On the Face of It: Comprehensive Summary and Guide

Introduction

“On the Face of It” is a thought-provoking play written by Susan Hill that explores themes of acceptance, courage, and friendship. This guide will help students understand the story, its characters, and the important messages it conveys. Let’s dive into the play’s synopsis and analysis, making it easy for young readers to grasp.

The Complete Story in Simple Parts

Part 1: The First Meeting

The Garden Scene

The story begins with a 14-year-old boy named Derry who climbs over a garden wall, thinking the house and garden are empty. He is startled when an old man, Mr. Lamb, warns him about fallen apples. Derry, feeling uneasy, wants to leave immediately.

The First Conversation

Mr. Lamb, a kind and wise man, tries to make Derry feel comfortable. We learn that Derry has acid burns on one side of his face, which makes him self-conscious. Mr. Lamb, who has a tin leg, doesn’t react to Derry’s appearance like most people do. Instead, he talks about his garden, bees, and life, showing Derry that everything has value. He also tells him the importance of standing in the face of adversity.

What They Talk About

Derry shares how people usually react to his face: some are scared, others pretend not to notice, and even his mother only kisses the good side. Mr. Lamb shares his wisdom, explaining how his bees “sing” instead of buzz and why he grows weeds along with flowers, teaching Derry that everything has its own worth.

Part 2: At Derry’s House

The Argument

Derry tells his mother about meeting Mr. Lamb. She becomes worried and upset, forbidding him from going back to the garden. She claims to have “heard things” about Mr. Lamb. Despite her concerns, Derry defends Mr. Lamb and the garden.

Derry’s Decision

Frustrated with his mother’s attitude, Derry explains what the garden means to him: a place where he can listen to bees, where someone talks to him normally, and where he feels accepted. Determined to return, he runs out despite his mother’s protests.

Part 3: The Final Scene

Back to the Garden

Mr. Lamb is picking crab apples from a ladder when an accident occurs—the ladder falls with Mr. Lamb.

Derry’s Return

Derry arrives back at the garden, eager to prove he kept his promise to return. He finds Mr. Lamb after the fall and runs to help him. On the Face of It ends with Derry crying but saying, “I came back,” highlighting his growth and determination.

The Story’s Message

The play teaches us not to judge people by their appearance and that everyone deserves acceptance. It shows that true friendship can happen between unlikely people and that everyone has value, just like every plant in the garden.

Important Points to Remember

• Derry transforms from angry and scared to brave and determined.
• Mr. Lamb helps Derry see life differently.
• The garden symbolizes a place of acceptance and growth.
• The ending combines sadness (the accident) and hope (Derry’s growth).
• Read the Play Here

Character Analysis

Derry: A Journey of Change

• At the Beginning: Derry is angry at the world, distrusts everyone, hides from people, feels defined by his face, and is defensive and bitter.
• By the End: He shows courage, makes his own decisions, values friendship, looks beyond appearances, and returns despite his fears.

Mr. Lamb: The Wise Teacher

• Key Characteristics: Mr. Lamb accepts everyone, lives peacefully, shares wisdom through stories, uses his garden to teach life lessons, and doesn’t let his disability define him.
• His Teaching Methods: He never preaches directly, uses nature as examples, asks thought-provoking questions, shares personal experiences, and shows patience and understanding.

Derry’s Mother: The Protective Parent

• Her Role: She wants to protect Derry, fears for his safety, listens to rumors, tries to control his actions, and represents society’s fears.

Important Relationships

Derry and Mr. Lamb

• How Their Relationship Grows:
  1. First meeting: Derry is suspicious.
  2. Conversation: They share experiences.
  3. Understanding: Derry starts trusting.
  4. Connection: Both understand being different.
  5. Friendship: Derry chooses to return.

Derry and His Mother

• Their Conflict: The mother wants to protect, while Derry wants freedom. This shows the struggle between safety and growth, representing breaking free from fears.

Major Themes in On the Face of It

1. Appearance vs Reality

• Examples in On the Face of It: Derry’s face vs his personality, the “empty” house that’s full of life, weeds that have beauty, and Mr. Lamb’s simple appearance but deep wisdom.

2. Fear and Courage

• How It Shows in the Story: Derry faces his fears, stands up to his mother, returns to the garden, and chooses friendship over safety.

3. Growth and Change

• Derry’s Development: From hiding to facing the world, from anger to understanding, from fear to courage, and from loneliness to friendship.

Important Symbols in On the Face of It

The Garden

• What It Represents: A safe space, acceptance of differences, natural beauty, life and growth, and freedom to be yourself.

The Open Gate

• Its Meaning: Welcome to all, no barriers needed, trust in others, and freedom of choice.

