The 2024 edition of “On the Face of It Questions Answers Class 12” is a valuable study tool for CBSE Class 12 students. It features crucial Q&A derived from NCERT, along with noteworthy additional questions from ‘Vistas,’ the supplementary English Reader for Class XII (Core Course).
Summary of On the Face of It
On the Face of It” by Susan Hill is a poignant play exploring themes of isolation, prejudice, and human connection. The story revolves around Derry, a disfigured boy, and Mr. Lamb, a reclusive man with facial disfigurement. Despite societal judgments, Derry befriends Mr. Lamb in his garden, where they share their experiences of loneliness. Their friendship challenges preconceived notions about appearances, revealing the transformative power of empathy. Derry’s mother, initially concerned, comes to recognize the genuine connection. The play prompts reflection on societal attitudes toward differences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and acceptance in fostering meaningful human relationships.
Translation
सुसान हिल द्वारा लिखित “ऑन द फेस ऑफ इट” अलगाव, पूर्वाग्रह और मानवीय संबंध के विषयों की खोज करने वाला एक मार्मिक नाटक है। कहानी डेरी, एक विकृत लड़के और मिस्टर लैम्ब, चेहरे की विकृति के साथ एकांतप्रिय व्यक्ति के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है। सामाजिक निर्णयों के बावजूद , डेरी अपने बगीचे में मिस्टर लैम्ब से दोस्ती करता है, जहां वे अकेलेपन के अपने अनुभव साझा करते हैं। उनकी दोस्ती दिखावे के बारे में पूर्वकल्पित धारणाओं को चुनौती देती है, सहानुभूति की परिवर्तनकारी शक्ति को प्रकट करती है। डेरी की मां, शुरू में चिंतित थी, वास्तविक संबंध को पहचानने लगती है। नाटक प्रतिबिंब को प्रेरित करता है मतभेदों के प्रति सामाजिक दृष्टिकोण पर, सार्थक मानवीय रिश्तों को बढ़ावा देने में समझ और स्वीकृति के महत्व पर जोर दिया गया।
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Q3 On the Face of It Questions Answers Class 12 MCQ Extract Based 1
Read the following extract and choose the correct option.
A. MR LAMB: Look, boy, look…. what do you see?
DERRY: Just….grass and stuff. Weeds.
MR LAMB: Some call them weeds. If you like, then…. a weed garden, that. There’s fruit and there are flowers, and trees and herbs. All sorts. But over there…. weeds. I grow weeds there. Why is one green, growing plant called a weed and another ‘flower’? Where’s the difference. It’s all life…. growing. Same as you and me.
DERRY: We’re not the same.
MR LAMB: I’m old. You’re young. You’ve got a burned face, I’ve got a tin leg. Not important. You’re standing there…. I’m sitting here. Where’s the difference?
i Like the play, the given extract is a study in contrasts. What does Mr. Lamb seek to do by bringing up distinctions?
a) To explain that weeds are important and should be valued and cared for as much as flowers.
b) To emphasize that distinctions are made by man to serve specific purposes and uses.
c) To highlight that labels are arbitrary and essentially reflect a common life experience.
d) To remind Derry that the only difference that matters is that of attitude and experience.
Ans: c) To highlight that labels are arbitrary and essentially reflect a common life experience.
ii How would you describe Derry’s tone when he says – “We’re not the same”?
a) angry
b) perplexed
c) gloomy
d) practical
Ans: c) gloomy
iii Look at the given images of books. In which of the following are you NOT likely to find Mr. Lamb’s words as given in the extract?
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v)
a) Options (i) and (iii)
b) Options (i) and (iv)
c) Options (ii) and (iv)
d) Options (ii) and (iii)
Ans: b) Options (i) and (iv)
iv Which of the following represents Mr. Lamb’s analysis of flowers and weeds?
a) Comparison is an act of violence against the self.
b) If you have a garden in your library, everything will be complete.
c) One man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist.
d) The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff.
Ans: c) One man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist.
Q3 On the Face of It Questions Answers Class 12 MCQ Extract Based 2
Read the following extract and choose the correct option.
B. DERRY: What do you do all day?
MR LAMB: Sit in the sun. Read books. Ah, you thought it was an empty house, but inside, it’s full. Books and other things. Full.
DERRY: But there aren’t any curtains at the windows.
MR LAMB: I’m not fond of curtains. Shutting things out, shutting things in. I like the light and the darkness, and the windows open, to hear the wind.
DERRY: Yes. I like that. When it’s raining, I like to hear it on the roof.
MR LAMB: So you’re not lost, are you? Not altogether? You do hear things. You listen.
DERRY: They talk about me. Downstairs, When I’m not there.
i According to Mr. Lamb, what does the idea of being ‘lost’ signify?
a) He who does not hear what other people say is lost.
b) He who does not appreciate man and nature is lost.
c) He who does not pause to reflect on wind and rain is lost.
d) He who is closed off to nature and its wonders is lost.
