An Enemy of the People: Act 5 Synopsis

The scene of this act is in Dr. Stockmann’s study. He collects the stones lying in the house. These stones have been used to break the windowpanes as the mob in the previous night’s meeting had suggested.
    Things quickly move from bad to worse for Dr. Stockmann’s family. They are given a notice to quit their rented house, the glazier refuses to come to replace the broken window panes and Petra is dismissed from her job. All these things happen because the people could not dare do anything contrary to the influential people in the town. Indeed, Petra captures this clearly when she reports how Mrs. Busk dismissed her. She said “Mrs. Busk  isn’t a bit like that, mother; I saw quite plainly how it hurt her to do it. But she didn’t dare to do otherwise”, she said; and so I got my notice.
   
 The concept of tyranny of the majority is further exemplified when the town’s people sign a list not to ever employ Dr. Stockmann. Peter stockman says that no head of a family would dare to risk refusing his signature.
     Peter stockman presents doctor stockman with his dismissal letter from the baths committee. He then tries to implore Dr. Stockmann to rethink about his stand and probably write some few words expressing regret and acknowledging error on his part. Dr Stockmann would not hear of such a thing and therefore refuses and stands his ground.
    Unable to convince him, peter stockman then to informs the doctor how he could be blackmailed by Morten kiil. Morten Kiil himself promptly comes in and announces that in order to cleanse his name, he’d bought shares in the baths using the money that could have been his wife’s and children’s inheritance form the old man. This blackmail is meant to make Dr. Stockmann revert his statements and announce that the baths are not infected and polluted by filth from the tanneries. To this too, Dr. Stockmann refuses to listen.
    Aslaksen and Hovstad arrive just as Morten kiil is leaving. Thinking that Dr. stockmann had calculated his move to belittle the baths so that people may sell their shares to Morten kill and later rectify the problem cheaply so that he’s left with a lot of money after reselling the shares, the two thought of putting the people’s messenger at his disposal. Realizing the self seeking intentions held by Hovstad and Aslaksen, Dr. Stockmann doe not entertain them and instead throws them out of his room. Hovstad actually blackmails him by pointing out the darker side of the story.


CRITICAL LESSONS From act five synopsis
ACT V
1. Much of what happens in this, Act is a consummation of what Dr. Stockmann had foreshadowed in act III by saying in pg. 49……they have tried to intimidate me, to make a coward of me, to force me to put personal interests above my most sacred convictions.
2. In this act, we see everything crumbling down in Dr. Stockmann’s family. This spiral downward fall started in Act IV. Dr. Stockmann, Petra and Horster lose their jobs. Morten Kiil withdraws the inheritance he would have given the family and they are given a notice to leave the home.
3. At first, Dr. Stockmann contemplates to leave the town and exile himself in a new country. However, he changes his decision and would stay in the town, assisting the poor and educating a team of young boys in an attempt to make them liberal and high minded to achieve his goals.
A ray of hope arises at this chapter when Dr. Stockmann refuses to let go his struggle and instead he would pass it on to others.

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ACT 4- Synopsis of An Enemy of the people.
    This act, held in Hovstad’s private hall, captures the denunciation of Dr. Stockmann and his research. Presumably, all other public halls could not offer a hall to Dr. Stockmann due to the mayors’ influence. This made the good willed Captain Horster offer a room to Dr. Stockmann
    As the lecture starts, peter stockman, Hovstad, Biling and Aslaksen use their influence to take control of the meeting. They move a motion changing the people’s perception of Dr. Stockmann making it almost impossible for the Dr. to address the people.
    When the doctor is finally allowed to speak to the public he changes the topic remarkably. He tailors it carefully to attack the mayor and more profoundly the majority. He convincingly brings the argument that the greatest enemy to the truth is the compact majority.
    According to him, the majority may have the might, but they lack the right and truth. He is therefore convinced that the stupid compact majority cannot and should not be allowed to lead the clever.

He throws himself upfront against the majority and democracy in this case, saying that it is the few free thinking people who have right and truth. These however, stand a bit too far ahead that the majority behind them cannot conceive their truth.
    He goes on to convincingly and directly attack the so called independent press. He says that the press advocates for old time truths which have become out dated. This marrow less truths are infact lies and the people’s messenger feeds its subscribers on them.
    The doctor, in a surge of anger declares that if he’s denied a platform to declare the truth in his hometown, he would let other states know what is happening there. It does not matter to him if the town is destroyed for living in a lie. A heightened argument ensues and the people, led by Hovstad declare him an enemy of the people.
    At the end of the meeting, Morten kiil has realized that the tanneries at the molledal are the worst in contaminating the baths. He threatens the doctor that if he put that to print, it would cost him dearly.


CRITICAL LESSONS
1. We find Horster coming in to save Dr. Stockmann’s situation by providing him with a hall to meet the public.
2. Aslaksen, Peter Stockmann, Hovstad and Bilings use their influence to manipulate a meeting they had not called.
Dr. Stockmann, in his lecture draws an analogy bringing to consummation lbsen’s symbolism in which the baths represents the moral life of the town, the leadership and the old retrogressive order representing the sources at moral poisoning.

