An Enemy of the people by Henrik Ibsen a translation by Arthur Miller.

An Enemy of the peopleAn Enemy of the peopleby Henrik Ibsen by Henrik Ibsen

a translation by Arthur Millera translation by Arthur Miller

ContextContextHenrik Ibsen was one of the world's Henrik Ibsen was one of the world's

greatest dramatists. He was the greatest dramatists. He was the leading figure of an artistic leading figure of an artistic renaissance that took place in renaissance that took place in Norway at the end of the nineteenth Norway at the end of the nineteenth centurycentury

He grew up in poverty, studied He grew up in poverty, studied medicine for a while, then medicine for a while, then abandoned that to write plays. In abandoned that to write plays. In 1858, he published his first play, 1858, he published his first play, The The Vikings at Helgeland.Vikings at Helgeland.

ContextContext

Ibsen obtained a scholarship to travel to Italy, Ibsen obtained a scholarship to travel to Italy, where he wrote the plays that would establish his where he wrote the plays that would establish his reputation, reputation, BrandBrand and and Peer Gynt.Peer Gynt. These were These were long, historical verse plays. He lived most of the long, historical verse plays. He lived most of the rest of his life in Italy and Germany. Starting in rest of his life in Italy and Germany. Starting in 1869, he began to write prose plays. 1869, he began to write prose plays.

At this point in his life, Ibsen abandoned poetry At this point in his life, Ibsen abandoned poetry and took up realism. In 1877, he began what and took up realism. In 1877, he began what became a series of five plays in which he became a series of five plays in which he examines the moral faults of modern society. examines the moral faults of modern society.

The plays were The plays were The Pillars of Society, The Pillars of Society, A Doll's HouseA Doll's House, , GhostsGhosts, An Enemy of the People,, An Enemy of the People, and and The Wild Duck.The Wild Duck.

ContextContext An Enemy of the PeopleAn Enemy of the People attacks the attacks the

institution of the liberal newspaper. institution of the liberal newspaper. An Enemy of the PeopleAn Enemy of the People deals with the deals with the

extent to which individual desires and extent to which individual desires and beliefs are compromised by society. beliefs are compromised by society.

The play focuses on the ways in which an The play focuses on the ways in which an individual can be ostracized by the society individual can be ostracized by the society he is trying to help. he is trying to help.

The problems of the play's hero, Dr. The problems of the play's hero, Dr. Stockmann, are not far removed from the Stockmann, are not far removed from the problems Ibsen experienced after the problems Ibsen experienced after the publication of publication of Ghosts.Ghosts.

Like all of Ibsen's plays, Like all of Ibsen's plays, An Enemy of the An Enemy of the PeoplePeople was originally written in Norwegian was originally written in Norwegian

Act 1 Commentary 1Act 1 Commentary 1

Many of the characters in Many of the characters in An Enemy of the An Enemy of the PeoplePeople are very concerned with politics. The are very concerned with politics. The mayor is interested in maintaining his mayor is interested in maintaining his position.position.

He is very disturbed when Dr. Stockmann He is very disturbed when Dr. Stockmann talks of a younger generation growing up to talks of a younger generation growing up to change things.change things.

He also seems very insecure, which is no He also seems very insecure, which is no doubt related to the rather competitive spirit doubt related to the rather competitive spirit shared by him and his brother. The popular shared by him and his brother. The popular opinion that the baths were the idea of Dr. opinion that the baths were the idea of Dr. Stockmann enrages the mayor.Stockmann enrages the mayor.


The doctor is a very complicated character.The doctor is a very complicated character. He is very pleased with the material He is very pleased with the material

trappings of his living room, available to trappings of his living room, available to him now that he has the position of him now that he has the position of medical officer at the baths. The doctor medical officer at the baths. The doctor lived a very poor existence for a long time, lived a very poor existence for a long time, in the countryside. It is unclear why he was in the countryside. It is unclear why he was poor in the countryside while his brother poor in the countryside while his brother was rising through the political hierarchy of was rising through the political hierarchy of the town. More than anything, the doctor the town. More than anything, the doctor seems to be a very enthusiastic, idealistic seems to be a very enthusiastic, idealistic man-a cross between a revolutionary and man-a cross between a revolutionary and an absentminded professor.an absentminded professor.


Petra shares the doctor's fervent belief in truth and Petra shares the doctor's fervent belief in truth and freethinking, as revealed by her discussion with freethinking, as revealed by her discussion with Hovstad and Billing. Mrs. Stockmann, on the other Hovstad and Billing. Mrs. Stockmann, on the other hand, is much more moderate. Although she hand, is much more moderate. Although she believes in these ideals, she realizes that they have believes in these ideals, she realizes that they have their limits. As the play progresses, she encourages their limits. As the play progresses, she encourages her husband to consider his family's well-being her husband to consider his family's well-being before he speaks out on controversial issues.before he speaks out on controversial issues.

The term "freethinking" is used often in the play. The term "freethinking" is used often in the play. Almost all the characters, except for Aslaksen and Almost all the characters, except for Aslaksen and the mayor, claim to be freethinkers; it is important to the mayor, claim to be freethinkers; it is important to note which of them sticks by their claims and to see note which of them sticks by their claims and to see exactly what the term "freethinking" means in a exactly what the term "freethinking" means in a closely knit democracy.closely knit democracy.


The plot of this play traces the changing popularity The plot of this play traces the changing popularity of Dr. Stockmann's proposal. In the first act, of Dr. Stockmann's proposal. In the first act, everyone seemed to support it. In this act, however, everyone seemed to support it. In this act, however, the audience sees how the townspeople react in the audience sees how the townspeople react in different ways to his proposal to fix the baths.different ways to his proposal to fix the baths.

