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Quotations from The Elephant Man

The Elephant Man is a biographical drama film set in 19th century London about a Victorian surgeon who tries to rescue a man who was making a living as a side-show freak. The freak, known as The Elephant Man, is a heavily disfigured man who has to sleep with his head on his knees due to his oversized skull which would asphyxiate him if he ever lied down. The Victorian surgeon places the man in a hospital to care for him, but soon his old freak show boss kidnaps him and forces him back on the road, this time in continental Europe. However, The Elephant Man escapes. Directed by David Lynch. Starring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, and Anne Bancroft. Based on a true story from the books "The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences" by Sir Frederick Treves and "The Elephant Man: A Study in Human Dignity" by Ashley Montagu.

The Elephant Man was a huge success both critically and financially. It was nominated for eight Oscar awards, including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. Continue reading for some great quotes from The Elephant Man.


Dr. Frederick Treves: Am I a good man? Or a bad man?
Carr Gomm: Can you imagine the kind of life he must have had?
Dr. Frederick Treves: Yes, I think I can.
Carr Gomm: I don't think so. No one could possibly imagine it! I don't believe any of us can!
Mothershead: Sir! I don't quite... I don't quite understand why it is you allow that sort of people in there.
Dr. Frederick Treves: Why? Because he enjoys it, and I think it's very good for him.
Mothershead: Yes, but, sir, you saw the expression on their faces. They didn't hide their disgust. They don't care anything about John! They only want to impress their friends!
Mrs. Kendal: Why, Mr. Merrick, you're not an elephant man at all.
John Merrick: Oh no?
Mrs. Kendal: Oh no... no... you're a Romeo.
John Merrick: There's something I've been meaning to ask you for some time now.
Dr. Frederick Treves: What's that?
John Merrick: Can you cure me?
Dr. Frederick Treves: No. We can care for you, but we can't cure you.
John Merrick: People are frightened by what they don't understand.
John Merrick: I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!
John Merrick: My life is full because I know I am loved.
Dr. Fox: Have you ever mentioned his mental state?
Dr. Frederick Treves: Oh, he's an imbecile, probably from birth. Man's a complete idiot... Pray to God he's an idiot.
Merrick's Mother: Never. Oh, never. Nothing will die. The stream flows, the wind blows, the cloud fleets, the heart beats. Nothing will die.
Next: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
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