An Enemy of the People: An Adaptation of the Play by Henrik Ibsen
46 pages • 1-hour read
Arthur MillerAn Enemy of the People: An Adaptation of the Play by Henrik Ibsen
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Act IAct Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness.
Act I, Scene 1 Summary
An Enemy of the People opens in the evening in the modest but comfortable living room of Dr. Thomas Stockmann and his wife Catherine Stockmann’s home. The atmosphere is domestic and lively, with guests moving between the dining room and living space. Billing, a junior editor at the local newspaper, and Morten Kiil, Catherine’s elderly and somewhat unscrupulous father, are finishing a meal. The miserly Kiil pockets apples and tobacco before preparing to leave. Catherine tries to persuade him to stay, but he claims to have “all kinds of business” to attend to (2). He exits just as Peter Stockmann, the mayor and Dr. Stockmann’s older brother, arrives.
Peter is reserved, concerned with propriety, and subtly critical of the informality around him. Soon after, Hovstad, the editor of the People’s Daily Messenger, arrives. Peter, Hovstad, and Catherine discuss the town’s recently established public baths, known as Kirsten Springs. These “wonderful” baths are the pride of the town and a major source of economic growth, attracting visitors and boosting local prosperity. Peter emphasizes their importance, describing how they’re transforming the town into a thriving resort destination. Hovstad agrees, noting the economic benefits and growing popularity.
Tensions rise when Hovstad mentions an article written by Dr. Stockmann praising the baths, which he plans to publish. Peter suggests that while his brother may have “all sorts of ideas” (5), it’s others, like himself, who are responsible for implementing them. Catherine doesn’t know why the two brothers can’t “share the honor” (5). Peter claims that “certain men are never satisfied to share” (5).
Dr. Stockmann soon returns home in high spirits, accompanied by a man named Captain Horster and his two sons. He is openly affectionate toward his family and guests. Dr. Stockmann celebrates the simple pleasures of life, such as good food, company, and intellectual discussion. He expresses optimism about the future and admiration for the younger generation, whom he believes will bring progress and change. He invites Peter to have a drink, but Peter insists that he doesn’t “go in for drinking parties” (6).
Peter is surprised by the consumption of food in his brother’s household. He preaches the importance of parsimonious living. His isolated, stripped- back lifestyle taught him the value of a good income and a cautious approach to spending, he says. His brother, speaking of the time he spent “in that crooked corner of the north” (7), advocates for living a pleasurable life.
They discuss Dr. Stockmann’s article, which Dr. Stockmann is reluctant to publish at this moment. Peter criticizes Dr. Stockmann’s independence and warns him about the importance of adhering to authority and established procedures. He insists that matters concerning the baths—such as the publication of any relevant articles—must be handled through official channels. Dr. Stockmann resists this, asserting his autonomy and refusing to be controlled. Peter departs, leaving his brother in shock. Dr. Stockmann also mentions his surprise that the mailman didn’t come during the day.
After Peter leaves, the mood relaxes again. Dr. Stockmann, Hovstad, Billing, and Captain Horster enter the living room, where they’re joined a little later by Dr. Stockmann’s young sons, Ejlif and Morten. Petra, Dr. Stockmann’s daughter, then returns home from her teaching duties. She is intelligent, hardworking, and progressive, embodying the ideals of the younger generation. The group discusses her workload and attitudes toward labor and society, revealing differing perspectives. Billing expresses radical ideas about social change, while Catherine remains cautious, especially regarding the influence that such discussions might have on her sons.
Petra announces that she has a letter for her father that she received earlier from the mailman. Dr. Stockmann immediately recognizes its importance and retreats briefly to his study to read it. Catherine puts the young boys to bed. When Dr. Stockmann returns, he is visibly transformed, filled with excitement and urgency. He announces that he has made a “terrific discovery” concerning the town’s baths.
Dr. Stockmann reveals that the water supplying the baths is contaminated. The “damn poisonous mess” from a nearby tannery in Windmill Valley is polluting the water (15), making it dangerous rather than therapeutic. He explains that he had long suspected something was wrong due to reports of illness among visitors, including cases of typhoid and other diseases. To confirm his suspicions, he conducted tests and sent samples to a university laboratory. The letter contains the results, proving that the water is infected with harmful organic matter.
