enemy of the people Essay -- essays research papers

An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen is a theatrical playing period which portrays important characteristics such as honesty, integrity, and courage. All of which could be seen as hazardous to European politics at the time. Dr. doubting Thomas Stockmann is a common man who attempts to name a revolution in his town. With the help of his naturally defiant personality the doctor makes a discovery that he hopes will better the town. This discovery was meant to forgo a change in the physical structure of the water source. Instead it created a waterfall of political disaster. Despite numerous stabs in the back and wishing of free-thinking, Dr. Stockmann stood tall and never backed down from what he believed in.The play is set in a small town in Norway that has just begun to develop the wing it needed to expand and become prosperous. This is in the most part due to The Baths a business Dr. Stockmann and his brother Peter began, to cure the sick through watering place treatments and rest. At the beginning, it seems as though The Baths had just begun to take off. The play is set in the Stockmanns kitchen where Mr. Billings, a close friend and member of the Peoples Herald, is having dinner. He is then joined by Hovstad, also a member of the Peoples Herald, and in the absence of Dr. Stockmann they discuss the future of The Baths. The Mayor, who is also Thomas brother, stops in unexpectedly to put one across a word regarding The Baths. Since Dr. Stockmann has not yet arrived home from his walk with his sons Billings, Hovstad, and the city manager begin to discuss future events. Hovstad explains to the mayor that he can see nothing but good in the future for the town, and that Dr. Stockmann had been holding an article he had written that was sure to spark involvement in his recent discovery.At this point it is obvious that the relationship between Dr. Stockmann and his brother Peter is not the strongest. They seem to struggle on seeing eye-to-eye on several issue s. Before Dr. Stockmann arrives home, his wife Katherine is comforting Peter, since he has taken great offense to Hovstads comment about The Baths being Thomas discovery. Dr. Stockmann arrives and is pleasantly surprise to see another(prenominal) dinner guest, Captain Horster, on his way in. His friends and brother have been awaiting him. A string of many arguments betwee... ...rrive home from school early because they have received a notice. Dr. Stockmann reassures his family that everything will be ok. He will host a school in the same room where he was branded an enemy of the people, and raise the poorest boys to drive out the wolves. Katherine worries that the wolves may drive him out of town, but Thomas reassures her that they dont stand a chance. The doctor has made another great discoverythat the strongest man stands alone. It is intrigue in way of heroism that draws many of us to good novels such as this. By using Dr. Stockmann as a strong hearted individual who stands up for what he believes in, Ibsen has captivated many readers such as myself. I believe that many of the ideals that we as a ordering deem to be virtuous in a man are possessed by Dr. Stockmann in this novel. His strong will in the face of everyone assay to bring him down is a depiction of someone who stands up for what they believe in. As you look back on what youve read, you get a strong cut into of Dr. Stockmanns ideology and it is something to admire, which combined with an interesting plot and well written scenes, makes for an exceptional novel.