"On the Face of It" by Susan Hill

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Questions and Answers

Mr. Lamb uses the example of crab apples in his garden to convey what message to Derry?

  • Everything has value and beauty, even things others might overlook. (correct)
  • It is important to take care when walking to avoid accidents.
  • Nature is dangerous, and one must always be cautious
  • The garden needs to be kept tidy and free of imperfections to be beautiful.

What is the primary reason Derry's mother initially forbids him from returning to Mr. Lamb's garden?

  • She misunderstands Mr. Lamb's intentions and assumes he is exploiting Derry.
  • She worries about Derry spending too much time away from his studies.
  • She prefers Derry to spend time with children his own age.
  • She believes Mr. Lamb is a bad influence and wants to protect Derry from him. (correct)

How does Mr. Lamb's physical disability (his tin leg) contribute to the play's exploration of its central themes?

  • It allows him to empathize with Derry's feelings of isolation and rejection. (correct)
  • It serves as a constant reminder of the physical limitations that one must overcome.
  • It highlights the importance of physical strength and ability in overcoming adversity.
  • It symbolizes the sacrifices made during wartime.

What is most likely the significance of the story Mr. Lamb tells Derry about the man who locked himself in a room?

<p>To illustrate the dangers of isolating oneself from the world out of fear. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the central message of the play?

<p>True beauty lies in one's thoughts, actions, and acceptance of differences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Derry's act of kneeling beside Mr. Lamb at the end of the play symbolize?

<p>Derry's grief and recognition of the profound impact Mr. Lamb had on him. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering their ages and experiences, what is the most significant difference in how Derry and Mr. Lamb approach their respective challenges?

<p>Mr. Lamb has developed a philosophy for coping with his disability, while Derry is still struggling with his insecurities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Mr. Lamb had survived, how would you expect his relationship with Derry to evolve, based on their interactions in the play?

<p>They would continue to learn from each other, with Derry further developing his self-acceptance and Mr. Lamb finding renewed purpose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is most supported by Derry's internal conflict of wanting to connect with Mr. Lamb, yet simultaneously battling feelings of shame and insecurity about his appearance?

<p>The struggle between fear and freedom. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most probable reason Susan Hill chose to end the play with Mr. Lamb's death?

<p>To underscore the fragility of life and the lasting impact of brief but meaningful connections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

On the Face of It

Play by Susan Hill exploring isolation, acceptance, and connection.

Derry

A boy with a burned face who feels isolated and insecure.

Mr. Lamb

An old man with a tin leg who is open-minded and welcoming.

Mr. Lamb’s philosophy

The idea that everything has value, even things others discard.

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Isolation theme

Feeling separated from others due to physical or emotional barriers.

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Self-acceptance theme

Appreciating oneself despite perceived flaws or differences.

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Fear’s role

Restricts life and prevents one from experiencing joy and connections.

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Mr. Lamb’s tragic end

Lies motionless in his garden, possibly from a fall.

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Perception of beauty

True beauty is found in inner qualities, not just appearance.

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Freedom

Theme that embracing differences leads to a fulfilling existence.

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Study Notes

  • "On the Face of It" is a one-act play by Susan Hill.
  • The play explores isolation, self-acceptance, and human connection.

Setting and First Scene in Mr. Lamb’s Garden

  • Derry, a boy with a burned face, enters Mr. Lamb’s garden.
  • Mr. Lamb cautions Derry about the crab apples.
  • Derry is startled and attempts to leave.
  • Mr. Lamb welcomes Derry.
  • Derry reveals his insecurity about his scarred face.

Mr. Lamb’s Philosophy and Derry’s Insecurity

  • Mr. Lamb shares that he has a tin leg from the war.
  • He thinks everything in life has value, including weeds and trash.
  • Derry says people pity and avoid him because of his face.
  • Mr. Lamb tells the story of a man who locked himself in his room out of fear and died.

Change in Derry’s Perspective

  • Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to focus on his abilities instead of his face.
  • Derry starts to admire Mr. Lamb’s outlook.
  • Derry decides to return after informing his mother.

Conflict with Derry’s Mother

  • Derry’s mother forbids him from returning.
  • Derry insists he must return because Mr. Lamb’s words changed him.

Tragic Ending

  • Derry returns to Mr. Lamb’s garden.
  • Mr. Lamb is lying motionless on the ground.
  • Derry kneels beside him, crying as the curtain falls.

Themes and Message

  • Acceptance of people with disabilities vs. isolation by society; self-acceptance is what truly matters.
  • True beauty lies in one’s thoughts, actions, and spirit.
  • Fear restricts life, while embracing differences leads to happiness.

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