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

1. What draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb despite his initial reluctance?
2. How does Mr. Lamb's perspective on life challenge Derry's views?
3. In what ways do both characters cope with their feelings of isolation?