
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE - A play in five acts - by - Henrik Ibsen - Translated by R. Farquharson Sharp
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
In a sleepy coastal town, Dr. Thomas Stockmann returns home after a routine walk with his young sons, brimming with excitement about a discovery that could make the new municipal baths a source of pride for the community. His wife, Katherine, and their outspoken brother‑in‑law, the mayor, host a lively dinner where the town’s newspaper editor, Hovstad, drops by to discuss an upcoming article. The household buzzes with talk of progress, civic virtue, and the promise of a brighter future for the town’s residents.
When Thomas shares the results of his recent health inspection, he learns the bathwater is dangerously contaminated—a fact that could jeopardize the town’s reputation and economy. Determined to protect public health, he prepares to go public, only to find his idealistic fervor clashing with the pragmatic concerns of his own family and the powerful local officials. The drama unfolds as a clash between truth and self‑interest begins to stir the quiet community.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (176K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Martin Adamson. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2000-12-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1906
A master of modern drama, this Norwegian playwright reshaped the stage with fearless, realistic plays that challenged social rules and private hypocrisies. His work still feels startlingly alive in classics like A Doll’s House, Ghosts, and Hedda Gabler.
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