“On the Face of It” by Susan Hill is a heart-touching play about two very different people who both feel left out by the world. One is Derry, a teenage boy who has a burnt face and feels like everyone judges him. The other is Mr. Lamb, an old man with a metal leg who lives alone and sees life very differently.

As they talk, something beautiful happens—Mr. Lamb helps Derry see that he’s not just his face or what others say about him. He shows him that everyone has something special to offer, and that scars—whether inside or out—don’t define who we are.

This story teaches an important lesson: never judge someone by how they look, and never let others’ opinions stop you from living your life.

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EXTRA QUESTIONS 

 1. Who is Mr Lamb and how does he influence Derry?

20 words:

Mr Lamb is a kind, lonely man with a tin leg. His words inspire Derry to face life with confidence.

40 words:

Mr Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, is full of hope and wisdom. He welcomes Derry, listens patiently, and encourages him to live freely. His positive outlook touches Derry deeply and helps change his negative thinking about life and himself.

60 words:

Mr Lamb is a physically challenged but emotionally strong man who teaches Derry to look beyond appearances. Unlike others, he doesn't pity Derry but talks to him as an equal. He talks about bees, apples, flowers, and life. His encouraging words and non-judgmental attitude give Derry hope. Mr Lamb becomes a guide who helps Derry understand that inner beauty matters more than looks.

80 words:

Mr Lamb is an elderly man with a tin leg who lives alone in a big house with a garden. Despite being mocked by others, he stays cheerful and welcomes everyone warmly. When Derry enters his garden, Mr Lamb treats him with kindness and respect. He listens, shares life lessons, and inspires Derry to stop hiding and live with confidence. His positive thoughts, open-mindedness, and belief in life’s beauty deeply impact Derry, helping him change from a bitter boy to a hopeful individual.

 2. What makes Derry feel bitter and withdrawn?

20 words:

Derry feels bitter because people stare at his burned face, pity him, and treat him differently due to his appearance.

40 words:

Derry’s bitterness comes from society’s reactions. He hears cruel remarks about his face and is treated like an outsider. Even his family is overprotective. These things make him feel unloved, unwanted, and force him to isolate himself from the world.

60 words:

Derry’s face was disfigured by acid, and since then, he has faced rude comments, stares, and pity from people. A woman even said his face was “something only a mother could love.” These painful experiences have made Derry feel angry and alone. He avoids people, thinking no one will ever truly like him. This emotional hurt runs deeper than the physical injury.

80 words:

Derry is a 14-year-old boy with a burned face caused by acid. He constantly faces judgment, pity, and rejection from people. Strangers stare, whisper, or avoid him, and even his family sometimes treats him differently. He recalls how a woman once said he had a face only a mother could love. Such cruel remarks make him feel alienated and unloved. These experiences have left him bitter and withdrawn, causing him to believe that no one will ever accept or love him.

3. What is the symbolic meaning of the title “On the Face of It”?

20 words:

The title suggests that what we see on the surface may not reflect the truth or inner reality of a person.

40 words:

“On the Face of It” means judging by looks alone. The play challenges this idea. Derry is judged for his face, and Mr Lamb for his leg. But both have deep thoughts and emotions. The title teaches not to judge externally.

60 words:

The title “On the Face of It” suggests judging people based on their appearance. Society often does this, just like people judge Derry for his burnt face or Mr Lamb for his tin leg. But the play shows that true identity lies within. Both characters are much deeper, wiser, and more sensitive than they appear. The title questions superficial judgments and emphasizes inner beauty and strength.

80 words:

The title “On the Face of It” reflects how society often makes assumptions based on looks. Derry is judged harshly because of his disfigured face, and Mr Lamb is mocked due to his artificial leg. But beyond appearances, they are thoughtful, kind, and inspiring individuals. The play uses this title to challenge viewers to look beyond the surface. It urges people to recognize and value inner qualities like courage, kindness, and self-worth rather than external beauty or physical perfection.

