Summary themes characters and message of On The Face Of It
On the face of it summary class 12, the story is about an adolescent kid, Derry, who has a consumed face, and Mr Sheep, who is an impaired elderly person with a counterfeit leg made of tin. Derry accidentally enters his nursery to conceal himself from individuals who scorn him due to his revolting face. Mr Sheep invites him to his nursery and urges him to have an ordinary existence, abandoning his past.
Theme
On the Face of It summary, the theme revolves around the idea that people with physical disabilities suffer from loneliness and mental pain. The play gives us an insight into how appearances are deceptive.
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Introduction: On the Face of It Summary in English
The principal scene is situated in Mr Lamb's nursery. Derry's strides are heard as he strolls gradually and reluctantly through the long grass. He comes to cycle through a screen of shrubberies.
In the second scene, we see Derry and his mom. He advises his mom about the faltering elderly person.
The third or last scene is again situated in Mr Lamb's nursery. Derry arrives at Mr Lamb's nursery, gasping. He discovers Mr Lamb lying on the grass with the stepping stool.
On the Face of It Summary Class 12
The summary of On the Face of It in class 12 starts with a high school kid entering a nursery. His face is scorched on one side because of a mishap when a corrosive fell on half of his face. He has gone there to conceal himself as he fears confronting individuals. He fears being prodded by others for having such a face. However, when he enters, he discovers somebody effectively presents there. He attempts to leave the spot, yet he is halted by the elderly person, Mr Sheep, the nursery's proprietor. Derry feels remorseful for entering the nursery without consent. Mr Sheep invites him and instructs him not to leave due to his essence.
Derry needs to leave as he might suspect individuals don't care for his face, and in addition, they get terrified of his looks. Be that as it may, Mr. Sheep demands him to remain there. They go into a discussion about how nobody loves Derry and how he loathes individuals carrying on like this with him. Mr. Sheep attempts to reassure him. He discloses to him that he has a tin leg, and children ridicule him. Still, he isn't discouraged and makes an incredible effort. The two of them talk about different things, and this prompts disclosure of Derry's dread, melancholy, and scorn about his being in such a condition.
In any case, Mr. Sheep continues instructing him to think about the positive things. Before long, they become companions, and Mr. Sheep requests that he help him in culling the crab apples of his nursery. Derry discloses to him that he had overcome much from his home and hadn't enlightened anything regarding this to his mom. Mr. Sheep instructs him to take authorization from his mom. Derry thinks that it's troublesome, and this prompts a little squabble between the two. Finally, Derry discloses to him that he would return in the wake of taking his mom's authorization. His mom doesn't need him to return; however, he returns again to satisfy his guarantee. Then Mr. Sheep ascended the stepping stool all alone to cull the crab apples as he was certain that Derry would not return. He was crippled, and it was hard for him to climb. Derry, then again, re-visited the nursery to support him. At the point when he enters the nursery, he sees Mr. Sheep lying on the ground.
Derry makes a decent attempt to make him move; however, he didn't get any reaction from him. He then comes to realize that he is dead and starts crying.
Conclusion
On the Face of It chapter 12 is an interesting chapter and we have covered the summary section to give an overview of the story. You can download the PDF file of this chapter from Vedantu website.
FAQs on On The Face Of It Summary for Class 12 English
1. What is the summary of On The Face Of It?
The play On The Face Of It is about a lonely teenage boy, Derry, who learns to overcome his fear and insecurity after meeting an old man named Mr. Lamb. The story focuses on:
- Derry, who has a burned face and feels rejected by society.
- Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg, who lives alone but has a positive outlook on life.
- Their conversation in Mr. Lamb’s garden, where Mr. Lamb teaches Derry to accept himself.
- Derry’s transformation from self-pity to confidence and hope.
2. Who is the author of On The Face Of It?
On The Face Of It was written by Susan Hill, a well-known British author and playwright. She is famous for her sensitive portrayal of human emotions and relationships. The play reflects her interest in themes such as:
- Isolation and loneliness
- Psychological growth
- Human connection
3. Who are the main characters in On The Face Of It?
The two main characters in On The Face Of It are Derry and Mr. Lamb.
- Derry: A fourteen-year-old boy with a burned face who feels bitter and isolated.
- Mr. Lamb: An old man with a tin leg who lives alone but believes in positivity and acceptance.
4. What is the main theme of On The Face Of It?
The main theme of On The Face Of It is self-acceptance and positive thinking despite physical disabilities. Other important themes include:
- Loneliness and isolation
- Judging by appearances
- Inner strength and confidence
5. Why does Derry feel lonely in On The Face Of It?
Derry feels lonely because he believes people dislike him due to his burned face and physical appearance. He thinks:
- People stare at him and feel frightened.
- He is different and cannot live a normal life.
- Even his mother is overprotective.
6. How does Mr. Lamb influence Derry in the play?
Mr. Lamb influences Derry by teaching him to view life with optimism and courage. He:
- Encourages Derry to accept his disability.
- Shares his own experience of living with a tin leg.
- Advises him not to hide from the world.
- Uses examples from nature, like weeds and apples, to show that everything has value.
7. What is the significance of the title On The Face Of It?
The title On The Face Of It means judging something by its outward appearance rather than its true nature. In the play:
- Derry is judged by his scarred face.
- Mr. Lamb is judged by his physical disability.
- The message is that appearance does not define a person’s worth.
8. What happens at the end of On The Face Of It?
At the end of On The Face Of It, Mr. Lamb dies after falling from a ladder, and Derry returns to find him dead. Key events include:
- Derry decides to come back after arguing with his mother.
- Mr. Lamb climbs a ladder to pluck apples.
- He falls and dies before Derry arrives.
9. What lesson does On The Face Of It teach?
The play teaches that inner beauty and positive thinking matter more than physical appearance. Important lessons include:
- Do not judge people by looks.
- Accept yourself and others.
- Face life bravely instead of hiding from it.
- Loneliness can be overcome through communication.
10. Is On The Face Of It a short story or a play?
On The Face Of It is a one-act play, not a short story. It is written in dramatic form and includes:
- Dialogues between characters
- Stage directions
- A single setting in Mr. Lamb’s garden
