The Elephant Man by Tim Vicary - summarize oxford readers level 1

In the novel "The Elephant Man" by Tim Vicary, Dr. Frederick Treves discovers a picture of a man who looks like an elephant in a shop window. This man, named Joseph Merrick, is deformed and has a large, misshapen head, big limbs, and deformed features. The shopkeeper, Simon Silcock, takes Merrick to various locations to earn money, but it is difficult due to public fear and police intervention. Despite the challenges, Dr. Treves offers to bring Merrick to the hospital to study him further. Merrick is given two rooms in the hospital and is generally happy, despite facing difficulties with people’s reactions to his appearance. As a result of a letter written to The Times, readers donate money for Merrick's care, and he is able to live happily in the hospital. He has friends and is able to go to the theatre and to the country, where he has positive experiences. However, in April 1890, Merrick is found dead in bed, and the remaining money is to be donated to the hospital. Despite his tragic death, Merrick had a fulfilling life, and his kindness and impact on those around him are remembered.