As with most problem plays, An Enemy of the People takes a specific situation and uses it to make a larger general statement about mankind. Here we have the specific problem of the bad water pipes at the new health baths. The question then is simply one of cleaning the […]
Read more Critical Essay Structure and Technique in An Enemy of the PeopleHenrik Ibsen Biography
Once the subject of public controversy, defended only by the avant-garde theater critics of the nineteenth century, Ibsen’s prose dramas now appear as successful television plays and are an essential part of the repertory theaters all over the world. No longer inflaming audience reactions, the dramas are now acceptable fare […]
Read more Henrik Ibsen BiographyCharacter Analysis Dr. Stockmann
Dr. Stockmann represents the extreme idealist who has no concept of the practical side of life. His idealism blinds him to the common procedures of everyday activity. As an idealist, Dr. Stockmann believes strongly in individual freedom and the right of every man to express himself freely. He cannot become […]
Read more Character Analysis Dr. StockmannCharacter Analysis Peter Stockmann (The Burgomaster)
The Burgomaster represents the old established order of things. He believes that authority should rest in the hands of the officials and that all individuals should be subjected to the rule of these authorities. He does not believe in personal or individual expressions. He is convinced that he is right […]
Read more Character Analysis Peter Stockmann (The Burgomaster)Character Analysis Mrs. Stockmann
She is a minor character who represents the eternal matriarch. Her interest is in the family. She does not care for civic causes, but when her husband is attacked by other people, she comes to his side even though she does not understand the principles behind the cause.
Read more Character Analysis Mrs. StockmannCharacter Analysis Hovstad
Hovstad is the professional type of liberal who constantly wants to stir things up as long as he is not directly involved and will not be personally affected. His main concern is to increase the circulation of his paper, and for this purpose he will ignore any principle. He supports […]
Read more Character Analysis HovstadCharacter Analysis Aslaksen
Aslaksen is the man of cautious good will. His constant comment involves “proceeding with moderation.” He is afraid of offending anyone who is in authority, unless that person is some distant abstract person who cannot immediately affect him. He represents the compact majority who believes in civic progress so long […]
Read more Character Analysis AslaksenSummary and Analysis Act V
Summary Dr. Stockmann’s home is in disorder. He appears holding a stone which someone cast through his window. He wants to save it as a reminder of his days of persecution. He receives a letter from the landlord giving him notice to move. Petra arrives from the school and tells […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act VSummary and Analysis Act IV
Summary In the large bottom room of Captain Horster’s house, there is to be a meeting. It is heard that Dr. Stockmann was unable to find another meeting place and his old friend offered him this place. The citizens gathering are wondering what they should do. They decide to watch […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IVSummary and Analysis Act III
Summary In the editor’s room of the “People’s Messenger,” Hovstad and his assistant, Billing, are discussing Dr. Stockmann’s article. They feel that now the Burgomaster is in trouble and they will use this trouble to hound him out of office. They hope to replace him with men of more “liberal […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III