Sir Frederick Treves

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.

well as a few bucks. Because he is so incredibly closed-minded towards Merrick, the viewer can deduce that the janitor has a very small view of the world and will continue to in his future endeavors. Unlike Mr. Bytes and the janitor, Doctor Frederick Treves is an educated individual, and therefore, he is open to new ways of thinking. He is considered to be a dynamic character because he, “does undergo an important change in the course of the story” (Baker). In the beginning of the film, the