41 pages • 1 hour read
Henrik IbsenA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
An Enemy of the People follows Dr. Thomas Stockmann, who discovers that the water in a new medicinal spa in his hometown is contaminated and making people sick. Determined to reveal the truth, he faces backlash from the townspeople, including his brother, the mayor, who fear economic ruin. Thomas's efforts to publicize the contamination lead to social ostracism and personal losses. References to eugenics.
Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People is praised for its exploration of truth, public opinion, and integrity, remaining relevant across eras. Reviewers commend its strong characterization and moral complexity, although some critique the dialogue as heavy-handed. Despite occasional criticisms of its didactic tone, it is widely regarded as a compelling and thought-provoking work.
Readers who enjoy Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People typically appreciate intense social drama and themes of moral integrity versus public pressure. Fans of Arthur Miller's The Crucible or Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged may find its exploration of individualism and societal conflict compelling.
Recommended
Play: Drama
Classic Fiction
Scandinavian Literature
Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
Society: Community