He throws himself upfront against the majority and democracy in this case, saying that it is the few free thinking people who have right and truth. These however, stand a bit too far ahead that the majority behind them cannot conceive their truth.
    He goes on to convincingly and directly attack the so called independent press. He says that the press advocates for old time truths which have become out dated. This marrow less truths are infact lies and the people’s messenger feeds its subscribers on them.
    The doctor, in a surge of anger declares that if he’s denied a platform to declare the truth in his hometown, he would let other states know what is happening there. It does not matter to him if the town is destroyed for living in a lie. A heightened argument ensues and the people, led by Hovstad declare him an enemy of the people.
    At the end of the meeting, Morten kiil has realized that the tanneries at the molledal are the worst in contaminating the baths. He threatens the doctor that if he put that to print, it would cost him dearly.

CRITICAL LESSONS

1. We find Horster coming in to save Dr. Stockmann’s situation by providing him with a hall to meet the public.
2. Aslaksen, Peter Stockmann, Hovstad and Bilings use their influence to manipulate a meeting they had not called.
Dr. Stockmann, in his lecture draws an analogy bringing to consummation lbsen’s symbolism in which the baths represents the moral life of the town, the leadership and the old retrogressive order representing the sources at moral poisoning.

.    In the same vein, the bacteria affecting the baths represent the compact majority who are, according to Dr. Stockmann (pg 76) the most dangerous enemies of truth.
5.    In his inability to stomach Dr. Stockmann’s truths, Hovstad leads the others to declare Dr. Stockmann as an enemy of the people (pg 83)
It is to be considered most emphatically that Hovstad in Act III (Pg 48)  had led others to proclaim that Dr. Stockmann is a friend of the people by saying “you deserve to be supported, Doctor. This statement that Aslaksen and Billing to use the words A friend of the people.

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Synopsis of Act 3 An Enemy of the People

This act, set in the editorial office of the people’s messenger traces the changing popularity of Dr. Stockmann’s research. Hovstad and Billing discuss how powerful Dr. Stockmann’s writing is. The two think of the possible revolution that would be covered by their findings. Whether the mayor agrees with the report or not will bring him in opposition to one group or the other. On one hand, the big stockholder’s would not want the changes implemented, while the homeowners would demand the implementation.
    Dr. Stockmann enters and promptly declares that the article should be put into print. Aslaksen would oversee the printing personally, ensuring that every word is held with utmost care. Although Aslaksen agrees to print the story, he still insists that everything must be done with moderation. Billing is the most excited of them all and would rather act radically, releasing bombshell after bombshell. He tells Aslaksen to his face that he is infernally timid. Hovstad declares that he is not like a weather cock to be turned on every direction by the wind.
    The discussion rises to a high tempo and Aslaksen, who is adamant on his moderation principles hints that he may back the authorities. This throws Hovstad and Billing back and they lament that they don’t have the capital to print their paper and run business. It dawns on them that they would still rely on Aslaksen.

Hovstad holds a brief chat with Petra. She has decided not to translate a certain book (probably the bible or another religious book)
Hovstad betrays the journalists’ inability to stand for their course. He is partly motivated by his attraction to Petra and party for the financial gains he would have, not to mention the fame of being at the center of a revolution. This angers Petra who walks out on them.
    The foreshadow presented by Hovstad falling out with Petra, follows closely. Peter stockman comes to the editorial office and talks to both Hovstad and Aslaksen carefully and craftily, he accuses Dr. Stockmann of malice and points out the loss the town would suffer if the proposed changes were implemented.
    When Dr. Stockmann arrives to see his manuscripts in print and to proof read it, he is surprised at how fast things have changed. All have suddenly turned against him. He realizes that they had compromised their stand because of peter stockmann’s influence.
    Mrs. Stockmann comes in timely enough to see that tables have been turned against her husband. In retaliation, she declares that she would stand by him and let the children join him in his quest to declare the truth to save the society.

CRITICAL LESSONS from Act 3 Synopsis

1. We learn of the inconsistency of the journalists. In the light of the mayor and Aslaksen’s influence, Hovstad and Biling are easily turned against Dr. Stockmann. In contrast, Peter and Dr. Stockmann remain consistent in their points of view and responses.
2.  We question the independence of the press after learning that it is the subscribers, house holders and politicians who control the newspaper.
3. Dr Stockmann realizes that he had underrated his brother the mayor’s influence. He had also put too much faith in the newspaper men.
4. Dr Stockmann, still asserting that he holds the responsibility to tell the truth refuses to bow. His wife and children would stand by him to ensure that the public is fed with the truth.

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Synopsis of An Enemy of the People Act 2

This scene is held in Dr. Stockmann’s study early in the morning. Dr. Stockmann is chatting with his wife as they anticipate Peter Stockmann’s reactions. The doctor ideally thinks that Peter Stockmann will be happy with the discovery. He may however be jealous that it is he, not himself who made the discovery.
    MR Kiil, MRS. Stockmann’s father comes in and does not quite agree with Dr. Stockmann’s findings. He is however exited that Dr. Stockmann is able to attack the city’s leadership. This would be like revenge after Morten Kiil was hounded out of the town council.

