On the Face of It Class 12 Summary | Derry & Mr. Lamb | Vistas Chapter 5
Introduction
"On the Face of It" is a moving play by Susan Hill. It introduces us to two people who feel left out by society: a young boy named Derry, who has a burnt face, and an old man named Mr. Lamb, who has a fake leg. It is a beautiful story about how a positive outlook can heal emotional wounds.
1. An Unexpected Meeting
The story begins in a large, quiet garden. Derry, a 14-year-old boy, climbs over the wall to find a place where he can be alone. He is very self-conscious because acid burnt half of his face, and he hates the way people stare at him.
To his surprise, the garden is not empty. He meets the owner, Mr. Lamb. Instead of getting angry at Derry for sneaking in, Mr. Lamb speaks to him kindly and tells him not to be afraid of the "crab apples" on the grass.
2. The Name: Derek vs. Derry
In the play, we learn that the boy’s real name is actually Derek. However, he tells Mr. Lamb very clearly that he hates that name. He insists on being called Derry. By choosing the name Derry, he is trying to take control of his own identity in a world that he feels has rejected him.
3. The "Beauty and the Beast" Reality Check
During their talk, they discuss the famous fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.
The Story: In the tale, a beautiful girl kisses a monstrous beast, and he transforms into a handsome prince.
Derry's View: Derry is very cynical (negative). He says that in the real world, this doesn't happen. He says, "I shall not change," believing that no matter how much people talk about "inner beauty," he will always be a monster to the world. He even mentions that his mother only kisses him on the "good" side of his face.
4. Two Different Ways of Seeing the World
Mr. Lamb tries to show Derry a different perspective:
The Tin Leg: Mr. Lamb reveals that he lost his leg in a war and now uses a tin leg. Even though kids call him "Lamey-Lamb," he doesn't hide. He enjoys life and keeps his gates open.
The "Weeds" Lesson: He shows Derry a patch of weeds and asks why some plants are called "flowers" and others "weeds" when they are both just living things. He tells Derry that what matters is what is inside, not what we see on the surface.
5. Important Line & Explanation
"It’s not what you look like, it’s what you are inside."
Explanation: This is the core message of the play. Mr. Lamb is trying to tell Derry that his scar is just on the "face of it" (the surface). A person's value comes from their thoughts, their kindness, and their courage, not from their physical appearance.
6. Lessons in Courage
Mr. Lamb shares a story about a man who was so terrified of accidents or germs that he locked himself in his room to stay safe. Sadly, a picture frame fell off the wall and killed him right there in his bed.
The message is clear: You cannot hide from life. Mr. Lamb warns Derry that "burning" inside with hatred is far more dangerous than the acid that burnt his face.
7. The Emotional Ending
Derry runs all the way back to the garden, shouting, "I came back!" But the scene is tragic. He finds Mr. Lamb lying still on the grass. The old man had fallen off his ladder while trying to pick the apples.
Derry kneels beside him and cries. Even though Mr. Lamb dies at the end, he leaves a permanent mark on Derry’s soul. Derry is no longer the boy who hides; he has learned to look at the world with hope.
Comparison Table: Derry vs. Mr. Lamb
| Feature | Derry (Derek) | Mr. Lamb |
| Physical Flaw | Half of his face is burnt by acid. | He has a tin leg (lost in the war). |
| Attitude | Bitter, angry, and shy. | Positive, welcoming, and brave. |
| View on People | Thinks everyone hates or pities him. | Considers everyone his friend. |
| Outcome | Learns to stop hiding and face the world. | Dies, but leaves a legacy of hope. |
Conclusion: The Meaning of the Story
The title "On the Face of It" suggests that we shouldn't judge things by how they look. Derry looked like a monster but had a sensitive heart. Mr. Lamb looked like a lonely old man but was full of wisdom. The story teaches us that our disabilities do not define us—our attitude does.
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