The Bees

• Symbolic Value: Different ways of seeing things, finding beauty in the ordinary, working together, and creating something sweet from nature.

Study Questions

For Class Discussion

1. Why does Derry first climb the wall instead of using the gate in On the Face of It?
   • Derry climbs the wall because he is curious and wants to explore the garden without being seen. He feels like an outsider due to his appearance and believes that entering through the gate would draw attention to him. Climbing the wall allows him to enter the garden discreetly, reflecting his desire to escape from the judgment of others.
2. How does Mr. Lamb’s view of life help Derry in On the Face of It?
   • Mr. Lamb’s optimistic and accepting view of life helps Derry see beyond his physical appearance. Mr. Lamb teaches Derry that life is about appreciating beauty and finding value in everything, including weeds and imperfections. This perspective encourages Derry to embrace his uniqueness and fosters a sense of acceptance and courage within him.
3. Is Derry’s mother right to be worried in On the Face of It?
   • Derry’s mother is worried because she fears for his safety and well-being, especially given Derry’s insecurities and the potential dangers of interacting with strangers. While her protective instincts come from a place of love, her overprotectiveness can also stifle Derry’s growth and independence. The play suggests that while her concerns are valid, they may hinder Derry’s ability to form meaningful connections and face his fears.
4. What makes Derry decide to return in “On the Face of It”?
   • Derry decides to return to Mr. Lamb’s garden because he feels a strong connection to the place and to Mr. Lamb. After their initial conversation, Derry realizes that the garden represents a space where he is accepted and can be himself without judgment. His desire for friendship and the need to prove to himself that he can overcome his fears motivate him to return, despite his mother’s protests.
5. What does the ending tell us about friendship and trust?
   • The ending of On the Face of It highlights the themes of friendship and trust through Derry’s decision to return to Mr. Lamb after the accident. Derry’s willingness to help Mr. Lamb, despite the tragic circumstances, signifies his growth and the bond they have formed. It shows that true friendship transcends physical appearances and societal judgments, emphasizing the importance of trust and connection in overcoming personal challenges.

For Writing Essays

1. How does Derry change throughout the play “On the Face of It”?
   • Derry undergoes significant transformation throughout the play. Initially, he is angry, defensive, and deeply affected by his physical appearance, which leads him to isolate himself from others. Through his interactions with Mr. Lamb, Derry learns to embrace his uniqueness and gains confidence. By the end of the play, he demonstrates courage and determination, choosing to return to the garden and help Mr. Lamb, indicating his growth from fear to acceptance and friendship.
2. What role does the garden play in the story of “On the Face of It”?
   • The garden serves as a symbol of acceptance, growth, and freedom in On the Face of It. It represents a safe haven for Derry, where he can escape the judgments of the outside world. The garden is a place where Derry can connect with Mr. Lamb, who teaches him valuable life lessons. It contrasts with Derry’s home environment, which is filled with fear and overprotection. Ultimately, the garden embodies the idea that beauty and value can be found in imperfection and diversity.
3. Compare how Derry and Mr. Lamb deal with their disabilities in On the Face of It.
   • Derry and Mr. Lamb both face physical disabilities, but they respond to them in contrasting ways. Derry is initially consumed by his insecurities and allows his appearance to define him, leading to anger and isolation. In contrast, Mr. Lamb embraces his disability (his tin leg) and uses it as a part of his identity without letting it limit his life. He focuses on the beauty of life and encourages Derry to adopt a similar mindset. Their differing attitudes highlight the importance of perspective in coping with challenges.
4. Discuss the importance of acceptance in the play “On the Face of It.”
   • Acceptance is a central theme in “On the Face of It.” The play emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the acceptance of others, regardless of physical appearance or disabilities. Mr. Lamb’s acceptance of Derry, despite his scars, helps Derry realize that he is more than his appearance. The garden symbolizes a space where differences are celebrated, and true connections can flourish. The play ultimately conveys that acceptance fosters personal growth, friendship, and a deeper understanding of humanity.

Important Quotes with Explanations

1. “The gate’s always open”
   • Shows acceptance, represents opportunity, and symbolizes trust.
2. “People are never just nothing”
   • Everyone has value, don’t judge by appearances, and shows respect for all.
3. “I came back”
   • Shows courage, represents growth, and proves friendship.

Conclusion

“On the Face of It” is a powerful play that encourages us to look beyond appearances and embrace the value in everyone. Through the friendship between Derry and Mr. Lamb, we learn about acceptance, courage, and the beauty of unlikely connections. This guide aims to help students appreciate the play’s depth and its timeless messages.