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MonkeyNotes-An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen
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This act presents the critical test of Dr. Stockmann's integrity, and
he comes out on top. He gives up the idea of going away, stating
that "the field of battle is here; the fight must be fought; here; I will
conquer!" Horster stands by him and offers him his house to live
in. The doctor decides to set up a school there in the very room
where he was branded an enemy of the people. The school will be
attended by his children and "street-curs," who will be taught how
to become freethinking and liberal people. He hopes that some day
these children will grow up and drive away the true enemies of the
people - the corrupt bureaucrats. As Dr. Stockmann makes these
plans, he feels he is the strongest person in the whole world; he
loneliness and isolation have given him strength.
In this final act, Ibsen is again highlighting how persons in power
can manipulate public opinion and the democratic process to serve
their own self-interests. At one time, the whole town considered
Dr. Stockmann a hero. Now, because of the corrupt and
manipulative bureaucrats who want to protect their own
reputations, no one will have anything to do with the doctor. Ibsen
is full of praise for Stockmann, who dares to stand up against the
Burgomaster's wicked tactics. He pictures him as a solitary fighter
who is the strongest man in the town, if not the world.
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