ON THE FACE OF IT SUSAN HILL
The play begins in the beautiful garden of Mr. Lamb , an old man who lives alone. The garden is full of flowers, fruits, bees, birds, and plants. One afternoon, a fourteen-year-old boy named Derry secretly climbs over the garden wall and enters the garden without permission. He believes no one is at home and wants to spend some time alone. However, Mr. Lamb notices him and speaks kindly. Derry gets frightened and apologizes for entering without permission. Mr. Lamb calmly tells him that the garden wall is there only to keep people out if they choose not to enter through the gate, but visitors are always welcome. His warm and friendly attitude surprises Derry. Derry has a badly burnt face. One side of his face was damaged by acid, leaving deep scars. Because of his appearance, people often stare at him, pity him, or avoid him. He feels rejected and believes that everyone hates him. He has become lonely, bitter, and suspicious of other people. He thinks that life has treated him...