Morten Kiil thinks that the proposal is a joke. He Morten Kiil thinks that the proposal is a joke. He notes that the bacteria that are supposedly notes that the bacteria that are supposedly polluting the water are invisible. Even Hovstad's polluting the water are invisible. Even Hovstad's enthusiastic support foreshadows danger. He wants enthusiastic support foreshadows danger. He wants to use the report to topple the local bureaucracy. He to use the report to topple the local bureaucracy. He seems to be interested in how useful the report is to seems to be interested in how useful the report is to him. In other words, if someone can convince him him. In other words, if someone can convince him that publicizing the report is not in his best that publicizing the report is not in his best interests, he might not print it. Aslaksen supports interests, he might not print it. Aslaksen supports the move to fix the baths, but already he shows the move to fix the baths, but already he shows himself to be prudent to a fault. If the mayor can himself to be prudent to a fault. If the mayor can make the project look risky or dangerous to make the project look risky or dangerous to Aslaksen, he might withdraw his support.Aslaksen, he might withdraw his support.

It is not Ibsen's intent to create a play of good versus evil.It is not Ibsen's intent to create a play of good versus evil.

Act 1 Commentary 5Act 1 Commentary 5 The mayor raises a number of solid complaints against Dr. The mayor raises a number of solid complaints against Dr.

Stockmann's proposal to fix the baths. It is easy to root for Stockmann's proposal to fix the baths. It is easy to root for the doctor and to see the mayor as a corrupt politician, but the doctor and to see the mayor as a corrupt politician, but it is not Ibsen's intent to create a play of good versus evil. it is not Ibsen's intent to create a play of good versus evil. The doctor is perhaps too surprised by the mayor's The doctor is perhaps too surprised by the mayor's resistance. He wants complete agreement or he is ready to resistance. He wants complete agreement or he is ready to go to war. Furthermore, it should be remembered that the go to war. Furthermore, it should be remembered that the play was written in the late nineteenth century and that it is play was written in the late nineteenth century and that it is not surprising that people are skeptical when told about not surprising that people are skeptical when told about bacteria. The doctor also appears to have a long history of bacteria. The doctor also appears to have a long history of coming up with eccentric plans.coming up with eccentric plans.

The doctor, however, clings to his idea, just as he clings to The doctor, however, clings to his idea, just as he clings to his moral obligation to publicize his findings and to save the his moral obligation to publicize his findings and to save the people from the consequences of bathing in polluted water. people from the consequences of bathing in polluted water. He is an idealist, but he is also an innocent. He doesn't He is an idealist, but he is also an innocent. He doesn't understand Hovstad's interest in manipulating the pollution understand Hovstad's interest in manipulating the pollution discovery to other purposes, and he was unable to predict discovery to other purposes, and he was unable to predict the many economic and political consequences of his the many economic and political consequences of his findings. This play, in many ways, is about the extent to findings. This play, in many ways, is about the extent to which individual innocence can survive in modern society.which individual innocence can survive in modern society.

He is an idealist, but he is also an innocent.He is an idealist, but he is also an innocent.

This play, in many ways, is about the extent to which individual innocence can surviveThis play, in many ways, is about the extent to which individual innocence can survive in modern society.in modern society.

Act 2 Commentary 1Act 2 Commentary 1 In the second act, we saw the mayor turn on Dr. In the second act, we saw the mayor turn on Dr.

Stockmann. When that happened, the doctor still felt Stockmann. When that happened, the doctor still felt confident because he had the confident because he had the People's HeraldPeople's Herald behind him. behind him. In the third act, we see Hovstad and Aslaksen turn against In the third act, we see Hovstad and Aslaksen turn against him. The mayor has an easy time convincing them to turn him. The mayor has an easy time convincing them to turn against Dr. Stockmann. It is no surprise that economic against Dr. Stockmann. It is no surprise that economic arguments and the lack of visible evidence can be used to arguments and the lack of visible evidence can be used to change Hovstad's mind.change Hovstad's mind.

But Ibsen goes further and shows us that Hovstad is simply But Ibsen goes further and shows us that Hovstad is simply not a reliable character. We learn that his support of the not a reliable character. We learn that his support of the doctor is partly motivated by his affection for Petra. He doctor is partly motivated by his affection for Petra. He even betrays his friend Billing for the sake of getting closer even betrays his friend Billing for the sake of getting closer to Petra. Even before the mayor arrives and speaks to to Petra. Even before the mayor arrives and speaks to Hovstad and Aslaksen, they are discussing how they can Hovstad and Aslaksen, they are discussing how they can use the doctor for their various ends. From the beginning, use the doctor for their various ends. From the beginning, Hovstad is eager to use the doctor as a way to stimulate Hovstad is eager to use the doctor as a way to stimulate some sort of political revolution. When the mayor brings his some sort of political revolution. When the mayor brings his carefully crafted arguments to men whose integrity is carefully crafted arguments to men whose integrity is already compromised, they are easily won over to his side.already compromised, they are easily won over to his side.