He is even willing to donate ten pounds to a charitable organization in celebration. Apparently, Morten Kiil does not understand the effect the discovery would have on his tannery. It is this tannery among other industries that are polluting the baths
    Hovstad’s visit opens another debate. He intends to use Dr. Stockmann’s findings to bring a political revolution. He says that his main idea was to break the ring of the self opinionated old fossils that held all influence. He even declares himself a journalist of democratic tendencies of his own, taking it upon himself to emancipate the humble and oppressed masses.
    Further discourse when Aslaksen arrives leaves the doctor overwhelmed. Aslaksen has promised him support of the temperance society as well as that of the house owners association. Aslaksen is well respected in these organizations. The doctor sees it unthinkable for the mayor to refuse to make the changes. He nevertheless allows Hovstad to print the article if it comes to that.
    When Peter Stockmann arrives, he is not only concerned that the doctor avoided telling him before, but also the thought that the report is exaggerated.  This report, apart from costing the town a lot of money, will taunt his name. This is because he had made a damnable blunder during the establishment of the baths. He demands that the report be withheld so that the committee may introduce certain improvements slowly with a reasonable expenditure.
    Dr. Stockman, convinced that he had the truth and the compact majority behind him stands his ground. He asserts that the liberal-minded-independent press would take up the issue and force the leaders to oblige. The mayor is not impressed. He points out that the issue is not entirely scientific -it had an economical and a technical side as well.
    In the height of their argument, Peter tells his brother that his offensive insinuation makes him an enemy of the community. The mayor leaves angrily again. Meanwhile, Mrs. Stockmann, who takes a slightly different opinion from her husband – if only for her family, tries to cool him down. Though she is loyal to him, she doesn’t find it practically viable to put up a fight between himself and the major. Petra secretly worships her fathers stand and encourages him to keep up the fight.

    CRITICAL LESSONS From Act two Synopsis

1. The doctor is supported by the independent press. He does not however realize that Hovstad’s plans are eccentric and self-seeking. He would only support him to make a name for himself and the newspaper, for having started a revolution.
2. Aslaksen’s support is overwhelming yet considering his personality and the caution and moderation he advocates for, one gathers that he cannot move anywhere.
3. The mayor raises serious questions against the doctor’s report. Failure to consider financial and technical implications is a big blow to him. Even in the face of all these, the doctor does not want to come to a compromise and find a new solution.
4. The doctor is warned about the effects of his discovery to him and his family. He however does not take it kindly. He vows to fight for his truth even when called an enemy of the people.

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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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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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It was a time when our town seemed to be flourishing in every way. We were all excited that a recently started project, the baths was making our town to prosper. The baths were health resort meant to bring a healing effect on the people who used them. It was a project started by my father in conjunction with the town’s authorities.

My father was working as the medical officer, whereas my uncle, mayor of the town was the chairman of the council governing the baths.
At such a time when the baths were the talk of the town, my father made a discovery that would change our lives. The baths were affected by deadly bacteria. This discovery infuriated my father because he felt that he had been short-changed in the construction of the baths. My uncle Peter and other authorities in the town did not implement the project as my father had designed it. He had tried to oppose their places even in writing to no avail.

My father made public his discovery on an evening in our house when we were in the company of free-thinking and independent minded family friends, including captain  Horster, Hovstad and Billings. All of us were excited and we pledged to give our support to him in pressurizing the authorities to rectify their mistakes. Hovstad even offered to print a note on the people’s messenger concerning the discovery. Billings went as for as to suggest some sort of appreciation for my father.

 Later, I went to the editorial office of the people’s messenger where Hovstad and Billing work. I had all along known their stand on most issues concerning life. Nevertheless, I was shocked beyond words to realize that Hovstad wanted to print articles in the newspaper which grossly went against his beliefs and opinions in order to capture the readers. The articles were from a book he had wanted are to translate from English to our Norwegian language. This was not characteristic of Hovstad but I was yet to receive a greater shock, which I did when he confessed that his support for my father was more precisely that his because of me. He didn’t support my father for his belief in my father’s truth. This confession made me to furious and being unable to stomach anything beyond it I walked out on him.

It was later that evening that I was informed on how Hovstad, Billing and Aslaksen has denounced my father to his face. My father is a highly principled man. Even in the face of the building opposition, he swore to proclaim the truth to the public. He therefore hired captain Houster’s apartment and called a public meeting. He didn’t achieve his intentions of calling the meeting. Instead the public was made to term him as an enemy of the people. I couldn’t believe my eyes to see Hovstad and Billing joining with Peter Stockmann and Aslaksen in support for the corrupt administration.

Having been declared enemies of the people, my family contemplated a self exile. This did not occur however but instead, Captain Horster offered us a place in   his house where we would engage in assisting the poor and educating them. We will forever be grateful to Horster for standing with us in such tough times.

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