Elephant Man

This is the photo that represents Elephant Man. (This picture is shown in the famous website

This hero Joseph Carey Merrick was the real name of Elephant Man, nicknamed because of his deformity. He was born in August 1862 in England. It was found later that this man suffered from Proteus syndrome, a genetic disease that affects tissue growth, and produces deformities. He supposedly was a physical monster.

Joseph John Merrick and his deformations (This picture is shown in the famous website

Her mother claimed that these deformities were due to the fact that she had been frightened by an elephant in a circus when she was pregnant. This bizarre theory is of course totally excluded. But this man had a strange life. For indeed, the boy then left home at 12 years and will live in the house union workers. He pays his meager rent shining shoes in the street, going door to door and many other odd jobs. Unfortunately, his deformities were such that he was quickly reduced to become a freak. It will thus be walked from town to town by a circus owner unscrupulous. Object of revulsion and horror, the so-called Elephant Man, showing off several times a day to an audience adept performances unhealthy. To hide his appearance, Merrick wears shoes into a bag at the feet. He puts his head on a big hat with a piece of fabric that hides his face. The body is camouflaged under a loose black cape.

At the fair!

"Elephant Man" in London was therefore installed in a window of a sign marked "Come and see the elephant man, half man, half beast." It was therefore seen in the dilapidated back room, a disguised form in a blanket was prostrate on a stool. At the request of the owner, the "thing" got up and appeared topless, wearing just a pair of drawers. The owner left England and tries to show his "monster" in France and Belgium. But authorities also prohibit such exhibitions. Became worthless, the elephant man is abandoned in a train. Do not pass unnoticed, Merrick was arrested by French police who presents to the British authorities. Merrick had kept the card of Treves. It will be installed at the London hospital where one was able to develop two small rooms in the outbuildings. For the first time in his life, Merrick has a roof and no longer has to show off like an animal. But we must find the money. The press got hold of the case, following the announcement that issued the director of the London Hospital, Francis C. Carr Gomm asked for public donations to the miserable existence of this man. Thousands of people and the Queen Victoria meet the distress call and donate. Thanks to them, Merrick is certain to live decently until the end of his days.

It will actually stay at the hospital for 5 years. During this period he gradually opened to others and gives details of his life. Become famous, he received many visits and especially the high society of London. Since its appearance, Merrick was considered a fool. In reality, his mind is awake. He showed great intelligence and great sensitivity. Like any man he became interested in women and read many romance novels. His biggest regret was not to be loved. If the disease has made his deformed body, it left intact its spirit. He is perfectly aware of what it is but also what he would have liked to be a normal man. Merrick was visited by members of the royal family who sent her the following gifts every Christmas. His life passed peacefully and Merrick Guta finally get some rest.

On April 11, 1890, John Merrick was found dead the morning. He was 27 years and a half. His head was so heavy that he could not sleep lying down and had to sit in his bed, his back supported by cushions. But when they discover he is lying and his huge head is thrown backwards. Under the weight, the cervical vertebrae were broken.

Is it an accident? John Merrick said he wanted to sleep like any man knowing he was risking his life? We will never know.

His skeleton is preserved in the hospital medical college of London but is more exposed to the public out of respect for this man so different.

(Create by me)

Joseph John Merrick belonged to the nineteenth centuries. At this time, people are surprised, scared to see this "thing" in their time. Due to this abnormality, "Elephant Man" is something rejected .

Skeleton of Joseph Merrick (Photo on google.com and adjusted black / white by me.)

This person does not really refer to my own life. But this person is very interesting for me because this man was the beginning of a miserable life. Over time, it worsens, but we feel the feeling he assumed his actions & his own body. He died of a dying very young, but more "human" and loved. For "Elephant Man", I do not really pity but admiration.