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EnglishClass 12On The Face Of It Susan Hill Before you read

On The Face Of It Susan Hill Before you read | Class 12 English Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read

On The Face Of It Susan Hill Before you read – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of On The Face Of It Susan Hill Before you read from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

SCENE ONE

Scene One introduces the setting and the initial interaction between Mr Lamb and Derry. The scene opens with natural sounds—birdsong and rustling leaves—creating a calm atmosphere. Derry walks tentatively through the garden, indicating his nervousness. Mr Lamb’s first words, 'Mind the apples!', startle Derry, highlighting the boy’s isolation and surprise at encountering someone. The dialogue reveals that Mr Lamb is welcoming and unafraid of visitors, contrasting with Derry’s fear and mistrust of people. Mr Lamb’s casual mention of crab apples and jelly-making introduces a motif of natural growth and nurturing. Derry reveals that he has a burned face caused by acid, which has left him physically disfigured and emotionally scarred. Mr Lamb shares that he has a tin leg lost in the war, establishing a parallel between their physical impairments. The conversation explores themes of fear, alienation, acceptance, and the difference between external appearance and inner worth. Mr Lamb challenges Derry’s negative self-image by pointing out the beauty in ordinary things like weeds and apples, and by emphasizing that physical differences do not define a person’s value. The scene ends with Derry expressing a desire to return despite his fears, signaling the beginning of their friendship.

📊 Diagram: The scene includes a visual of Mr Lamb’s garden with bushes and apples, illustrating the natural setting where the characters meet (See img-1.jpeg).

🧪 Activity: No formal activity, but the dialogue itself invites reflection on empathy and understanding of disabilities.

🔗 Connection: This scene sets the emotional and thematic foundation for the play, leading into deeper conversations about identity and human connection in later scenes.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr Lamb inspite of himself?

Derry is drawn towards Mr Lamb because of the unique connection he feels with him. Despite his initial reluctance and the fear of being judged for his burned face, Derry finds comfort in Mr Lamb's acceptance and the peacefulness of the garden. Mr Lamb's calm demeanor and the natural surroundings provide Derry with a sense of belonging and hope that he does not find elsewhere.

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?

Mr Lamb displays signs of loneliness and disappointment primarily in the first scene of the play, especially when he talks about people not coming back and his solitary life in the garden. He tries to overcome these feelings by engaging with visitors, asking questions, learning from them, and taking care of his bees and garden. These activities give him purpose and a way to connect with the world despite his isolation.

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 behaviour that the person expects from others?

A person with a physical impairment expects understanding, acceptance, and respect from others rather than pity or fear. They want others to treat them as equals and not define them solely by their disability. Empathy and genuine interaction help reduce the sense of alienation more than sympathy or avoidance.

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

The play suggests that Mr Lamb's brief association with Derry will positively influence Derry's life. Although Derry initially struggles with his identity and isolation, the acceptance and wisdom he gains from Mr Lamb encourage him to face the world with hope and courage. The ending, where Derry returns to help Mr Lamb, symbolizes his willingness to engage with life rather than retreat into seclusion.

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