Chapter 6: On the Face of It – Class 12 English Vistas NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 6 On the Face of It

READ AND FIND OUT

Q1. Who is Mr. Lamb? How does Derry enter his garden?

Mr. Lamb is an elderly man who lives alone in a house with a large garden. He has a tin leg, having lost one of his real legs in a war-related explosion. Despite his physical disability, he maintains a positive outlook on life and enjoys the peaceful surroundings of his garden, which is filled with crab apple trees bearing golden-orange fruit.

One day, while Mr. Lamb is sitting in his garden, a teenage boy named Derry enters—not through the open gate, but by climbing over the wall. Derry is cautious and expects to be scolded, but Mr. Lamb welcomes him instead, initiating a meaningful conversation between the two.

Q2. Does Derry’s attitude towards Mr. Lamb change by the end of their interaction?

Yes, Derry’s perception of Mr. Lamb changes significantly over the course of their conversation. Initially, Derry is withdrawn and defensive. He reveals that people often avoid him due to the burn scars on his face, which make him feel judged and rejected. Mr. Lamb, however, treats him kindly and doesn’t show any discomfort about his appearance.

Mr. Lamb shares a story about a man who was so afraid of everything that he shut himself indoors, only to die in an unexpected accident. Through such stories and philosophical reflections, Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to see the world differently. He talks about enjoying life’s simple pleasures like light, wind, and books, and emphasizes that having a healthy mind and body matters more than what others say about one’s looks.

Mr. Lamb’s optimism and wisdom leave a deep impression on Derry. For the first time, someone listens to him without pity and helps him see hope beyond his scars. Derry begins to open up and even shares that he, too, loves listening to rain on the roof. He promises to come back after informing his mother, showing that Mr. Lamb’s words have truly inspired him.

By the end, Derry sees Mr. Lamb not just as an odd old man, but as someone who understands him and believes in him. Sadly, when he returns, he finds Mr. Lamb lying motionless on the ground—suggesting that their brief but powerful connection was also deeply tragic.

READING WITH INSIGHT

Q1. What draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb, despite his initial reluctance?

Derry and Mr. Lamb are both living with physical disabilities—Derry has a scarred face due to an acid accident, while Mr. Lamb uses a tin leg after losing his real one in the war. Beyond their physical conditions, Derry senses a shared loneliness in Mr. Lamb’s life. Though Mr. Lamb remains outwardly cheerful and optimistic, it’s clear that he also grapples with emotional isolation.

Derry tends to stay away from people because they either pity or fear him due to his appearance. He overhears his own parents worrying about his future and feels constantly judged. Mr. Lamb, however, treats him like any other person and encourages him to view life differently. He advises Derry to embrace the world—to see, hear, and experience it with curiosity and courage.

Mr. Lamb tells Derry that internal hatred and bitterness are more harmful than any external injury. His positive attitude, life experiences, and acceptance touch Derry deeply. These thoughtful interactions ultimately pull Derry towards Mr. Lamb and offer him a fresh way of seeing himself and the world.

Q2. When does Mr. Lamb reveal his own loneliness, and how does he cope with it?

Mr. Lamb shows signs of his inner loneliness during the middle portion of the play’s first scene. He casually mentions that he plans to collect the crab apples using a ladder and a stick once the weather cools down. He invites Derry to join him, hinting at his desire for companionship.

Mr. Lamb’s life is full of little rituals that help him cope with solitude. He finds joy in nature—watching the bees, admiring weeds, listening to the wind, and observing spiders. He enjoys reading books and appreciates both light and darkness. His house has no curtains, as he dislikes shutting out the world. Even though he lives alone, he fills his days with thoughtful activities and an open attitude toward life, which helps him deal with emotional emptiness and maintain a sense of purpose.

Q3. How does the emotional impact of disability compare with its physical effects? What kind of response do people with disabilities expect from others?

While physical disabilities may cause discomfort or inconvenience, the emotional wounds caused by social rejection often hurt more. In the play, both Derry and Mr. Lamb deal with physical impairments—Derry has a disfigured face, and Mr. Lamb has a tin leg. However, it’s not the disability itself, but how others treat them, that causes lasting emotional pain.

Derry feels constantly judged and excluded. People stare, talk behind his back, or avoid him altogether. These reactions have made him bitter and insecure. Mr. Lamb, although physically disabled, seems less affected by his condition and more by the emotional distance others create.

People with disabilities don’t seek pity—they want respect, empathy, and acceptance. They want to be treated as equals, not defined by their limitations. What they expect from others is not sympathy, but genuine kindness and understanding that acknowledges their worth beyond their appearance or condition.

Q4. Will Derry return to his isolated life, or will Mr. Lamb’s influence lead to change?

