Like all true religious figures, Merrick is faced with both internal and external conflict in his religious education. He for example faces the hostility of Gomm when the latter debates the merits of science vs. religion with Bishop How. Merrick is also faced with fundamental religious negativity by his mentor, Treves. Treves for example relates to Merrick a story regarding the afterlife: a patient who died and was subsequently revived told Treves that the afterlife was not spectacular at all, but rather the contrary.

Internally, Merrick shows the fundamental traits of a suffering religious figure. Throughout the play, he never protests anything that happens to him, or his suffering. He accepts it as best he can and is often both despised and adored by society as a whole. The recurring phrase, "it is done" is also indicative of Merrick in his religious capacity.

Either because or regardless of his suffering,...
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