- Identify the main themes of the play.
- Analyze the relationship between Derry and Mr. Lamb.
- Discuss the significance of physical appearance in the play.
- Evaluate the impact of societal perceptions on individuals with disabilities.
- Explore the concept of friendship as portrayed in the play.
- Examine the role of isolation and connection in Derry's character development.
- Assess the use of symbolism in Mr. Lamb's garden.
On the face of It
Learning Objectives
Detailed Notes
On The Face Of It - Notes
Overview
- A play featuring an old man, Mr. Lamb, and a small boy, Derry, who form an unexpected friendship in Mr. Lamb's garden.
- Explores themes of isolation, acceptance, and the nature of friendship.
Characters
- Mr. Lamb: An old man with a tin leg who enjoys gardening and has a positive outlook on life.
- Derry: A fourteen-year-old boy with a burned face, struggling with feelings of alienation and self-worth.
Key Themes
- Friendship: The bond that develops between Mr. Lamb and Derry despite their differences.
- Perception of Beauty: Discussion on how society views physical appearance versus inner qualities.
- Isolation: Both characters experience loneliness, but they cope in different ways.
Important Scenes
Scene One
- Derry enters Mr. Lamb's garden, initially startled by Mr. Lamb's presence.
- Dialogue highlights Derry's fear and Mr. Lamb's reassurance.
Scene Two
- Derry's conversation with his mother reveals his desire to visit Mr. Lamb despite her warnings.
- Derry expresses frustration about being judged by his appearance.
Scene Three
- Derry returns to Mr. Lamb's garden, showing his desire for connection.
- Mr. Lamb falls, and Derry's emotional response indicates his growth and attachment to Mr. Lamb.
Quotes
- Mr. Lamb: “People are never just nothing. Never.”
- Derry: “I hate it here.”
- Mr. Lamb: “Everything's yours if you want it.”
Questions for Reflection
- What draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb despite his initial reluctance?
- How does Mr. Lamb's perspective on life challenge Derry's views?
- In what ways do both characters cope with their feelings of isolation?
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
Locking oneself in a room
B.
Facing fears and engaging with the world
C.
Avoiding people altogether
D.
Ignoring all fears
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that instead of locking oneself away due to fear, one should engage with the world and face their fears.
A.
He has no friends.
B.
He has hundreds of friends.
C.
He only has a few close friends.
D.
He doesn't believe in friendship.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb claims to have hundreds of friends and that people come to visit him.
A.
It is a dangerous place
B.
It is full of opportunities
C.
It has a whole face
D.
It is indifferent to individuals
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb says that the world has a whole face.
A.
He is reclusive and avoids social interactions.
B.
He values solitude and self-reflection.
C.
He is indifferent to the world around him.
D.
He is preparing for a future career in literature.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb's habit of sitting in the sun and reading books indicates that he values solitude and self-reflection. He finds contentment in simple pleasures and introspection.
A.
By isolating oneself from the world
B.
By waiting, watching, and listening
C.
By reading books and gaining knowledge
D.
By seeking validation from others
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb implies that discovering something unique requires patience and attentiveness, as he advises Derry to wait, watch, and listen.
A.
Friendships are based on mutual interests.
B.
Friendships require formal introductions and knowledge of personal details.
C.
Friendships can exist without knowing all personal details.
D.
Friendships are only possible among similar people.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb implies that friendships can exist without knowing all personal details, as he considers Derry a friend despite not knowing much about him. He believes in the openness of relationships based on interaction and understanding.
A.
The ability to listen and learn
B.
Physical strength
C.
Wealth and status
D.
Fame and recognition
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Mr. Lamb emphasizes the importance of listening, learning, and the inner qualities of a person over their outward appearance. This is evident in his conversations with Derry, where he encourages him to focus on what he can do and become, rather than how he looks.
A.
Weeds and flowers are both part of nature and should be appreciated equally.
B.
Weeds are unwanted and should be removed to make space for more beautiful plants.
C.
A weed garden represents chaos and disorder in life.
D.
Weeds symbolize the struggles and hardships one must overcome.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that all forms of life, whether considered weeds or flowers, have value and beauty. This metaphor is used to illustrate the idea that differences in people should be embraced rather than judged.
A.
All people have the same experiences.
B.
Life is monotonous and unchanging.
C.
Despite similarities, each person and experience is unique.
D.
There is no real difference between people.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb's statement 'Everything's the same, but everything is different' suggests that while people may share common experiences, each person and situation is unique in its own way. This reflects his belief in the individuality of experiences and perspectives.
A.
He lived a long and safe life.
B.
He was eventually killed by a falling picture.
C.
He became a famous recluse.
D.
He was saved by a passerby.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb tells Derry about a man who locked himself in a room to avoid the dangers of the world, but was ironically killed by a falling picture.
A.
They don't listen to him
B.
They stare at his face
C.
They gossip about him
D.
They avoid talking to him
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Derry is mainly concerned that people stare at his face.
A.
He tells Derry to hide his face.
B.