Ans: d) He who is closed off to nature and its wonders is lost
ii Read the following analysis of Mr. Lamb’s character based on the given extract. Choose the option that fills in the given blanks most appropriately:
Mr. Lamb’s (i) ____________ and daily activities reflected the values he lived by and the kind of person he was. His openness, inquisitiveness, and his (ii) ____________ to nature were embodied in his work and words. Being close to and experiencing (iii) was not only significant to him, but was at the heart of finding meaning and (iv) ________ in life.
a) (i) preferences ; (ii) attunement ; (iii) nature ; (iv) direction
b) (ii) choices ; (ii) loyalty ; (iii) the world ; (iv) hope
c) (iii) words ; (ii) attitude ; (iii) gardening ; (iv) worthiness
d) (iv) sermons ; (ii) proximity ; (iii) life ; (iv) values
Ans: a) (i) preferences ; (ii) attunement ; (iii) nature ; (iv) direction
iii Choose the option that best describes the sequence of Derry’s emotions in the above extract:
a) shyness – friendliness – reluctant acceptance
b) inquisitiveness – nostalgia – mild sadness
c) curiosity – measured delight – disappointment
d) defiance – excitement – grouchy insecurity
Ans: c) curiosity – measured delight – disappointment
iv “You do hear things. You listen.” Choose the option that captures the difference between hearing and listening. hear: listen :: _________: _________
a) shut in: shut out
b) smile: laugh
c) act: reflect
d) chance: attend
Ans: d) chance: attend
Q 5. On the Face of It Questions Answers Class 12 Stand-alone MCQs
i If Derry were in a library at the beginning of the play, which of the following sections of books would he NOT explore?
(i) science fiction (ii) fantasy (iii) self-help (iv) non-fiction
a) Options (i) and (ii)
b) Options (ii) and (iii)
c) Options (iii) and (iv)
d) Options (i) and (iv)
Ans: b) Options (ii) and (iii)
ii “Ah, but do you care if you never kiss them.” What does Mr. Lamb aim to do with such a statement?
a) Empower Derry to take charge.
b) Inspire Derry to have dreams.
c) Comfort Derry by distracting him.
d) Question Derry about his desires.
Ans: a) Empower Derry to take charge.
iii Choose the option that best constitutes a message from the play:
a) People’s attitude should not stop one from experiencing life.
b) What people say has no bearing upon how one feels about things.
c) People cannot be changed. One can and should only change oneself.
d) One’s opinions cannot be based on what people say behind one’s back.
Ans: a) People’s attitude should not stop one from experiencing life
iv Based on the slogans and tag lines, for which of the following brands might Mr. Lamb be a suitable brand ambassador?
a) Options (i), (ii), (iii)
b) Options (ii), (iii), (iv)
c) Options (iii), (iv), (v)
d) Options (iv), (v), (i)
Ans: d) Options (iv), (v), (i)
Q11 On the Face of It Questions Answers Class 12 in 30-40 words
i ‘It is not merely age but experience that counts.’
With reference to any one example from the text, comment on how Derry found Mr. Lamb different from other adults he had encountered.
Ans: In “On The Face Of It” by Susan Hill, Derry perceives Mr. Lamb as different from other adults due to his empathetic understanding of isolation and disfigurement. Mr. Lamb’s own experiences with prejudice and loneliness make him more compassionate and relatable to Derry, transcending the barriers of age.
ii Imagine that Mr. Lamb had not fallen off the ladder at the end. Recalling his conversation with the bees, do you think Derry’s return might have changed him as much as he had changed Derry? Elaborate
Ans: If Mr. Lamb hadn’t fallen off the ladder, Derry’s return could still have a profound impact on him. The exchange with the bees suggests Mr. Lamb’s capacity for introspection. Derry’s friendship might further catalyze Mr. Lamb’s self-discovery, fostering personal growth and reciprocity in their relationship.
iii Do you think Derry’s mother is protective of him? Justify your opinion with textual evidence.
Ans: Yes, Derry’s mother is protective. She worries about him playing near Mr. Lamb’s garden, fearing potential harm. When she learns about the friendship, she’s concerned, reflecting a motherly instinct to safeguard her son.
iv Why did Derry go back to Mr. Lamb’s garden even after opposition?
Ans: Derry returned to Mr. Lamb’s garden because of the genuine connection they shared. Despite opposition from his mother and societal judgments, Derry found acceptance and understanding with Mr. Lamb, making the garden a sanctuary where he felt valued and accepted.
Q13 On the Face of It Questions Answers Class 12 in 120-150 words
i Derry mentions two kinds of responses people often have to justify misfortune, one “‘Look at all those people who are in pain and brave and never cry and never complain and don’t feel sorry for themselves”; and secondly, “think of all those people worse off than you.” Far from comforting him, these empty words only agitate him.
In both cases, one’s sense of self is derived from others and how they live their lives.
a) How far might looking at others itself be the cause of suffering?
b) In what way can people, especially children, be empowered to face their challenges without the spectre of comparison?
