Sir Frederick Treves, 1st Baronet

on The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences written by Dr. Frederick Treves and Ashley Montagu’s The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity. It is important to note that John Merrick was in fact named Joseph Merrick, a fact that the film seems to ignore. The film’s narrative is mainly concerned with the relationship between Treves (Anthony Hopkins) and Merrick (John Hurt). As such, the film follows a narrative thread begging with Treves rescuing Merrick from the freak show and his abusive holder

1. Why does each blind man have a different idea of the elephant? Are any of the men correct in their interpretation? Are any of the men wrong? Explain your reasoning. Each blind man has a different idea of the elephant because they are only looking for the truth from their own personal experiences. Each only experiencing bits and pieces of the overall truth. I believe that each of the men is correct in their interpretation of the elephant but without their vision, they cannot see the truth

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

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

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

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

controlling of those weaker than himself. Michael Elphick plays a horrible night porter who orchestrates an excruciating scene of humiliation in Merrick’s hospital room in which Merrick is put on display naked before paying onlookers. Anne Bancroft as Treves’ wife, provides the needed compassion as she shows Merrick kindness in the face of a lifetime of women screaming at his physical ugliness. The supporting cast deliver spot on performance that give validity and weight to the plot. Today, “The Elephant

evident, as Treves is talking to Merrick as if he is stupid. Treves clearly knows that Merrick is an extremely impressionable being, but he still attempts to brainwash him by making him repeat everything he says. For example, on page 26 of the play, Treves says “Don’t be upset. Rules make us happy because they are for our own good.” Treves then makes Merrick repeat this sentence in an attempt to teach him how to become a member of society, much like you would teach an animal.