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 4. Why does Mr Lamb keep his garden gate always open?

20 words:

Mr Lamb keeps his gate open to welcome everyone. He believes in sharing space, freedom, and connecting with people.

40 words:

Mr Lamb’s open gate reflects his open heart. He welcomes anyone who comes—children, strangers, or the lonely. He doesn’t believe in locking people out. It shows his friendly, trusting nature and his desire to stay connected to the world.

60 words:

Mr Lamb is a man who believes in inclusion, openness, and kindness. He keeps his garden gate open so that anyone can enter without hesitation. He welcomes everyone—be it children stealing apples or boys like Derry looking for peace. For Mr Lamb, the garden represents life, freedom, and friendship. The open gate is a symbol of his willingness to connect and accept people as they are.

80 words:

Mr Lamb keeps his garden gate open to let people walk in freely. He does not like restrictions, whether in life or relationships. The open gate reflects his belief that life should be shared, not locked away. He welcomes everyone—strangers, children, even Derry—without judgment or fear. It’s part of his philosophy that isolation brings sadness, while openness invites joy. His openness contrasts with Derry’s closed nature, and it plays a big role in changing the boy’s mindset toward life and people.

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5. How does Mr Lamb teach Derry to look at life differently?

20 words:

Mr Lamb encourages Derry to value inner beauty, not worry about others, and live confidently without fear or shame.

40 words:

Mr Lamb helps Derry see that life is beautiful. He teaches him to stop focusing on his scars and start living fully. Mr Lamb’s positive words, stories, and kindness show Derry that happiness comes from inside, not appearance.

60 words:

Mr Lamb teaches Derry that physical appearance doesn’t define one’s worth. He encourages Derry to stop being bitter and afraid. Through simple but wise conversations, he helps Derry understand the beauty of life, nature, and human connection. He tells him that he can do anything if he chooses to. Mr Lamb’s gentle approach awakens hope and confidence in Derry’s heart.

80 words:

Mr Lamb shows Derry that the world is full of beauty, and one’s appearance should not decide one’s value. He urges Derry to look beyond people’s stares and cruel comments. He uses real-life stories, comparisons, and kindness to teach Derry that life is about listening, feeling, and choosing how to live. Mr Lamb becomes a guide who helps Derry shift his focus from fear and shame to confidence and courage. His words plant seeds of positivity in Derry’s soul.

 6. Why doesn’t Derry want his mother to stop him from going back to Mr Lamb?

20 words:

Derry feels free and understood with Mr Lamb. He doesn’t want anyone to stop him from feeling confident and alive.

40 words:

Derry finds a new sense of hope in Mr Lamb’s words. He feels heard, accepted, and important for the first time. His mother’s fear feels like a cage, so he chooses to return to Mr Lamb for peace and purpose.

60 words:

Derry’s mother wants to protect him, but Derry feels trapped in her constant worry. With Mr Lamb, he finds acceptance and inspiration. He realises that life is bigger than hiding from pain. Mr Lamb gives him courage, something his home doesn’t offer. That’s why he doesn’t want his mother or anyone else to stop him from returning to someone who finally made him feel strong and free.

80 words:

At home, Derry constantly hears negative comments and overprotection. His mother doesn’t understand what Mr Lamb offers him—hope, confidence, and freedom. Mr Lamb sees Derry’s worth and doesn’t pity him. This new bond helps Derry break out of his shell. He knows that if he doesn’t return now, he’ll never have the courage again. His decision to go back is a step toward independence and self-discovery. That’s why he firmly chooses Mr Lamb’s garden over his mother’s protective walls.

 7. What does the story say about inner beauty vs physical appearance?

20 words:

The story teaches that inner qualities like kindness and courage matter more than looks, which are temporary and misleading.

40 words:

Derry is judged for his burned face, and Mr Lamb for his tin leg. But both have deep thoughts and feelings. The story shows that people should be valued for who they are inside—not for how they look outside.

