Chapter on-the-face-of-it: On The Face Of It | Short Questions

Mr. Lamb deliberately leaves his garden gate open because he is a remarkably welcoming and open-minded person who genuinely loves human company. Despite his own physical disability and the fact that he lives entirely alone, he refuses to shut himself away from the world. He wants children to come in for apples and toffee, and he enjoys observing people and nature. The open gate serves as a powerful symbol of his optimistic, accepting attitude and his conscious choice to embrace life rather than fear it.

Derry is deeply traumatized and obsessed with his burnt face, constantly anticipating rejection and cruel remarks from others. He allows his physical appearance to completely dictate his happiness, leading him to isolate himself in bitterness. Conversely, Mr. Lamb accepts his tin leg with remarkable grace and humor. When children playfully call him 'Lamey-Lamb,' he does not let it hurt or anger him. Instead of hiding his disability, Mr. Lamb focuses on the positive aspects of his life and refuses to let a physical limitation define his existence.

Mr. Lamb points to his garden and explains that both a weed and a flower are simply green, growing plants. He questions why society labels one as beautiful and the other as undesirable rubbish. Through this simple observation, he teaches Derry a profound lesson about perception and inherent value. He helps the young boy understand that physical appearance does not determine a person's worth. Just like the weed, Derry is a living, breathing human being with the exact same right to grow, thrive, and exist in the world.

Mr. Lamb tells Derry about a man who was so terrified of dying that he locked himself in his room, completely hiding from the world to avoid germs, accidents, and heartbreak. Ironically, a picture fell off the wall and killed him anyway. Mr. Lamb shares this darkly humorous story to show Derry that constantly living in fear and hiding away from society is utterly pointless. He wants Derry to realize that locking oneself emotionally or physically away from life is much worse than facing any external danger.

Despite his mother's strict warnings about the eccentric old man, Derry decides to return because Mr. Lamb is the first person who treated him normally, without pity or fear. Mr. Lamb's wise words have profoundly shifted Derry's perspective, making him realize that his inner thoughts and desires are much more important than his burnt face. He wants to sit in the garden, listen to the bees, and help pick apples. He knows that if he fails to go back now, he will never find the courage to face the world again.