Scenes 1, 2 and 3 Summary

This play dramatizes events in the life of John Merrick, whose historically documented illness, experiences and death are presented here in a series of short, metaphorically rich dialogues. The play's principal theme, relating to the illusory nature of life and perception, is dramatized in several ways; but chiefly in the portrayal of the hideously deformed Merrick by an obviously wholly functional actor.

These first three scenes introduce the play's central characters, Treves and Merrick, and offer visual definitions of Merrick's physical appearance.

Scene 1 - He Will Have 100 Guinea Fees before He's Forty Treves arrives at the London Hospital to start work as a lecturer in anatomy. He's greeted by his supervisor, Gomm, who speaks enthusiastically about the possibilities for advancement. He refers to the likelihood that Treves will be earning fees of a hundred guineas per patient before he's forty; and...