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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate16 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'On the Face of It' from NCERT Class 12 English textbook, Vistas, is a play about the unexpected friendship between an elderly man, Mr. Lamb, and a young boy, Derry. Derry is self-conscious and withdrawn due to his facial scars from an acid burn, while Mr. Lamb is a wise and amiable man with a disability, living alone with his positive outlook on life. Their conversation unfolds in Mr. Lamb’s garden, where he encourages Derry to look beyond his physical appearance and find the brighter side of life. Through their interactions, the play explores themes of isolation, acceptance, and the need for human connection.
Key Topics
- •Friendship
- •Isolation and acceptance
- •Self-esteem and perception
- •Interaction between different generations
- •Optimism and life philosophy
- •Impact of physical impairment
- •Life lessons from nature
- •Human connection
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the impact of physical appearances on self-esteem and social interactions.
- ✓Analyze the role of empathy and understanding in forging relationships.
- ✓Examine the concept of isolation and its psychological effects.
- ✓Reflect on the life lessons conveyed through dialogue and setting.
- ✓Explore the importance of perspective and attitude towards life's challenges.
- ✓Recognize the emotional and narrative devices used to convey the play's themes.
Questions in Chapter
What is it that draws Derry towards Mr Lamb inspite of himself?
Page 60
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?
Page 61
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?
Page 61
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: The chapter leaves the question open-ended, inviting readers to reflect on the impact of human connections.
Page 61
Using your imagination suggest another ending to the above story.
Page 61
Additional Practice Questions
Describe how the setting of Mr. Lamb's garden contributes to the themes of the play.
mediumAnswer: Mr. Lamb's garden, full of diverse plants and buzzing with life, symbolizes the beauty and complexity of life despite imperfection. It serves as a sanctuary for the characters, emphasizing acceptance and growth even in adversity.
What lessons can one learn from the interaction between Mr. Lamb and Derry?
easyAnswer: The interaction highlights the importance of looking beyond physical appearances, the value of acceptance, and finding beauty within oneself and in others, promoting empathy and understanding.
Discuss how isolation affects both Mr. Lamb and Derry and how they address these feelings.
hardAnswer: Isolation affects both characters differently; Derry's is self-imposed due to his appearance, while Mr. Lamb's is due to age. They address these feelings by engaging in meaningful conversation which helps Derry gain confidence and Mr. Lamb find companionship.
Analyze the significance of the title 'On the Face of It'.
mediumAnswer: The title suggests themes of superficial judgments based on appearances while inviting readers to look deeper at the underlying emotions and experiences of the characters.
Reflect on how Mr. Lamb's philosophy towards life challenges Derry's perspective.
mediumAnswer: Mr. Lamb’s optimistic view of life encourages Derry to reconsider his outlook on his appearance and life, promoting a mindset shift from self-pity and resentment to one of acceptance and open-mindedness.