NCERT Solutions
for Class 12 English Vistas

Chapter 5 On The Face of It by Susan Hill

Updated
Syllabus for 2024-2025 Exams 

Q.1. What is it that draws Derry towards
Mr. Lamb in spite of himself?

Answer:
Derry is initially withdrawn and suspicious of people due to his facial
disfigurement, which he feels causes others to fear or pity him. However, Mr.
Lamb’s open and non-judgmental attitude draws Derry towards him. Mr. Lamb does
not show any fear or discomfort about Derry’s appearance, instead treating him
as a regular person and engaging him in conversation about life. Derry finds
solace in Mr. Lamb’s acceptance and wisdom, which helps him see the world
differently and feel a sense of belonging.

Q.2. 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 when he talks about
the children who tease him by calling him “Lamey-Lamb” and when he
reflects that people never come back to visit him after meeting him once.
Despite this, Mr. Lamb overcomes these feelings by keeping his gate open to
welcome anyone who wishes to come into his garden. He enjoys the company of
visitors, even if they are only momentary, and fills his time by listening to
the sounds of nature, reading books, and taking care of his garden. He focuses
on the beauty of life, staying positive and engaging with the world around him.

Q.3. 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 behavior that the
person expects from others?

Answer:
A person with disabilities often expects others to treat them with normalcy and
respect, rather than focusing on their physical differences. They wish to be
accepted for who they are rather than being pitied or feared. The sense of
alienation often stems from others’ reactions—staring, avoiding, or speaking to
them with pity. People with disabilities desire understanding, kindness, and
inclusion, where their abilities and thoughts are valued more than their
physical appearance.

Q.4. Will Derry get back to his old
seclusion, or will Mr. Lamb’s brief association affect a change in the kind of
life he will lead in the future?

Answer:
It is likely that Mr. Lamb’s brief association will have a lasting impact on
Derry, inspiring him to step out of his self-imposed seclusion. Mr. Lamb
teaches Derry that physical appearance does not define a person and that there
is much more to life than the way others perceive you. Mr. Lamb’s positive
outlook on life, despite his own disability, encourages Derry to face the world
with confidence and not hide himself away. Although Derry may face challenges,
the connection he forms with Mr. Lamb will likely influence him to live more
openly and embrace life.

Q.5. How does Mr. Lamb try to change
Derry’s perspective on life?

Answer:
Mr. Lamb helps Derry change his perspective on life by encouraging him to focus
on the positives and not let his physical appearance define who he is. He talks
about his own disability—having a tin leg—and explains how he refuses to let it
limit his happiness or interactions with others. Mr. Lamb stresses that
everyone has their own struggles, but it’s how one approaches life that
matters. He encourages Derry to engage with the world, listen to the bees,
enjoy nature, and embrace life’s small joys. By showing Derry that life is more
than physical appearances, Mr. Lamb gives him a sense of hope and empowerment.

Q.6. Why is Derry so withdrawn from people?
How does his experience with Mr. Lamb help him?

Answer:
Derry is withdrawn from people because of the way they react to his scarred
face, which was burned by acid. He feels that others see him as ugly and treat
him differently, which has led to his deep sense of isolation and bitterness.
His encounter with Mr. Lamb, who does not judge him for his appearance, helps
Derry open up and reconsider his attitude toward life. Mr. Lamb’s kindness and
philosophical approach to life help Derry realize that he does not need to be
defined by his physical appearance, and that he can still live a meaningful and
fulfilling life despite what others may think.

Q.7. What is the significance of Mr. Lamb’s
open garden gate in the play?

Answer:
The open garden gate in the play symbolizes Mr. Lamb’s open-mindedness and his
willingness to welcome people into his life, regardless of who they are. It represents
his philosophy of keeping his life accessible and not shutting himself off from
the world despite his own disability. The open gate also contrasts with Derry’s
attitude, as Derry has metaphorically shut himself off from the world due to
his fear of being judged. The garden gate becomes a symbol of the possibility
for connection, growth, and transformation that Derry experiences through his
interaction with Mr. Lamb.