On The Face of It
"A Garden of Understanding: Exploring Themes in 'Mr. Lamb and the Flaggy Shore'"
Step into the thought-provoking world of "Mr. Lamb and the Flaggy Shore," a play that delves deep into the complexities of human connection, acceptance, and the transformative power of shared experiences. This literary masterpiece unfolds in a garden setting, where the characters, Derry and Mr. Lamb, navigate the challenges of physical appearance, societal judgments, and the universal desire for understanding.
Explore the nuances of Derry's initial reluctance and subsequent connection with Mr. Lamb, a character who embodies compassion and openness. This web page invites you to dissect pivotal scenes, examining Derry's fears, Mr. Lamb's wisdom, and the profound moments that shape their evolving relationship.
Engage with a series of questions that encourage critical thinking and introspection, prompting readers to analyse character motivations, societal expectations, and the broader themes of beauty and acceptance. The multiple-choice questions provide an interactive element, allowing users to test their comprehension of the play's intricate details.
Furthermore, the value-based questions encourage readers to reflect on the broader moral and ethical implications embedded in the narrative. Delve into discussions about inclusivity, compassion, and the impact of genuine connections on overcoming societal prejudices.
To enhance the learning experience, the fill-in-the-blanks questions challenge readers to recall specific details from the play, reinforcing key plot points and character traits. Whether you're a student, literature enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of human relationships, this web page serves as a valuable resource for unraveling the layers of "Mr. Lamb and the Flaggy Shore."
Immerse yourself in the richness of this literary exploration, where every question posed and every blank filled serves as a stepping stone toward a more profound comprehension of the play's themes and messages.
Point-wise story line
In Susan Hill's play "On the Face of It," an old man and a small boy, Derry, meet in Mr. Lamb's garden.
Derry, a young boy, is initially scared of Mr. Lamb, who is in the garden, but he doesn't mind anyone entering.
Mr. Lamb, an old man, strikes up a friendship with the withdrawn and defiant Derry.
Derry shares with Mr. Lamb that people are afraid of him due to his appearance, regardless of their own.
Derry reveals that he got acid on his face, burning it away, and expresses his disinterest in being with people.
Mr. Lamb suggests pulling down crab apples for jelly, considering it a good time of year.
Derry questions Mr. Lamb about his own appearance and the acid burns, showing curiosity.
Mr. Lamb doesn't want to be asked about his burns but is interested in the idea.
Derek enters Mr. Lamb's garden, describing it as a weed garden and questioning the classification of plants as weeds or flowers.
Derek mentions his burned face and Mr. Lamb's tin leg, a result of a blown-off tin leg years ago.
Derek thinks about the world in the garden, contemplating its vastness and the diversity of life.
The text describes Derek as a peculiar person with an unusual appearance and behavior, often heard by others.
Mr. Lamb is surprised by Derek's behaviour, asking him questions, and suggesting he could get along better with people.
Derek wants a place like Mr. Lamb's garden, expressing a desire to return even if Mr. Lamb is not present.
The story concludes with Mr. Lamb's death, and Derry weeps over him, highlighting the impact of their connection.
Summary of "On the Face of It" by Susan Hill
In Susan Hill's play "On the Face of It," an old man and a small boy meet in Mr. Lamb's garden. Derry, a young and withdrawn boy, is initially scared of Mr. Lamb, but Mr. Lamb welcomes anyone into the garden.
Mr. Lamb, despite being an old man, strikes up an unexpected friendship with Derry, who perceives himself as different from others.
Derry discloses that people fear him because of his appearance, and Mr. Lamb, though not poor, acknowledges the underlying fear society has for him.
Mr. Lamb suggests pulling down crab apples for jelly, indicating a shared activity for the two characters.
Derry, curious about Mr. Lamb's leg learns that it got blown away, creating a unique bond between them.
The story explores the challenges faced by both characters, emphasizing the unique relationship they form.
Derek's Perspective in the Garden:
Derek enters the garden, observing it as a weed garden, questioning the classification of plants as weeds or flowers, and pondering the essence of life.
Derek, despite having a burned face, remains unchanged. He reflects on the world's changes, contemplating pain and bravery.
Derek is described as peculiar, often misunderstood, and hears only cruelty in others' words, challenging societal perceptions.
Mr. Lamb is intrigued by Derek's behavior, suggesting he could have a better life if he chose to, highlighting the importance of openness to new experiences.
The Gate and Unspoken Connections:
The gate to Derek's house is always open, symbolizing his willingness to welcome people. Children come to enjoy his hospitality.