Ibsen uses these characters to illustrate how difficult it is to have a clear Ibsen uses these characters to illustrate how difficult it is to have a clear opinion in modern societyopinion in modern society

Act 2 Commentary 2Act 2 Commentary 2 While the mayor and the doctor remain consistent in their opinions While the mayor and the doctor remain consistent in their opinions

throughout the play, the newspapermen's ideas change. The mayor throughout the play, the newspapermen's ideas change. The mayor and the doctor have clear motivations: The mayor wants to stay in and the doctor have clear motivations: The mayor wants to stay in power, whereas the doctor is concerned with morality and science power, whereas the doctor is concerned with morality and science but not with economics or politics. The newspapermen, on the other but not with economics or politics. The newspapermen, on the other hand, have many motivations, and, therefore, they can't come to a hand, have many motivations, and, therefore, they can't come to a clear conclusion. Hovstad is a leftist radical, but he also wants to clear conclusion. Hovstad is a leftist radical, but he also wants to keep the paper in business, and he is interested in Petra. Ibsen uses keep the paper in business, and he is interested in Petra. Ibsen uses these characters to illustrate how difficult it is to have a clear these characters to illustrate how difficult it is to have a clear opinion in modern society. Hovstad can't afford to have a opinion in modern society. Hovstad can't afford to have a dangerous opinion and is, therefore, helpless when the mayor or the dangerous opinion and is, therefore, helpless when the mayor or the doctor has the upper hand.doctor has the upper hand.

Mrs. Stockmann is committed to her husband, but she is also Mrs. Stockmann is committed to her husband, but she is also committed to her family. When the doctor endangers the rest of his committed to her family. When the doctor endangers the rest of his family by throwing away his job, she doesn't know what to do. She family by throwing away his job, she doesn't know what to do. She feels that Hovstad is fooling the doctor, and when Hovstad and all feels that Hovstad is fooling the doctor, and when Hovstad and all the other men turn on her husband, she feels that her husband has the other men turn on her husband, she feels that her husband has been led into a trap. It appears to her that the doctor has been led into a trap. It appears to her that the doctor has consistently tried to do what is best and has been somehow led into consistently tried to do what is best and has been somehow led into a very dangerous position by these men.a very dangerous position by these men.

A few miscellaneous things should be explained. The mention of A few miscellaneous things should be explained. The mention of "Governor Stensgard" by Aslaksen is an allusion to Ibsen's early "Governor Stensgard" by Aslaksen is an allusion to Ibsen's early play, play, The League of Youth,The League of Youth, in which Stensgard was a central in which Stensgard was a central character. Aslaksen was also a minor character in that play.character. Aslaksen was also a minor character in that play.

Act 2 Commentary 3Act 2 Commentary 3 This act represents the climax of the play. We see Dr. This act represents the climax of the play. We see Dr.

Stockmann at his most impassioned and the rest of the Stockmann at his most impassioned and the rest of the town at its most conservative and conspiratorial. The men town at its most conservative and conspiratorial. The men who were having dinner at Dr. Stockmann's house in the who were having dinner at Dr. Stockmann's house in the first act are publicly denouncing him, and he is denouncing first act are publicly denouncing him, and he is denouncing them.them.

The doctor's point about the tyranny of the majority is The doctor's point about the tyranny of the majority is complex. It is certainly not Ibsen's invention. The English complex. It is certainly not Ibsen's invention. The English political philosopher John Stuart Mill wrote along similar political philosopher John Stuart Mill wrote along similar lines earlier in the nineteenth century. It would be hasty to lines earlier in the nineteenth century. It would be hasty to assume that Dr. Stockmann is speaking Ibsen's own ideas. assume that Dr. Stockmann is speaking Ibsen's own ideas. However, Ibsen was certainly eager to express his However, Ibsen was certainly eager to express his frustrations with rule by majority in the wake of the liberal frustrations with rule by majority in the wake of the liberal media's condemnation of his previous play, media's condemnation of his previous play, Ghosts.Ghosts.


It is ironic that the doctor chooses to speak on the tyranny of It is ironic that the doctor chooses to speak on the tyranny of the majority in front of a crowd of townspeople. The mayor the majority in front of a crowd of townspeople. The mayor probably also believes in the rule of an intelligent minority, probably also believes in the rule of an intelligent minority, and he maintains it by conspiring with others that he deems and he maintains it by conspiring with others that he deems part of the worthy minority. Dr. Stockmann's vision of rule by part of the worthy minority. Dr. Stockmann's vision of rule by the minority is different from the mayor's. The doctor sees the minority is different from the mayor's. The doctor sees that although people like the mayor and Hovstad are that although people like the mayor and Hovstad are technically in charge of the town government or the technically in charge of the town government or the newspaper, they are still subject to the opinion of the masses. newspaper, they are still subject to the opinion of the masses. The mayor really has no choice but to oppose the doctor's The mayor really has no choice but to oppose the doctor's proposal for the baths, because he is the tool of the masses, proposal for the baths, because he is the tool of the masses, and Hovstad could not support the doctor if he wanted to and Hovstad could not support the doctor if he wanted to because he is subject to the demands of his less freethinking because he is subject to the demands of his less freethinking subscribers.subscribers.

When Dr. Stockmann accuses Hovstad of also being a When Dr. Stockmann accuses Hovstad of also being a freethinker, Hovstad defends himself on the grounds that he freethinker, Hovstad defends himself on the grounds that he has never claimed to be a freethinker in print. In other words, has never claimed to be a freethinker in print. In other words, Hovstad does not deny that he is a freethinker in private, but Hovstad does not deny that he is a freethinker in private, but he merely asserts that he is never a freethinker in the public he merely asserts that he is never a freethinker in the public eye. He is afraid to let the majority know that he is a eye. He is afraid to let the majority know that he is a freethinker. By claiming never to be a freethinker in print, freethinker. By claiming never to be a freethinker in print, Hovstad proves the doctor's point: Intelligent individuals Hovstad proves the doctor's point: Intelligent individuals cannot act on their opinions because of fear of the majority.cannot act on their opinions because of fear of the majority.


