The Chapter On the Face of it from Vistas is an important part of the Class 12 syllabus. In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to the Chapter, explained point by point.

On the Face of it Introduction

On the Face of It is a touching play by Susan Hill. It tells the story of a 14-year-old boy named Derry, who has a burnt face. Because of his appearance, he feels rejected and avoids people. One day, he enters the garden of an old man named Mr. Lamb, who lives alone. Mr. Lamb has a tin leg, but he doesn’t let it affect his life.

The two start talking, and Mr. Lamb teaches Derry valuable lessons about accepting oneself and not judging others by their appearance.

Through their conversation, Derry learns to see beyond his fears and feels hope for the future. The play highlights themes of self-acceptance, loneliness, and the importance of inner strength.

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• Hard Words : On the Face of it

Theme Of On the Face of It :The main theme of On the Face of It is self-acceptance. The play shows how physical appearance doesn’t define a person’s worth. It also explores loneliness, human connection, and overcoming fears. Derry learns that his burnt face does not have to control his life.

Moral Of On the Face of It : The moral of the play is to accept yourself for who you are, not how you look. It teaches that real beauty comes from within and that people should not be judged by their appearance. Kindness and understanding are more important than outward looks.

Characters:

• Derry: A 14-year-old boy who feels rejected because of his burnt face. He is shy, angry, and insecure but starts to change through his interactions with Mr. Lamb.
• Mr. Lamb: An old man with a tin leg who lives alone. He is kind, wise, and patient. He teaches Derry important lessons about life and helps him accept himself.

Progress of Thoughts Of On the Face of It : At the start, Derry feels isolated and angry due to his appearance. He believes people only pity him. Mr. Lamb helps Derry see that people should not be judged by how they look. Derry begins to understand that he can still live a meaningful and happy life, even with his imperfections.

Setting Of On the Face of It : The play is set in Mr. Lamb’s garden, which represents peace, beauty, and growth. The garden is a place where Derry starts to feel comfortable and learns valuable life lessons. The quiet and natural setting contrasts with the emotional struggles Derry faces.

Conclusion Of On the Face of It : By the end of the play, Derry has learned to look beyond his fears and accept himself. Though Mr. Lamb passes away, Derry leaves with hope for a better future, showing that the lessons from their brief meeting will stay with him.