Mr. Lamb questions why Derek doesn't want to be friends with him, emphasizing that people are never just nothing.
Derek, wanting a place like Mr. Lamb's garden, seeks refuge, showcasing his unique perspective on sanctuary and connection.
Decisions and Emotional Resolution:
Derry's mother worries about Derek, urging him to return and tell them about Mr. Lamb.
As Mr. Lamb falls dead, Derry, emotionally moved, weeps over him, highlighting the impact of genuine connections and understanding.
The story concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting one's surroundings, even when faced with challenges and fears.
SHORT SUMMARY
The play "On The Face of It" by Susan Hill revolves around the unlikely friendship between an old man named Mr. Lamb and a young boy named Derry, who has a disfigured face due to acid burns. The two meet in Mr. Lamb's garden, where Derry initially feels uneasy but eventually opens up to Mr. Lamb about his struggles with how others perceive him. Despite Derry's reluctance to form connections with people, Mr. Lamb welcomes him as a friend. Throughout their conversation, Mr. Lamb shares his perspective on life, emphasizing that everyone has their unique challenges and that beauty is relative.
Derry expresses his fears and frustrations, revealing the prejudice and cruelty he faces because of his appearance. Mr. Lamb, who has a prosthetic leg from a wartime injury, empathizes with Derry and encourages him to embrace life despite its challenges. Derry finds solace in Mr. Lamb's garden and contemplates the possibility of having a place of his own. Despite the societal judgments and Derry's internal struggles, Mr. Lamb remains open-minded and supportive.
The play concludes with Derry rushing back to Mr. Lamb's garden after a conflict with his mother. However, upon his return, Derry discovers that Mr. Lamb has fallen from a ladder while picking crab apples and is lying motionless on the ground. In a moment of shock and sadness, Derry tries to comfort Mr. Lamb, realizing the fragility of life. The play ends with Derry expressing his gratitude for having returned to the garden and for the brief but impactful connection he shared with Mr. Lamb.
Reading with Insight
1. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr Lamb in spite of himself?
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?
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?
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?
Answers:
Derry is drawn towards Mr. Lamb despite himself, due to Mr. Lamb's genuine acceptance and kindness. Despite Derry's disfigurement and the social stigma attached to it, Mr. Lamb treats him with warmth and doesn't judge him based on his appearance. Mr. Lamb's open-mindedness and willingness to engage with Derry create a sense of connection that Derry likely rarely experiences, making him feel understood and accepted.
Mr. Lamb displays signs of loneliness and disappointment in the section where he talks about people not coming back. This indicates a lack of enduring connections in his life. To overcome these feelings, Mr. Lamb reaches out to people by keeping his garden open to visitors, engaging in conversations, and offering friendship. He values the company of others and tries to create a space where people feel welcome.
A person with disabilities often expects understanding, empathy, and acceptance from others. Beyond the physical challenges, the sense of alienation and social isolation can be more painful. They desire to be treated as individuals with unique qualities rather than being defined solely by their disabilities. Acceptance, inclusion, and treating them with dignity are essential for breaking down the barriers of alienation.
The play leaves this question open-ended. Derry's return to Mr. Lamb's garden after a conflict with his mother suggests a potential shift in his life. The positive experience of connection and acceptance with Mr. Lamb might influence Derry's perspective and choices in the future. However, the play does not provide a definitive answer about whether Derry will fully embrace this change or revert to his previous seclusion.
Extra Questions:
How does Derry initially react when he encounters Mr. Lamb in the garden?
Why does Mr. Lamb caution Derry to "mind the apples"?
What prompts Derry to believe that the garden is empty before meeting Mr. Lamb?
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's fear and assures him it's alright?
Why does Derry express a need to leave abruptly when talking to Mr. Lamb?
What is the significance of Mr. Lamb mentioning that the garden is empty when he is outside?
How does Derry react to the idea of people being afraid of him because of his appearance?
What does Mr. Lamb mean when he says, "There’s nothing God made that doesn’t interest me"?
Why does Derry feel that people are afraid of him, regardless of their outward reactions?
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's revelation about the acid burns on his face?
Why does Derry express his aversion to being near people, even though he comes into Mr. Lamb's garden?
How does Mr. Lamb try to comfort and encourage Derry regarding his appearance?
Why does Derry compare himself to the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast?
What does Mr. Lamb mean by saying, "Beauty and the beast. It’s all relative. Beauty and the beast"?
How does Mr. Lamb explain the difference between himself and Derry despite their physical differences?
Why does Derry inquire about Mr. Lamb's prosthetic leg and its impact on his life?
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's concern about people staring at him and being afraid?