By staging the speech in a very public By staging the speech in a very public setting, Ibsen takes an opportunity to setting, Ibsen takes an opportunity to illustrate how the conventions of democracy illustrate how the conventions of democracy can be manipulated by those in power. The can be manipulated by those in power. The doctor has convened this public meeting to doctor has convened this public meeting to read his report, but by electing a chairman read his report, but by electing a chairman and conducting the meeting according to and conducting the meeting according to vague parliamentary rules, the mayor and vague parliamentary rules, the mayor and the newspapermen are able to shut the the newspapermen are able to shut the doctor up. This shows that the tyranny of the doctor up. This shows that the tyranny of the majority is not absolute.majority is not absolute.

Act 3 Commentary 1Act 3 Commentary 1 By the end of By the end of An Enemy of the People,An Enemy of the People, Dr. Stockmann's Dr. Stockmann's

position has changed several times. Sometimes he seems position has changed several times. Sometimes he seems to be proud that he is "an enemy of the people," but early to be proud that he is "an enemy of the people," but early in Act V he says that the words wound him and are lodged in Act V he says that the words wound him and are lodged in his heart. What is consistent is a sense of honour and a in his heart. What is consistent is a sense of honour and a short temper. His partial embrace of the title enemy of the short temper. His partial embrace of the title enemy of the people is full of sarcasm, as seen when he turns on Hovstad people is full of sarcasm, as seen when he turns on Hovstad and Aslaksen with his cane. He spoke out against the and Aslaksen with his cane. He spoke out against the tyranny of the majority, but he still sees that men like tyranny of the majority, but he still sees that men like Hovstad have a lot of control, and he is sincerely happy to Hovstad have a lot of control, and he is sincerely happy to be Hovstad's enemy. Thus, he eagerly calls himself an be Hovstad's enemy. Thus, he eagerly calls himself an enemy of the people to Hovstad's face, implying that enemy of the people to Hovstad's face, implying that corrupt Hovstad is the real enemy.corrupt Hovstad is the real enemy.

As righteous as Dr. Stockmann may be, we should note that As righteous as Dr. Stockmann may be, we should note that he certainly makes things hard for himself. This is best he certainly makes things hard for himself. This is best captured in his decision to remain in town. He decides to captured in his decision to remain in town. He decides to stay because he is incredibly angry, and he wants to keep stay because he is incredibly angry, and he wants to keep fighting. In Act II, we see the mayor accuse Dr. Stockmann fighting. In Act II, we see the mayor accuse Dr. Stockmann of being forever resentful of authority, implying that the of being forever resentful of authority, implying that the doctor has a history of attacking authority. Thus, Dr. doctor has a history of attacking authority. Thus, Dr. Stockmann's position at the end of the play is as much a Stockmann's position at the end of the play is as much a result of his morals as of his naturally defiant personality.result of his morals as of his naturally defiant personality.

Act 3 Commentary 2Act 3 Commentary 2 The end of the play provides an interesting The end of the play provides an interesting

contrast between Mrs. Stockmann and Petra. contrast between Mrs. Stockmann and Petra. Mrs. Stockmann accepts her husband's Mrs. Stockmann accepts her husband's eccentric behaviour. Petra, on the other hand, eccentric behaviour. Petra, on the other hand, eagerly supports him. When he remarks that eagerly supports him. When he remarks that he doesn't know who will carry on after he he doesn't know who will carry on after he dies, Petra says that problem will be solved in dies, Petra says that problem will be solved in time. Clearly, Petra can follow him--only she time. Clearly, Petra can follow him--only she isn't a man. Ibsen is highly conscious of isn't a man. Ibsen is highly conscious of gender issues. In a play otherwise about the gender issues. In a play otherwise about the extent to which a free democracy is not free, extent to which a free democracy is not free, Ibsen finds room to speak up for women. He Ibsen finds room to speak up for women. He also shows that the doctor's ideas, too, can be also shows that the doctor's ideas, too, can be old-fashioned.old-fashioned.


Dr. Stockmann makes a discovery that he thinks will Dr. Stockmann makes a discovery that he thinks will help the town. He presses for changes to be made to help the town. He presses for changes to be made to the baths, but the town turns on him. Not only have the baths, but the town turns on him. Not only have his scientific experiments been a waste of time, and his scientific experiments been a waste of time, and not only will the townspeople suffer, but his freedom not only will the townspeople suffer, but his freedom of speech and self-respect are being attacked. He of speech and self-respect are being attacked. He then decides that the only reason that the leaders then decides that the only reason that the leaders have turned on him is that they are afraid of the have turned on him is that they are afraid of the people. He, thus, lashes out at the people. He is people. He, thus, lashes out at the people. He is motivated both by his anger and by true realizations motivated both by his anger and by true realizations about the corruption of the town.about the corruption of the town.

It can be concluded that It can be concluded that An Enemy of the PeopleAn Enemy of the People has has two key messages. First, it is a criticism of two key messages. First, it is a criticism of democracy. Second, it is the story of how one man's democracy. Second, it is the story of how one man's bravery and self-respect can survive overwhelming bravery and self-respect can survive overwhelming odds.odds.


