On the Face of It is Chapter 5 in the NCERT Class 12 English Vistas textbook. Written by Susan Hill, it is a one-act play that focuses on the themes of loneliness, physical disability, and the way people judge others based on appearance. The story revolves around a young boy named Derry who has a burnt face and an old man named Mr Lamb who has a tin leg. Their unlikely friendship becomes the centre of the story and gives readers a deeper understanding of human emotions and acceptance. This post includes a summary, key themes, important questions, and a link to download the official NCERT PDF.
I am writing about this chapter because it has always stayed with me as one of the most touching stories in the Class 12 English syllabus. As students, we often look for inspiring content, and this play delivers exactly that. It’s not just about a boy and an old man talking—it’s about how we see ourselves and how we let others define us. I think students need to understand this story not just for exams but also for their personal growth. Plus, this chapter regularly appears in board questions, so it’s worth preparing well.
Chapter Overview: What is “On the Face of It” About?
This chapter is a short but powerful play that opens with Derry, a teenage boy with an acid-burned face, entering the garden of Mr Lamb, an elderly man who has lost a leg in the war. At first, Derry is defensive and rude. But as the conversation continues, Mr Lamb’s calm and positive approach slowly changes Derry’s view of the world.
Mr Lamb talks about how everyone has problems, but it’s how we deal with them that matters. He shares stories, like the one about a man who was always afraid of dying and ended up being killed by something unexpected. These stories help Derry realise that isolating himself is not the answer.
By the end of their meeting, Derry decides to return to Mr Lamb’s garden to learn more from him. But the ending leaves us with a shock—Mr Lamb falls from a ladder and lies still, possibly dead, just as Derry runs back to him. The open ending forces readers to think deeply.
Key Characters:
- Derry – A teenager with a disfigured face who has low self-esteem and avoids people
- Mr Lamb – An old man with a prosthetic leg who believes in living freely and without fear
Themes Covered:
- Judgement based on appearance
- Overcoming disability and self-doubt
- Power of human connection
- Mental strength and emotional healing
Why This Chapter Matters for Class 12 Students
- Often comes in board exams: CBSE likes to include long and short answer questions from this chapter
- Improves emotional understanding: Helps students think beyond marks and textbooks
- Conversation-based format: Makes it easier to read and relate to
- Moral lesson: Promotes acceptance, self-worth, and positive thinking
This chapter is also ideal for role-plays, classroom discussions, and value-based learning activities.
Download PDF
You can download the official NCERT PDF for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 5 from here:
