What traumatic event does Zitkala-Sa describe at the school?

The forcible cutting of her long hair

Why was the cutting of her hair so humiliating to Zitkala-Sa?

Among her people, shingled hair was worn by cowards and mourners

Who is Mr Lamb, and how does Derry get into his garden?

Mr Lamb is a lonely old man with a tin leg; Derry climbs over the garden wall, thinking the house and garden are empty, and is startled to find him there.

What is Derry's problem, and how does it affect him?

One side of Derry's face is badly burned by acid; he is bitter, withdrawn and convinced that everyone finds him ugly and is afraid of him.

How does Mr Lamb treat Derry differently from others?

He neither pities Derry nor avoids his disfigurement; he talks to him as an equal and focuses on what Derry thinks and feels rather than how he looks.

What draws Derry towards Mr Lamb in spite of himself?

Mr Lamb's warmth, his refusal to fear or pity him, and his philosophical, accepting view of life make Derry feel valued and want to stay and listen.

How does Mr Lamb use weeds and flowers to make a point?

He says one growing plant is called a weed and another a flower, yet all are life growing — suggesting that, like plants, people should not be judged by labels or looks.

Where does Mr Lamb show signs of loneliness and disappointment?

At the end of Scene One, alone with his bees, he admits that people say they will come back but never do, revealing his deep loneliness.

Why does Derry's mother not want him to return to Mr Lamb?

She has heard ill rumours about the strange old man and, being protective, fears for her son, so she forbids him from going back.

Why is Derry determined to return to the garden?

He feels that if he does not go back, he will never go anywhere in life again; the old man's words have given him purpose and self-belief.

How does the play end?

Derry runs back to help, only to find Mr Lamb has fallen from the ladder and lies dying; Derry kneels beside him and weeps.

What is the central theme of the play?

It shows that the alienation and loneliness caused by prejudice are more painful than physical disability itself, and celebrates acceptance and friendship.

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On the Face of It — Class 12 English

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English · 20 chapters

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CBSE Class 12English Vistas

Chapter 5: On the Face of It

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Summary

Written by Susan Hill, this play deals with the theme of physical disability and the alienation it causes, showing that the real tragedy lies not in the impairment itself but in the loneliness and prejudice the disabled person faces. The play features the friendship that grows between Mr Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, and Derry, a withdrawn, defiant fourteen-year-old boy whose face has been badly disfigured by acid. Derry climbs the wall into Mr Lamb's garden, expecting it to be empty, and is startled to find the old man there. Derry is bitter and convinced that everyone is afraid of him and finds him ugly; even his mother kisses him only out of duty. Mr Lamb, who has himself faced taunts from children calling him 'Lamey-Lamb', refuses to pity Derry or treat him as different. Through his gentle, philosophical talk about weeds and flowers, bees that hum and sing, open windows, and the value of every living thing, Mr Lamb draws Derry out of his shell and teaches him that what matters is what one thinks and feels and does, not how one looks. Inspired, Derry resolves to return to help Mr Lamb with the crab apples, defying his protective mother who has heard ill of the old man. He runs back to the garden — only to find that Mr Lamb has fallen from the ladder while picking apples and lies dying. Derry, kneeling beside him, weeps. The play poignantly shows the power of acceptance and friendship, and the loneliness of those society shuns.

Physical disability and alienationLoneliness and acceptancePower of friendshipPrejudice in societySelf-worth beyond appearance

Key terms

Mr Lamb

The lonely old man with a tin leg who befriends Derry.

Derry

The withdrawn boy with an acid-burned face.

Disability

The physical impairment central to the play.

Alienation

The loneliness and prejudice the disabled face.

Acceptance

Mr Lamb's outlook that draws Derry out of his shell.

Lamey-Lamb

The taunt children use for Mr Lamb's tin leg.

Important questions

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Practice quiz · On the Face of It

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On the Face of It

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