11std. Maharashtra State Board
An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen
An Enemy of the People is a potent play written by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It was originally written in 1882 and remains one of Ibsen’s most famous and frequently performed works. The play is a forceful exploration of themes related to society, truth, individualism, and the conflict between the greater good and personal interests.
1. Introduction
Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright, theatre director and poet. Ibsen is often referred as ‘the father of realism and one of the most influential playwrights of his time. In 1869, he began to write prose plays. In 1877, he began what became a series of five plays in which he examines the moral faults of modern society. In order of appearance, the plays were The Pillars of Society, A Doll’s House, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, and The Wild Duck. Like all of Ibsen’s plays, An Enemy of the People was originally written in Norwegian.
2. Characters
1. Dr. Thomas Stockmann
Dr. Stockman is the protagonist of the play ‘ An Enemy of the People’. He is the Medical Officer of the Municipal Baths and the brother of Mayor Peter Stockmann. He is an ideal person who loves his family. He respects social values and fights against social injustice. He raises his voice against social evils and selfish and corrupt people.
2. Peter Stockmann
The Doctor’s elder brother and Mayor of the Town and Chairman of the Baths’ Committee.
Other Characters in the play
Mrs Stockmann: Wife of Dr. Thomas Stockmann
Petra: Daughter of Dr. Thomas Stockmann, a teacher.
Ejlif and Morten- Dr. Thomas Stockmann’s sons, aged 13 and 10, respectively.
Hovstad-Editor of the “People’s Messenger.”
Billing – Sub-editor of the “People’s Messenger.”
Captain Horster– An old friend of Dr. Stockmann.
Aslaksen -A printer.
4. Plot
The protagonist of the play Dr. Stockmann, a medical officer of the municipal baths, finds out that the bath water is contaminated. He is proven right after clinical tests. Therefore he wants to publish an article and expose the corruption. However, Peter Stockmann, his brother and the mayor of the town and the Chairman of the Bath committee, warns him of terrible consequences for him and his family if he publishes the article. Hovstad, the editor of People’s Messenger, and Aslaksen, the printer, are hand in glove with Peter and decide not to publish the article. So Dr. Stockmann decides to hold a disastrous town meeting, in which town people shout,” He is an enemy of the people.” His home is pelted with stones, windows are smashed, and he becomes the target of people’s ire. His contract as a medical officer is terminated, his daughter Petra is removed from her job as a teacher, and his landlord wants to evict him and his family from their home. But he stands firm in the face of difficulties and ignores Peter’s advice to leave the town for a few months. His wife is afraid that people might drive him out of the town. But Dr. Stockmann replies that he intends to stay and make the people understand “that consideration of expediency turn morality and justice upside down.” What is convenient is not always morally right. He ends by proclaiming, “‘The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone.”
5. Synopsis of the Act-III
Dr. Stockmann has discovered that the new baths built in his town are infected with a deadly disease and instructs the town to repair or close the baths. The Mayor, Dr. Stockmann’s brother, does not believe the report and refuses to close the baths because it will cause the financial ruin of the town. Dr. Stockmann tries to take his case to the people, but the mayor intercedes and explains to the people how much it will cost to repair the baths. He explains that the Doctor is always filled with wild, fanciful ideas. In a public meeting, he has his brother declared an enemy of the people. The doctor decides to leave the town, but at the last minute comes to the realization that he must stay and fight for the things he believes to be right.