He suggests that people will get tired of staring.
C.
He advises Derry to ignore them.
D.
He tells Derry to confront them.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that people will eventually get tired of staring at Derry's face.
A.
Reading books with closed curtains
B.
Listening to the bees sing
C.
Staying indoors to avoid danger
D.
Watching television
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb enjoys listening to the bees sing, which reflects his positive and open outlook on life.
A.
To escape from his family
B.
To help Mr. Lamb with the crab apples
C.
To find solitude and peace
D.
To listen and learn from Mr. Lamb
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Derry is drawn to Mr. Lamb's garden because he finds value in listening to Mr. Lamb's unique perspectives and thoughts.
A.
Because he doesn't like Mr. Lamb.
B.
Because he might never see Mr. Lamb again.
C.
Because Mr. Lamb is too old.
D.
Because Mr. Lamb lives too far away.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Derry expresses that he might never be a friend because he might never see Mr. Lamb again.
A.
He is materialistic and wants rare possessions.
B.
He seeks personal identity and individuality.
C.
He is competitive and wants to be better than others.
D.
He desires isolation from the world.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Derry's desire for something unique reflects his quest for personal identity and individuality. He wishes to have something that defines him beyond his physical appearance.
A.
She thinks he is a good influence.
B.
She is indifferent to him.
C.
She has heard negative things about him.
D.
She wants Derry to visit him often.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Derry's mother has heard things about Mr. Lamb and warns Derry not to go back.
A.
By asking others
B.
By waiting, watching, and listening
C.
By traveling the world
D.
By reading books
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that Derry could find out what he wants by waiting, watching, and listening.
A.
Mr. Lamb believes impairments are a barrier to happiness.
B.
Mr. Lamb sees impairments as insignificant compared to inner qualities.
C.
Mr. Lamb thinks impairments should be hidden from society.
D.
Mr. Lamb views impairments as a source of pity.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb emphasizes that physical impairments are insignificant compared to a person's inner qualities and potential. He encourages Derry to focus on his abilities rather than his appearance.
A.
He lived a long and safe life.
B.
He became a famous writer.
C.
A picture fell on his head and killed him.
D.
He overcame his fears and traveled the world.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb tells Derry about a man who locked himself in a room to avoid all dangers, but ironically, a picture fell off the wall and killed him.
A.
He agrees with Derry.
B.
He tells Derry that he should not care about such things.
C.
He suggests that Derry might be surprised.
D.
He changes the subject.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that Derry might be surprised, implying that he should not be so sure about people's reactions.
A.
Lock yourself in a room and avoid people.
B.
Ignore the stares and focus on your abilities.
C.
Confront people and demand respect.
D.
Wear a disguise to avoid being noticed.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb advises Derry to focus on his abilities and not let others' stares affect him. He emphasizes that Derry has two arms, two legs, and a brain, and can achieve anything he sets his mind to.
A.
By traveling the world.
B.
By waiting, watching, and listening.
C.
By asking others for advice.
D.
By reading books.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that Derry could find out what he truly wants by waiting, watching, and listening.
A.
By hiding one's differences
B.
By confronting and accepting them
C.
By ignoring everyone
D.
By changing one's appearance
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that true harm comes from internalizing fear and judgment, not from the physical differences themselves.
A.
As a place of solitude
B.
As a refuge from the world
C.
As a place full of life
D.
As a place for only special guests
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb views his garden as a place full of life.
A.
He wants to sell his garden produce.
B.
He believes in welcoming everyone and making friends.
C.
He is too lazy to close it.
D.
He is waiting for someone specific to visit.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb keeps his garden gate always open because he believes in welcoming everyone and making friends. He values openness and interaction with people, which is why he allows anyone to enter his garden.
A.
People are just nothing.
B.
People are never just nothing.
C.
People are always enemies.
D.
People are always friends.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that people are never just nothing, indicating that everyone has value.
A.
It is full of weeds
B.
It is a place to hide
C.
It is open to everyone
D.
It is a place of solitude
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb says that everything in his garden is open to everyone and that the gate is always open.
A.
To help with the crab apples
B.
To listen to the bees singing
C.
To escape his mother's control
D.
To find solitude
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Derry wants to return to Mr. Lamb's garden to help with the crab apples.
A.
He is proud of his appearance
B.
He is indifferent to his appearance
C.
He is afraid of his appearance
D.
He is confident despite his appearance
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Derry expresses fear when he looks in the mirror and sees his burned face.
A.
They should isolate themselves
B.
They should only associate with similar people
C.
They are just as valuable as anyone else
D.
They should constantly seek sympathy
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb believes that people are never 'just nothing' and implies that everyone, regardless of their differences, is valuable.
A.
He likes the light and the darkness.
B.
Curtains are too expensive.
C.
He is allergic to curtain fabric.
D.
He prefers to keep the house cool.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Mr. Lamb explains that he likes the light and the darkness and prefers to keep the windows open to hear the wind.
A.
Being isolated from others
B.
Burning oneself inside with hatred
C.
