The Elephant Man PDF

Tim Vicary's "The Elephant Man" is a simplified, accessible retelling of the true and tragic story of Joseph Carey Merrick. It's often used as a graded reader for English language learners, focusing on the emotional and human aspects of Merrick's life.

Here's a summary of the story as typically presented by Tim Vicary:

The story introduces Joseph Merrick, a young man living in Victorian London who suffers from extreme physical deformities that have earned him the cruel nickname "The Elephant Man." His body, especially his head, is covered in growths and his speech is severely affected, making him an object of fear and ridicule for most people.

Merrick is initially exploited by a showman, Mr. Bytes, who exhibits him in a "freak show" for public entertainment and profit. Merrick lives a life of humiliation and isolation, treated more like an animal than a human being.

One day, Dr. Frederick Treves, a kind and compassionate surgeon from the London Hospital, visits the freak show. He is shocked by Merrick's appearance but also feels a deep sense of pity and curiosity about the man behind the deformities. Treves decides to help Merrick and eventually brings him to the London Hospital, initially for examination, but later provides him with a permanent room there.

At the hospital, Treves discovers that despite his terrifying appearance and difficulty speaking, Joseph Merrick is not the unthinking brute many believed him to be. Instead, he is an intelligent, sensitive, and gentle man with a deep desire for friendship and dignity. He loves to read, write poetry, and build models.

The story highlights the growing friendship and understanding between Dr. Treves and Joseph Merrick. Treves becomes a protector and advocate for Merrick, helping him to be seen as a human being rather than a monstrous spectacle. News of Merrick's case spreads, and he gains the sympathy and attention of high society, including famous actress Mrs. Kendal, who visits him and treats him with respect and kindness, further boosting his spirits.

Merrick experiences a newfound sense of belonging and peace at the hospital, where he is finally treated with compassion. However, his physical condition continues to deteriorate. The story often touches upon the dangers of his deformities, particularly the enormous weight of his head, which makes it perilous for him to lie down.

The book ends with Merrick's death at the young age of 27. He is found lying down in his bed, something he had been advised against due to the risk of suffocating from the weight of his head. His death, while tragic, is often portrayed as a final act of trying to sleep like "normal" people.

Tim Vicary's version emphasizes themes of human dignity, compassion, the dangers of prejudice, and the importance of looking beyond physical appearance to see the true individual. It's a poignant and thought-provoking story about a man who, despite immense suffering, found moments of true happiness and acceptance.



 


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