60 words:

“On the Face of It” beautifully highlights that true beauty lies in character, not appearance. Derry suffers because people only see his burned face, not his heart. Mr Lamb, too, is mocked for his tin leg, but he’s wise and kind. The play shows that judging by looks is unfair and harmful. Instead, kindness, confidence, and understanding make a person truly beautiful and worthy of love and respect.

80 words:

This story strongly emphasizes that what truly matters is not how a person looks, but how they think, feel, and behave. Derry feels unwanted because of his disfigured face, and Mr Lamb is judged because of his artificial leg. Yet both characters show emotional depth, wisdom, and humanity. Through their bond, the play teaches that inner beauty—courage, positivity, and empathy—is far more meaningful than physical appearance. It’s a strong message against superficial judgments and in favor of dignity for all.

8. How does Derry show signs of transformation by the end of the play?

20 words:

Derry becomes brave and hopeful. He returns to Mr Lamb, showing that he’s ready to face life, not hide.

40 words:

Derry starts the play as bitter and fearful. But Mr Lamb’s words change his heart. He chooses not to hide anymore and returns to help Mr Lamb. This shows growth, confidence, and a new belief in himself and life.

60 words:

By the end of the play, Derry is no longer the same scared and withdrawn boy. Mr Lamb’s influence makes him realise that life is worth living. He no longer cares about people’s stares. He gains the courage to defy his mother and returns to Mr Lamb’s garden. His decision to go back reflects emotional maturity, self-confidence, and hope—a clear transformation in his attitude.

80 words:

Derry undergoes a powerful emotional transformation through his interaction with Mr Lamb. Initially shy and bitter about his burned face, he learns to see the world with a new perspective. Mr Lamb’s words plant seeds of strength and hope in him. Derry returns to Mr Lamb’s garden, breaking free from his fears and even disobeying his mother to do so. His return shows his determination to live confidently and connect with others. This marks the beginning of a new, empowered chapter in his life.

 9. What role does nature play in Mr Lamb’s life and thoughts?

20 words:

Nature comforts Mr Lamb. He listens to bees, grows apples, and finds peace in sunlight, plants, and open spaces.

40 words:

Mr Lamb finds joy and companionship in nature. His garden, bees, crab apples, and sunlight offer him happiness and meaning. Nature helps him overcome loneliness. It becomes his friend, teacher, and a source of positive thoughts and healing.

60 words:

Mr Lamb is deeply connected to nature. He grows flowers, fruit, and even weeds. He hears bees not buzzing, but singing. Nature comforts him and helps him forget his loneliness and disability. His open garden, love for apples and trees, and talks about sunshine show that he draws inspiration and peace from nature. For him, it represents life’s beauty and freedom.

80 words:

Nature is Mr Lamb’s escape, comfort, and joy. Living alone, he finds companionship in the bees, trees, sunlight, and wind. His garden is open to all—just like his heart. He sees beauty in weeds, hears music in bees, and loves the natural world without judgment. Nature helps him accept life with its flaws and beauty. It reflects his beliefs—everything has value, and everyone belongs. Through nature, he teaches Derry to see the world with a fresh, hopeful perspective.

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10. What is the message of the play “On the Face of It”?

20 words:

The play teaches not to judge by appearance. It promotes acceptance, courage, positivity, and seeing beauty in every life.

40 words:

“On the Face of It” encourages us to value inner qualities, not outer appearance. It shows how society isolates the disabled. But with kindness, wisdom, and confidence, even the most hurt can heal. The play’s message is empathy and hope.

60 words:

The play gives a powerful message that physical disability doesn’t make someone less human. People should not be judged by how they look but by who they are inside. It teaches the importance of empathy, inclusion, and self-confidence. Through Mr Lamb and Derry’s bond, we learn that positive thinking and kindness can help people rise above pain and live meaningfully.

