A short one act play by Susan Hill on two characters with different forms of disabilities
Introduction to CBSE Solutions for Class 12 English Chapter: On the Face of It (Vistas)
“On the Face of It” revolves around the unlikely friendship between Mr. Lamb, who lives alone and is self-conscious about his disfigured face, and Derry, a curious and adventurous young boy. The two strike up a conversation over the garden wall, with Derry intrigued by Mr. Lamb’s secluded lifestyle and the reason behind it. As they talk, Mr. Lamb reveals his past and the accident that left him disfigured, leading to his isolation from the world. Derry, initially taken aback by Mr. Lamb’s appearance, gradually sees beyond his scars and connects with him on a deeper level. The story culminates in a touching moment of understanding and empathy, as Derry realizes that appearances can be deceiving and true beauty lies in one’s character.
Assignment and Activities for CBSE Class 12 English Chapter: On the Face of It
- Character Analysis: Analyze the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry, discussing their personalities, motivations, and how they change throughout the story.
- Theme Exploration: Explore the themes of perception, prejudice, and empathy in the story, discussing how they are portrayed and their relevance to society.
- Role Play: Perform a role play of a scene from the story, focusing on the interaction between Mr. Lamb and Derry.
- Creative Writing: Write a diary entry from the perspective of either Mr. Lamb or Derry, expressing their thoughts and feelings about their meeting.
- Discussion on Disability: Lead a discussion on the portrayal of disability in literature and media, using examples from the story.
- Artistic Expression: Create an artwork that represents a key scene or theme from the story, explaining the symbolism behind your work.
- Letter Writing: Write a letter from Derry to Mr. Lamb, expressing gratitude for their meeting and sharing how it has impacted him.
- Comparative Study: Compare “On the Face of It” with another story or novel that explores similar themes, discussing similarities and differences.
- Film Adaptation: Imagine the story as a short film and create a storyboard outlining key scenes and dialogue.
- Personal Reflection: Write a reflective essay on a personal experience where you learned not to judge others based on their appearance.
Conclusion : On the Face of It
“On the Face of It” is a touching story that explores the themes of perception, prejudice, and human connection. Through the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry, the story teaches valuable lessons about empathy, understanding, and the true nature of beauty. It challenges readers to look beyond surface impressions and stereotypes and to see the beauty and humanity in everyone.
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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 12 English Chapter: On the Face of It
Q1. Describe Mr. Lamb’s character and his attitude towards life.
ANS: Mr. Lamb is a man with a disfigured face who lives in seclusion. He is initially withdrawn and self-conscious but later reveals a more philosophical and accepting attitude towards life.
Q2. How does Derry’s perception of Mr. Lamb change throughout the story?
ANS: Initially, Derry is curious but also wary of Mr. Lamb’s appearance. However, as they talk, Derry begins to see beyond Mr. Lamb’s scars and develops empathy and understanding towards him.
Q3. What is the significance of the title “On the Face of It”?
ANS: The title suggests that appearances can be deceiving and that true understanding requires looking beyond surface impressions.
Q4. How does the story explore the theme of prejudice?
ANS: The story shows how prejudice and preconceived notions can prevent people from truly understanding and connecting with each other.
Q5. What does the story suggest about the nature of beauty?
ANS: The story suggests that true beauty lies not in outward appearances but in one’s character, empathy, and understanding.
Q6. How does the setting contribute to the story’s themes?
ANS: The isolated garden setting reflects the characters’ emotional isolation and the barriers they must overcome to connect with each other.
Q7. What role does empathy play in the story?
ANS: Empathy is portrayed as essential for understanding others and overcoming prejudice and fear.
Q8. How does the story’s ending impact the reader?
ANS: The ending leaves the reader with a sense of hope and the belief that understanding and connection are possible, even in unlikely circumstances.
Q9. How does the story challenge stereotypes about disability?
ANS: The story challenges stereotypes by portraying Mr. Lamb as a complex character with thoughts, feelings, and a desire for connection, rather than defining him solely by his disability.
Q10. What can readers learn from “On the Face of It”?
ANS: Readers can learn the importance of empathy, understanding, and looking beyond outward appearances to truly connect with others.
