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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 6 page paper discusses some of the complex relationships among mind, body, language, identity and reality as described by those who are facing life-threatening illnesses. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVIllnss.rtf
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seem that neither Western religion nor Western medicine is capable of answering the kinds of questions and concerns people face today. One of the most significant findings of this "awakening"
(if I can call it that) is the realization that our minds and bodies share a vital, strong and significant connection. We know now that our mental outlook and spiritual
attitude toward illness have a great deal to do with whether we get well or continue to suffer. This relationship has led some authors and filmmakers to consider
the nature of illness and how sufferers relate to it. This paper discusses some of the complex relationships among mind, body, language, identity and reality. The Films
David Lynchs film The Elephant Man is a moving and horrifying examination of the way in which society treats those who are "different." Of course, Merricks deformation is extreme
and genuinely hard to contemplate, but the real tragedy is that there is a human being buried in that malformed flesh, and the damage to his psyche is appalling.
Merrick has trouble speaking, so language is less important here than the visual impact of the characters appearance, but that is more than sufficient to make us participants in the
persecution of the "monster." Of course, part of the trouble with any film like this is the knowledge we have as audience members that the person on screen is
really an actor in extreme make-up, but if we can let go of that, we begin to understand the reality of the story; and the story here is Merricks struggle
for identity. He has been treated like an animal for most of his life, until he is almost more comfortable at that level than as a member of society.
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