Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the catalyst for Merrick's departure from his father's home?
What was the catalyst for Merrick's departure from his father's home?
What was the occupation of Merrick's father?
What was the occupation of Merrick's father?
What was the name of the music hall where Merrick first contacted Sam Torr?
What was the name of the music hall where Merrick first contacted Sam Torr?
What was the circumference of Merrick's head, as measured by Frederick Treves?
What was the circumference of Merrick's head, as measured by Frederick Treves?
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What was Merrick's reaction to being presented to the Pathological Society of London?
What was Merrick's reaction to being presented to the Pathological Society of London?
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What was the reason for Merrick's initial departure from the factory where he rolled cigars?
What was the reason for Merrick's initial departure from the factory where he rolled cigars?
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What was the occupation of Joseph Merrick's mother?
What was the occupation of Joseph Merrick's mother?
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What was the main reason Joseph Merrick was exhibited as 'The Elephant Man'?
What was the main reason Joseph Merrick was exhibited as 'The Elephant Man'?
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How did Joseph Merrick's mother die?
How did Joseph Merrick's mother die?
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At what age did Joseph Merrick's physical deformities start to develop?
At what age did Joseph Merrick's physical deformities start to develop?
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What was the outcome of Joseph Merrick's trip to Belgium?
What was the outcome of Joseph Merrick's trip to Belgium?
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What was the cause of Joseph Merrick's death?
What was the cause of Joseph Merrick's death?
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Study Notes
Joseph Merrick's Early Life
- Joseph Merrick was born on August 5, 1862, in Leicester, England, and was a healthy child at birth.
- By the age of 5, he developed patches of lumpy, grayish skin, which his parents attributed to his mother having been frightened by a stampeding elephant during her pregnancy.
- Merrick's mother died of bronchial pneumonia in 1873 when he was just 11 years old.
Deformities and Workhouse
- By his teenage years, Merrick's deformities had become so extreme that he was forced to leave school and find work.
- He found a job rolling cigars in a factory, but his right hand had become so deformed that he could no longer do the work and was forced to leave.
- His father, who owned a haberdashery, attained a peddler's license for him, and he sold his shop's wares on the streets.
- However, people were either frightened of him or unable to understand him due to his deformities and impaired speech.
The Elephant Man
- In 1884, Merrick decided to profit from his deformities and escape life in the workhouse by exhibiting himself as "The Elephant Man, Half-Man, Half-Elephant" in a human oddities show.
- He wore a cape and veil to conceal his deformities in public, but was often harassed by mobs as he traveled.
- The show was successful in Leicester and Nottingham, and eventually traveled to London that November.
Medical Examination
- Merrick was invited by surgeon Frederick Treves to visit the London Hospital to be examined.
- The examination showed that Merrick's deformities had become extreme, with a head measuring 36 inches in circumference and his right hand 12 inches at the wrist.
- His body was covered with tumors, and his legs and hip were so deformed that he had to walk with a cane.
- Despite his deformities, Merrick was found to be in otherwise good health.
Later Life and Death
- Merrick eventually returned to the London Hospital and was cared for there until his death.
- The hospital's chairman published a letter asking for public support to care for Merrick, and the resulting donations allowed the hospital to convert several rooms into living quarters for him.
- Merrick died from a broken vertebra on April 11, 1890, at the age of 27.
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Description
This quiz explores the life of Joseph Merrick, also known as the Elephant Man, who suffered from severe physical deformities and was exhibited in a human oddities show. Learn about his struggles and the events that led him to the London Hospital. Test your knowledge about this remarkable individual!
