On the Face of It (Scene One)
Introduction to Characters and Setting
The scene is set in Mr. Lamb’s garden, a place filled with natural sounds and open to visitors, symbolizing openness and acceptance. Derry, a 14-year-old boy with a scarred face, enters feeling self-conscious and defensive. Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, warmly welcomes Derry and engages him in a meaningful conversation.
Initial Interaction
Derry, assuming the house is empty, is startled and becomes wary upon encountering Mr. Lamb, quickly explaining that he isn’t a thief but reacting with anger, revealing his insecurities. However, Mr. Lamb’s warmth and reassurance encourage Derry to stay and explore the garden. His kind and curious demeanor gradually helps ease the boy’s discomfort.
Philosophical Discussion
Derry opens up about the emotional and physical pain caused by an acid burn on his face, sharing how people’s fear and judgment have deeply affected him and admitting that he even fears his own reflection. In response, Mr. Lamb compares his own disability, a tin leg, to Derry’s scars, explaining that appearances do not define a person’s worth. He encourages Derry to embrace acceptance and resilience, highlighting the beauty in imperfections and comparing weeds and flowers as equal and valuable forms of life.
Themes of Isolation and Connection
Derry expresses how people’s stares and hurtful comments have left him feeling isolated, causing him to distrust and avoid others. In contrast, Mr. Lamb shares his philosophy of embracing the world rather than hiding from it, finding joy in simple pleasures like the humming of bees and the sound of rain on the roof. He encourages Derry to look beyond his scars and focus on the beauty and opportunities life has to offer.
Conflict Between Cynicism and Optimism
Derry expresses his cynicism, doubting the sincerity of people’s words and refusing to believe that he could ever be loved or accepted because of his scars. In response, Mr. Lamb counters his negativity with optimism, insisting that a person’s worth goes far beyond their appearance. He urges Derry not to let hatred or bitterness consume him, emphasizing the importance of embracing life and finding happiness despite challenges.
A Growing Bond
Initially hesitant, Derry gradually begins to enjoy the garden and Mr. Lamb’s company, finding comfort in the old man’s presence. Through their conversation, Mr. Lamb inspires Derry to take risks, embrace the world with openness, and reject the societal labels that have confined him. His words plant a seed of change in Derry’s mindset, encouraging him to see life from a new perspective.
Conclusion of Scene One
As Derry prepares to leave, he promises to return and help Mr. Lamb pick crab apples, though Mr. Lamb remains skeptical, having experienced similar promises from others who never came back. Left alone in his garden, Mr. Lamb reflects on life with quiet acceptance, acknowledging that many people fail to return but choosing to hold no bitterness about it.
Key Themes in Scene One:
1. Acceptance and Resilience: The scene highlights the importance of accepting oneself and finding strength in adversity.
2. Judgment vs. Understanding: It contrasts the pain of societal judgment with the healing power of understanding and connection.
3. Isolation vs. Openness: Mr. Lamb represents an open, accepting worldview, while Derry struggles with the isolation imposed by his insecurities.
4. Beauty in Imperfection: Through metaphors like weeds and flowers, Mr. Lamb teaches Derry to see beauty beyond traditional definitions.
This scene sets the stage for Derry’s transformation as he begins to question his negative beliefs and consider a more optimistic outlook on life.
On the Face of It (Scene Two)
Derry's Conflict with His Mother
Derry’s mother warns him against visiting Mr. Lamb, citing rumors about the old man. However, Derry defends Mr. Lamb, valuing his unique and encouraging words. Despite his mother’s insistence to stay home, Derry feels restricted and argues for his right to live freely. He believes visiting Mr. Lamb’s garden symbolizes his freedom and refuses to let others limit his life.
Key Themes in Scene Two:
1. Mother’s Protection vs. Derry’s Independence: The scene shows the tension between a mother’s protective instincts and her son’s desire for independence and self-discovery.
2. Escape from Isolation: Derry seeks to escape the isolation he feels at home, where he is judged by his appearance, and instead yearns for the acceptance and understanding he finds in Mr. Lamb’s garden.
3. Yearning for Personal Growth: Derry expresses a deep desire to grow, both mentally and emotionally, by exploring new ideas and experiences outside the constraints of his home and societal judgments.
This scene deepens the emotional conflict Derry faces—caught between his mother's protection and his own need for personal freedom and growth.
On the Face of It (Scene Three)
Mr. Lamb’s Accident and Derry’s Return
While picking apples, Mr. Lamb falls from a ladder after the branch creaks, leaving an eerie silence. Moments later, Derry returns to the garden, excited to prove he came back despite doubts. His joy turns to sorrow as he finds Mr. Lamb lying still on the ground. Overwhelmed by grief, Derry kneels beside him, weeping for the loss of his friend and the broken promise to share more moments together.
