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There’s an Elephant in the Room

There’s an Elephant in the Room. A 10-Question Exam on The Elephant Man + More. NOTE. You are NOT expected to finish this exam in one sitting. In fact, many of the questions may take you a fairly long time. That’s OK!

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There’s an Elephant in the Room

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  1. There’s an Elephant in the Room A 10-Question Exam on The Elephant Man + More

  2. NOTE • You are NOT expected to finish this exam in one sitting. In fact, many of the questions may take you a fairly long time. That’s OK! • Some of the questions have multiple parts, some require Web research, and a few ask you to reference your knowledge of OUR human experiments and class notes. Please ensure you have answered each question and sub-question fully in at least one paragraph. • One more thing: Best of luck! 

  3. 1. • Merrick is obviously a “human being” who is dealt a bad hand in life. To the majority, he is externally grotesque and awfully unattractive. • Explain how he is actually a thing of beauty. (HINT: Think about his interests and skills.) • Next, explain what he means in the words of his sideshow pamphlet: • Tis true, my form is something odd
but blaming me, is blaming God,
Could I create myself anew
I would not fail in pleasing you. If I could reach from pole to pole
or grasp the ocean with a span,
I would be measured by the soul
The mind's the standard of the Man.

  4. 2. • Imagine you are a salesperson. • You wish to sell Merrick a “medicine” that will cure him of all his ills. Supposedly, it will transform his abnormal bone structure and skin deformities. This, in turn, should increase his attractiveness in the eyes of the opposite sex, which will make him overjoyed. • Choose at least one of ourhuman experiments that will increase the odds of Merrick purchasing your “cure.” Next, explain how you will “experiment” on Merrick (without him knowing, of course). After, reveal through dialogue how and why he will succeed OR strike out in attracting a woman.

  5. 3. • You are Merrick. • As the narrator, retell YOUR story in three (3) scenes from the play and/or film. Please write in 1st person point of view. (You may use some dialogue, but the majority should be written in prose.) • In each scene, include at least one (1) other character from the play/film.

  6. 4. • There are several fallacies and inconsistencies about Merrick in both the play and film. • Research these missteps on the web and list at least three (3). • When finished, reveal how EACH may affect our understanding of his story, for better or worse.

  7. 5. • Merrick lived from 1862 to 1890. He was 27 when he died. • For this two-part question, please write a paragraph each on: • A) what you believe life would be like for Merrick if he had lived a long life back then. • B) what you believe life would be like for him if he was alive and well intoday’s times.

  8. 6. • In the play, to explain his deformities, Merrick states his mother was trampled by an elephant when she was pregnant with him. • In the film, Bytes states a similar story. • SURPRISE!!! Neither story is accurate! • Merrick’s mother simply gave birth to a boy with a rare disease/disorder, or a combination of them. • RESEARCH Merrick’s “supposed” birth defect/medical condition, then provide all evidence about what was believed about his ailments THEN and NOW. (This is controversial.) After. please list all sources/websites where you found the information.

  9. 7. • The men below are on trial for “cruel and unusual punishment” imposed upon Merrick. Argue the case of whether Merrick had a better or worse life with a) Ross (play), b) Bytes (film), and c) Treves. Next, state what creative punishment, if any, should be imposed upon each man to ensure justice has been served.

  10. 8. • Based on your “Motivations & Needs” notes from class, explain how Treves’ actions regarding Merrick are realized through each of the three kinds of human motivation.

  11. 9. • Based on your “Motivations & Needs” notes from class, explain what Merrick’s three innate needs are using examples from the play and/or film.

  12. 10. • There is some controversy surrounding Merrick’s death. • Reveal 1) how he died (i.e. how Treves found him), 2) what was believed to be the cause of his death at the time, and 3) what recent research contradicts #2. (HINT: YouTube short film!) • When you have finished, please state YOUR case on whether Merrick died accidentally or took his own life… and WHY. (HINT: You may want to think about how Merrick’s life changed at the London Hospital.)

  13. BONUS • Mrs. Kendal befriends Merrick and “reveals” herself to him in many ways… • ANSWER: • a) Why does she do this? • b) Why does she bring in her special friends to visit Merrick? • c) Why does social class/status come into play here? • d) Why are her actions WRONG or RIGHT based on Merrick’s actions, speech and reactions?

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