Conflict and Morality in Drama · Term 2

On the Face of It: Physicality and Perception

Discussing the psychological impact of physical impairment and the power of companionship.

About This Topic

In 'On the Face of It' by Susan Hill, we meet Derry, a boy scarred by a burn, and Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg. Their chance meeting in the garden challenges our views on physical differences. Derry enters with suspicion and self-pity, shaped by cruel stares and his mother's fears. Mr. Lamb, however, welcomes him with openness, sharing stories of crabs and weeds that grow despite odds.

The dialogue dismantles the 'bitter victim' trope as Mr. Lamb urges Derry to focus on beauty, not blemishes. The garden symbolises inclusion, open to all, while the house represents exclusion Derry fears. The ambiguous ending, with Derry rushing back after Mr. Lamb's fall, redefines happy endings: true change comes from internal shifts, not tidy resolutions.

Active learning benefits this topic by letting students embody characters through role-play and debate, fostering empathy and critical analysis of perceptions.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how Mr. Lamb's dialogue subverts the stereotype of a 'bitter victim' by focusing on positive outlook and resilience.
• Evaluate the symbolic significance of the garden and the house in representing themes of inclusion and exclusion in Derry's life.
• Compare Derry's initial perception of his scar with his evolving self-perception through his interactions with Mr. Lamb.
• Critique the play's ending as a redefinition of a 'happy ending' by examining the internal transformation versus external resolution.

Before You Start

Understanding Characterisation in Prose and Drama

Why: Students need to be able to identify and analyze character traits, motivations, and development to discuss Derry and Mr. Lamb effectively.

Themes of Prejudice and Social Exclusion

Why: Familiarity with these concepts will help students grasp the underlying social commentary in the play and Derry's personal struggles.

Key Vocabulary

disfigurement	A physical impairment that spoils the appearance of someone or something, often leading to social stigma.
isolation	The state of being separated from others, either physically or emotionally, often resulting from societal prejudice or personal fear.
companionship	The state of having someone to share experiences with, providing emotional support and reducing feelings of loneliness.
perception	The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted, particularly concerning physical appearance and personal worth.
resilience	The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness, especially in the face of adversity and prejudice.

Active Learning Ideas

Role-Play Dialogue

Students pair up to reenact the conversation between Derry and Mr. Lamb, focusing on tone and body language. They discuss how dialogue reveals inner conflicts. This builds understanding of character development.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Symbol Mapping

In small groups, students draw and label symbols like the garden and house. They explain their meanings with text evidence. Groups share with the class.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

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Ending Debate

Whole class debates if the play has a happy ending, using quotes. Students vote and justify positions. This sharpens analytical skills.

⏱ 20 min·Whole Class

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Personal Reflection

Individually, students journal about a time they faced exclusion. They connect it to Derry's experience. Share volunteers.

⏱ 15 min·Individual

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Real-World Connections

Disability advocacy groups work to challenge societal perceptions and promote inclusion for individuals with visible and invisible impairments, similar to the themes explored in the play.

Therapists and counselors often help individuals overcome the psychological impact of trauma or physical challenges, fostering self-acceptance and building coping mechanisms, much like Mr. Lamb does for Derry.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Physical impairment always causes bitterness and isolation.

What to Teach Instead

The play shows characters like Mr. Lamb thrive through positive outlook, proving attitude shapes response to disability.

Common Misconception

The garden only represents nature.

What to Teach Instead

It symbolises inclusion and acceptance, contrasting societal exclusion faced by the characters.

Common Misconception

The ending is tragic with no hope.

What to Teach Instead

Derry's return suggests personal growth, redefining happiness as inner change.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose this question to small groups: 'How does Mr. Lamb's perspective on his tin leg and Derry's scar differ from how society typically views such differences? Use specific examples from their conversations.' Facilitate a brief class share-out of key insights.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write two sentences: one explaining what the garden symbolizes for Derry, and another explaining what the ending suggests about true change. Collect these as students leave.

Quick Check

Present students with a short scenario (e.g., someone reacting negatively to a physical difference). Ask them to write one sentence describing how Derry might initially react and one sentence describing how Mr. Lamb might advise him to respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the dialogue challenge the 'bitter victim' trope?

Derry starts bitter, echoing societal pity, but Mr. Lamb counters with stories of resilient weeds and crabs. He insists people judge themselves, not scars. This shifts Derry towards self-acceptance, showing impairment need not define bitterness. Students see dialogue as a tool for transformation.

What do the garden and house symbolise?

The garden stands for openness and inclusion, welcoming all like Mr. Lamb's philosophy. The house signifies exclusion, mirroring Derry's fearful home life. These spaces highlight contrasts between societal barriers and potential harmony, urging readers to choose inclusion.

How can active learning benefit this topic?

Active learning engages students through role-plays and debates, helping them internalise themes of perception and companionship. By acting as Derry or Mr. Lamb, they experience emotional shifts firsthand. Group discussions clarify symbols, building empathy and critical thinking essential for CBSE analysis questions.

Why is the ending significant in modern drama?

It avoids neat resolutions, reflecting real life's ambiguities. Derry's rush back implies growth despite Mr. Lamb's fate. This challenges traditional happy endings, teaching students drama mirrors complex human experiences.