Derry is unlikely to return to his former life of isolation. Although his time with Mr. Lamb is brief, it has a deep and lasting impact on his mindset. Mr. Lamb’s encouraging words help Derry see that he doesn’t need to be defined by his appearance or by others’ opinions. Instead of hiding from the world, he can choose to live with confidence and chase his goals.

Mr. Lamb’s philosophy is simple but powerful—life is meant to be lived fully, and everyone, regardless of their flaws, has something valuable to offer. He teaches Derry that hatred and self-pity are far worse than any physical scars. This inspires Derry to challenge his own fears and move forward with a positive attitude.

Even though Derry’s mother tries to keep him from returning, he decides to go back to Mr. Lamb, showing that he is ready to take control of his life. His decision to return signifies that he’s embracing change and rejecting his earlier self-imposed loneliness. It’s a clear sign of growth and a hopeful shift in the way he will face life from now on.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1. Why does Mr. Lamb say, “Mind the apples!” and to whom does he say it? How many times does he repeat it?

Mr. Lamb gives this warning to Derry, a young boy who unexpectedly enters his garden by climbing over a wall. Twice, he gently reminds Derry to watch out for the fallen crab apples on the grass, as stepping on one could cause him to slip and hurt himself. This shows Mr. Lamb’s caring and protective nature.

Q2. What is Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards the boy who enters his garden?

Mr. Lamb treats Derry with kindness, warmth, and understanding. Instead of being angry or suspicious, he welcomes the boy and offers gentle guidance, much like a caring elder. His calm demeanor and friendly tone help put Derry at ease.

Q3. How does Derry explain his presence in the garden? How does Mr. Lamb respond?

Derry tells Mr. Lamb that he thought the garden was empty and didn’t know anyone was there. Mr. Lamb responds kindly, assuring Derry that it’s fine and there’s nothing to be afraid of. He adds that he prefers being outdoors, especially on such a beautiful day.

Q4. What do people say about Derry’s appearance, and how do they react?

When people see Derry’s scarred face, they often find it unpleasant or frightening. Many express pity or shock, calling him a “poor boy” or avoiding him altogether. This reaction deeply affects Derry, making him feel isolated and unwanted.

Q5. How does Mr. Lamb shift the conversation from Derry’s face to apples?

After a brief pause, Mr. Lamb redirects the conversation by talking about his crab apple trees. He mentions needing a ladder and a stick to collect the fruit and invites Derry to help him make jelly. This transition helps lighten the mood and engage Derry in something positive.

Q6. Why does Derry think Mr. Lamb changed the subject?

Derry believes that people often avoid talking about his face out of discomfort or fear. He thinks Mr. Lamb changed the topic to avoid discussing his disfigurement, which he interprets as another form of avoidance.

Q7. What really happened to Derry’s face, and how does he describe it?

Derry clarifies that his injury was not caused by fire, but by acid. He explains that acid severely burned one side of his face, leaving it permanently scarred. He feels the damage goes beyond skin deep—it has also emotionally scarred him.

Q8. How does Mr. Lamb respond when Derry asks if he’s interested in him?

Mr. Lamb assures Derry that he is interested in everything created by God—be it people, plants, or even things others consider useless. His broad-minded view emphasizes acceptance and wonder at the world.

Q9. “We’re not the same,” says Derry. How does Mr. Lamb respond?

Mr. Lamb points out that although he and Derry differ in age and appearance, they are both human and alive. He highlights their common humanity and downplays physical differences as being less important than being present and living fully.

Q10. What does Derry say about Mr. Lamb’s leg, and how does Mr. Lamb respond?

Derry suggests that Mr. Lamb’s tin leg can be hidden under clothing, unlike his own visible scars. Mr. Lamb replies that while some people may notice and stare at his leg, many don’t. He emphasizes that there’s much more in the world to notice and appreciate.

Q11. What things does Mr. Lamb say are worth noticing?

Mr. Lamb finds beauty in the everyday—crab apples, weeds, spiders spinning silk, tall sunflowers. For him, everything that grows and changes has value and is worth observing.

Q12. What is Derry’s view on the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”?

Derry recalls the story and says it teaches that what’s inside matters more than appearance. Beauty loved the Beast for his true self. Derry relates to the Beast, but feels unloved—he notes that only his mother kisses him, and only on the unscarred side of his face.

Q13. How do people try to comfort those with physical disabilities, according to Derry?

People often advise those with disabilities to consider themselves lucky compared to others in worse situations. They refer to blind, deaf, or wheelchair-bound individuals to minimize the disabled person’s own pain. Derry finds these comments shallow and unhelpful.

Q14. Why do these attempts to comfort Derry fail?

