Peter Stockmann Manipulates the Public

Using Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the people for your illustrations, write an essay explaining     why Peter Stockmann was able to tilt the public’s opinion against Dr. Thomas Stockmann’s     discovery.
Introduction
At first, Dt. Stockmann’s discovery about the contamination of the town’s water supply had a lot of support. However, with time, the support dwindled up to a point that he is declared a public enemy.
i)     The support he had banked on from the press failed to be forthcoming. It happened that  the press had their own shortcomings which the Mayor prudently exploited. Their failure to print Dr. Stockmann’s manuscript even at his own expense deprives him the opportunity (forum) to shape the public’s opinion in his favour. On the contrary, they printed the Mayor’s version on the issue.
ii)     Dr. Stockmann’s discovery had a lot of goodwill at first. Members of the press, Aslaksen, Mortein Kiil all supported it. However with time, personal/individual interests and or weaknesses overrode the support. For example Hovstad, Billing are not quite morally principled. Once they realize the stakes they switch camps. Others e.g. Aslaksen, Mortein Kiil supported it for varied reasons but not as a matter of principles.
iii)     There exists inherent fear of the authority best exemplified by Aslaksen who seemed too cautious in criticizing local authorities. He advocates moderation. Peter, as the Mayor of the town used this fear to his advantage. Dr. Stockmann’s discovery is portrayed as an ‘agitation’ against the authorities and the Mayor’s ‘official version’ printed in newspapers is readily believed by the public.
iv)     Dr. Stockmann’s weaknesses: he makes several blunders. He underrates his brother’s resolve and the manuscript to the press and lets known the fact. This enables Peter to manouvre and tact for instance he had prematurely given block him. He is too indiscreet with such an important matter and seems to take it as a personal issue.
v)     Peter on the other hand is tactful and a good schemer. He is able to manipulate facts by portraying the modifications called for by the doctor as uncalled for, expensive and a burden to taxpayers. He exploits his position to endear himself as the ‘protector’ of the public. Even getting a venue to air his speech proved tricky to Dr. Stockmann as all avenues are blocked. Pgs 57 – 59.

in conclusion, It is evident that the Mayor was able to manipulate events to his favour and paint Dr. Stockmann as an enemy of the people.