Ibsen's critique of democracy is twofold. First, he Ibsen's critique of democracy is twofold. First, he shows the tyranny of the majority. The majority is shows the tyranny of the majority. The majority is a tyrant insofar as the leaders of society are a tyrant insofar as the leaders of society are afraid to do what is right because they are at the afraid to do what is right because they are at the people's mercy. Even though Hovstad wanted to people's mercy. Even though Hovstad wanted to print the doctor's report on the baths, he was print the doctor's report on the baths, he was afraid to do so because his subscribers would be afraid to do so because his subscribers would be upset. The mayor cannot propose any changes to upset. The mayor cannot propose any changes to the baths because the public might find out that the baths because the public might find out that the mayor had made a mistake in the original the mayor had made a mistake in the original plans and, thus, oust him. The majority is afraid plans and, thus, oust him. The majority is afraid of risk and, according to the doctor, it is not of risk and, according to the doctor, it is not intelligent enough to do what is right.intelligent enough to do what is right.

Act 3 Commentary 5Act 3 Commentary 5 While Ibsen illustrates the tyranny of the majority, he While Ibsen illustrates the tyranny of the majority, he

also shows how leaders can manipulate the majority. also shows how leaders can manipulate the majority. When Aslaksen and the mayor take control of the town When Aslaksen and the mayor take control of the town meeting, they are manipulating the majority, using the meeting, they are manipulating the majority, using the majority to their ends. It could be that Hovstad merely majority to their ends. It could be that Hovstad merely cited his subscribers' possible wrath as an excuse cited his subscribers' possible wrath as an excuse because he himself did not want to print the article. because he himself did not want to print the article. More likely, both he and his subscribers would have More likely, both he and his subscribers would have been against the doctor. Those who are in power, like been against the doctor. Those who are in power, like Hovstad and the mayor, automatically guess what the Hovstad and the mayor, automatically guess what the majority will want, and they always try to please the majority will want, and they always try to please the majority. While Aslaksen and the mayor manipulated the majority. While Aslaksen and the mayor manipulated the audience at the town meeting, they influenced them in audience at the town meeting, they influenced them in the only way possible. In other words, it would have the only way possible. In other words, it would have been almost impossible for the mayor to convince the been almost impossible for the mayor to convince the crowd that they should support the doctor's comments crowd that they should support the doctor's comments about the stupidity of the masses. Ibsen's idea is that about the stupidity of the masses. Ibsen's idea is that the majority does not rule directly; instead, the idea and the majority does not rule directly; instead, the idea and threat of the majority keeps leaders from acting threat of the majority keeps leaders from acting honestly.honestly.


The personal story of Dr. Stockmann The personal story of Dr. Stockmann is secondary. The key thing to is secondary. The key thing to remember is that he is extremely remember is that he is extremely idealistic and maybe even a little idealistic and maybe even a little naive and foolish. His wife, after all, naive and foolish. His wife, after all, feels compelled to remind him of feels compelled to remind him of practicalities.practicalities.

Arthur Miller’s input 1Arthur Miller’s input 1

Arthur Miller was called to testify in Arthur Miller was called to testify in front of the House Un-American front of the House Un-American Activities Committee to name names Activities Committee to name names of communist sympathizers in 1956, of communist sympathizers in 1956, the height of the McCarthy Era. Miller the height of the McCarthy Era. Miller refused to do so and was heralded by refused to do so and was heralded by the arts community for his strength the arts community for his strength of conviction and loyalty. In 1957, of conviction and loyalty. In 1957, Miller was charged with contempt, a Miller was charged with contempt, a ruling later reversed by the U.S. ruling later reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Court of Appeals.

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Arthur Miller’s input 2Arthur Miller’s input 2 Miller, like Dr Stockmann, was faced with the Miller, like Dr Stockmann, was faced with the

problem of choosing to be a member of his problem of choosing to be a member of his community or not, specifically by naming names of community or not, specifically by naming names of people who were doing (what were considered then) people who were doing (what were considered then) unlawful acts. Miller's own struggle with this issue is unlawful acts. Miller's own struggle with this issue is very present in ‘very present in ‘An Enemy of the People’.An Enemy of the People’. Like Dr Like Dr Stockman, Miller chose to be loyal to his conscience, Stockman, Miller chose to be loyal to his conscience, and like Stockmann, Miller went against the cultural and like Stockmann, Miller went against the cultural consensus at the time. Miller, in the play, has consensus at the time. Miller, in the play, has reversed the scene—rather than the mass culture reversed the scene—rather than the mass culture supporting the extrication of possible communists, supporting the extrication of possible communists, Miller chose to script a community that accepted and Miller chose to script a community that accepted and protected a lie. The consequences and eventual protected a lie. The consequences and eventual repercussions of telling the truth, for Dr Stockmann, repercussions of telling the truth, for Dr Stockmann, are drastic. are drastic.

Miller saw in this play a strong condemnation of the Miller saw in this play a strong condemnation of the McCarthy trials and those who sought to use the McCarthy trials and those who sought to use the majority or mass hysteria to persecute the right to majority or mass hysteria to persecute the right to free thought and speech.free thought and speech.

Quotations: Society and ClassQuotations: Society and Class

Mayor Peter Stockmann: Mayor Peter Stockmann:

‘‘there is an excellent spirit of there is an excellent spirit of toleration in the town--an admirable toleration in the town--an admirable municipal spirit. And it all springs municipal spirit. And it all springs from the fact of our having a great from the fact of our having a great common interest to unite us’common interest to unite us’

Quotations: Principles Quotations: Principles

‘ ‘When I took over the 'People's When I took over the 'People's Messenger' my idea was to break up Messenger' my idea was to break up this ring of self-opinionated old this ring of self-opinionated old fossils who had got hold of all the fossils who had got hold of all the influence.’influence.’