The revelation shocks the group. Dr. Stockmann, however, is elated rather than dismayed. He sees this discovery as an opportunity to correct a grave mistake and to demonstrate the importance of truth and scientific integrity. He outlines the necessary solution: The entire water system must be rebuilt, with the intake moved to a safer location. This would involve significant expense and disruption but is essential to protect public health. Petra notes that Dr. Stockmann had warned the town of the perils of constructing the water intake in such a manner, but, back then, no one listened to him. The discovery will “prove they should have listened” to him (16).
The others respond with a mixture of concern and admiration. Catherine expresses relief that the problem has been discovered in time, while Hovstad immediately recognizes the newsworthiness of the discovery and offers to publish it. Billing enthusiastically predicts that Dr. Stockmann will become a leading figure in the town as a result. Dr. Stockmann, confident in the righteousness of his cause, prepares a formal report to present to the authorities, including his brother. He sends Catherine to Peter with evidence of his discovery.
The scene ends on a note of celebration. The group toasts Dr. Stockmann’s discovery and he expresses his belief that earning the “respect of one’s neighbors” is the greatest reward (18). In a burst of joy, he dances with his wife as the boys peek their faces around the door, confused by the commotion.
Act I, Scene 2 Summary
The following morning, in the Stockmanns’ living room, Catherine receives a letter from Peter and gives it to her husband. Dr. Stockmann reads it and explains that Peter will visit later that day to discuss the report about the contaminated baths. The couple speculates about Peter’s reaction. Dr. Stockmann is confident that, despite his brother’s pride, he will ultimately be pleased with the discovery, while Catherine worries about potential tension and suggests that her husband “share the honors” to avoid conflict (20).
Morten Kiil enters. Having heard about the discovery from Petra, he assumes that the entire story is a joke meant to embarrass the mayor. He finds the idea of invisible bacteria absurd and refuses to believe the scientific explanation. At the same time, he expresses personal resentment toward the town authorities, particularly Peter, who previously removed him from the council. He encourages Dr. Stockmann to humiliate the mayor and “his elegant friends” (21); he even offers to donate money to charity if the deception succeeds. Despite attempts to explain the situation, Kiil leaves unconvinced, laughing at what he believes is a hoax.
Hovstad arrives. He recognizes that Dr. Stockmann’s discovery could have broader implications beyond public health. Hovstad frames the contamination of the baths as a symptom of deeper corruption within the town’s leadership, arguing that a small group of wealthy and powerful individuals controls public affairs. He sees the situation as a chance to challenge this “smug cabal of old, stubborn, self-satisfied fogies” and empower the “underdog” (23-24). While Dr. Stockmann initially resists politicizing the issue, insisting that it’s simply a matter of correcting a technical problem, Hovstad remains determined to use the discovery as a means of social reform.
Aslaksen, the publisher, interrupts them. He expresses strong support for Dr. Stockmann but emphasizes the importance of moderation and caution. Aslaksen prides himself on being a reasonable and law-abiding citizen and suggests that the “majority,” particularly small-property owners, will back the doctor. He even proposes organizing a public demonstration in Dr. Stockmann’s honor, though he insists that it must be conducted without provoking the authorities through “radicalism.” When Aslaksen leaves, Hovstad again urges Dr. Stockmann to allow him to publish the report so that they can “[pump] some guts into these well-intentioned men of good will” (26). Dr. Stockmann insists on meeting his brother first.
After Hovstad leaves, Catherine and Petra arrive. Dr. Stockmann expresses enthusiasm about having the “solid majority” behind him. Peter then arrives, and the conversation quickly becomes tense. Peter questions the way Dr. Stockmann conducted his investigation without consulting him. Dr. Stockmann defends his actions, explaining that he needed to confirm the facts before raising concerns. Peter acknowledges that he has read the report and doesn’t dispute the findings outright. Instead, he focuses on their consequences. He points out that implementing the necessary changes would be extremely costly and time-consuming, potentially requiring the closure of the baths for up to two years. This would “ruin” the town’s economy, as the baths are its primary source of income.
Peter argues that the situation isn’t as dangerous as Dr. Stockmann claims and suggests that improvements could be made gradually and discreetly, without alarming the public. Dr. Stockmann rejects this approach as “a treachery, a downright crime, against the public and against the whole community” (30). He insists that the truth must be revealed and that the problem must be fully addressed.
