This post provides a simple, and value point wise breakdown of ‘On the Face of it’ for Class 12 Vistas Book. We’ll share the main points and key takeaways from the story, making it easy to understand and remember. Whether you’re studying for class or teaching it, this post has got you covered with all the important events and flow you need to know about On the Face of it.
On the Face of it Value Points
Introduction of Characters: The story revolves around two main characters: Derry, a 14yearold boy, and Mr. Lamb, an old man who lives alone in a large garden.
Derry’s Appearance: Derry has a burnt face due to an accident. He feels ashamed and believes people stare at him and pity him.
Mr. Lamb’s Garden: Derry enters Mr. Lamb’s garden secretly, thinking no one lives there. The garden is a peaceful and welcoming place.
Mr. Lamb’s First Words: Mr. Lamb speaks to Derry from a distance, warning him to be careful of the crab apples on the ground.
Derry’s Initial Reaction: Derry is surprised when Mr. Lamb speaks. He is surprised to find someone in the garden.
Also Read:
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- On the Face of it Introduction
- On the Face of it Very Short answer Type Question
- Justify the title On the Face of it
- MCQs of On the Face of it
Lamb’s Openness: Mr. Lamb is not bothered by Derry’s appearance. He welcomes him and even invites him to help with the apples later.
Derry’s Insecurity: Derry feels uncomfortable and explains how people always stare at him because of his face. He feels judged and different.
Mr. Lamb’s Philosophy: Mr. Lamb talks about how life is full of beautiful things, like nature, and encourages Derry to look beyond his face and enjoy life.
Derry’s Anger: Derry is angry because he feels that people never really understand him. He assumes Mr. Lamb might also be judging him.
Lamb’s Kindness: Mr. Lamb doesn’t judge Derry or focus on his face. He talks about his own life and the challenges he faces, like his tin leg.
Derry’s Struggle with Acceptance: Derry continues to struggle with accepting himself. He believes that his appearance defines him and that no one can love him.
The Lesson from Mr. Lamb: Mr. Lamb teaches Derry that it is not what you look like, but what you do and how you live that matters. He tells Derry that both of them have “imperfections,” but that shouldn’t stop them from living.
Mr. Lamb’s View on Beauty: He compares beauty to the “Beauty and the Beast” story, explaining that it is the inner self that counts, not outer looks.
Derry’s Realization: After some time, Derry begins to understand that he does not have to hide from life because of his face. He starts to see the world through Mr. Lamb’s eyes.
The Importance of Friendship: Mr. Lamb offers Derry friendship without needing to know all his details. He doesn’t care about Derry’s background or appearance, only that Derry is there.
Derry’s Inner Conflict: Derry still feels the pull of his past—his fear of rejection. He feels torn between wanting to embrace life and the fear of how people will treat him.
Mr. Lamb’s Wisdom: Mr. Lamb shares his personal experiences, like how kids call him “LameyLamb” because of his tin leg, but it doesn’t bother him. This teaches Derry that other people’s opinions shouldn’t control his life.
Derry’s Decision: At the end of their conversation, Derry decides to leave but promises to return. He is deeply affected by Mr. Lamb’s words.
Mr. Lamb’s Perspective: Mr. Lamb reflects on how he’s accepted his own differences. He understands that people fear what they don’t understand but still chooses to live joyfully.
The Ending: As Derry runs off to return home, Mr. Lamb stays behind, accepting that Derry might not come back, but also knowing he has helped him see life differently.
Valuable Insights:
- SelfAcceptance: The key message is that selfacceptance is important. Derry learns that his physical appearance is just one part of him, and it doesn’t define his worth.
- Overcoming Fear: Mr. Lamb teaches Derry to face his fears of rejection. This is a valuable lesson for anyone feeling insecure.
- The Power of Kindness: Mr. Lamb’s kindness without judgment shows that sometimes, all someone needs is acceptance from others to start feeling better about themselves.
Living Fully: Life is about enjoying the small, beautiful things, and not letting fear or judgment hold you back, as shown in Mr. Lamb’s approach to life despite his challenges.