Summary of "On the Face of it" from Class 12 English Vistas

"On the Face of it" is a heartwarming story by Susan Hill that revolves around the unlikely friendship between a young boy named Derry and an old man named Mr. Lamb. Derry, who has a burnt face, is initially hesitant to interact with Mr. Lamb, who also has a disfigured leg. However, as the story progresses, their bond grows stronger, and they both learn valuable lessons about acceptance, kindness, and the true meaning of beauty.

Key Points from the Story

- Derry is a young boy who is self-conscious about his burnt face, which makes him feel isolated and different from others.
- Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a disfigured leg, lives a reclusive life and is initially wary of Derry's attempts to befriend him.
- Despite their physical differences, Derry and Mr. Lamb form a deep connection based on empathy, understanding, and shared experiences of feeling like outsiders.
- Through their friendship, both Derry and Mr. Lamb learn to look beyond outward appearances and appreciate the beauty that lies within each individual.
- The story beautifully portrays the transformative power of human connection and the importance of embracing diversity and accepting others for who they are.

Questions and Answers from the Text

1. How does Derry feel about his burnt face?
- Derry is self-conscious about his burnt face and feels isolated and different from others because of it.

2. What is the significance of Derry and Mr. Lamb's friendship?
- The friendship between Derry and Mr. Lamb teaches them valuable lessons about acceptance, kindness, and the true meaning of beauty.

3. How does the story highlight the theme of empathy and understanding?
- The story emphasizes the importance of looking beyond outward appearances and connecting with others on a deeper, more meaningful level based on empathy and understanding.