On the Face of It Class 12 Notes: CBSE English Vistas Chapter 5

About the Author

CBSE Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It written by Susan Hill, known professionally as Dame Susan Elizabeth Hill. She is famous for writing both fictional and non- fictional stories. Her literary contributions have made her to get global recognition. Some of her well-known books include "The Woman in Black," the haunting "The Mist in the Mirror," and the psychologically gripping "I’m the King of the Castle." Her writing appeals to younger readers by exploring themes and stories that capture their interest and imagination. Her talent for creating interesting stories that appeal to people of all ages highlights her importance in today's literature.

About the Story / Synopsis of the Story:

The story follows a young boy named Derry who feels self-conscious about his scarred face. His family, friends, and society constantly remind him of his insecurities, causing him to feel bad and spend much of his time alone. One day, he meets Mr. Lamb, a retired army man with a prosthetic leg. Through their conversations, Derry learns that it's okay to have imperfections and that everyone deserves to live with dignity, flaws and all. Mr. Lamb's wisdom profoundly impacts Derry, teaching him valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of understanding and respect in life.

Theme of the story “On the Face of It”

The theme of the story On the Face of It explores human insecurities and the societal pressures that shape them. It discusses how people differ in their perspectives and ways of living. The story encourages acceptance of one's flaws and encourages them to live with dignity, respect, and self-love despite societal judgments. It sends a powerful message to be strong in the face of criticism and to prioritize self-acceptance before getting validation from others.

Character Sketches:

Derry: Derry is a young boy with his own doubts and fears. He lacks confidence and prefers to stay alone, often feeling negative about his life. Apart from this, he is kind and attentive, forming a good bond with Mr. Lamb. Spending time with Mr. Lamb makes Derry reflect on his own life and see areas where he can improve socially.

Mr Lamb: He is a hopeful man who cares deeply about others and aims to make a positive impact on their lives. Despite his prosthetic leg, he greets everyone with a smile and is always willing to chat. He keeps his curtains open to show he's ready for conversations with anyone. He's empathetic and kind. He teaches Derry that imperfections are beautiful and should be embraced. His facial scars shouldn't isolate him; instead, he should engage socially, adopt a positive outlook, and enjoy life to the fullest. 

Chapter 5 On the Face of It Summary

• There was a boy named Derry who has scars on his face and feels sad to show his face to society.

• Derry enters into Mr. Lamb’s (a retired army officer) garden, thinking it's empty, until Mr. Lamb mentions the apples. Mr. Lamb insists Derry stay, welcoming anyone to visit. They talk about Derry's fears about his appearance, and Mr. Lamb shifts to making jelly from crab apples and encourages Derry to visit often.

• As they talk, Mr. Lamb asks Derry what he sees beyond the wall. Derry sees weeds, but Mr. Lamb shows him that others see flowers and fruits, teaching Derry about different ways to see the beauty in life. Mr. Lamb also tells Derry about losing his leg and being called "Lamey-lamb," showing he's not bothered by teasing.

• Derry recalls being mocked for his face at a bus stop, and Mr. Lamb tells a story about a fearful man who locked himself away and died from a falling picture, prompting laughter. Derry promises to return as he leaves, though Mr. Lamb doubts he will.

• Back home, Derry argues with his mother over Mr. Lamb, insisting he speaks to him about things that matter, saying no one has before, and that he wants to return. His mother tries to stop him, but he insists if he doesn’t go back, he’ll never go anywhere in the world.

• Mr. Lamb slips and falls while picking apples. Derry hurries back to see him. He comforts Mr. Lamb, standing quietly beside him, and crying.

Important Points of English Class 12 Chapter 5 On the Face of It

• In this story we will see Mr. Lamb an elderly man with a tiny leg, who is cheerful and sees the beauty in everything and a young boy named Derry with a burnt face, who feels insecure and isolated because of his appearance.

• The story takes place in Mr. Lamb’s garden, which symbolises a place of peace, acceptance, and learning.

• The story explores how personal perceptions can shape reality. Mr. Lamb helps Derry see that beauty and worth are subjective.

• Mr. Lamb shares his optimistic outlook on life and tries to explain the same in Derry.

• Mr. Lamb tells a story about a man who locked himself away out of fear, only to die from a falling picture, teaching Derry about the futility of living in fear.

• Both characters show resilience in dealing with their disabilities, but Mr. Lamb’s positive attitude contrasts with Derry’s initial negativity.

Importance of Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It Notes

• Revision notes summarise the chapter, saving time during revision by highlighting the main points.

• They highlight key themes and concepts, making it easier to understand and remember the importance of the chapter.

• The chapter explores deep themes like acceptance, perception, and the impact of appearances.

• The story teaches valuable lessons about inner beauty, self-acceptance, and the importance of human connections.

• On the Face of It Summary covers the entire syllabus, ensuring that every topic is included and that the chapter is fully understood.

Tips for Learning the Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It

• Focus on the main characters, Mr. Lamb and Derry. Understand their backgrounds and personalities and how they change throughout the story.

• Both characters deal with physical and emotional scars but respond differently. The story highlights the importance of human connection.

• Break the chapter into smaller sections and write a summary for each part. This helps you better understand and remember the content.

• Try to relate the themes and lessons of the chapter to real-life situations. This can help in understanding the story's deeper meanings and moral lessons.

Conclusion

Vedantu’s Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It, from the book Vistas, teaches us valuable lessons about acceptance, inner beauty, and overcoming insecurities. The story of Mr. Lamb and Derry highlights how important it is to look beyond appearances and appreciate the person inside. Their interaction shows us the power of kindness, understanding, and positive thinking. By the end of the chapter, we learn that true beauty lies in our actions and attitudes, not in how we look. On the Face of It Summary encourages us to be more compassionate and to face our challenges with courage and optimism. Vedantu's study notes for Class 12 English Chapter 5 On the Face of It, are provided to simplify learning and enhance your understanding. Check out Vedantu’s website for more helpful resources and succeed in your studies.

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Chapter-wise Vistas Revision Notes for Class 12 English

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