On the Face of It Summary (Class 12 English)

The story revolves around a teenage boy named Derry, who has a burnt face (due to acid), and an old man named Mr. Lamb, who has a tin leg (blown off in a war).

Derry is a highly insecure, angry, and withdrawn boy. He hates people because they constantly stare at his burnt face, pity him, or get scared of him. Seeking isolation, he climbs a wall to hide in what he thinks is an empty garden. However, the garden belongs to Mr. Lamb.

Unlike Derry, Mr. Lamb is incredibly positive and open-minded. He doesn't care that children tease him by calling him 'Lamey-Lamb'. He leaves his garden gates open for everyone. When he meets Derry, he doesn't show fear or pity toward Derry's burnt face.

Through their conversation, Mr. Lamb teaches Derry that physical appearance does not define a person. He teaches him to focus on the beauty of the world (like hearing the bees sing rather than buzz) and to stop caring about what negative people say.

Inspired by Mr. Lamb's optimistic philosophy, Derry finally decides to face the world. He runs home to tell his mother about his new perspective and then runs back to the garden to help Mr. Lamb pick crab apples. Tragically, when Derry returns, he finds that Mr. Lamb has fallen off his ladder and died. Though heartbroken, Derry is transformed; he has finally learned to live without fear.