The Elephant Man

1. (A) Is John Merrick a Monster? In your answer, consider how you could use the following Areas of Knowledge to justify your claims.
John Merrick is not a monster. Although his looks would suggest otherwise, we know he is not a monster because of his kind actions and his gentle nature. In terms of his History we can see how he has always been a compassionate soul and this can help justify that he is not a monster. In terms of natural science his biological structure would also suggest that he is human and therefore not a monster. In terms of social sciences his progress in his life to become a part of normal functioning society would also suggest that he is not a monster. And in terms of the Arts his interest in art and his ability to create it like the model of the church he created would suggest that he has human qualities and is not a monster.
1. (B) What is the counter-claim for each Area of Knowledge?
For history the counterclaim is that history shows how monsters have always been perceived as ugly in their appearance just like John. For natural science it could be said that his ability to reproduce is monstrous because he could create offspring with similar deformities. For social sciences it could be argued that John will never be able to fit into society because of his shyness and his deformity. And for the Arts it could be argued that he was simply replicating the church and cannot actually create art.
2. John Merrick claimed, "I am not an animal, I am a human being?" What does he mean? How does he know?
He means that he besides his deformity he has all the qualities of a human being and therefore he is one. He knows this because he knows himself and he knows what that he is capable of human qualities.
3. Dr. Treves claimed, "Am I a good man, or am I a bad man?" What does he mean? How does he know?
He is suggesting he may be a bad person or putting John on display for the world and allowing himself to become famous because of it. He knows this has happened because he has seen it happen.
4. What role does the herd mentality play in the film? Please be specific in your answers.
The herd is the group of people in the film who follow the example of leaders in their society and therefore are influenced into believing that John is a monster at the beginning of the movie and that he is a human at the end. For example in the movie one herd of people follow the night watchman’s example that John is a monster and the herd of people in the opera house at the end of the movie follow the opera writer’s example that he is not.
5. How did the community react to the different Monsters in the film? Please explain your answer.
The community reacts to John in a terrified manner do to his deformity. They react to the carnival man in a manner of disgust do to his treatment of John in beating him and starving him. They also react to the night watchman in a manner of disgust for his similar mistreatment of John in profiting from his humiliation.
6. John Merrick claims, "We are afraid of what we don't understand." Do you agree? Does this statement apply to the modern world or have we learned to treat perceived Monsters with dignity? Please be specific in your answer.
I do agree that we are afraid of what we don’t understand. I think this statement still applies even to modern day because although we may publically treat them better we still discriminate against those people who may look or act different from us, for example mentally disabled people.