- 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
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Revision Notes & Summary
TopOn 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 Test – MCQs, True/False
TopMultiple Choice Questions
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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On the face of It
Step 2: Master Boss Exam
Locked • Full Phase AssessmentStep 3: Redemption Arena
Locked • AI Weakness TrackerTrue or False
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 claims to have friends everywhere and that people come to visit him.
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:
Derry expresses frustration that people focus on his appearance rather than his abilities or personality.
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:
Derry's mother is skeptical about Mr. Lamb and does not believe he has anything valuable to say to Derry.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Mr. Lamb emphasizes that the world is to be experienced, regardless of individual differences.
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 no one will ever kiss him or love him because of 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.
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