"The Elephant Man"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the film, "The Elephant Man," directed by David Lynch. It specifically analyzes the film according to the philosophy of Anita Silvers in her essay "From The Crooked Timber of Humanity, Beautiful Things Can Be Made." The paper describes Silvers' view that the standards of symmetry and wholeness should be rewritten as a standard for human health and discusses how this relates to the themes in "The Elephant Man."

From the Paper:

"In her essay, "From The Crooked Timber of Humanity, Beautiful Things Can Be Made," Anita Silvers makes a profound call that the standards of symmetry and wholeness be rewritten as a standard for human health in a way that is sounded like a clarion call throughout the film "The Elephant Man." Merrick's unique plight is not simply tragic, rather his presence elevates the lives of others, and shows the valuable moral contribution that persons with so-called disabilities can make to society. Because of Merrick's unique presence in their lives, the cold medical professionals gain insight into the need to view human subjects and illness in a mode that is not simply mechanical, but humane and compassionate. The concept of how health is understood in moral terms becomes destabilized because of Merrick's overwhelming, instinctive morality, based upon his skillful perception of his situation."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "The Elephant Man." Directed by David Lynch. 1980.
• Silvers, Anita. "From The Crooked Timber of Humanity, Beautiful Things Can Be Made." From Beauty Matters. Edited by Peg Brand. Bloomington, Indiana University Press, 2000.

More papers on "The Elephant Man":

• Essay # 40062 : "John Merrick- The Elephant Man"
• Analytical Essay # 110200 : "Elephant Man" - A Critique"
• Film Review # 33988 : "Elephant Man"

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