80 words:

Susan Hill’s “On the Face of It” delivers a strong message about acceptance, empathy, and human dignity. The play shows how society often isolates people with disabilities due to superficial judgments. But Mr Lamb, with his kind heart and positive mind, teaches Derry that looks don’t define a person’s worth. The play urges us to look deeper, understand others with compassion, and not let appearance become a barrier to love and friendship. Its message is timeless and deeply touching.

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11. How is Derry different at the beginning and end of the play?

20 words:

In the beginning, Derry is bitter and afraid. By the end, he is hopeful, brave, and ready to live fully.

40 words:

Derry begins as a scared, withdrawn boy who avoids people due to his burnt face. Mr Lamb’s positive thinking transforms him. In the end, Derry becomes courageous, hopeful, and determined to live confidently. He no longer fears judgment or rejection.

60 words:

At first, Derry is full of self-hate and fear. His disfigured face makes him avoid people and love. Mr Lamb listens to him without judgment and teaches him self-worth. This changes Derry completely. By the end, he is confident, returns to Mr Lamb’s garden, and decides to live with courage. His transformation shows the power of kindness and acceptance.

80 words:

Derry’s transformation is the heart of the play. In the beginning, he is shy, negative, and withdrawn due to his burned face. He thinks no one will ever love him. Meeting Mr Lamb opens a new world to him—one filled with hope and kindness. Mr Lamb treats him with warmth and shares life lessons. This makes Derry confident and ready to face the world. By the end, he returns to Mr Lamb, showing emotional growth, strength, and a new belief in himself.

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 12. What message does the story give about human relationships?

20 words:

The play shows that human relationships should be based on understanding, empathy, and acceptance—not on physical appearance or pity.

40 words:

Human relationships should go beyond looks. Mr Lamb builds a bond with Derry based on respect and care. He doesn't judge Derry but listens and encourages him. The play shows that true relationships need kindness and open hearts—not sympathy or fear.

60 words:

“On the Face of It” teaches that meaningful relationships are built on compassion, not appearance. Mr Lamb and Derry form a bond despite being strangers and physically impaired. Mr Lamb doesn’t treat Derry with pity but with friendship and honesty. This helps Derry open up. The play suggests that emotional connection and understanding are the real foundation of human relationships—not how someone looks or what society says about them.

80 words:

The story shows that genuine human connections are based on how we treat each other, not on outer looks. Mr Lamb, despite having a tin leg, is full of warmth. Derry, who is usually isolated, opens up to him. Mr Lamb accepts Derry fully and talks to him like a friend, not a charity case. Their friendship grows through empathy, not sympathy. The play teaches that acceptance, care, and honest communication are what make human relationships strong and healing—not physical perfection or appearances.

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13. How does Mr Lamb deal with people’s mockery?

20 words:

Mr Lamb doesn’t let mockery affect him. He stays calm, positive, and continues welcoming people despite being called “Lamey-Lamb.”

40 words:

Mr Lamb is often mocked by children who call him “Lamey-Lamb.” However, he never reacts with anger. He accepts it with humour and calmness. He believes people fear what’s different, but he doesn’t let their comments affect his attitude or peace.

60 words:

Mr Lamb is aware that children call him “Lamey-Lamb” because of his artificial leg. But instead of getting angry or upset, he takes it lightly. He believes it’s just a name and doesn’t define who he is. He doesn’t let others’ comments steal his joy. He continues to welcome everyone, showing maturity and a strong, positive mindset that inspires Derry and others around him.

80 words:

Mr Lamb has faced mockery and rude comments throughout his life due to his tin leg. Children call him “Lamey-Lamb,” and people often stare at him. However, he never reacts with bitterness or anger. Instead, he handles it with grace and even a sense of humour. He understands that people mock what they don’t understand. Mr Lamb believes that life is too beautiful to waste on negativity. His calm response to mockery reflects strength and wisdom, which helps him live peacefully and inspire others.

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 14. What does the conversation between Mr Lamb and Derry reveal about society?

20 words:

It reveals that society judges people by looks, isolates the disabled, and often lacks empathy for those who are different.