Why does Derry express a desire for a place like Mr. Lamb's garden?
How does Mr. Lamb react when Derry suggests he might never come back to the garden?
What leads to the emotional moment at the end of the play, and how does it impact Derry's perspective?
Answers:
How does Derry initially react when he encounters Mr. Lamb in the garden?
Derry is startled and confused, not expecting anyone to be in the garden. He expresses surprise and nervousness.
Why does Mr. Lamb caution Derry to "mind the apples"?
Mr. Lamb wants to prevent Derry from tripping on the fallen crab apples in the long grass, ensuring his safety.
What prompts Derry to believe that the garden is empty before meeting Mr. Lamb?
Derry assumes the garden is empty because he doesn't see anyone when he looks around. He is unaware of Mr. Lamb's presence.
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's fear and assure him it's alright?
Mr. Lamb reassures Derry that there is nothing to fear and expresses openness to anyone entering his garden. He tries to make Derry feel comfortable.
Why does Derry express a need to leave abruptly when talking to Mr. Lamb?
Derry expresses the need to leave abruptly because he is not accustomed to interacting with people and feels a sense of discomfort and unease.
What is the significance of Mr. Lamb mentioning that the garden is empty when he is outside?
Mr. Lamb is highlighting the emptiness of the house when he is not inside. He emphasizes the difference between the solitude inside and the lively garden outside.
How does Derry react to the idea of people being afraid of him because of his appearance?
Derry expresses frustration and a deep understanding that people are afraid of him, not just outwardly but also internally. He senses their discomfort, despite their attempts to hide it.
What does Mr. Lamb mean when he says, "There’s nothing God made that doesn’t interest me"?
Mr. Lamb expresses his fascination with the diversity of creation, emphasizing that everything in the world interests him, regardless of its appearance or nature.
Why does Derry feel that people are afraid of him, regardless of their outward reactions?
Derry believes that people are internally afraid of him because he can perceive the genuine reactions and thoughts they try to hide. He senses the fear beneath the surface.
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's revelation about the acid burns on his face?
Mr. Lamb responds with understanding and empathy, acknowledging Derry's pain and encouraging him to see beyond his physical appearance.
Why does Derry express his aversion to being near people, even though he comes into Mr. Lamb's garden?
Derry has likely faced rejection and negative reactions from people due to his appearance, leading to a general aversion to being around others.
How does Mr. Lamb try to comfort and encourage Derry regarding his appearance?
Mr. Lamb reassures Derry that his face doesn't define him entirely and encourages him to focus on the person he is inside rather than external judgments.
Why does Derry compare himself to the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast?
Derry draws parallels between his situation and the fairy tale to emphasize societal expectations and the belief that someone's inner qualities should be valued over their physical appearance.
beast?What does Mr. Lamb mean by saying, "Beauty and the beast. It’s all relative. Beauty and the Beast"?
Mr. Lamb suggests that the concepts of beauty and ugliness are subjective and relative, emphasizing that judgments based on appearances are not absolute.
How does Mr. Lamb explain the difference between himself and Derry, despite their physical differences?
Mr. Lamb highlights the superficial differences, such as age and the prosthetic leg, but underscores that, fundamentally, they are the same as human beings.
Why does Derry inquire about Mr. Lamb's prosthetic leg and its impact on his life?
Derry is curious about Mr. Lamb's experiences with a prosthetic leg and how it may have affected his life. This inquiry reflects Derry's attempt to understand others with physical differences.
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's concern about people staring at him and being afraid?
Mr. Lamb advises Derry not to let the fear of others dictate his actions and emphasizes the importance of living life on his terms.
Why does Derry express a desire for a place like Mr. Lamb's garden?
Derry desires a place like Mr. Lamb's garden because it represents a sanctuary where he can find acceptance and understanding away from the judgmental eyes of society.
How does Mr. Lamb react when Derry suggests he might never come back to the garden?
Mr. Lamb remains calm and indifferent, stating that people seldom return. His response suggests a certain resignation to the transient nature of human connections.
What leads to the emotional moment at the end of the play, and how does it impact Derry's perspective?
The emotional moment at the end occurs when Derry returns to the garden after a conflict with his mother, only to find Mr. Lamb lying motionless after a fall. This moment is likely.
MCQ’S
What caution does Mr. Lamb give to Derry when they first meet in the garden?
A. Watch out for snakes
B. Beware of the gate
C. Mind the apples
D. Be cautious of the bees
Why does Derry believe the garden is empty initially?
