The Elephant Man | Essays and Criticism

  • Elements of Humanity

    In this essay, the author explores Merrick’s humanity in The Elephant Man.

  • Viewing the Elephant Man

    In the following essay, the authors examine the popularity of both the stage and the film versions of The Elephant Man.

  • Pomerance’s The Elephant Man

    In this brief essay, the author discusses the recurrent imagery that Pomerance has borrowed from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, arguing that the playwright uses the material to illustrate the nature of social conformity in the world of The Elephant Man.

  • Two for the Price of One: Tragedy and the Dual Hero in Equus and The Elephant Man

    In the following essay, the author compares the tragic elements in Dr. Treves to those found in Dr. Dysart in Equus.

  • The Elephant Man as Dramatic Parable

    In the following essay, the author contends that Pomerance’s play is a parable, informing the audience of truths they don’t expect or even want to hear.

  • Capsule Comments

    Calling The Elephant Man ‘‘easily the best play thus far of the 1978–79 New York theatre season,’’ the critic offers a brief, favorable review of Pomerance’s play.