HovstadHovstad

Quotations : Community Quotations : Community

‘‘A community is like a ship; everyone A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the ought to be prepared to take the helm.’helm.’

Billing, Act 1. Billing, Act 1.

Quotations : truth and Quotations : truth and freedom freedom

‘‘The most dangerous enemy of truth The most dangerous enemy of truth and freedom is our society is the and freedom is our society is the compact majority. Yes, the damned, compact majority. Yes, the damned, compact, liberal majority.’compact, liberal majority.’

Dr. Stockmann, Act 4. Dr. Stockmann, Act 4.

Quotations: The majorityQuotations: The majority

‘‘The majority is never right. Never, I tell you! The majority is never right. Never, I tell you! That's one of these lies in society that no That's one of these lies in society that no free and intelligent man can help rebelling free and intelligent man can help rebelling against. Who are the people that make up against. Who are the people that make up the biggest proportion of the population - the biggest proportion of the population - the intelligent ones or the fools? I think we the intelligent ones or the fools? I think we can agree it's the fools, no matter where can agree it's the fools, no matter where you go in this world, it's the fools that form you go in this world, it's the fools that form the overwhelming majority.’the overwhelming majority.’


Quotation: The MinorityQuotation: The Minority

‘‘The minority is always right.’The minority is always right.’


Quotation: FreedomQuotation: Freedom

‘‘You should never wear your best You should never wear your best trousers when you go out to fight for trousers when you go out to fight for freedom and truth.’freedom and truth.’


Quotation: The strongest man in Quotation: The strongest man in the worldthe world

‘‘The strongest man in the world is he The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.’who stands most alone.’


Quotation: The majorityQuotation: The majority

"The majority is never right. Never, I tell "The majority is never right. Never, I tell you! That's one of these lies in society you! That's one of these lies in society that no free and intelligent man can that no free and intelligent man can help rebelling against. Who are the help rebelling against. Who are the people that make up the biggest people that make up the biggest proportion of the population -- the proportion of the population -- the intelligent ones or the fools? I think we intelligent ones or the fools? I think we can agree it's the fools, no matter can agree it's the fools, no matter where you go in this world, it's the fools where you go in this world, it's the fools that form the overwhelming majority.“ that form the overwhelming majority.“ Act 3 Act 3

2011 Higher Paper Critical essay2011 Higher Paper Critical essayQ4Q4Choose a play in which a power struggle is Choose a play in which a power struggle is central to the action.central to the action.

Explain briefly the circumstances of the Explain briefly the circumstances of the power struggle and discuss the extent to power struggle and discuss the extent to which it contributes to your appreciation of which it contributes to your appreciation of theme and / or character in the play as a theme and / or character in the play as a whole.whole.

MODEL INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPHSMODEL INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPHSEstablishEstablish the the contextcontext of your chosen text and question. of your chosen text and question.Be sure to use the Be sure to use the key Q wordskey Q words and to refer to and to refer to both parts of the Qboth parts of the Q..Example 1:Example 1:2011 Higher Paper Critical essay2011 Higher Paper Critical essayQ4Q4Choose a play in which a Choose a play in which a power strugglepower struggle is central to the action. is central to the action.

Explain briefly the circumstances of the power struggle and discuss Explain briefly the circumstances of the power struggle and discuss the extent to which it contributes to your the extent to which it contributes to your appreciation appreciation of theme and / of theme and / or or charactercharacter in the play as a whole. in the play as a whole.Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People” is a novel set in Norway in the Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People” is a novel set in Norway in the 1900s, which focuses on the inspiring main character, Dr Stockman, 1900s, which focuses on the inspiring main character, Dr Stockman, and his all-consuming passion for his town and the truth. Dr Stockman and his all-consuming passion for his town and the truth. Dr Stockman finds himself in a finds himself in a power strugglepower struggle between himself and his brother, between himself and his brother, the mayor about the pollution of the springs that provide the town the mayor about the pollution of the springs that provide the town with its wealth. Dr Stockman has a passion for the truth about the with its wealth. Dr Stockman has a passion for the truth about the water which represents both the author’s personal experience of the water which represents both the author’s personal experience of the fickle nature of society, as well as our own human capacity for being fickle nature of society, as well as our own human capacity for being truthful, which helps us truthful, which helps us appreciateappreciate both the both the characters characters created by created by

Ibsen and the Ibsen and the themetheme of the play as a whole. of the play as a whole.

2011 Higher Paper Critical essay2011 Higher Paper Critical essayQ4Q4Choose a play in which a power struggle is Choose a play in which a power struggle is central to the action.central to the action.

Explain briefly the circumstances of the Explain briefly the circumstances of the power struggle and discuss the extent to power struggle and discuss the extent to which it contributes to your appreciation of which it contributes to your appreciation of theme and / or character in the play as a theme and / or character in the play as a whole.whole.

Theme of Society and Theme of Society and ClassClass

An Enemy of the People presents a complex analysis of society and class. An Enemy of the People presents a complex analysis of society and class. The play doesn't seem to champion one class over another. It doesn't The play doesn't seem to champion one class over another. It doesn't present the woes of the upper class as they try to rule the land, nor does it present the woes of the upper class as they try to rule the land, nor does it show middle-class malaise, or even the struggles of the hardworking poor. show middle-class malaise, or even the struggles of the hardworking poor. Instead, the play takes all levels of society to task. In the end, it's not Instead, the play takes all levels of society to task. In the end, it's not economic inequality that is highlighted in the play, it's intellectual economic inequality that is highlighted in the play, it's intellectual inequality. The play proposes that the main problem with society is that it's inequality. The play proposes that the main problem with society is that it's run by the majority, a group made up of unintelligent people.run by the majority, a group made up of unintelligent people.

