41 pages • 1 hour read
An Enemy of the People
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Introduction
Henrik Ibsen, a well-known Norwegian playwright who is often lauded as the founder of modern drama, wrote An Enemy of the People in 1882. It is an example of Ibsen’s starkly realist, late-career style. Ibsen’s works were very popular throughout his life, but often drew criticism due to their frank discussion of political and social problems in 19th-century Norwegian society. Two years prior he had released the most controversial work of his career, Ghosts, which scandalized Victorian society due to its open discussion of sexually transmitted infection within a wealthy family. An Enemy of the People was largely a response to the drama surrounding Ghosts. Ibsen saw himself reflected in Dr. Thomas Stockmann, but also presented him as a somewhat ridiculous character due to his complete lack of knowledge that revealing the truth would cause him harm. At the time of the play’s release, Ibsen stated that he was not sure whether it should be considered a drama or a comedy.
An Enemy of the People was critically well received and popular at the time of its release, although it did not reach the same level of fame as some of his other plays such as Unlock all 41 pages of this Study Guide Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
Related Titles
By Henrik Ibsen
