12th Standard Supplementary Reader Textbook - Vistas. Lesson No 6: On the face of it - Susan Hill Glossary, Summary, Questions and Answer...
12th Standard Supplementary Reader Textbook - Vistas.
Lesson No 6: On the face of it - Susan Hill
Glossary, Summary, Questions and Answers
Glossary -
1. Defiant - showing open refusal to obey somebody.
2. Rustling -the sound of dry leaves.
3. Crab Apples - a small sour apple.
4. Scrump - to steal fruit.
5. Underneath - under, below.
6. Monstrous - very large ( and often ugly or frightening)
7. Daft - silly, foolish.
8. Dribble -to move liquid downwards in a thin flow.
9. Fuss - to be worried or excited about small things.
10. Thump - to hit something with a closed hand.
Read and find out - ( Page. No. 57 )-
1. Who is Mr. Lamb? How does Derry get into his garden?
Ans - Mr. Lamb is an old man whose one leg is blown off in the war, so his one leg is of tin, he lives alone in his crab apple orchard or garden. Despite his disability, he is optimistic about life. Derry gets into the garden by jumping the wall, thinking there is nobody in the garden, though the gate is open.
Read and find out - ( Page. No. 62 )-
2. Does this change Derry's attitude towards Mr. Lamb?
Ans - Yes, Derry's attitude will definitely change, not only towards Mr. Lamb but also towards life, because Mr. Lamb teaches him a new and positive perspective of life with some examples, such as he tells Derry that he should not worry about his burnt face, but should be proud to other intact organs, Mr. Lamb does not put any curtains on the window of his house, his garden gate is always open, he finds song, music, and rhythm in the humming of honeybees, for him weeds in the garden is not waste at all but equally important as crab apples, so with many examples, he teaches Derry that life is not about complaining but to cheer what person has and all the beautiful things around. So, this changes his attitude toward Mr. Lamb, and therefore at the end of the story, Derry leaves his mother's home and rushes to Mr. Lamb and his garden.
Reading with Insight -
1. What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb despite himself?
Ans - In this drama, both the characters are physically disabled, On one hand, Mr. Lamb's leg is blown off in the war, and on the other hand, Derry's face is burnt by acid, but Mr. Lamb's attitude is optimistic to life and Derry's attitude is negative and pessimistic to life.
Mr. Lamb teaches him a new and positive perspective on life and tells Derry to see, hear, and feel the bright side of life, also he should not be afraid of people, and not be frustrated about his burnt face, but should see how fit he is. At the same time, Mr. Lamb welcomes Derry to his garden, and talks to him very positively, which is a new feeling for Derry. So, Derry will get attracted to Mr. Lamb.
2. In which section of the play does Mr. Lamb display signs of loneliness and disappointment? How does Mr. Lamb try to overcome these feelings?
Ans - In the middle of the play, Mr. Lamb feels lonely and disappointed, because he says that for a long time he hasn't heard the buzzing of bees, so he sits in the garden and reads the book. His house is full of books like he wants to fulfill the emptiness.
But as he has a very optimistic approach to life, so he keeps himself busy with many activities such as reading books, listening to the song of bees, enjoying nature in his garden, taking care of his crab apples, keeping the gate open for the visitors, talks to them in a friendly manner, treats them with jelly and toffy, and always look for the bright side of life, and simply ignores his physical disability.
3. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by a physical impairment is often much less than the sense of alienation felt by those with disabilities. What is the kind of behavior that the person expects from others?
Ans - In this play, the two main characters are physically disabled, Mr. Lamb has one tin leg, and Derry's one side face is burnt by acid. Mr. Lamb gets problems like he can not climb the ladder and being unable to run, but with his optimistic attitude about life, his age, and nature around, he has overcome his disability, on the other hand, Derry is unable to overcome his disability, because he believes that except his mother, nobody likes his ugly face, so he avoids to be social and gets frustrated till he does not meet Mr. Lamb. Moreover, his young age does not allow him to change his attitude to life.
People with disabilities often appreciate behavior that is respectful, inclusive, and considerate. Here are some key behaviors that can help:
1. *Respect and Dignity*: Treat them with the same respect as anyone else. Avoid condescension or pity.
2. *Inclusivity*: Make efforts to include them in activities and conversations. Ensure that events and spaces are accessible.
3. *Listening and Communication*: Listen to their needs and preferences without making assumptions. Communicate directly and clearly.
4. *Empathy*: Show understanding and empathy towards their experiences without being overly sympathetic.
5. *Assistance*: Offer help when needed, but respect their independence and autonomy. Ask before providing assistance.
6. *Awareness and Education*: Educate yourself about disabilities to avoid stereotypes and misconceptions.
By fostering an environment of respect and understanding, you can help reduce the sense of alienation felt by individuals with disabilities.
4. Will Derry return to his old seclusion or will Mr. Lamb's brief association effect a change in the kind of life he will lead?
Ans - No, Derry will not return to his old environment, because even though when he encountered Mr. Lamb, he felt that Mr. Lamb was not the same being as others treated him, slowly he extended his conversation with Mr. Lamb, he realized that there was lot more to learn from him, as Mr. Lamb gave no attention or least bothered about his disability, but gave and taught him a positive narrative of life. So at the end of the play, he rushes to his mother and tells her how he had a new vision of life because of the Lamb, and finally, he leaves the house of his mother and runs back to the garden. After reaching to garden, he finds that Mr. Lamb is no more in this world, so he decides to stay in the garden and leads his life as Mr. Lamd led his life positively, spreading happiness, talking, and offering toffy, and jelly to the visitors of the garden.
So. we can say that Mr. Lamb, completely transformed his personality and changed his perspective of life from pessimistic to optimism.
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