40 words:

Through their conversation, we learn that society quickly judges based on appearance. Derry is pitied and insulted; Mr Lamb is mocked. People ignore their inner qualities. This reflects how superficial and insensitive the world can be towards those with disabilities.

60 words:

The dialogue between Mr Lamb and Derry uncovers how society mistreats people who look different. Derry is stared at and called ugly. Mr Lamb is mocked for his leg. They are not accepted as normal. Society often lacks empathy and pushes such people into isolation. The conversation highlights the cruelty of such judgments and the need for more kindness, understanding, and inclusion in our behaviour towards those who are physically different.

80 words:

The interaction between Mr Lamb and Derry brings out harsh truths about society’s mindset. People tend to judge others based on looks, ignoring the pain and emotions inside. Derry’s face makes people call him “ugly,” and Mr Lamb is laughed at for his leg. These experiences show how society often isolates people with disabilities instead of supporting them. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, inclusion, and the need to see people beyond physical differences. It calls for a change in social attitudes.

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15. Why does Mr Lamb talk about bees and weeds?

20 words:

Mr Lamb talks about bees and weeds to show life’s beauty. He finds meaning in everything, even things people dislike.

40 words:

Mr Lamb says bees hum, not buzz, and even weeds are beautiful. He believes nothing is useless or ugly. His view teaches Derry that every part of life has value. This helps Derry see beauty and meaning in everything.

60 words:

Mr Lamb finds joy in nature. He hears bees humming like songs and grows weeds along with flowers. While others ignore or destroy weeds, he appreciates them. He uses these examples to tell Derry that everything in life has value—even what people call “useless” or “ugly.” His thoughts encourage Derry to view the world positively and stop judging things or himself based on outer appearance alone.

80 words:

Mr Lamb speaks about bees and weeds to express his love for life. While people call weeds useless and bees annoying, he sees beauty and music in them. He listens to bees as if they’re singing and finds value in every plant, even weeds. This reflects his belief that everything in life, no matter how small or ignored, has its purpose and charm. Through this, he teaches Derry to stop feeling worthless and see himself—and the world—through a lens of acceptance and beauty.

16. What does Derry learn about fear from Mr Lamb?

20 words:

Mr Lamb teaches Derry that fear limits life. To live fully, one must overcome fear and face the world confidently.

40 words:

Mr Lamb tells Derry that hiding out of fear leads to nothing. He explains that fear of being judged only steals happiness. Real courage is living freely, despite fears. Derry learns to stop hiding and face life boldly and with hope.

60 words:

Derry is afraid of people’s reactions to his face. But Mr Lamb explains that fear keeps us from living. He teaches that people will always have opinions, but we must choose how to respond. Derry learns that hiding solves nothing and that he must overcome his fear to find joy, connection, and purpose in life.

80 words:

Mr Lamb helps Derry understand that fear is the real barrier in life. Derry hides from people because of his face, afraid of their stares and hurtful words. Mr Lamb teaches him that life is short and must be lived without letting fear take over. Everyone faces challenges, but hiding from them is not the answer. Derry realizes he can still live happily, love, and do things if he stops fearing judgment. This life-changing lesson helps him choose confidence over fear.

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17. Why is Derry upset when people talk about his face?

20 words:

Derry is hurt because people stare, pity, or insult him. He feels judged and unloved for something he can’t change.

40 words:

People always notice Derry’s burned face, ignoring his feelings. Some call him scary, others show fake sympathy. These reactions hurt him deeply. He feels unwanted and lonely. Such treatment makes him bitter and afraid to connect with others or step outside.

60 words:

Derry has a scarred face due to an acid burn. People constantly look at him differently—some pity him, some insult him. A woman even said he was ugly and unlovable. These painful words leave emotional scars deeper than the physical one. Derry feels unloved, isolated, and angry because people only see his appearance and not who he truly is inside.

80 words:

Derry is deeply upset when people talk about his face because it reminds him of how society sees him. He is judged, rejected, and treated as different due to a burn he didn’t choose. People stare, avoid, or say hurtful things like he has a “terrible thing” on his face. Even his family’s overprotection makes him feel abnormal. All this makes him bitter, withdrawn, and insecure. He craves to be seen for who he really is—not just his scar.

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18. Why does Mr Lamb live alone?

20 words:

Mr Lamb lives alone because people avoid him due to his disability. But he enjoys peace, nature, and open spaces.

40 words:

People stay away from Mr Lamb because of his tin leg. He doesn’t mind. He enjoys the quiet, listens to bees, and grows flowers. His open heart and love for nature fill the emptiness, making loneliness bearable.

60 words:

Mr Lamb lives alone in a large house with a garden. He is physically disabled and often mocked by children. Most people don’t visit him, but he doesn't complain. He accepts life and finds joy in simple things—like nature, books, and bees. His loneliness is real, but he chooses to overcome it through kindness and openness. His solitude becomes peaceful rather than painful.

80 words:

Mr Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, lives alone in a quiet house with a garden. People avoid him, and children mock him, calling him “Lamey-Lamb.” Yet he doesn’t let this make him bitter. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he finds comfort in nature, the buzzing bees, books, and talking to anyone who visits. Though alone, he keeps his gate open, hoping someone might come. His life reflects peace in solitude and a deep understanding of human connection.

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19. How does Mr Lamb's attitude differ from Derry's?

20 words:

Mr Lamb is open, optimistic, and fearless. Derry is closed, bitter, and afraid of judgment. Their views on life contrast sharply.

40 words:

Mr Lamb embraces life, talks to everyone, and enjoys nature. Derry avoids people and is angry about his looks. While Mr Lamb spreads hope and welcomes all, Derry hides and lives in fear. Their attitudes show positivity vs. negativity.

60 words:

Mr Lamb is full of life and acceptance. Despite losing a leg, he remains cheerful, talks to children, and loves nature. In contrast, Derry focuses only on his burned face, feels angry and withdrawn. Mr Lamb believes life should be lived fully, regardless of disability. Derry believes people can’t love someone who looks different. Their attitudes show how the same pain can be handled either with positivity or bitterness.

80 words:

Mr Lamb and Derry are both physically challenged but react to life differently. Mr Lamb stays cheerful, keeps his gate open, talks to bees and strangers, and finds beauty even in weeds. He believes life is what you make of it. Derry, on the other hand, is angry, fearful, and self-conscious about his face. He avoids people and thinks no one will ever love him. Mr Lamb’s attitude is healing and inspiring, while Derry’s is filled with pain and rejection—until Mr Lamb helps change it.

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20. What is the significance of Mr Lamb’s fall at the end of the play?

20 words:

Mr Lamb’s fall symbolizes life’s uncertainty. It’s shocking and tragic, just as Derry begins to believe in hope again.

40 words:

Mr Lamb’s fall at the end is sudden and emotional. It shows how fragile life is. Just when Derry returns with a changed heart, he finds Mr Lamb lifeless. The fall reminds us to value moments and people before it's late.

60 words:

The play ends with Mr Lamb’s fall from the ladder, likely leading to his death. This is tragic and ironic. Just when Derry decides to live with courage and returns to Mr Lamb, he sees him motionless. This fall represents life’s unpredictability. It also teaches that change and decisions shouldn’t be delayed, as life offers no guarantees. Mr Lamb’s death marks a turning point in Derry’s emotional journey.

80 words:

Mr Lamb’s fall from the ladder at the end of the play is symbolic and emotional. He had been picking apples, enjoying nature, and inspiring Derry. But life takes an unexpected turn—he falls, possibly dies. This sudden ending represents the fragility of life. It also teaches that we must act when we can. Derry had just found hope and courage, but the man who helped him change is gone. It’s a heartbreaking reminder to value the present, embrace change, and not postpone life’s important choices.