These arguments don’t ease Derry’s pain because they don’t change how others treat him. He’s more hurt by the cruel remarks and whispers, like the one he once overheard saying, “That’s a face only a mother could love.” He sees such comments as deeply cruel.

Q15. What story does Mr. Lamb tell Derry to address his fears?

Mr. Lamb shares a story of a man so afraid of the world that he locked himself in his room. Ironically, a picture fell on his head and killed him. The story illustrates that living in fear is no guarantee of safety.

Q16. What were the man’s fears, and what do they have in common?

The man feared accidents, germs, heartbreak, and ridicule. All his fears stemmed from imagining the worst in life. Mr. Lamb uses this tale to show that being overly cautious doesn’t protect one from life’s unpredictability.

Q17. What unusual traits does Derry observe about Mr. Lamb?

Derry finds Mr. Lamb odd. He says unusual things, leaves his windows curtainless, and enjoys both light and darkness. He listens to the wind and appreciates things others don’t even notice.

Q18. What does Derry overhear about himself, and how does it affect him?

Derry hears his parents discussing his future with worry and sadness. They wonder how he’ll live with his disfigured face once they’re gone. These conversations make him feel helpless and unwanted.

Q19. How does Mr. Lamb encourage Derry to overcome his self-doubt?

Mr. Lamb reminds Derry that he has everything he needs—eyes, limbs, a brain, and a voice. If he believes in himself and sets his mind to it, he can live a fulfilling life, perhaps even more so than others.

Q20. Why does Mr. Lamb say, “People are never just nothing”? Why does he warn against hate?

Mr. Lamb believes everyone has value, even strangers. He tells Derry that hating others harms the hater more than anyone else. Unlike acid, which only burns the skin, hatred corrodes a person from within.

Q21. On what basis should people be judged?

Mr. Lamb believes people should be evaluated based on their actions, not their appearance. True worth lies in character and behavior, not physical beauty or flaws.

Q22. How does Mr. Lamb suggest one should handle ridicule or shame?

Mr. Lamb shares how kids mock him by calling him names like “Lamey-Lamb,” yet he doesn’t let it bother him. He chooses to focus on life’s positives rather than the hurtful things others say.

Q23. What does Derry foresee might happen while Mr. Lamb picks apples, and how is it significant?

Derry mentions that Mr. Lamb could fall and hurt himself while climbing the ladder. This prediction foreshadows the play’s ending, where Mr. Lamb does indeed fall, underscoring the fragility of life.

Q24. What does Derry want to know, and how does Mr. Lamb respond?

Derry wants to discover what he’s capable of. Mr. Lamb encourages him to explore for himself—by observing, listening, and reflecting—rather than relying on others for answers.

Q25. What makes Derry think Mr. Lamb is lonely, and what does he tell him?

Derry assumes Mr. Lamb is lonely because he lives alone and says few people talk to him. Derry says no one would notice if Mr. Lamb lived or died, revealing his perception of the old man’s solitude.

Q26. Why does Derry’s mother oppose him going back to Mr. Lamb’s garden?

Derry’s mother has heard rumors about Mr. Lamb and doesn’t trust him. She forbids Derry from returning, thinking it’s for his own safety and well-being.

Q27. What reason does Derry give his mother for wanting to return to Mr. Lamb?

Derry tells his mother that Mr. Lamb says things that no one else ever has—things that matter. He wants to learn from the old man and be in a space where he’s not judged by his appearance.

Q28. What drives Derry to return to Mr. Lamb’s garden?

Derry realizes that what he thinks and feels is more important than how he looks. He no longer wants to hide from the world. If he doesn’t return, he fears he’ll miss out on life altogether.

Q29. How does the play On the Face of It end?

The play concludes tragically. Mr. Lamb falls from a ladder while picking apples. When Derry returns, eager to reconnect, he finds Mr. Lamb lying still—implying that he has passed away.

Q30. How would you prefer the play to end?

A more hopeful ending could see Mr. Lamb surviving the fall and welcoming Derry back. This would symbolize a new beginning for both characters—Derry finding acceptance, and Mr. Lamb finding companionship.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q1. How does Derry behave when he first enters Mr. Lamb’s garden?

Derry enters Mr. Lamb’s garden by climbing over the wall rather than using the open gate, moving hesitantly through the long grass. He’s startled when Mr. Lamb speaks to him, cautioning him about fallen apples that could cause him to slip. Derry initially appears nervous and defensive. He insists that he believed the place was deserted and quickly says he has to leave. He feels uneasy knowing that Mr. Lamb had been watching him and clarifies that he had no intention of stealing. Derry’s fear stems from his past experiences of being judged for his disfigured face, which he mentions when he tells Mr. Lamb that people are afraid of him.

