The Elephant Man: A Play

MERRICK: So.
TREVES: So what?
MERRICK: Did you see her? Naked?
TREVES: When I was operating. Of course—
MERRICK: Oh.
TREVES: Oh what?
MERRICK: Is it okay to see them naked if you cut them up afterwards?TREVES: Good Lord. I’m a surgeon. That is science.
MERRICK: She died. Mrs. Kendal didn’t.
TREVES: Well, she came back too.
MERRICK: And Mrs. Kendal didn’t. If you mean that.
TREVES: I am trying to read about anesthetics. There is simply no comparison.MERRICK: Oh.
TREVES: Science is a different thing. This woman came to me to be. I mean, it is not, well, love, you know.MERRICK: Is that why you’re looking for an anesthetic.
TREVES: It would be a boon to surgery.
MERRICK: Because you don’t love them.

MERRICK: The Prince has a mistress. (Silence.) The Irishman had one. Everyone seems to. Or a wife. Some have both. I have concluded I need a mistress. It is bad enough not to sleep like others.
MRS. KENDAL: Sitting up, you mean. Couldn’t be very restful.
MERRICK: I have to. Too heavy to lay down. My head. But to sleep alone; that is worst of all.MRS. KENDAL: The artist expresses his love through his works. That is civilization.MERRICK: Are you very shocked?
MRS. KENDAL: Why should I be?
MERRICK: Others would be.
MRS. KENDAL: I am not others.
MERRICK: I suppose it is hopeless.