This is a review of the classic work by psychologist Ashley Montagu, who maintained that Joseph Merrick was able to love others because he himself had received enough maternal love.
An entire generation has grown up knowing Joseph's story, thanks to the semi-fictional 1980 film that was based on this book and Frederick Treves's memoirs. It's a powerful testament to Merrick's legacy of dignity and courage that he continues to move us. Treves's memorable account of Merrick, and this classic work both show us Merrick's humanity and remarkable ability to live without bitterness or hatred towards his fellow human beings.
But Frederick Treves did have a definite bias against Mary Jane Merrick, Joseph's mother. Though Treves knew she did not abandon Joseph at an early age, he accuses her of putting her son in a workhouse. Even though Joseph carried around a cherished portrait of his mother and spoke of her with unfailing love, Treves dismissed his stories as wishful fantasy.. In fact, he portrayed the highly intelligent young man in 19th century sentimental terms such as a "primitive elemental being" and "amiable as a happy woman." Treves took considerable literary license with his story. The known facts about Joseph Carey Merrick contradict the memoirs.
Dr. Montagu is right in asserting that because of the early nurturing Joseph received from Mary Jane Merrick, he was able to 'love, work and play." This shows in Joseph's generous sharing of his handmade gifts - models, baskets and poems. Montagu's case for the power of early maternal nurturing remains as solid as ever. The main flaw --which isn't really his fault - is that a lot of information on Joseph's life has become outdated since this book was first published. As others mention, the best work so far is "The True History of the Elephant Man," but there is a need for an even newer biography. Perhaps there will be one for the 21st century.
The Montague book was the first real Merrick book I ever owned (excluding the Pomerance Play). I could not get enough of it. On my thirteenth birthday, I paid more attention to that book then my party guests. I especially loved the vindication of Mary Jane Merrick. After Treves basically raked her over the coals, it was nice to see her remembered as the kind, loving mother that she really was. Were it not for her example, we may not have had the Joseph we've all come to know and admire.
ReplyDeleteI wanted you to know that we just released, as an ebook, the Fredrick Drimmer classic The Elephant Man. More about that here: http://www.gcpress.com/elephantman/
ReplyDeleteKeep up the excellent work...
G.K. Darby
Garrett Ct. Press
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DeleteThank you, Mr. Darby. I look forward to downloading it on my Kindle. It's a beautiful and sensitive re-telling of Joseph's story!
DeleteOh, that's marvelous. The Frederick Drimmer book is one of my favorites.
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