4.3 An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen
An Enemy of the People is a realistic play by renowned playwright Henrik Ibsen. The play, like all other his plays originally written in Norwegian. The play An Enemy of the People explores the municipal politics of a Norwegian town and exposes the hypocrisy of the Progressives and the Democrats.
Introduction: An Enemy of the People
Henrik Ibsen |
Henrik Ibsen ( 20 March 1828- 23 May 1906)
Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright, theatre director and poet. Ibsen is often referred to 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.
Characters in 'An Enemy of the People'
Write a character sketch of 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.
Other Characters in the Play 'An Enemy of the People'
- Peter Stockmann - The Doctor's elder brother and Mayor of the Town and Chief Constable, Chairman of the Baths' Committee.
- 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.