Examine the characters of Derry and Mr. Lamb in the context of the themes of alienation and loneliness in the story 'On The Face Of It'.

both Derry and Mr. Lamb are lonely and alienated

has secluded himself- hates how people react to his burnt face

dislikes pretention of sympathy, becomes cynical

Derry's mother contributes to his isolation- refuses to let him return to Mr. Lamb's house - these isolation measures are meant to protect Derry from pain but leave him lonely leading to bitterness and anger

develops negative perception of life

lives alone but never closes the gate of his garden for anyone / no curtains

learns to overcome challenges with positive attitude

admits that neighborhood children mock him and call him lamey Lamb but he is unaffected by it.

is lonely, alienated and resigned to his fate

lives in the company of books

offers jellies and toffees to people in his garden

accepts the fact that no one returns to his garden