Peace be upon everyone ! :)
Recently we had sessions discussion on the theme of the Elephant Man.This is form 3 novel for all schools in Kedah.At first I thought this novel is nothing than just fictional story of a man.However, once I started reading it with my children I found this story saddening and somehow inspiring and up until now you can still find people fighting for his right to be caremoniously buried since his bones are still in Queens Mary University in London 😨
Refer : https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/09/elephant-man-skeleton-should-be-given-christian-burial-say-campaigners
Thus, from this novel there are 3 main themes that we can find:
1. Prejudice
Prejudice is judging someone or having an idea about someone without knowing the person.
This theme is being highlighted from the beginning of this novel since the story shows how cruel people can be tothose who are different from them
Evidence:
i) Some peoplein the story dislike and fear Merrick because he looks abnormal (p.8).They failed to respect him as normal human just because he has a disease that cause him to be ugly and deformed.
ii) Merrick is treated like creature because of his ugliness.He is put on show like a circus animal.Anyone who is curious enough can pay to see him up close (p. 2,7,15).The shopkeeper who is Simon Silcock shouts at him and hits him to make him 'perform' for the customers (p.5)
iii) Little boys run after Merrick and they hit him.
He gains some respect and his life change after Dr Frederick Treves and the chairman of London Hospital , Mr Carr Gomm help him.After the chairman tells the story of Merrick's sad life to the Times Newspaper, people realise that Merrick is an intelligent and good man who can think and have feelings like a normal person.
2. Characters versus appearance
Dont judge a book by its cover is the best words to describe this.A person's character does not depend on his/her physical appearance
i) Merrick looks like elephant because of his physical deformities.His appearance is horrible and ugly.However, he is a nice person inside.He is good, patience and understanding with those who cannot accept his ugliness (p.19)
👩🏻⚕️The new nurse who drops the food because she is shocked to see Merrick.
ii) He is friendly and he enjoys talking to his visitors (p.25)
> Queen Alexandra visits and talks to Merrick and she also gives him Christmas present.
iii) He makes things for the nurses who are kind to him (p. 17) and he is grateful to those who help him (p.20)
iv) He is loving and caring towards his friends such as Dr Treves and Queen Alexanda (p.29,34)
v) He loves nature and he is kind towards animals (p.33-34) .He enjoys looking at the fish in the stresm, he feeds the birds and gives food to stray dog which growl at him.
3. Charity and kindness
In the early part of his life, Joseph Merrick does not experience much charity and kindness.His life change after meeting Dr Treves.
i) Dr Treves treats Merrick with kindness from the time he meets him.Dr Treves stops Simon Silcock from making Merrick walk around after seeing how difficult it is for Merrick
ii) The generous donation from the Times readers help to give Merrick a home at the hospital.
iii) Dr Treves visits Merrick every day and talk to him.He also introduces his beautiful young woman friend to Merrick so that Merrick can talk to woman like a normal gentleman.
iv) Queen Alexandra visits Merrick and sends him a Christmas 🎄 card and gift during Christmas 🎄
v) Mrs Kendal helps to arrange his outing to the theatre 🎭 to watch Children Christmas 🎄 play
So these are among themes found in this story.Feel free to share with your friends and I hope it is beneficial for all of you !
Sending notes with loves 🌈
Regards,
#teachersanak
Recently we had sessions discussion on the theme of the Elephant Man.This is form 3 novel for all schools in Kedah.At first I thought this novel is nothing than just fictional story of a man.However, once I started reading it with my children I found this story saddening and somehow inspiring and up until now you can still find people fighting for his right to be caremoniously buried since his bones are still in Queens Mary University in London 😨
Refer : https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/09/elephant-man-skeleton-should-be-given-christian-burial-say-campaigners
Thus, from this novel there are 3 main themes that we can find:
1. Prejudice
Prejudice is judging someone or having an idea about someone without knowing the person.
This theme is being highlighted from the beginning of this novel since the story shows how cruel people can be tothose who are different from them
Evidence:
i) Some peoplein the story dislike and fear Merrick because he looks abnormal (p.8).They failed to respect him as normal human just because he has a disease that cause him to be ugly and deformed.
ii) Merrick is treated like creature because of his ugliness.He is put on show like a circus animal.Anyone who is curious enough can pay to see him up close (p. 2,7,15).The shopkeeper who is Simon Silcock shouts at him and hits him to make him 'perform' for the customers (p.5)
iii) Little boys run after Merrick and they hit him.
He gains some respect and his life change after Dr Frederick Treves and the chairman of London Hospital , Mr Carr Gomm help him.After the chairman tells the story of Merrick's sad life to the Times Newspaper, people realise that Merrick is an intelligent and good man who can think and have feelings like a normal person.
2. Characters versus appearance
Dont judge a book by its cover is the best words to describe this.A person's character does not depend on his/her physical appearance
i) Merrick looks like elephant because of his physical deformities.His appearance is horrible and ugly.However, he is a nice person inside.He is good, patience and understanding with those who cannot accept his ugliness (p.19)
👩🏻⚕️The new nurse who drops the food because she is shocked to see Merrick.
ii) He is friendly and he enjoys talking to his visitors (p.25)
> Queen Alexandra visits and talks to Merrick and she also gives him Christmas present.
iii) He makes things for the nurses who are kind to him (p. 17) and he is grateful to those who help him (p.20)
iv) He is loving and caring towards his friends such as Dr Treves and Queen Alexanda (p.29,34)
v) He loves nature and he is kind towards animals (p.33-34) .He enjoys looking at the fish in the stresm, he feeds the birds and gives food to stray dog which growl at him.
3. Charity and kindness
In the early part of his life, Joseph Merrick does not experience much charity and kindness.His life change after meeting Dr Treves.
i) Dr Treves treats Merrick with kindness from the time he meets him.Dr Treves stops Simon Silcock from making Merrick walk around after seeing how difficult it is for Merrick
ii) The generous donation from the Times readers help to give Merrick a home at the hospital.
iii) Dr Treves visits Merrick every day and talk to him.He also introduces his beautiful young woman friend to Merrick so that Merrick can talk to woman like a normal gentleman.
iv) Queen Alexandra visits Merrick and sends him a Christmas 🎄 card and gift during Christmas 🎄
v) Mrs Kendal helps to arrange his outing to the theatre 🎭 to watch Children Christmas 🎄 play
So these are among themes found in this story.Feel free to share with your friends and I hope it is beneficial for all of you !
Sending notes with loves 🌈
Regards,
#teachersanak
