TOPIC : Power of positive thinking in “On the face of it.
”
NAME : Om Aaryan Seth
CLASS : 12TH
ROLL NO : 21
SUBJECT :English
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Om Aaryan Seth, of SUKANTI INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL, SONEPUR, has successfully completed this English project on
the topic "The Power of Positive Thinking in On the Face of It" and
submitted it in due time without any delay under the supervision of Mr.
Biswajit Patra during the academic year of 2025-26 in partial fulfillment
of the English practical examination.
Signature of External Examiner Signature of English Teacher
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks to our mentor Mr. Biswajit Patra
for his time and efforts provided throughout the year. Your useful advice
and suggestions were truly instrumental in helping me understand the
core themes of the play and were helpful to me during the project's
completion. In this aspect, I am eternally grateful to you.
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the project work entitled "The Power of Positive
Thinking in On the Face of It" submitted to the Department of English,
SUKANTI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, SONEPUR, for the subject English
under the guidance of Mr. Biswajit Patra is a record of original work done
by me. I further declare that this project or any part thereof has not been
previously submitted elsewhere for any other class.
Om Aaryan Seth
CLASS: 12
PLACE: SUKANTI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
DATE: ____
Power of positive thinking in “On the face of it.”
Susan Hill's play On the Face of It is a thought-provoking exploration of
loneliness, self-acceptance, and the destructive nature of societal
prejudice. The play contrasts two physically impaired characters: Derry,
a withdrawn, pessimistic young boy with an acid-burnt face, and Mr.
Lamb, an elderly man with a tin leg who embodies cheerfulness and
optimism. The central theme that emerges is the transformative power of
a positive mindset—how a hopeful outlook, guided by empathy, can
overcome physical disabilities and emotional scars.
The Optimistic Mentor: Mr. Lamb
Mr. Lamb is the primary vessel for the theme of positive thinking.
Despite having lost his real leg in the war and being mocked as
"Lamey-Lamb" by the neighborhood children, he has chosen to
embrace life with resilience.
Acceptance and Openness: Mr. Lamb’s philosophy is defined by his
unconditional acceptance of life and people. He keeps his garden
and his house open, symbolizing his willingness to engage with the
world and welcome anyone without judgment.
Perspective: He teaches Derry that perspective is everything. He
asks Derry to see a "weed" not as something worthless, but as a
"flower, too, if you like". He encourages Derry to see the potential for
beauty and purpose in everything, regardless of its 'label'.
Focus on Ability, Not Flaw: He does not pity Derry or focus on his
disfigured face. Instead, he shifts the conversation to the things
Derry can do, encouraging him to focus on his whole self rather than
the half that is burnt.
The Transformation of Derry
Derry represents the individual consumed by a negative self-image
and pessimism. Before meeting Mr. Lamb, Derry is isolated, believing
that people are disgusted by his appearance, which leads to deep
insecurity and bitterness.
The Internal Prison: Mr. Lamb helps Derry realize that his greatest
barrier is not his physical scar but his internal mindset. The old man
tells a story of a fearful man who locked himself away to avoid injury,
only to be killed by a falling picture—a metaphor emphasizing that
avoiding life out of fear is a greater tragedy than facing it with
courage.
Gaining Self-Worth: Through their brief but profound conversation,
Derry is inspired to see beyond his appearance. He learns to value
himself and realize that the world offers countless opportunities,
which he has been missing by staying withdrawn.
The Ultimate Test: Derry’s final act of defiance against his overly
protective mother, declaring "If I don't go back there, I'll never go
anywhere in this world again!" and running back to Mr. Lamb, is the
final proof of his transformation. He chooses to embrace life and
courage, inspired by the positive thinking Mr. Lamb instilled in him.
CONCLUSION
Susan Hill’s On the Face of It teaches us that a positive attitude can completely change
the way we live. The play shows that physical scars are not as harmful as the scars we
carry inside—fear, loneliness, and self-hatred. Mr. Lamb proves that life can be
meaningful if we accept ourselves and look at the world with hope. His cheerful and
open nature inspires Derry to break free from negativity and believe in his own worth.
The play reminds us that positive thinking does not mean ignoring problems, but
facing them with courage and confidence. It is this inner strength that helps us
overcome difficulties and live a happier and fuller life. In the end, On the Face of It
leaves us with one powerful message: our thoughts shape our lives, and with hope
and positivity, we can rise above any challenge.