A. He sees no trees
B. He hears no birds
C. He thinks it's an abandoned house
D. The gate is closed
What is Derry's reaction to the suggestion that people are afraid of him?
A. He denies it
B. He agrees wholeheartedly
C. He laughs it off
D. He gets angry
According to Mr. Lamb, what does he like about sitting in the garden?
A. Watching the clouds
B. Enjoying the sunlight
C. Listening to the wind
D. All of the above
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's revelation about his acid-burned face?
A. He expresses pity
B. He is indifferent
C. He reassures and empathizes
D. He laughs it off
What does Derry compare himself to, expressing his doubts about ever being loved?
A. A monster
B. A prince
C. A fairy tale
D. A devil
Why does Derry express aversion to being near people despite entering Mr. Lamb's garden?
A. He is afraid of Mr. Lamb
B. He dislikes gardens
C. Negative reactions due to his appearance
D. He prefers solitude
What analogy does Mr. Lamb use to explain the relative nature of beauty and ugliness?
A. Flowers and weeds
B. Day and night
C. Beauty and the beast
D. Light and darkness
Why does Derry inquire about Mr. Lamb's prosthetic leg?
A. Out of sympathy
B. Curiosity about disabilities
C. To mock him
D. Personal interest in prosthetics
How does Mr. Lamb respond to Derry's concern about people staring at him?
A. He advises Derry to hide
B. He encourages Derry to confront them
C. He suggests getting cosmetic surgery
D. He remains silent
What does Mr. Lamb compare his missing leg to?
A. A bomb blast
B. A tree branch
C. A ladder
D. A fairy tale
What reason does Mr. Lamb give for not having curtains in his house?
A. He likes the view
B. He dislikes curtains
C. To hear the wind
D. Both A and C
What analogy does Mr. Lamb use to explain the diversity of life?
A. Flowers in a garden
B. Bees in a hive
C. Names of people
D. Books in a library
What does Derry express a desire for at the end of the play?
A. A new face
B. Mr. Lamb's garden
C. Cosmetic surgery
D. Solitude
What emotional event occurs at the end of the play that impacts Derry's perspective?
A. Derry's reunion with his mother
B. Mr. Lamb's fall and immobility
C. Derry's decision to leave forever
D. The garden catching fire
Answers:
C. Mind the apples
C. He thinks it's an abandoned house
A. He denies it
D. All of the above
C. He reassures and empathizes
C. A fairy tale
C. Negative reactions due to his appearance
C. Beauty and the beast
B. Curiosity about disabilities
B. He encourages Derry to confront them
C. A ladder
D. Both A and C
C. Names of people
B. Mr. Lamb's garden
B. Mr. Lamb's fall and immobility
Value-based questions.
How does Mr. Lamb's openness and acceptance of Derry reflect the value of inclusivity and compassion?
In what ways does Derry's decision to return to Mr. Lamb's garden highlight the value of overcoming societal prejudices?
What values does Mr. Lamb demonstrate through his willingness to share his garden and time with others, despite his own physical challenges?
How does Derry's choice to seek solace and understanding in the garden align with the value of finding comfort in shared experiences?
In the context of the play, how does the theme of friendship between Mr. Lamb and Derry emphasize the importance of looking beyond physical appearances?
What values can be attributed to Mr. Lamb's perspective on the diversity of life, as expressed through the analogy of flowers and weeds in his garden?
How does Derry's acknowledgment of his desire for a place like Mr. Lamb's garden reflect the value of finding sanctuary and connection in unexpected places?
What values are evident in Mr. Lamb's encouragement of Derry to confront societal judgments and stereotypes rather than succumbing to them?
In the face of Derry's emotional revelation about the hurtful comments he hears, what values can be associated with Mr. Lamb's response and empathy?
How does the ending of the play, with Derry weeping over Mr. Lamb's fall, resonate with the value of genuine connections and the impact of human relationships on one's life?
Answers to value-based questions:
How does Mr. Lamb's openness and acceptance of Derry reflect the value of inclusivity and compassion?
Mr. Lamb's acceptance of Derry, despite his physical appearance, demonstrates the value of inclusivity, showing that genuine compassion extends beyond superficial judgments.
In what ways does Derry's decision to return to Mr. Lamb's garden highlight the value of overcoming societal prejudices?
Derry's return to the garden signifies his commitment to overcoming societal prejudices, emphasizing the value of looking beyond stereotypes and recognizing the worth of individuals.
What values does Mr. Lamb demonstrate through his willingness to share his garden and time with others, despite his own physical challenges?
Mr. Lamb's generosity in sharing his space and time reflects values of kindness, selflessness, and a sense of community, showcasing the importance of supporting one another.