How does Hovstad's standing in society shape his political beliefs?How does Hovstad's standing in society shape his political beliefs? Does Doctor Stockmann exhibit any signs of class bias? If so, what are Does Doctor Stockmann exhibit any signs of class bias? If so, what are

they?they? By the end of the play, what does the Doctor decide will cure society's By the end of the play, what does the Doctor decide will cure society's

corruption? How does he plan to achieve this ideal?corruption? How does he plan to achieve this ideal? How do issues of class affect each character's actions in the play?How do issues of class affect each character's actions in the play?

Theme of PrinciplesTheme of Principles

An Enemy of the People tells the story of one man's quest to stick to his An Enemy of the People tells the story of one man's quest to stick to his principles no matter what the cost. The protagonist, Dr. Stockmann, principles no matter what the cost. The protagonist, Dr. Stockmann, sacrifices everything for his beliefs. The Doctor's fierce dedication stands sacrifices everything for his beliefs. The Doctor's fierce dedication stands out in sharp contrast to many of the play's secondary characters, who seem out in sharp contrast to many of the play's secondary characters, who seem to compromise their supposed beliefs without a second thought. In the end, to compromise their supposed beliefs without a second thought. In the end, the play reveals itself as a sharp examination of the terrible price that the play reveals itself as a sharp examination of the terrible price that society often demands of an individuals who stay true to their principles.society often demands of an individuals who stay true to their principles.

Questions About PrinciplesQuestions About Principles

What do you think are Dr. Stockmann's most valued principles? What do you think are Dr. Stockmann's most valued principles? Explain why you think so.Explain why you think so.

What new principle does the Doctor profess to believe at the end of the What new principle does the Doctor profess to believe at the end of the play?play?

What principles do you think the Mayor lives by?What principles do you think the Mayor lives by? Is Aslaksen's principle of moderation wise or cowardly? Why do you Is Aslaksen's principle of moderation wise or cowardly? Why do you

think so?think so?

Theme of WealthTheme of Wealth

Money and the pursuit of wealth is a major theme in An Enemy of the Money and the pursuit of wealth is a major theme in An Enemy of the People. Ibsen's play highlights the incredible power that monetary People. Ibsen's play highlights the incredible power that monetary concerns have in society. All of the characters in the play are controlled or concerns have in society. All of the characters in the play are controlled or influenced by wealth or the lack of it. Some compromise their beliefs out of influenced by wealth or the lack of it. Some compromise their beliefs out of need of for money, others use it as a weapon, while one man forsakes it need of for money, others use it as a weapon, while one man forsakes it altogether in the name of his principles. As in many of Ibsen's other plays, altogether in the name of his principles. As in many of Ibsen's other plays, the power of money is felt in every corner of An Enemy of the People. the power of money is felt in every corner of An Enemy of the People.

Questions About WealthQuestions About Wealth

Should the Doctor be more sympathetic to his brother for giving him Should the Doctor be more sympathetic to his brother for giving him the well-paying job at the Baths? Why or why not?the well-paying job at the Baths? Why or why not?

In terms of wealth, what makes Hovstad's position in the city unique?In terms of wealth, what makes Hovstad's position in the city unique? Explain why and how money is an incentive to keep the Doctor's Explain why and how money is an incentive to keep the Doctor's

article from being published.article from being published.

Theme of Rules and OrderTheme of Rules and Order

The established rules and order of society are a constant topic of The established rules and order of society are a constant topic of conversation in the play. Some characters thrive on the current system and conversation in the play. Some characters thrive on the current system and fight to maintain it. Others deeply desire its destruction, but are too caught fight to maintain it. Others deeply desire its destruction, but are too caught up in the system to fight it. And then there's the protagonist, Dr. up in the system to fight it. And then there's the protagonist, Dr. Stockmann, who makes it his quest to rewrite all the rules from the ground Stockmann, who makes it his quest to rewrite all the rules from the ground up. An Enemy of the People is a thorough examination of the rules that up. An Enemy of the People is a thorough examination of the rules that society is built around and a blueprint for the construction of a new order society is built around and a blueprint for the construction of a new order altogether.altogether.

Questions About Rules and OrderQuestions About Rules and Order

Does the Doctor seem to be an agent of chaos or order? Why?Does the Doctor seem to be an agent of chaos or order? Why? The golden rule is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto The golden rule is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto

you." Do any of the characters follow this rule? If so, which? If not, you." Do any of the characters follow this rule? If so, which? If not, explain why.explain why.

Do you believe the Mayor makes decisions based on ideals of order or Do you believe the Mayor makes decisions based on ideals of order or self-interest?self-interest?

Does the Doctor's wife seem to agree with her husband's call for Does the Doctor's wife seem to agree with her husband's call for progressive reform? Why might she be reluctant?progressive reform? Why might she be reluctant?

Theme of PoliticsTheme of Politics

The conflict of An Enemy of the People is a tense political battle. The tug and pull The conflict of An Enemy of the People is a tense political battle. The tug and pull of political turf wars help drive the action of the play. Though all the politics we of political turf wars help drive the action of the play. Though all the politics we see represented in the play exist strictly on a local level, national issues are see represented in the play exist strictly on a local level, national issues are addressed as well. Also, the patterns of local politics often echo the larger patterns addressed as well. Also, the patterns of local politics often echo the larger patterns that exist of the national level. An Enemy of the People is an unblinking portrayal that exist of the national level. An Enemy of the People is an unblinking portrayal of the cutthroat world of political maneuverings.of the cutthroat world of political maneuverings.

