After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Episode: Who was the "Elephant Man"? Joseph Merrick's True Story
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Timestamp: Various throughout the episode

Introduction

In the festive special of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, historians Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the poignant and haunting tale of Joseph Merrick, famously known as the "Elephant Man." The episode sets a reflective tone, departing from their usual exploration of myths and paranormal phenomena to focus on a deeply human story marked by both suffering and resilience.

Early Life and Birth

The narrative begins with Merrick's birth on August 5, 1862, in Leicester, England. Anthony provides a vivid account of Merrick's early years, highlighting the loving environment provided by his parents:

Joseph Merrick's Early Years
[02:05] Maddy Pelling: "It's a remarkable story. It's set in Victorian London and it's a time and place that we have visited a lot on After Dark."

Joseph's mother, Mary Jane Potterton, cherishes him despite the early signs of his medical condition, which include physical deformities that begin to manifest between the ages of 2 and 5. Anthony narrates the fictional yet comforting story Mary Jane tells Joseph about his condition:

Mary Jane's Tale
[03:38] Anthony Delaney: "This was most likely a fiction, of course, told to quiet an inquisitive child."

Struggles and Cruelty

After the tragic death of his mother in 1873, Joseph's life takes a darker turn. Maddy emphasizes the duality of his story—marked by immense cruelty and unwavering maternal love:

Maddy on Duality
[08:02] Maddy Pelling: "It's really a story of two halves. It's a story of the cruelty that this little boy is going to experience... but it's also, I think, a story of the love from his mother."

Anthony delves into the societal attitudes of the 19th century towards disabilities, highlighting the harsh realities Merrick faced. He provides historical context about the Victorian era's lack of inclusivity and the prevalence of institutionalization:

Historical Context
[12:19] Anthony Delaney: "But it's important for us to hold those distinctions in our mind while we talk about this, even if those distinctions are modern."

Entry into the Freak Show

Facing relentless bullying and unable to find acceptance, Joseph turns to the rather exploitative world of Victorian freak shows. Maddy questions the ethical dimensions of this decision:

Maddy on Victorian Freak Shows
[26:49] Maddy Pelling: "What's Tor's reaction when he meets Merric? Does he see a potential cash cow?"

Anthony explains how Sam Tor, Merrick's initial manager, saw an opportunity to profit from Merrick's condition. They discuss the societal norms that made freak shows a popular form of entertainment, reinforced by royal endorsements:

Victorian Entertainment
[29:15] Anthony Delaney: "He was billed as half man, half elephant... it's a very dehumanising version of what is of course, a real human being."

Maddy adds a critical perspective on the voyeuristic nature of the audience's participation:

Maddy on Audience Perception
[30:30] Maddy Pelling: "You're part of the performance. You're all there to perform difference and to separate yourselves from the people who are on the stage."

Changing Fortunes and Introduction to the London Hospital

As public interest in freak shows wanes, Merrick's fortunes decline. After a failed attempt to gain independence and being deceived by a European manager, Merrick loses his savings and finds himself destitute. This leads to his eventual rescue by Dr. Frederick Treves and Francis Carr Gomm of the London Hospital:

Rescue and Care
[38:33] Anthony Delaney: "He has to beg his way back to Britain... but then Dr. Treves collects him from Liverpool Street Station."

Maddy reflects on the emotional weight of Merrick's journey, emphasizing the stark contrast between his earlier exploitation and the humanity he finds at the hospital:

Maddy on Humanity
[45:03] Maddy Pelling: "It's so hard to access the real person because of these layers of narrative and prejudice that have been placed on top of him and buried him."

Moments of Dignity and Friendship

In the care of the London Hospital, Merrick experiences genuine kindness and starts to reclaim his humanity. Anthony recounts the hospital's efforts to provide a dignified environment for Merrick:

Hospital Care
[44:46] Maddy Pelling: "He has been carrying a painting of his mother... a little miniature portrait that he has been carrying around with him all this time."

Merrick forms meaningful relationships, notably with Laila Maturin, marking a stark departure from his earlier life of exploitation:

Maid on Relationships
[48:00] Maddy Pelling: "It's so nice to see him have some kindness in his life again and just an understanding of his humanity."

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize Merrick's resilience and the enduring impact of his mother's love. They challenge the dehumanizing labels imposed on Merrick, urging listeners to see beyond the "Elephant Man" to recognize Joseph Merrick's true humanity:

Reclaiming Humanity
[48:31] Anthony Delaney: "He is Joseph Merrick. And he feels and he wishes and he hopes and he is smart and he tenacious, and that's what I love about him."

Maddy echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of human endurance and the moments of hope that Merrick's story offers:

Maddy on Hope
[50:41] Maddy Pelling: "What an incredible, resilient, brave, innovative, opportunistic, fascinating person... What we need to take from this story, is that human endurance."

The episode concludes on a note of reflection, celebrating Merrick's life while acknowledging the systemic cruelties he endured. The hosts encourage listeners to support organizations like Changing Faces, which advocate for individuals with visible differences.

Notable Quotes

• Anthony Delaney on Merrick's Resilience
  [08:29] Anthony Delaney: "Despite the fact that the context around it is heartbreaking, what he is able to endure and how he crafts a place for himself in the world is truly inspirational."

• Maddy Pelling on Victorian Society
  [13:24] Maddy Pelling: "We see it in Charles Dickens... a moralistic narrative there about this child who is so loved within his family, but faces a very bleak world beyond that."

• Anthony Delaney on Society's Cruelty
  [27:35] Anthony Delaney: "There is a tension between that type of thinking... but people are trying to classify them."

• Maddy Pelling on Merrick's Letter
  [48:31] Maddy Pelling: "The only letter that we have written by him is to a person who showed him great kindness and respect."

Conclusion

This episode of After Dark offers a deeply moving exploration of Joseph Merrick's life, transforming the narrative from one of mere spectacle to a profound human story of love, suffering, and resilience. Anthony and Maddy skillfully navigate the complexities of Victorian society, societal attitudes towards disability, and Merrick's personal journey towards dignity and recognition.

Support Continued
If Merrick's story resonated with you, consider supporting organizations that fight against prejudice and discrimination towards individuals with visible differences, such as Changing Faces. Their work aligns with the values highlighted in this episode, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript have been excluded to focus solely on the informative and emotional narrative presented by the hosts.