Question

Answer any one of the following questions in 120-150 words:
What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb in spite of himself?

Hint:

Mentioning Mr. Lamb's specific examples, like comparing weeds to flowers or telling the story of the man who locked himself up, adds solid textual backing to your answer.

Answer 1

Explain the psychological transformation of the teenage boy, Derry, due to the positive influence of the old man, Mr. Lamb.

Derry is a fourteen-year-old boy whose face is half-burnt by acid. Consequently, he has developed a deep-seated inferiority complex, becoming highly pessimistic, bitter, and withdrawn. He constantly avoids people because he expects them to show either disgust or false sympathy towards him.
However, when he accidentally enters Mr. Lamb's garden, he is drawn to the old man because of his strikingly different attitude. Mr. Lamb, who himself has a tin leg, does not show any shock, fear, or pity upon seeing Derry's burnt face. He treats Derry as an equal and engages him in a normal conversation. Mr. Lamb's inclusive philosophy of life deeply affects Derry. The old man points out that weeds are green, growing plants just like flowers, showing that beauty is a matter of perception.
Mr. Lamb encourages Derry to shut his ears to negativity and focus on the beautiful things in the world. He makes Derry realize that he has a fully functional body and brain, and can achieve whatever he wants. It is this unconditional acceptance, absolute lack of judgment, and vibrant optimism that irresistibly draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb.