Question

What is it that draws Derry towards Mr. Lamb in spite of himself?

Answer 1

Derry finds Mr. Lamb different from others. Mr. Lamb shows no shock or fear on
seeing Derry’s burned face. Rather he talks to him in a loving manner. He welcomes him to
his garden. He offers to pluck apples and make jelly for him. He calls him his friend. He says
that things look outwardly different, but inwardly they are all the same. He gives the
example of flowers, trees, herbs and weeds. They look different, but they are all growing
living things. Similarly, people can have different looks, but inwardly they are all the same.
Derry says that he hates some people.When Mr.Lamb hears this, he says that it can do him
more harm than any bottle of acid. Acid burns only the face, but hatred burns one's inside --
the soul.. He tells Derry never to think of his burned face. He has two arms, two legs, eyes
ears, tongue and a brain. And if he has a firm mind, he can do better than others. It is by
such words of encouragement that Mr. Lamb draws Derry to himself.