On the Face of It – Class 12 English (Vistas Chapter 5)

📖 About the Author

Susan Hill (b. 1942) – Renowned British author, playwright, and novelist.
Famous for short stories, novels, and children’s books, often exploring human emotions, relationships, and psychological depth.
Themes include loneliness, self-acceptance, empathy, and human connections.
Style is simple, expressive, and emotionally engaging, making readers reflect on personal and social issues.

📜 Summary of the Chapter

(Point-wise, colourful notes for clarity)

1️⃣ Introduction to Characters

Derry – A young boy with a disfigured face, self-conscious and withdrawn.
Mr. Lamb – An elderly, wise man who lives alone. Known for his kindness and positive outlook on life.
The story revolves around the meeting between Derry and Mr. Lamb.

2️⃣ Derry’s Isolation

Derry avoids social interaction because of his facial scars.
He feels rejected by society and struggles with self-esteem.
His scars are a physical and emotional barrier, isolating him from the world.

3️⃣ The Meeting with Mr. Lamb

Derry meets Mr. Lamb at a garden gate, a symbolic place between the world and isolation.
Mr. Lamb notices Derry’s hesitation and self-consciousness.
He talks to Derry about life, self-worth, and perspective, offering guidance.

4️⃣ Lesson of Optimism and Acceptance

Mr. Lamb explains that life should not be judged by appearance.
He emphasizes that everyone has challenges, and one must face them with courage and positivity.
He encourages Derry to accept himself and find strength beyond appearances.

5️⃣ Conclusion / Moral Insight

Derry learns the importance of self-acceptance and begins to see life more positively.
The story conveys that kindness, understanding, and empathy can transform human lives.

🎭 Themes

Self-Acceptance – Learning to value oneself despite physical imperfections.
Empathy and Kindness – Small acts of understanding can change lives.
Overcoming Loneliness – Human connection helps heal emotional wounds.
Perspective on Life – Challenges are universal; courage and positivity matter more than appearance.
Growth and Transformation – Derry’s interaction with Mr. Lamb transforms his outlook.

✨ Important Lines & Explanation

“Why do you hide behind that gate?”
👉 Shows Mr. Lamb recognizing Derry’s isolation and fear, starting the journey toward connection.
“We all have scars, some visible, some invisible.”
👉 Highlights the universality of challenges, encouraging empathy and perspective.
“Life is not always what it seems; courage and hope matter more than looks.”
👉 Core lesson: Self-acceptance, positivity, and resilience define life’s value, not appearance.

🎨 Figures of Speech / Literary Devices

Symbolism → The garden gate symbolizes transition from isolation to human connection.
Dialogue → Deeply reflects psychological and emotional growth.
Tone → Encouraging, reflective, compassionate.
Contrast → Between Derry’s self-doubt and Mr. Lamb’s optimism.
Imagery → Descriptive portrayal of characters’ emotions and the environment emphasizes mood.

📚 NCERT Questions & Answers

🔹 Short Answer (30–40 words)

Q1. Who are the main characters in the story?
👉 The main characters are Derry, a young boy with a disfigured face, and Mr. Lamb, an elderly man full of wisdom and kindness. Their interaction drives the story’s message.

Q2. Why does Derry avoid social interaction?
👉 Derry feels embarrassed and insecure due to his facial scars. He fears judgment and rejection, which isolates him from peers and the outside world.

Q3. What lesson does Mr. Lamb teach Derry?
👉 Mr. Lamb teaches Derry self-acceptance, courage, and optimism, emphasizing that life’s value lies in attitude, empathy, and inner strength, not physical appearance.

🔹 Long Answer (120–150 words)

Q. Explain the theme of self-acceptance in “On the Face of It.”
👉 The story explores self-acceptance and personal growth through the interaction between Derry and Mr. Lamb. Derry, a boy with facial scars, feels isolated and insecure, hiding from the world. Mr. Lamb, an elderly man, notices Derry’s fear and self-doubt and offers guidance through compassionate dialogue. He emphasizes that everyone faces challenges, visible or invisible, and encourages Derry to focus on courage, hope, and inner qualities rather than physical appearance. This interaction transforms Derry’s outlook, allowing him to embrace himself and approach life more positively. The story underscores the importance of empathy, kindness, and resilience, showing that supportive human connections can help individuals overcome emotional wounds and develop confidence. Susan Hill delivers a timeless lesson on self-worth and human compassion.

📝 Extra Questions for Practice

How does Mr. Lamb help Derry overcome his fears?
Explain the symbolism of the garden gate.
How is Derry’s character developed in the story?
Discuss the theme of empathy in the chapter.
How does the story highlight the importance of human connection?
Explain the role of dialogue in conveying the story’s moral.
How does Derry’s interaction with Mr. Lamb transform him?
What message does the story convey about physical appearance?
How does Susan Hill use descriptive imagery to evoke emotions?
Why is courage more important than outward beauty according to the story?

🌸 Conclusion

“On the Face of It” is a heartwarming story about empathy, self-acceptance, and human connection. Susan Hill emphasizes that challenges and scars are universal, and one’s attitude, courage, and inner strength define life’s worth. Through Derry and Mr. Lamb’s interaction, the story inspires readers to embrace themselves, show compassion, and value human relationships. It remains a timeless lesson on overcoming isolation and valuing inner beauty over outward appearance, making it essential for students and general readers alike.