Peter then attempts to suppress the report entirely, stating that it must not reach the public. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence in the baths and preserving the town’s reputation. When Dr. Stockmann reveals that he has already shared the information with the “liberal, free, and independent press” (30), Peter becomes alarmed and warns him of serious consequences, asserting his authority as both mayor and Dr. Stockmann’s superior. Peter orders his brother to retract his findings and issue a statement minimizing the danger. Dr. Stockmann refuses, declaring that his convictions are based on scientific evidence and can’t be altered for convenience. Peter responds by threatening to dismiss him from his position if he continues to make “war on Kirsten Springs” (33).
Catherine and Petra enter during the confrontation, having overheard the argument. Petra openly supports her father’s stance, while Catherine is more concerned about the practical consequences for the family. Peter appeals to her, suggesting that she persuade her husband to reconsider, but she remains torn between loyalty and fear.
After Peter leaves, Dr. Stockmann is outraged at being called a “traitor to society” and becomes determined to fight back publicly (34). Catherine warns that truth alone may not be enough to prevail against those in power and fears financial ruin if her husband loses his position. Petra, however, encourages him to stand firm. When Morten and Ejlif enter, the adults change the conversation. Nonetheless, Dr. Stockmann is determined to teach them “what a man is” as his wife begins to cry (35).
Act I Analysis
The play opens in a domestic setting. The Stockmann home is warm and welcoming, implying a strong sense of community that will form a stark contrast with the social ostracization that will eventually follow. Dr. Stockmann, after finally receiving his letter, is thrilled. He dances around the house, parading his discovery because he’s so delighted to be proved right. The scene establishes Dr. Stockmann as a warm, intelligent, and happy man, only for the rest of the play to take this from him.
After he receives the results, Dr. Stockmann unexpectedly receives a letter from Peter that brings his excitement to a halt, introducing the theme of Family Loyalty Strained by Power and Status. These contrasting letters are the first sign of a changing mood in the town and the family rupture that will result. Discussions with Kiil and Hovstad suggest to Dr. Stockmann that his research might not be received in the manner he had hoped. His ever-cynical father-in-law calls him “crazy” and refuses to listen to any explanation of bacteria, choosing to believe instead that his son-in-law is embarking on a complicated scam, as this is what Kiil himself would do. Meanwhile, Hovstad speaks excitedly about how the research will challenge the political status quo in the town, serving his radical agenda against the “old reputable names” (23). During these discussions, Dr. Stockmann can feel control over his research slipping away.
Peter makes a cautious attempt to neuter the problem before it grows out of his control, wanting to avoid jeopardizing his own position as mayor since he assumes that costly repairs to the water supply will be unpopular. He’s dismissive of his brother’s research, treating the scientific investigation as though it were a personal hobby or a private agenda. He speaks from his position as mayor, rather than his role as brother, ignoring his brother’s expertise because it’s not politically beneficial at this moment. Dr. Stockmann attempts to cut through Peter’s rhetoric, accusing him of simply not wanting to “admit the blunder” that may lead to a very expensive resolution (30). As Peter becomes increasingly angry, his rhetoric becomes more heated. The tension in the scene increases until Peter is launching into political diatribes about what the public wants or needs. The public, he announces, would be “better off with old ideas” rather than challenging his authority (31).
Peter’s personal reaction and the gradual increase in tension foreshadow the response of the town, as the wider community follows a similar pattern of refusing to entertain reason, introducing The Dangers of the Uninformed Masses. Peter’s accusation that Dr. Stockmann is a “traitor to society” is an explicit foreshadowing of the moment when the hastily assembled community court will issue the titular accusation against Dr. Stockmann (33). In a narrative sense, the scene between the two brothers establishes a tragic dynamic that will prove inescapable throughout the remainder of the play.
In Act I, Scene 1, Dr. Stockmann also makes vague allusions to “that crooked corner of the north” (7), a cold and desolate place where he spent five years. He discusses these experiences with his brother, implying that Peter has full knowledge of what happened. The isolation, poverty, and suffering prompted Dr. Stockmann to seek out community, which he has now found, and to swear against ever returning to the desolation of the north. The tragic irony of these references is that Dr. Stockmann will be treated just as harshly and coldly by the people he considers friends. Their betrayal will take him back, in an emotional sense, to the “crooked corner.”
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