On The Face Of It Class 12 English Vistas

Key Points of the Story 

• This is a play.
• Moreover, it is about the friendship between a young boy, Derry and an old man, Mr. Lamb.
• Because of his facial scar, he is very upset and feels that people do not want to associate with him.
• So, to hide from people he gets into the old man's garden but panics when he meets him.
• Mr. Lamb put him at ease and advise him to accept life as it comes.
• Further, he has a more cheerful and optimistic approach to life.
• Also, he conveys Derry to live life to the fullest and avoid bitterness.
• He further advises him to accept life as it is.
• However, Derry was moved by Mr. Lamb's attitude and spirit.
• Besides, when Derry tries to come out of his shell, he met a great loss of the only person who makes friends with him.

Detailed Summary 

• The story begins with a young boy named Derry, who, after suffering an accident that disfigured half of his face with acid, retreats to a garden to hide from the world.
• He is tormented by the taunts and ridicule of others due to his appearance.
• In the garden, he encounters Mr. Lamb, the elderly owner of the garden, and attempts to leave, feeling guilty for intruding without permission.
• However, Mr. Lamb warmly welcomes Derry, encouraging him not to leave merely because of his presence.
• During their conversation, Derry shares his feelings of isolation and despair, believing that nobody likes him because of his disfigured face.
• Mr. Lamb, despite having a tin leg and being a target of mockery himself, imparts life lessons to Derry, encouraging him to focus on the positive aspects of life.
• Over time, they become friends, and Mr. Lamb asks Derry to help him pick crab apples from the garden.
• Derry reveals that he hasn't informed his mother about his whereabouts and hesitates to ask for permission.
• A small disagreement ensues between Derry and Mr. Lamb.
• Eventually, Derry agrees to go back home and seek his mother's approval.
• Despite his mother's reluctance, Derry returns to the garden, intending to keep his promise.
• Meanwhile, Mr. Lamb, convinced that Derry won't return, attempts to pick crab apples on his own despite his physical limitations.
• Tragically, he falls from a ladder and passes away.
• When Derry returns to the garden, he discovers Mr. Lamb's lifeless body.
• Overwhelmed with grief, Derry realizes that his newfound friend is gone and begins to cry.

[Intext Question]

Conclusion 

Difficult Words

• Rustling - Sound when tree leaves move
• Walk tentatively - Walk aimlessly or hesitantly 
• Screen of bushes - Group of bushes
• Close at Hand - very near
• Startled - surprised
• Empty place - place where nobody lives
• Lad - boy 
• Scrump - Steal a fruit 
• Underneath - Actually, in your thoughts  
• Whole of you - your complete personality  
• Magic fruit - Very good fruit  
• Give me a hand - help me  
• Beside - Near
• Weed - Unwanted grass 
• Tin leg - Artificial leg of metal 
• Blown off - cut in a bomb blast 
• Silken ladder - web of a spider
• Monstrous - horrible 
• Now and then - Occasionally
• Wet season - Rainy Season 
• Draft in your head - Mentally sick  
• Dribble - Water coming out of mouth  
• Went by - Crossed, Went ahead
• Whispered - Spoke in low voice 
• Peculiar - Strange 
• Hive - House of bees 
• Buzz - Sound of bees
• Trespassing - Entering without permission
• Swish - Move quickly in air with a sound 
• Get on better - become better 
• Signify - To be important 
• Make out - Assess 
• To make fuss - worry or get angry without cause
• Nobody cares - nobody bothers
• Dafy - mad
• Thump - Sound of falling
• Creak - Sound of bending 
• Devil - bad person