In the play, ‘On the Face of It’ by Susan Hill, Derry is fascinated by Mr Lamb and his garden. In an attempt to understand whether this fascination is a positive influence or a negative one, Derry’s mother expresses her thoughts in a diary entry. As Derry’s mother, write this diary entry. Support your response with reference to the play. 

You may begin this way:

I have been worried about Derry ever since his accident that left his face scarred by acid. He has become so withdrawn and bitter that he hardly talks to anyone or goes out of the house. He hates his face and thinks that everyone else hates it too. However, his recent fascination with Mr. Lamb and his garden has …

Answer as written by the student:

Dear Diary,

I have been worried about Derry ever since his accident that left his face scarred by acid. He has become so withdrawn and bitter that he hardly talks to anyone or goes out of the house. He hates his face and thinks that everyone else hates it too. However, his recent fascination with Mr. Lamb and his garden has made me wonder if there is a chance for him to change and be happy.

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Derry told me that he met Mr. Lamb, an old man with a tin leg, in his garden. He said that Mr. Lamb was different from other people, that he did not pity or avoid him, but treated him like a normal person. He said that Mr. Lamb had a lot of interesting things to say about nature and life, and that he invited him to come back anytime he wanted. Derry seemed excited and curious about Mr. Lamb and his garden, and I could see a spark in his eyes that I had not seen for a long time.

I was not sure what to think of this. On one hand, I was glad that Derry had found someone who could make him feel comfortable and accepted. I hoped that Mr Lamb could be a positive influence on him, and help him overcome his insecurities and fears. On the other hand, I was worried that Derry might be getting too attached to a stranger who I knew nothing about. I had heard some rumors about Mr. Lamb, that he was eccentric and lonely, and that he had no friends or family. I wondered if he was trustworthy and safe, and if he had any ulterior motives for befriending my son.

I decided to let Derry go back to see Mr. Lamb, but I also told him to be careful and not to trust anyone too easily. I wanted him to be happy, but I also wanted him to be safe. I hoped that this fascination with Mr. Lamb and his garden would not turn out to be a disappointment or a danger for him.

Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

• The answer begins with a salutation to the diary, followed by an introduction that states the main concern of the writer: Derry’s accident and its impact on his personality.
• The answer then provides a summary of the events that led to Derry’s fascination with Mr Lamb and his garden, using facts from the play. The summary covers the main points of their conversation and interaction, and how they affected Derry’s mood and attitude.
• The answer then expresses the writer’s mixed feelings about Derry’s fascination with Mr Lamb and his garden , using bullet points for clarity and skimmability.
• The first bullet point states the positive aspect of the fascination : that it could help Derry feel comfortable and accepted, and overcome his insecurities and fears.
• The second bullet point states the negative aspect of the fascination : that it could expose Derry to a stranger who might not be trustworthy or safe, and who might have ulterior motives for befriending him.
• The answer ends with a conclusion that states the writer’s decision to let Derry go back to see Mr Lamb, but also warns him to be careful and not to trust anyone too easily. The conclusion also expresses the writer’s hope that the fascination would not turn out to be a disappointment or a danger for him.

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