How does Derry's choice to seek solace and understanding in the garden align with the value of finding comfort in shared experiences?
Derry's retreat to the garden underscores the value of shared experiences as a source of comfort, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of connecting with others who may share similar struggles.
In the context of the play, how does the theme of friendship between Mr. Lamb and Derry emphasize the importance of looking beyond physical appearances?
The friendship between Mr. Lamb and Derry highlights the value of seeing beyond physical appearances, illustrating that meaningful connections are based on understanding and acceptance.
What values can be attributed to Mr. Lamb's perspective on the diversity of life, as expressed through the analogy of flowers and weeds in his garden?
Mr. Lamb's analogy speaks to the values of diversity, acceptance, and the idea that differences contribute to the richness of life, much like the various flowers and weeds in his garden.
How does Derry's acknowledgment of his desire for a place like Mr. Lamb's Garden reflect the value of finding sanctuary and connection in unexpected places?
Derry's yearning for a place like the garden signifies the value of finding sanctuary and connection in unexpected places, emphasizing the transformative power of environments that foster understanding.
What values are evident in Mr. Lamb's encouragement of Derry to confront societal judgments and stereotypes rather than succumbing to them?
Mr. Lamb's encouragement reflects values of courage, resilience, and the importance of standing against societal judgments, emphasizing the need to challenge stereotypes.
In the face of Derry's emotional revelation about the hurtful comments he hears, what values can be associated with Mr. Lamb's response and empathy?
Mr. Lamb's empathy in response to Derry's pain demonstrates values of compassion, understanding, and emotional support, highlighting the significance of empathy in fostering meaningful connections.
How does the ending of the play, with Derry weeping over Mr. Lamb's fall, resonate with the value of genuine connections and the impact of human relationships on one's life?
The emotional ending underscores the value of genuine connections and the profound impact of human relationships, emphasizing that true connections transcend physical appearances and leave a lasting imprint on one's life.
Fill in the blanks.
Mr. Lamb cautions Derry to "mind the ______" in the garden.
Derry expresses a desire for a place like Mr. Lamb's garden, a sanctuary for ______.
Mr. Lamb compares the diversity of life to the various flowers and ______ in his garden.
Derry compares himself to the fairy tale of Beauty and the ______.
Mr. Lamb mentions, "There’s nothing God made that doesn’t _____ me."
Derry fears that people are afraid of him because of his physical
Mr. Lamb shares his perspective on beauty, saying, "Beauty and the ______. It’s all relative."
Derry expresses his aversion to being near people due to their potential.
Mr. Lamb describes his missing leg as having been taken away in a bomb.
Derry reveals the presence of acid burns on his ______.
clouds,Mr. Lamb enjoys sitting in the garden, watching the clouds and listening to the _____.
Derry expresses a need to leave abruptly, fearing the judgments and ______ of others.
Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to confront societal judgments and ______.
Derry's decision to return to Mr. Lamb's garden highlights the importance of overcoming ______.
The emotional moment at the end of the play involves Derry weeping over Mr. Lamb's ______.
Answers to fill in the blanks:
Question: Mr. Lamb cautions Derry to "mind the ______" in the garden.
Answer: apples
Question: Derry expresses a desire for a place like Mr. Lamb's garden, a sanctuary for ______.
Answer: himself
Question: Mr. Lamb compares the diversity of life to the various flowers and ______ in his garden.
Answer: weeds
Question: Derry compares himself to the fairy tale of Beauty and the ______.
Answer: Beast
Question: Mr. Lamb mentions, "There’s nothing God made that doesn’t ______ me."
Answer: interest
Question: Derry fears that people are afraid of him because of his physical ______.
Answer: appearance
Question: Mr. Lamb shares his perspective on beauty, saying, "Beauty and the ______. It’s all relative."
Answer: beast
Question: Derry expresses his aversion to being near people due to their potential ______.
Answer: reactions
Question: Mr. Lamb describes his missing leg as having been taken away in a bomb ______.
Answer: blast
Question: Derry reveals the presence of acid burns on his ______.
Answer: face
Question: Mr. Lamb enjoys sitting in the garden, watching the clouds and listening to the ______.
Answer: wind
Question: Derry expresses a need to leave abruptly, fearing the judgments and ______ of others.
Answer: stares
Question: Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to confront societal judgments and ______.
Answer: stereotypes
Question: Derry's decision to return to Mr. Lamb's garden highlights the importance of overcoming ______.
Answer: prejudices
Question: The emotional moment at the end of the play involves Derry weeping over Mr. Lamb's ______.
Answer: fall