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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