1. The play "On the face of it" is a poignant depiction of physically challenged people
coming to terms with their disability. Elucidate with reference to the drama.
Value Points
The play depicts two physically challenged people –Derry and Lamb –one with an artificial
leg and the other with a burnt face-and the turmoil they face on a daily basis
Derry who is just fourteen is bitter, confused and suffers from complexes --has not been
able to accept his disability
People –indifferent --stare at his ugly face all the time --has not been able to cope with
isolation, rejection, loneliness and the feeling of not being ‘wanted’ –insensitive attitude
of society towards the challenged—lack empathy
People also tend to sympathize and moralize—something that is hated by the handicapped—
hurts their self respect
Sadly he doesn’t even feel loved by his mother(give example) People at home are one of the
reasons behind his low self esteem—think he won’t be able to get his way round when he
grows up
As a result has become a recluse --has no faith in people
Is bitter and negative—avoids people or conversation
His deep yearning to be loved and accepted is depicted in the play e.g. (wish to be kissed,
wish to have friends, fear that people will run away or change topic)—lives in his own
private hell till he meets Lamb
It is Lamb who helps Derry come to terms with his handicap—teaches him to look at the
other side of things and appreciate life and the positives that it has to offer (sound of rain on
the rooftop)
Mr. Lamb has seen life and has learnt to put up a brave and positive front. There are
certainly moments that are difficult to confront and that make him sad and lonely but being
an adult , he has evolved his own defence mechanism
The play is also an appeal to people to remove glares of hostility and prejudice against those
who are physically challenged and accept them as they are.