Q2. How does Mr. Lamb try to befriend Derry, the boy who enters his garden?

Mr. Lamb treats Derry with patience and warmth. Instead of scolding him for trespassing, he welcomes him, calmly pointing out that the gate is always open. When Derry talks about his burnt face, Mr. Lamb shows no pity or shock. He relates to Derry through his own disability—a tin leg—and gently encourages him to look beyond physical appearances. Through storytelling, personal insights, and philosophical reflections, Mr. Lamb gradually earns Derry’s trust and helps him see the world in a more positive light.

Q3. What connects Mr. Lamb and Derry? How does Mr. Lamb influence Derry?

Both Mr. Lamb and Derry live with physical disabilities—Mr. Lamb lost a leg in the war, and Derry has a badly scarred face from an acid burn. These impairments have caused both emotional pain and social isolation. However, Mr. Lamb has chosen to live with acceptance and purpose, staying engaged with nature, books, and life itself. He inspires Derry by showing him that one’s worth is not determined by appearance. His optimism and wisdom leave a lasting impression on the boy, helping Derry see that he has potential and control over his future.

Q4. What is the central theme of On the Face of It, and how is it developed in the play?

The play centers around the emotional and social struggles of people with physical disabilities. It highlights how such individuals suffer not just physically, but also emotionally due to society’s attitudes. Through a conversation between two characters—Mr. Lamb and Derry—the story explores how positive thinking, self-acceptance, and empathy can transform lives. Mr. Lamb, through his kindness and unique worldview, helps Derry overcome his insecurities and fear of being judged. The play subtly criticizes the alienation of the differently-abled and emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding.

Q5. Compare the personalities of Mr. Lamb and Derry.

Mr. Lamb and Derry share physical impairments, but they differ greatly in outlook. Mr. Lamb is elderly, cheerful, and accepting of his condition. He welcomes everyone, keeps his garden open, and lives life with joy and purpose. In contrast, Derry is a young boy filled with anger, self-pity, and fear. He avoids people due to his scarred face and has a negative view of the world. Over the course of the play, Mr. Lamb’s positive attitude and open-heartedness begin to change Derry’s mindset, giving him a new perspective on life and self-worth.

Q6. What impression do you get of Derry in the play?

Derry is portrayed as a deeply sensitive and intelligent teenager who is emotionally scarred by his physical deformity. His experiences with rejection and pity have made him bitter and withdrawn. He is self-conscious and expects to be judged. However, beneath this hardened exterior, Derry is thoughtful and curious. When he meets Mr. Lamb, he begins to question his own beliefs. By the end of the play, he transforms into someone who is ready to face the world with confidence and hope, showing that he is a dynamic and evolving character.

Q7. What are the most admirable traits of Mr. Lamb’s character?

Mr. Lamb is wise, compassionate, and accepting. Despite having lost a leg, he lives without bitterness. He loves nature, books, and meaningful conversations. He welcomes everyone into his garden and does not judge people by appearances. His calm demeanor and insightful thoughts leave a powerful impression on others, especially Derry. Mr. Lamb’s character represents resilience, hope, and the power of positivity. His ability to inspire change in Derry, despite his own loneliness, makes him a truly admirable figure.

Q8. How effective is the ending of the play On the Face of It?

The ending of the play is emotionally powerful and symbolic. Derry returns to the garden, inspired by Mr. Lamb’s words, only to find him lying still on the ground. While the ending is tragic, it signifies a passing of wisdom from one generation to the next. Mr. Lamb may have died physically, but his message lives on through Derry, who is now ready to embrace life. The ending serves as both a climax and a point of reflection, leaving the audience moved and inspired.

Q9. How does the title On the Face of It reflect the play’s message?

The title plays on the literal and metaphorical meaning of appearance. “On the face of it” typically means what is obvious at first glance. The play challenges this idea by revealing the deeper struggles and strengths of its characters. It reminds us not to judge people based on looks alone. Derry’s scarred face may repel others, but Mr. Lamb teaches that inner beauty, courage, and kindness matter more. The title is fitting because it critiques superficial judgments and highlights the importance of understanding people beyond appearances.

Q10. As a responsible citizen, how can you help change society’s outlook towards people with disabilities?

As a compassionate member of society, I would strive to promote inclusion and dignity for people with disabilities. First, I would treat them with respect and not let their impairments define them. I would speak up against discrimination and advocate for accessibility in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Encouraging equal opportunities and supporting awareness campaigns can help reduce stigma. Most importantly, I would engage with them as equals, recognizing their talents and individuality. By fostering empathy and respect, we can help them feel valued and accepted as integral members of society.