Questions About PoliticsQuestions About Politics

Describe the interplay between conservative and progressive ideas in this play. Describe the interplay between conservative and progressive ideas in this play. Does it relate to today's political climate? If so, how? If not, why not?Does it relate to today's political climate? If so, how? If not, why not?

Do political pressures seem to influence what the media (the newspaper) Do political pressures seem to influence what the media (the newspaper) decides to report? If so, why is this important? If not, what decides to report? If so, why is this important? If not, what isis influencing what influencing what is reported?is reported?

Is the Doctor's decision to stand up to the political world of his town selfish or Is the Doctor's decision to stand up to the political world of his town selfish or selfless?selfless?

What might Ibsen be saying about democracy in the scene where the Doctor is What might Ibsen be saying about democracy in the scene where the Doctor is voted an "enemy of the people"?voted an "enemy of the people"?

Theme of PrideTheme of Pride

Many of the play's characters seem to be guilty of pride. They tend think Many of the play's characters seem to be guilty of pride. They tend think very highly of themselves and are concerned about maintaining face in very highly of themselves and are concerned about maintaining face in public. Often in literature, pride is shown as a destructive force. This is public. Often in literature, pride is shown as a destructive force. This is certainly true to a certain extent in An Enemy of the People; it causes no certainly true to a certain extent in An Enemy of the People; it causes no end of trouble. In the end, however, we see how one person's pride and end of trouble. In the end, however, we see how one person's pride and resolute self-confidence could just be the saving grace of all of society.resolute self-confidence could just be the saving grace of all of society.

Questions About PrideQuestions About Pride

Does the doctor's pride in his own morality make him a sympathetic Does the doctor's pride in his own morality make him a sympathetic character? Why or why not?character? Why or why not?

What aspects of his life does the Mayor take pride in? What do these What aspects of his life does the Mayor take pride in? What do these things tell you about his character?things tell you about his character?

How do position in society and pride intertwine throughout the play? How do position in society and pride intertwine throughout the play? Give specific examples.Give specific examples.

Theme of HypocrisyTheme of Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy runs rampant throughout An Enemy of the People. We Hypocrisy runs rampant throughout An Enemy of the People. We see characters compromise themselves for a host of reasons. see characters compromise themselves for a host of reasons. Power, money, and public image all play a part. Dr. Stockmann, Power, money, and public image all play a part. Dr. Stockmann, the play's protagonist, refuses to compromise his beliefs no the play's protagonist, refuses to compromise his beliefs no matter what. His dedication to his personal principles stands in matter what. His dedication to his personal principles stands in sharp contrast to many of the other characters. It's important to sharp contrast to many of the other characters. It's important to note that the play goes beyond any simple definition of hypocrisy, note that the play goes beyond any simple definition of hypocrisy, however. Many of the characters have sound reasons for however. Many of the characters have sound reasons for compromising themselves. When reading the play, we often find compromising themselves. When reading the play, we often find ourselves wondering what constitutes hypocrisy is in the first ourselves wondering what constitutes hypocrisy is in the first place. Where does it begin and end?place. Where does it begin and end?

Questions About HypocrisyQuestions About Hypocrisy

Do Hovstad's political beliefs and actions towards the Do Hovstad's political beliefs and actions towards the Doctor contradict each other?Doctor contradict each other?

Does the Mayor's downplaying of the Baths' danger pit his Does the Mayor's downplaying of the Baths' danger pit his pride against the duties of his job? Why or why not?pride against the duties of his job? Why or why not?

Are the reasons Aslaksen withdraws his support from the Are the reasons Aslaksen withdraws his support from the Doctor's cause hypocritical?Doctor's cause hypocritical?

Theme of PowerTheme of Power

An Enemy of the People is one long power struggle. Whether it's the An Enemy of the People is one long power struggle. Whether it's the intense sibling rivalry at the core of the play, or the petty maneuverings of intense sibling rivalry at the core of the play, or the petty maneuverings of the play's secondary characters, everybody is constantly battling for turf. the play's secondary characters, everybody is constantly battling for turf. Many of the characters spend their time in efforts to gain control over Many of the characters spend their time in efforts to gain control over other people. Interestingly, by the end the play's protagonist, Dr. other people. Interestingly, by the end the play's protagonist, Dr. Stockmann, comes to the conclusion that a person has the most strength Stockmann, comes to the conclusion that a person has the most strength when his power is contained wholly within himself. He declares, "the when his power is contained wholly within himself. He declares, "the strongest man in the world is the man who stands alone" (5.310).strongest man in the world is the man who stands alone" (5.310).

Questions About PowerQuestions About Power

Did Hovstad make a reasonable decision in not publishing the Doctor's Did Hovstad make a reasonable decision in not publishing the Doctor's article? Why or why not?article? Why or why not?

Does the Mayor abuses his power in shaming his brother? Explain Does the Mayor abuses his power in shaming his brother? Explain your position.your position.

What comment about majority rule could Ibsen be making by What comment about majority rule could Ibsen be making by mentioning the lone drunk man as the only person who did not vote mentioning the lone drunk man as the only person who did not vote the Doctor as an "enemy of the people"?the Doctor as an "enemy of the people"?

An Enemy of the people by Henrik Ibsen a translation by Arthur Miller.

Documents

Transcript of An Enemy of the people by Henrik Ibsen a translation by Arthur Miller.