AHSEC (ASSEB) Class 12 English Vistas Chapter – On the Face of It Summary & Solutions | Assam Eduverse
Chapter Overview:
Assam Eduverse presents the summary of Class 12 English (AHSEC/ASSEB) – Vistas, Chapter On the Face of It by Susan Hill, along with complete solutions for all textbook questions. This chapter from the Class 12 English Vistas syllabus highlights the themes of loneliness, friendship, acceptance, and optimism, making it important for exam preparation.
The play narrates the meeting between Derry, a young boy with a burnt face, and Mr. Lamb, a physically disabled but positive man. Through their conversation, the lesson emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, understanding, and overcoming prejudice.
The lesson On the Face of It conveys themes of hope, courage, and acceptance. It motivates Class 12 students (AHSEC/ASSEB) to value inner strength, empathy, and positive thinking, making it an essential chapter for Vistas exam preparation with summary and solutions provided.
AHSEC (ASSEB) Class 12 English Vistas – Chapter : On the Face of It Solutions & Question Answers
📖 Summary of On the Face of It
A Play about Loneliness, Isolation & Inner Strength
On the Face of It is a play that highlights the struggles of people living with disabilities and the importance of optimism in overcoming isolation.
Derry, a teenage boy with a disfigured face, hides in Mr. Lamb’s garden to escape from a world he feels rejects him. Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg, discovers him but does not show fear or pity. Instead, he speaks warmly and encourages Derry to see life positively.
Through their conversation, Mr. Lamb teaches Derry that his real problem is not his face but his negative attitude. He urges Derry to focus on the beauty of life rather than on what people think. Slowly, Derry’s perspective begins to change, and he promises to return to help Mr. Lamb in his garden.
When Derry comes back, he finds that Mr. Lamb has tragically fallen from a ladder and died. Though shocked, Derry is left with a powerful lesson — to face the world with courage and hope, regardless of his disability.
Conclusion: The play underlines that acceptance, positive thinking, and inner strength are more important than outward appearances, making it a touching commentary on human resilience.
— From the book Vistas
Page 56
Page 56Read and Find Out
Q. Who is Mr Lamb? How does Derry get into his garden?
Answer: Mr. Lamb is an old man with a tin leg who lives in a large house with a beautiful garden. Derry gets into his garden by climbing over the garden wall.
Page 61
Q. Do you think all this will change Derry’s attitude towards Mr Lamb?
Answer: Yes, all this will change Derry’s attitude. Before meeting Mr. Lamb, Derry thought everyone was afraid of him. Mr. Lamb’s kind and peculiar words, and his lack of fear or pity, will show Derry that not all people are the same and that he has the power to choose his own path.
Page 69
Reading with Insight
Q1. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb inspite of himself?
Answer: Derry is drawn to Mr. Lamb because the old man is different from everyone else. He doesn’t act afraid or feel sorry for Derry. Instead, he speaks to him honestly and treats him as an equal. Mr. Lamb’s wisdom and positive outlook on life show Derry a new way of living, making him feel that he can be accepted and that he can choose to live his life fully.
Q2. In which section of the play does Mr. Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment? What are the ways in which Mr. Lamb tries to overcome these feelings?
Answer: Mr. Lamb displays signs of loneliness and disappointment in Scene Two when he is talking to himself after Derry leaves. He says, “They never do, though. Not them. Never do come back.” This shows that even though he says he has hundreds of friends, he is still lonely and is disappointed that the children and people he talks to don’t return. Mr. Lamb overcomes these feelings by staying busy. He reads books, makes toffee, tends his garden, and keeps the gate open, always waiting for company.
Q3. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less than the sense of alienation felt by the person with disabilities. What is the kind of behaviour that the person expects from others.
Answer: This is a discussion-based question. A person with disabilities expects to be treated with respect and as a normal human being, not as a victim. They want others to see them for who they are on the inside, rather than focusing on their physical appearance. They want to be included and given a chance to live a normal life without being pitied, feared, or discriminated against.
Q4. Will Derry get back to his old seclusion or will Mr. Lamb’s brief association effect a change in the kind of life he will lead in the future?
Answer: Mr. Lamb’s brief association will most likely have a profound and lasting effect on Derry. Mr. Lamb’s words about living a full life, accepting oneself, and not caring what others think have already resonated with Derry. By the end of the play, Derry is determined to go back to Mr. Lamb’s garden, defying his mother and taking control of his own life. The fact that he came back to help Mr. Lamb shows that he has already overcome his fear of other people and is ready to face the world.
🎓 About Assam Eduverse
This solution is prepare by Assam Eduverse – your reliable educational hub for academic content, study materials, and exam preparation for Assam Board and other state-level exams. Follow Assam Eduverse for accurate, exam-ready NCERT solutions, notes, MCQs, and free study materials.