b'Lucy Mckelveythe influence of colonial ideology, Pomerance demonstratesand Victorian society in speech (Pomerance 1979: 24). that the character shares characteristics of the colonisedThis example demonstrates how Treves is using the same and therefore requires similar strategies of control from thetechniques and methods with Merrick that are used when other characters, making Merrick a ghostly figure by beingtrying to civilise the colonies reflecting Sasanis belief seen as other in his own country. Imperialist languagethat although Merrick is English, he is treated as the and ideology is used throughout the play that establishesother in his homeland and is gazed at by the Victorian Merrick as a space to be colonised: at the beginning of thepeople (2015: 124). play Gomm states that the empire provides unparalleled opportunities for our studies, as places cruel of life areAdditionally, Pomerance portrays how the character of the most revealing scientifically and the Bishop believesMerrick has successfully been colonised and therefore that its their obligation to bring light and benefices tocivilised by the characters likening themselves to him. benighted men (Pomerance, 1979: 21).Pomerances phraseThe character of Mrs Kendall notes how the objects that places cruel of life is ironic as London societys treatmentMerrick receives are props of course to make himself. of Merrick is cruel (1979: 21).As I make me, highlighting how material belongings are used to create an impression of civility (Pomerance 1979: Additionally, Merricks disorder is treated in comparison39). Each character likens a personal quality they possess to those of foreign lands. Upon being asked to tend toto Merrick; Gomm believes he seems practical, like me, Merrick the character of Miss Sandwich states that shewhile the Duchess knows he is discreet. Like me and has cared for lepers in the East and in Africa has seenTreves states that I think him concerned about the world, dreadful scourges quite unknown to our more civilisedrather like myself (Pomerance 1979: 39). The characters clime suggesting that she will be able to handle caring forstatements imply that the process of civilisation is complete Merrick (Pomerance, 1979: 17). Pomerances choice of thebecause by seeing a likeness, as high esteemed members of phrase civilised clime represents how Merrick is seen as anVictorian society, it shows how Merrick has been moulded uncivilised other and is therefore separate from the rest ofto resemble them and a Victorian citizen. However, Sasani society bearing more likeness to the savages of the Eastargues that as Merrick has assimilated himself so much and Africa than to the Victorian people (1979: 17). that each character sees herself or himself they see Merrick from his or her point of view and therefore nobody In regard to post-colonial theory, Bhabha states that thetries to see Merrick as he is and in doing so add to his coloniser desires the Other to become almost the sameghosting and othering from society (2015: 119). This notion (1994: 122). This colonial desire is reflected in the play byis emphasised in David Lynchs film The Elephant Man by it being the driving force motivating Treves and the BritishMerrick wearing a traditional Victorian suit. The costume public to help and support Merrick. Pomerance clearlycreates the illusion that he is the same as everyone around indicates this with the title The English will pay for himhim, however the abuse he receives later in the scene to be like us for scene seven demonstrating Victorianconfirms how he will always be seen as other in Victorian societys imperialist agenda for Merrick (1979: 19). TrevesBritain, linking to Poores belief that in this scene Merrick states his desire to bring Merrick normality as far as it isis once more exploited as a freak (2017: 214).possible however the phrase as far indicates that he will never truly fit into society and will always be regarded asFurthermore, the advancement of technology that occurred other furthering the ghosting of his character (Pomerancefrom the industrial revolution triggered an advance in 1979: 21). Gomm questions Treves asking if he will bescience and a new fascination for scientific discoveries. like us? however the stage direction (smiles) impliesIt can be argued that this motivation is what drove that this is never achievable for Merrick (PomeranceFrederick Treves and the London Hospital to care for 1979: 21). Moreover, Dasht- Peyma argues that colonisersMerrick, furthering his ghosting. Upon being examined at go through a process of coercing colonised people tothe hospital, Howell and Ford note how Merrick was the speak the colonisers tongue reflected in the play by theonly living exhibit presented and the only complete exhibit imposed imperial language that Treves uses to speak toin the lecture room suggesting that other examinations had Merrick (2009: 124).Treves tells Merrick how we alwaysbeen of body parts removed in operation or from deceased do say please and thank you, dont we? if he wants to bebodies (1980: 28). By using Merrick as a live specimen he like others forcing Merrick to mechanically repeat whatis no longer seen as a person but merely an object to be he is saying, therefore making him imitate both himselfviewed and examined but by a different audience with a 21'