Being stared at by people
D.
Having a physical impairment
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that burning oneself inside with hatred is more harmful than physical injuries.
A.
She believes Mr. Lamb is a bad influence.
B.
She thinks Mr. Lamb is too old to be a friend.
C.
She is worried about the rumors she has heard.
D.
She fears Mr. Lamb will harm Derry.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Derry's mother is concerned because she has heard rumors about Mr. Lamb and is apprehensive about Derry visiting him.
A.
Beauty is only skin deep
B.
Beauty is relative and subjective
C.
Beauty is determined by society
D.
Beauty is an illusion
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that beauty is relative and subjective, as indicated by his conversation about beauty and the beast.
A.
It symbolizes freedom
B.
It invites people to enter and leave as they please
C.
It is a security risk
D.
It is a sign of neglect
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb believes that an open gate invites people to come in, symbolizing openness and acceptance.
A.
He is offering Derry ownership of his garden.
B.
He is suggesting that material possessions are easily attainable.
C.
He believes that opportunities and experiences are available to anyone who seeks them.
D.
He is encouraging Derry to take whatever he desires without asking.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Mr. Lamb's statement reflects his belief that opportunities and experiences are available to anyone who seeks them. He encourages Derry to embrace life and its possibilities.
A.
He sees them as a nuisance.
B.
He believes they are just as valuable as flowers.
C.
He thinks they should be removed.
D.
He ignores them.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb views weeds as part of life, growing just like any other plant, and does not see them as lesser than flowers.
A.
By traveling the world.
B.
By waiting, watching, and listening.
C.
By reading many books.
D.
By asking others for advice.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that Derry can discover something unique by waiting, watching, and listening, implying that self-discovery comes from observation and introspection.
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses a belief that no one will ever kiss him, except his mother.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb explicitly states that people are never just nothing, countering Derry's claim that people are just nothing.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to discover something unique by being observant and thoughtful.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Derry mentions a person who believes that blind people should only be with other blind people, but he does not agree with this view.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses that passing people on the street and even speaking to them does not make them friends.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb claims to have friends everywhere and that people come to visit him.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb argues that people are never just nothing, contradicting Derry's initial belief.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that internal harm, such as burning oneself away inside, is worse than physical impairments.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb suggests that Derry could find out what he wants by waiting, watching, and listening.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses his belief that no one will ever kiss him or love him because of his appearance.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Derry expresses the belief that passing people in the street and speaking to them does not make them friends.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Derry's mother is concerned and does not want him to go back to Mr. Lamb's garden.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to not be afraid of others and suggests that fear is unnecessary, as shown in their discussions.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb mentions that having a tin leg doesn't trouble him, indicating that he does not see it as a significant problem.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb tells a story about a man who locked himself away out of fear, but he does not suggest that Derry should do the same.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Derry's mother is skeptical about Mr. Lamb and does not believe he has anything valuable to say to Derry.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry's mother expresses her concerns and warns Derry against going back to Mr. Lamb's garden.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Derry's mother is skeptical and warns Derry not to go back to Mr. Lamb's place.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry's mother warns him not to go back to Mr. Lamb's garden, implying she thinks he might be dangerous.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses that passing people on the street and speaking to them does not make them friends.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses the belief that he will never look different and will always have half a face.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Derry expresses frustration with the idea that people with disabilities should only be with others like themselves, as indicated in his conversation with Mr. Lamb.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb encourages Derry by saying that he can get on better than others if he sets his mind to it, indicating that his potential is not limited by his appearance.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb expresses that the world is there to be looked at and explored, indicating his belief in the opportunities it holds.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry's mother expresses skepticism about the value of Mr. Lamb's words to Derry.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb argues that people are never just nothing, contradicting Derry's initial statement.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses a desire to find something unique that belongs to him, and Mr. Lamb suggests that he could find it by waiting, watching, and listening in the garden.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb expresses the view that everything in his garden is for anyone who wants it, indicating a sense of shared ownership.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb emphasizes that the world is to be experienced, regardless of individual differences.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses frustration that people focus on his appearance rather than his abilities or personality.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb discusses the concept of inner beauty and suggests that external appearances are not as important as one's character.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb mentions that his garden is open to everyone and that he enjoys having people visit, indicating his desire to connect with others.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb emphasizes that people are never just nothing.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb mentions that his gate is always open and that people come and go as they please.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses a strong desire to return to Mr. Lamb's garden, indicating that not doing so would prevent him from venturing out into the world.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb tells Derry that the world has a whole face and is there to be looked at.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb tells Derry about a man who locked himself in a room out of fear of the world, suggesting that isolation is not the answer.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Derry's mother is apprehensive about his visits to Mr. Lamb's garden and warns him against going back.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to discover something unique by being observant and patient.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses his belief that no one will ever kiss him or love him because of his appearance.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Derry expresses his belief that Mr. Lamb is alone and that nobody would notice his absence.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Mr. Lamb does not agree with the idea of isolating people based on their disabilities or differences.