Synopsis of the Play, An Enemy of the people By Henrik Ibsen. Synopsis of Act One
The first scene is held in Dr. Stockmann’s living room some time after the evening meal. A door at the back of the room leads into the dining room where Billing is being served a meal by Mrs. Stockmann.
Peter stockman enters but does not want to eat at the moment. He is followed by Hovstad the editor of the people’s messenger newspaper. Both Hovstad and Peter Stockmann engage in a talk about the baths a project in town that is of great importance. This project, Peter Stockmann says will become the focus of the municipal life, seeing that money is flowing in. Assets are rising in value and unemployment is diminishing.
Hovstad goes into the dining room to eat and slightly latter, Dr. Stockmann enters with his two sons and another visitor, captain Horster.
Hovstad goes into the dining room too leaving the two brothers, Peter Stockmann and Dr. Stockmann to talk. When Peter Stockmann asks his brother about the article he had written about the baths, Dr. Stockmann says he wished to withdraw it presently. He hints that there’s a problem he is yet unsure of that makes the article inappropriate.
Peter tries to coax his brother to explain to him the problem which Dr.Stockmann refuses saying that it would be making a report before the proper time. This exchange angers Peter who threatens his brother that he would suffer for it sooner or latter, and with that, Peter leaves in a bad temper.
After the visitors have finished eating they come into the sitting room to chat and take beer. Petra, Dr.Stockmann’s daughter enters as they chat and presents a letter that Dr.Stockmann can hardly wait to read he rushes into his study to read it.
Meanwhile the others continue chatting and are particularly shocked to discover that Hovster doesn’t even care that he would miss the upcoming elections. He does not appear to have any knowledge of the political atmosphere of the town.
Coming back to the sitting room, Dr.Stockmann broaches the subject that he had made a discovery. Having investigated the health of the baths, he had found out that the water in the baths is polluted. His investigation was prompted by sicknesses experienced in the past by those who used the baths. The presently received letter is the confirmation after having sent samples for testing at the University.
Dr. Stockman has proposed that the pipes conducting water into the baths should be re-laid and the intake should be lifted higher up. These had to be done, naturally for he says that the baths would not only be useless, but also harmful if these changes were not made. The people are enthusiastic about it and Hovstad would write about it in people’s messenger.
CRITICAL LESSONS From Act One Synopsis
- In this act, we learn of the conflict existing between Dr.Stockmann and his brother Peter Stockmann. Peter feels that his brother is much more celebrated for having borne the idea of the baths. It’s actually him as the chairman of the baths committee who should be credited for having converted the idea into a project.
- When Dr.Stockmann receives the letter, we learn that the baths formerly designed to be a health resort (spa) are in fact a health hazard. Ideally though, and with expenses on the side of the municipality, the problem can be rectified.
- Dr. Stockmann is very proud of his discovery and sees an opportunity to trample down his rivals (apparently Peter Stockmann and Morten Kiil), who failed to listen to his proposed plans during the construction of the baths.
- At the present situation, Hovstad, the editor of an independent newspaper is convinced that the discovery should be made public immediately. Though not mentioned overtly, we can infer that Morten kill and Peter Stockmann are the enemies of the people. This view is inspired by the fact that the two opposed Dr.Stockmann’s proposals, leading to the present pollution in the baths.
- Captain Horster is generally interested in Petra’s ideas and is quite willing to assist her to start a new school, which according to her, will be conducted on different lines. He however seems to be disinterested in country’s politics.The concept of free thinking is introduced when Biling, Hovstad, Captain Hovster, Petra and Mrs.Stockmann are talking. Prevalence of lies, radical political ideas and paganism are freely discussed. Mrs.Stockmann, though in agreement with free thinking is anxious that her children are being exposed to them.
- Free thinkers in this case are members of the society who are enlightened and whose ideas do not necessarily agree with the society’s traditions.
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