Use of Biblical Allusion Style

Aspects of style in An enemy of the People-- use of Biblical allusion

In the play, Ibsen alludes closely to the Bible. Other than the common sibling rivalry seen in every home; we are led to think of the rivalry between Cain and Abel in the Bible. It is on such a motif that Peter and Dr. Stockmann’s conflict is built. Either of them would rather be the best in contributing to his society than the other. As in the case of Cain who opted to eliminate his brother than live in continuous conflict, Peter Stockmann organizes to have his brother declared An Enemy of the People and uses his influence to force him into exile.

    Another clear biblical allusion is found towards the end of the play. Dr.Stockmann uses such notions as

… you will hear more of this enemy before he shakes the dust off his shoes upon you….I do not stay “forgive you, for ye know not what ye do.” In another instance he says that he needed at least twelve boys to start his school. He says that these, when they have become high minded and bold, they would drive all the wolves out of the country. Later, when he has a secret to share with them, he gathers them around himself and talks to them confidentially. All these and many other instances portray Dr. Stockmann in the shoes of Christ as in the Bible.

    The importance of these allusions is to enable the audience to relate to stories it has had more acquaintance with. The reader or the audience is able to learn more about the extent of rivalry between brothers, not to mention how the teachings of Christ and the changes he advocated for changed the world.