Other editions of book Enemy of the People

Another of Ibsen’s historically scandalous plays, An Enemy of the People offers a powerful critique of the hypocrisy and downright lunacy of the masses. It tells the story of Dr. Thomas Stockman, a researcher who discovers that the newest bath development near a small Norweigian town is being contaminated by the waste products of the local tannery. As Dr. Stockman’s health concerns cause him to be denounced as a raving lunatic, he discovers the dangerous potential of mass delusion and mob rule.

(SCENE.—DR. STOCKMANN'S sitting-room. It is evening. The room is plainly but neatly appointed and furnished. In the right-hand wall are two doors; the farther leads out to the hall, the nearer to the doctor's study. In the left-hand wall, opposite the door leading to the hall, is a door leading to the other rooms occupied by the family. In the middle of the same wall stands the stove, and, further forward, a couch with a looking-glass hanging over it and an oval table in front of it. On the table, a lighted lamp, with a lampshade. At the back of the room, an open door leads to the dining-room. BILLING is seen sitting at the dining table, on which a lamp is burning. He has a napkin tucked under his chin, and MRS. STOCKMANN is standing by the table handing him a large plate-full of roast beef. The other places at the table are empty, and the table somewhat in disorder, evidently a meal having recently been finished.) Mrs. Stockmann. You see, if you come an hour late, Mr. Billing, you have to put up with cold meat.

"An Enemy of the People" is Henrik Ibsen's classic drama of the animosity that can befall someone whose actions, while in the best interest of the public good, threaten the economic well being of a community. "An Enemy of the People" is the story of Dr. Stockmann who, when charged with inspecting the local public baths, discovers that the water is contaminated. When Dr. Stockmann suggests expensive repairs, the local town, which derives much of their economic prosperity from the baths, turns against him.

In this classic five act play, Ibsen offers a rebuke to the Victorian notion of community as well as to the blessings of democracy. In a coastal town, a community-minded physician has promoted the development of public baths in order to attract tourists. When he discovers that the water supply for the baths is contaminated and attempts to publicize the failing and correct it, he and his family are all but driven out of the town he was trying to save.

An Enemy of the People is a play written by Henrik Ibsen that addresses both the hypocritical and corrupt natures of the political system, and the irrational tendencies of the masses. The story features a man who struggles to do the right thing and speak truth in the face of unbelievable social intolerance. This is an excellent read which teaches the importance of social values, and can be viewed as both a comedy and a tragedy wrapped into one.

In this classic five act play, Ibsen offers a rebuke to the Victorian notion of community as well as to the blessings of democracy. In a coastal town, a community-minded physician has promoted the development of public baths in order to attract tourists. When he discovers that the water supply for the baths is contaminated and attempts to publicize the failing and correct it, he and his family are all but driven out of the town he was trying to save.

Dr. Thomas Stockmann, civic-minded man of science with an independent spirit, is the complex hero of Henrik Ibsen's controversial 1883 drama. It is a story of environmental crisis, whistleblowing, competing stakeholders, corruption, the press, pride, power, resistance, betrayal, and the complex nature of democracy. Ibsen surgically exposes the heart of capitalism, its moral contradictions and compromises with the truth. Includes introduction and questions for discussion. A high quality edited text for actors, teachers, students, and general readers. Translated by R. Farquharson Sharp.

Dr. Thomas Stockmann is the medical officer of a recently opened spa in a small town in southern Norway. The play begins in Dr. Stockmann's house, where his wife Katrine is entertaining dinner guests. As the evening progresses, Dr. Stockmann's brother Peter (the mayor) and Hovstad (the editor of the newspaper) arrive at the house. The Mayor asks his brother about a rumor that Hovstad is about to print an article he wrote regarding the spa baths. Dr. Stockmann is evasive about the nature of this article, and Peter leaves. Dr. Stockmann's daughter Petra brings in a letter, which reveals that Dr. Stockmann's suspicions were correct and the spa water is contaminated with bacteria (he had sent samples of water away to be tested in a lab). With this proof in hand, Hovstad agrees to print Dr. Stockmann's article, which will reveal the truth about the spa water. This will bring a great deal of attention to the baths and possibly force them to shut down (which will have repercussions on the town's economy). Dr. Stockmann is overwhelmed with all that has happened, but rejoices that he has saved the town.