling picture illustrates the idea that fear and isolation can be more dangerous than physical injury. It suggests that mental and emotional suffering, rooted in fear and isolation, can be more harmful than any external wound.

Why does Dairy promise to return to Mr. Lam's garden, and what is the outcome of his promise?

Dairy promises to return to Mr. Lam’s garden as a way of showing gratitude and acknowledging the lessons he has learned. However, upon his return, he finds that Mr. Lam has died after falling off a ladder, which is a tragic reminder of life's fragility and the inevitability of loss.

How does Dairy's relationship with Mr. Lam challenge his earlier perceptions of the world?

Dairy's relationship with Mr. Lam helps him overcome his negative views about people and his own self-worth. Through Mr. Lam’s wisdom, Dairy learns that true connection and value come from understanding and accepting others, rather than judging them based on appearance.

What role does societal judgment play in Dairy's emotional journey, and how is this addressed in the story?

Societal judgment plays a central role in Dairy's emotional journey, as he is ostracized due to his burnt face. Mr. Lam addresses this by teaching Dairy that external judgment is less important than how one perceives and values themselves, promoting a shift in Dairy's mindset towards self-acceptance.

What is the significance of the ending, where Dairy finds Mr. Lam dead?

The ending, where Dairy finds Mr. Lam dead, highlights the themes of impermanence and the fragility of life. Despite the wisdom Mr. Lam shared, his passing reinforces the idea that life is fleeting, and that the lessons we learn from others are valuable, even if they come too late.