An aspiring youthful specialist, Frederick Treves searches out Merrick as a subject for a presentation to the Pathological Society and, taken by Merrick's insight and friendliness, makes arrangements for Merrick to have a permanent home on the premises of London Hospital. The film depicts Treves as protecting Merrick from a pitiful presence in the dingy wharf area, where he is beaten brutally and generally manhandled
play's twelfth scene: "Who Does He Remind You Of?" Within the scene, a slew of characters, both major and minor, ostensibly strut out onto the stage and proudly proclaim that Merrick, the titular character, is very much like them. From Mrs. Kendall, to Treves, to the Bishop, each character accordingly lists features that describe them and attributes those features to Merrick. Meanwhile, the Elephant Man lies in the background, a societal mirror that none can gaze upon without witnessing a reflection of
Throughout human history one of the main negative traits that have been passed down for generations is the action of judging one another. All of us are guilty of judging someone at some point in our lives, whether intentionally or unintentionally. If someone is different from what society considers normal they are criticized and judged. Discrimination, obscure or outright, large or miniscule, creates divisions between us and fuels social ignorance. This theme is clearly portrayed in both The Elephant
was able to communicate if he had something to write on, whereas Gregor was not able to communicate well at all. Merrick wrote letters to people who he had met and notes to the doctors and staff at the hospital where he spent most of his adult life (Treves 1). Gregor tried to communicate by pushing things around, like his food, and separating the stuff he wanted from what he didn’t, so his sister would know what to bring him. His sister seemed to understand this system of communications as she adjusted
During reading of The Elephant Man, I found several points that grabbed my attention. It touched on subjects that are often over looked in society, including disability, deformity and disease. Most times it can be difficult to confront these topics because they are shamed in society. People have different opinions on the subjects. Which is why this performance needs to be republished more often in theatre. The performance reflects many different groups of people’s reactions to disabilities. It accurately
Comparative Analytical Text Essay The Twins of Siam and The Elephant Man Essay question: People who are physically disabled all lead similar lives. Do the Twins of Siam and the Elephant Man show this to be true? The Elephant Man is the true story of Joseph Merrick’s life from Tim Vicary’s novel. Joseph Merrick was born in London in 1862 and later, he developed a disease that made him disabled. The Twins of Siam is a short text about Change and Eng, who were the conjoined twins, born in Thailand
Bernard Pomerance and the Elephant Man Bernard Pomerance was born in 1940 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended college at the University of Chicago, where he received a degree in English. In the 1970's Pomerance moved to London, England to become a novelist. He was unsuccessful and then decided to try his hand as a dramatist. He quickly got involved with several left-wing fringe groups, which where at the time thriving in England. Then, along with director Ronald Rees, he founded the Foco Nove
John Merrick is defined by appearance, not by his intellectual ability, not even by the his spoken words. Rather, people are entertained by his appearance or disgusted by it. The people that encounter Merrick, only mold him "by the experiences [he] has." Yes, there are the ones like Mrs. Kendal who partially see through Merrick's experiences however, it is hard to convince people around us of one thing, when another is so distracting. Yet, there is a second half to what "molds" one. The perception
The Elephant Man, by Bernard Pomerance was about a man, John Merrick, who lived in the Victorian Era with many physical disabilities. When portraying Merrick in the movie adaptation, the actor would have lots of makeup on to match the descriptions of him. In the play's adaptation of this story, the actor would not have any makeup or special effects, but would instead have a natural appearance, and contort their body in ways that portrayed Merrick's physical challenges. Based on the short excerpt
in Europe where he was beaten, robbed, and abandoned. In 1886 Joseph had made his way back to London unable to speak. The police searched Merrick and found Fredrick Treves business card. Treves brought Merrick to the London Hospital. Fredrick Treves decided to admit Merrick for his physical condition. Francis Carr Gomm, supported Treves idea. Merrick’s condition had worsened over the past two years. The London Hospital was not equipped to take care of an “incurable patient” so Carr Gomm talked to other