On the face of It (Susan Hill)

Derry is drawn towards Mr Lamb because Mr Lamb treats him with kindness, patience, and acceptance instead of pity or fear. He does not stare at Derry’s burnt face or avoid him. Instead, he talks to him naturally, listens to him, asks him questions, and makes Derry feel that he is not ugly or rejected as a whole person. Mr Lamb also shares his own disability, which makes Derry feel understood. His garden, his bees, the open gate, and his wise way of looking at life create a space where Derry feels free, accepted, and interested in the world again.

Mr Lamb shows signs of loneliness and disappointment in Scene One, especially when Derry leaves and again in his final words after Derry has run away. His remark, “They never do come back,” shows that he knows people may visit him but do not stay or return, which suggests disappointment. He tries to overcome these feelings by keeping his gate always open, welcoming everyone, talking to people, sitting in the sun, reading books, growing flowers, weeds, fruits, and bees, and by staying active and interested in life. He also avoids bitterness by thinking positively and treating every visitor as a friend.