Ans: a) Constantly looking at others and comparing oneself can indeed be a cause of suffering. When individuals gauge their worth solely based on external benchmarks or others’ perceived strength, it may lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Derry’s discomfort with such comparisons in the face of misfortune suggests that this perspective can be emotionally taxing.
b) Empowering individuals, especially children, involves cultivating a sense of intrinsic value and resilience. Fostering self-esteem, teaching coping mechanisms, and emphasizing one’s unique qualities can help them face challenges without relying on constant comparisons. Encouraging a mindset focused on personal growth, learning, and individual strengths helps build a foundation for facing difficulties without the burden of external comparisons. This approach promotes inner strength and resilience, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with a healthier sense of self.
ii Imagine that the encounter with Mr. Lamb marked a turning point in Derry’s life. Many years later, Derry is invited to present a TED Talk on the challenges he faced and overcame. He thinks about the bitterness he carried earlier towards people and the world, and how his attitude changed and decides to speak about the transformation in his relationship with himself, and understanding what kindness towards oneself might actually means.
He agrees to weave his speech on ‘Not the face of a victim’. As Derry, create the speech draft for the TED Talk.
Ans: Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for having me here today. I stand before you not as a victim, but as a testament to the transformative power of kindness, particularly the kindness we extend to ourselves.
Growing up, I carried a bitterness towards the world, a resentment fueled by societal judgments and my own perceived differences. Then came Mr. Lamb. In his garden, I found acceptance that transcended physical appearances. That encounter marked a turning point in my life.
Today, I want to share a journey not of victimhood, but of self-discovery. I’ve learned that true strength lies in embracing oneself with kindness. It’s about looking beyond the superficial and recognizing the inherent worth within. My story is about shedding the shackles of comparison and understanding that “Not the face of a victim” means reclaiming one’s narrative with self-compassion. It’s a journey we can all embark upon – towards a life defined by resilience, empathy, and, most importantly, kindness to oneself. Thank you.
iii In today’s world, the mantra for success is considered to be the ability to think out of the box. At the same time, as in the play, acceptance is difficult for those who are different.
As Derry says, “After I’d come home, one person said, “He’d have been better off stopping in there. In the hospital. He’d be better off with others like himself.”
How would you reconcile both these ideas, of a demand for difference, on one hand, and a need to isolate difference on the other hand?
Ans: The tension between the demand for uniqueness and the inclination to isolate difference reflects a paradox in our society. The emphasis on thinking “out of the box” suggests a celebration of diversity and innovation. However, this clashes with the prevalent struggle for acceptance faced by those who are perceived as different.
The comment about Derry being “better off with others like himself” highlights a societal inclination to categorize and segregate based on perceived differences. This paradox reveals a challenge in our collective mindset—while there’s a call for uniqueness, there’s also a discomfort with embracing diversity.
Reconciliation lies in fostering a culture that not only encourages thinking outside the box but also values and celebrates the diverse perspectives that arise from unique backgrounds and experiences. True success comes when we appreciate and integrate the richness that diversity brings, breaking down barriers rather than isolating differences. It’s about creating a society where acceptance is the norm, and uniqueness is not only tolerated but embraced.
Extra On the Face of It Questions Answers Class 12
What is the main theme of on the face of it?
Ans: The main theme of “On the Face of It” by Susan Hill is the exploration of human connection and acceptance in the face of physical differences. The play delves into the impact of societal prejudices and the transformative power of empathy. Through the unlikely friendship between Derry, a disfigured boy, and Mr. Lamb, a reclusive man with facial disfigurement, the narrative challenges preconceived notions about appearances. It highlights the profound effect of genuine understanding, portraying how meaningful connections can transcend societal judgments and alleviate the profound isolation experienced by individuals with visible distinctions. The theme underscores the importance of empathy in fostering true human relationships.
What is the moral of the face of it?
Ans: The moral of “On the Face of It” by Susan Hill lies in the transformative power of empathy and understanding. The play suggests that genuine human connections, free from societal prejudices, can alleviate isolation and foster a sense of acceptance for individuals with visible differences.
Who is Mr Lamb what kind of person is he?
Ans: Mr. Lamb is a character in “On the Face of It” by Susan Hill. He is portrayed as a reclusive man with a facial disfigurement. Despite his physical appearance, Mr. Lamb is kind, understanding, and empathetic, forming a genuine connection with Derry, a disfigured boy.
How old was Derry answer?
Ans: In “On the Face of It” by Susan Hill, the age of Derry is not explicitly mentioned in the information provided. Therefore, I’m unable to provide the specific age of Derry based on the details available.
Why does Derry have two names?
Ans: There is no indication in the provided information that Derry has two names in “On the Face of It” by Susan Hill. It’s possible that Derry is referred to by a single name in the context of the play.
What time period is Derry?
Ans: The information provided does not specify the time period in which “On the Face of It” by Susan Hill is set. Without additional details, it is challenging to determine the specific time period in which the events of the play take place.
