The Life of Joseph Merrick: The Elephant Man
London, 1884
In 1884 London, a doctor named Lord Frederick Treves was walking down the street when he found a painting in a shop window. Upon closer inspection, he saw it was a depiction of a creature, not a person, known as “The Elephant Man.” Intrigued, Dr. Treves entered the shop and encountered the creature, whose name was Joseph Merrick. Merrick was kept in a filthy room by the shop owner, Mr. Simons.
Merrick’s Appearance
Merrick’s appearance was striking. One side of his body, particularly his right hand, was described as delicate, like a woman’s. However, the other side was severely deformed. His arm resembled a foot, and his foot looked like a hand. He wore tight clothes that accentuated his unusual physique. His head was covered in growths, and his face was so distorted that it was difficult to locate his eye.
Hospitalization and Departure
Dr. Treves, though initially repulsed, felt compelled to help Merrick. He convinced Mr. Simons to allow him to take Merrick to the hospital, assuring him it wouldn’t affect his business. Dr. Treves gave Mr. Simons his card, offering assistance if needed. Merrick went to the hospital with Dr. Treves, but the next day, he was gone. Mr. Simons had taken Merrick on tour, and Dr. Treves did not see him again for two years.
Reunion and Public Attention
Two years later, Dr. Treves was reunited with Merrick, who had been abandoned in Belgium and had walked back to London to find the doctor. The editor of The Times published a story about Merrick’s sad life, which moved readers to donate money to support him. Merrick spent a significant amount of time living in the hospital, where he made a friend and often reminisced about his mother. It was discovered that his condition was not contagious or dangerous, but rather a genetic malformation of the skin and bones.
Royal Visit and Later Life
Merrick’s story became so well-known that he received a visit from Queen Alexandra. This marked a turning point in his life, as he began to be treated with respect and dignity. People no longer laughed at him, and he was even referred to as “Lord Merrick.” The Queen sent him a birthday card, further solidifying his newfound status.
A Peaceful Retreat
With the money raised from the newspaper article, a house was built for Merrick outside the city, in a peaceful forest setting that he loved. He enjoyed attending the theater, which brought him great joy.
Final Days
Sadly, six months later, in 1890, Merrick passed away at home. He died from a broken neck, caused by the weight of his head while lying in bed.