the play ends on a tragic note bit reaffirms hope give reasoned answer

The reaffirmation of hope comes in the form of how Derry reaches out to Mr Lamb in the end, he comes back to the garden to help him eventually. Derry decides to come out of his shell, his disfigured face notwithstanding and help someone else, there lies the hope that the story engenders. Mr Lamb's optimism triumphs over Derry's pessimism.