CBSE Class 12 Vistas NCERT Solutions: On the Face of It
CBSE Class 12 Vistas Chapter 6, "On the Face of It," explores the poignant connection between Derry, a boy scarred by his appearance, and Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg. Their meeting in Mr. Lamb's orchard sparks a conversation that challenges Derry's bleak view of life and his fear of judgment. Mr. Lamb, with his wisdom and acceptance, encourages Derry to see beyond his disfigurement and embrace life's possibilities. The solutions examine how their bond helps Derry overcome his isolation and self-loathing, highlighting themes of courage, empathy, and the importance of looking beyond superficial differences. This chapter's analysis provides students with insights into human resilience and the power of understanding, crucial for their academic success.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Vistas |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 6. On the face of It |
Chapter summary
Chapter 6, "On the Face of It," of the CBSE Class 12 Vistas textbook focuses on the poignant interactions between Derry and Mr. Lamb. The NCERT Solutions provided here break down the key questions, exploring the characters' backgrounds, their initial encounters, and the development of their relationship. The solutions emphasize how Mr. Lamb's positive outlook and acceptance help Derry confront his fears and negative self-image, offering insights into themes of prejudice, isolation, and the importance of inner beauty. This chapter's solutions are crucial for understanding character development and thematic depth.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the characters of Mr. Lamb and Derry.
- Analyze the initial encounter between Derry and Mr. Lamb.
- Explain Mr. Lamb's philosophy on life and acceptance.
- Evaluate how Mr. Lamb influences Derry's attitude.
- Identify the themes of prejudice, isolation, and resilience in the chapter.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Character introduction: Mr. Lamb
- Character introduction: Derry
- Derry's entry into Mr. Lamb's garden
- Derry's physical appearance and its impact
- Derry's pessimistic attitude
- Mr. Lamb's philosophy of life
- Mr. Lamb's acceptance of Derry
- The development of Derry's attitude
- Themes of prejudice and isolation
- Themes of courage and resilience
- Transformation through relationships
- Understanding character interactions
Important topics
- Derry's psychological state and self-perception
- Mr. Lamb's unique approach to life and disability
- The contrast between societal reactions and genuine acceptance
- The theme of overcoming adversity
- The significance of the dialogue between Derry and Mr. Lamb
- The impact of relationships on personal growth
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
Mr. Lamb is an elderly gentleman who has a prosthetic leg made of tin, as his real leg was lost during a past war. He lives a solitary life in his house, which has a garden nearby. This garden is described as being full of ripe crab apples, appearing a beautiful golden-orange hue. Mr. Lamb is present in his garden when Derry decides to enter. Despite the garden gate being unlocked and open, Derry chooses to climb over the garden wall to gain entry, indicating his initial apprehension or perhaps a desire to explore unnoticed.
Question 2
Yes, the interactions and Mr. Lamb's unique perspective are highly likely to change Derry's attitude towards him. Derry's facial disfigurement had made him a constant target of ridicule and insincere sympathy, leading him to develop a deeply pessimistic view of life and believe that everyone disliked him. In stark contrast, Mr. Lamb does not show any pity towards Derry. Instead, he treats Derry as an equal, welcoming him into his garden and engaging him in conversation. Mr. Lamb's philosophy of accepting life's challenges and his genuine, non-judgmental approach help Derry to gradually shed his self-contempt and begin to appreciate life and himself. While Derry initially approached Mr. Lamb with the same apprehension he felt towards others, his conversations with the old man foster respect and a growing liking for him.
Common mistakes
- Misinterpreting Mr. Lamb's intentions as pity rather than acceptance.
- Underestimating the impact of physical appearance on a person's self-esteem.
- Failing to recognize the transformative power of positive relationships.
- Overlooking the subtle ways society's reactions can lead to isolation.
Revision tips
- Focus on the contrasting personalities and philosophies of Mr. Lamb and Derry.
- Analyze the significance of the garden setting as a space for dialogue and change.
- Consider how Mr. Lamb's experiences with his tin leg mirror Derry's feelings about his face.
- Practice explaining the turning point in Derry's attitude towards Mr. Lamb.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who is Mr. Lamb, and how does Derry enter his garden?
Explanation: Mr. Lamb is an elderly man who lost his leg in the war and lives in solitude. Derry enters his garden by climbing over the wall, despite the gate being open.
Q2. What was the reason for Derry's pessimistic attitude towards life?
Explanation: Derry's disfigured face led to constant ridicule and pity, causing him to believe that everyone detested him, fostering a negative outlook.
Q3. How did Mr. Lamb treat Derry differently from others?
Explanation: Unlike others who pitied Derry, Mr. Lamb treated him with respect and as an equal, which was a novel experience for the boy.
Q4. What does the chapter suggest about the change in Derry's attitude towards Mr. Lamb?
Explanation: Initially wary, Derry's perception of Mr. Lamb shifted as he began to appreciate the old man's non-judgmental and life-affirming perspective.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'On the Face of It'?
The main themes of 'On the Face of It' revolve around overcoming physical disfigurement and emotional isolation, the impact of societal prejudice, and the transformative power of acceptance and understanding in relationships, as exemplified by Derry and Mr. Lamb.
Who are the main characters in 'On the Face of It'?
The two main characters are Derry (William Derek), a young boy with a severely burnt face, and Mr. Lamb, an elderly man with a prosthetic tin leg.
How does Mr. Lamb's perspective differ from Derry's?
Derry sees his burnt face as a reason for others to hate and mock him, leading to his isolation. Mr. Lamb, despite his own disability, embraces life and encourages Derry to look beyond appearances and his own fears, fostering a sense of acceptance and self-worth.
Why did Derry climb over the garden wall instead of using the gate?
Derry climbed over the garden wall because he was initially hesitant and perhaps felt like an intruder, reflecting his general fear and reluctance to interact with people, even though the gate was open.
How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 12 students?
These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the characters' motivations, the chapter's themes, and key plot points, which is essential for their exam preparation.
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