An Enemy of the People
by Henrik Ibsen

An Enemy of the People Quotes

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Act I Quotes

Peter Stockmann (lowering his voice a little): It is a curious thing that these farmers’ sons never seem to lose their want of tact.

Mrs. Stockmann: Surely it is not worth bothering about! Cannot you and Thomas share the credit as brothers?

Related Characters: Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Peter Stockmann (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann, Hovstad
Page Number and Citation: 5
Explanation and Analysis:
In the play’s first scene, Katherine tries to mediate a chilly discussion between Peter Stockmann, the mayor, and Hovstad, editor of the People’s Messenger. Peter has taken umbrage at Hovstad’s claim that Dr. Stockmann is primarily responsible for the town’s recently-built baths, believing that he himself deserves more credit than he’s given. It’s important that he frames Hovstad’s remark not as a difference of opinion but as a “want of tact,” or lack of adherence to norms of civility—one of the many kinds of authority to which Peter insists others should submit. Peter is using deference to authority in order Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi neces

Peter Stockmann: You have an ingrained tendency to take your own way, at all events; and that is almost equally inadmissible in a well-ordered community. The individual ought undoubtedly to acquiesce in subordinating himself to the community – or, to speak more accurately, to the authorities who have the care of the community’s welfare.

Related Characters: Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Peter Stockmann (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann
Page Number and Citation: 10
Explanation and Analysis:
Just after Dr. Stockmann tells his brother that he’s been performing an investigation of the baths but refuses to reveal the content of that investigation, Peter chastises him for undertaking projects without permission. He uses attributes that are positive (or at least morally neutral)—like independence or “taking one’s own way”—as insults, establishing himself as a caricature of pompous democracy and making his comments, on the surface, quite funny. But these remarks preface what is actually a frightening belief, that an individual should always “subordinate itself to the community.” Through this passage, Ibsen shows that conventional and thoughtless adherence to social Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesci

Petra: There is so much falsehood both at home and at school. At home one must not speak, and at school we have to stand and tell lies to the children.

Related Characters: Petra Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 16
Explanation and Analysis:
Petra arrives home from her job as a schoolteacher to find her father and his friends from the People’s Messenger sharing a drink. When they ask about her work, she complains that she often feels disingenuous when she instills in her students certain social norms with which she herself does not agree – such as the principle her younger brother learns from his teacher, that work is a punishment reserved for the wicked. Petra’s emphasis on telling the truth will establish her as a contrast to the newspapermen Hovstad and Billing, who change facts and their own beliefs along with Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum volup

Act II Quotes

Dr. Stockmann: You will see he won’t like it’s having been I, and not he, that made the discovery.

Katherine: Aren’t you a little nervous about that?

Dr. Stockmann: Oh, he really will be pleased enough, you know…

Katherine: I will tell you what, Thomas – you should be good-natured, and share the credit of this with him. Couldn’t you make out that it was he who set you on the scent of this discovery?

Related Characters: Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker), Peter Stockmann
Page Number and Citation: 23
Explanation and Analysis:
After he receives the report detailing contamination in the baths, Dr. Stockmann sends a letter to his brother, but receives in response only a cool note arranging a meeting. Now, he and Katherine speculate on Peter’s reaction to the news. Dr. Stockmann anticipates Peter’s jealousy and resentment, but he clearly enjoys the fact that he’s one-upped his brother, and he’s dismissive of the idea that Peter’s personal feelings might work against him or frustrate his future plans. This is a serious misjudgment both of Peter’s character and his political clout, and it’s an overestimation of Dr. Stockmann’s own power to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti

Mr. Aslaksen: We shall proceed with the greatest moderation, Doctor. Moderation is always my aim; it is the greatest virtue in a citizen – at least, I think so.

Dr. Stockmann: it is well known to be a characteristic of yours, Mr. Aslaksen.

Related Characters: Mr. Aslaksen (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 30
Explanation and Analysis:
In his first appearance, Mr. Aslaksen arrives at Dr. Stockmann’s house to discuss the report of contamination in the baths. If Dr. Stockmann confronts the town authorities, Mr. Aslaksen promises the support of numerous community organizations which he leads and which represent the “compact majority”—but he also wants to “proceed with moderation” in order to avoid offending the authorities. Dr. Stockmann’s sly retort to Mr. Aslaksen’s pompous speech highlights the fact that that Aslaksen has too many loyalties to advocate any meaningful political change. While Mr. Aslaksen considers himself the voice of the people, he’s dependent on the town’s wealthy Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste

Hovstad: The idol of Authority must be shattered in this town. This gross and inexcusable blunder about the water-supply must be brought home to the mind of every municipal voter.

Related Characters: Hovstad (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann
Page Number and Citation: 33
Explanation and Analysis:
In this passage, Hovstad argues to Dr. Stockmann that his discovery of water contamination in the baths isn’t an isolated scientific incident, but rather is emblematic of larger political corruption in the town. It’s interesting that he first makes this connection between scientific and moral rot, since Dr. Stockmann will use it in his climactic speech to criticize the entire community (even Hovstad himself), suggesting that what Dr. Stockmann conceives of as his individual discoveries don’t always belong to him alone. Also ironic is the fact that Hovstad rails against “Authority” only when discussing the town’s elite leaders; Dr. Stockmann Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Com

Katherine: Oh yes, right—right. What is the use of having right on your side if you have not got might?

Petra: Oh, mother!—how can you say such a thing!

Dr. Stockmann: Do you imagine that in a free country it is no use having right on your side? You are absurd, Katherine. Besides, haven’t I got the liberal-minded, independent press to lead the way, and the compact majority behind me? That is might enough, I should think!

Related Characters: Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Petra Stockmann (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 45
Explanation and Analysis:
After Peter rejects Dr. Stockmann’s report and threatens him with dismissal if he doesn’t publicly repudiate it, the doctor argues with Katherine over what to do next. Katherine’s declaration that being right means nothing without having power may seem cynical or even self-serving, but in fact it’s very prescient: Dr. Stockmann’s ideals will fail largely because he doesn’t have the political power to present them to the public in an appealing way. On the contrary, Dr. Stockmann’s naïve belief in the power of “a free country” and his reliance on the majority and the press will all prove ill-considered. While Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae v

Dr. Stockmann. The boys——! (Recovers himself suddenly): No, even if the whole world goes to pieces, I will never bow my neck to this yoke!

Mrs. Stockmann (following him): Thomas—what are you going to do!

Dr. Stockmann (at his door): I mean to have the right to look my sons in the face when they are grown men.

Related Characters: Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker), Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Morten Stockmann, Ejlif Stockmann
Page Number and Citation: 47
Explanation and Analysis:
In this passage, Katherine begs her husband to consider their sons’ future before doing anything rash that will jeopardize the family’s finances and security. Contrary to her wishes, Dr. Stockmann says he will not bow to the “yoke” even if everything “goes to pieces” – in other words, even if his children are harmed. He also counters Katherine’s concerns about the children with his own “right” to save face before his sons. Dr. Stockmann presents himself as a crusader for ideals, but here he explicitly prioritizes not truth or community welfare but his own pride above his sons’ well-being. Other Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit

Act III Quotes

Mr. Aslaksen: I am a man with a conscience, and that is the whole matter. If you attack the government, you don’t do the community any harm, anyway; those fellows pay no attention to attacks, you see—they go on just as they are, in spite of them. But local authorities are different; they can be turned out, and then perhaps you may get an ignorant lot into office who may do irreparable harm to the householders and everybody else.

Related Characters: Mr. Aslaksen (speaker)
Related Symbols: The Baths
Page Number and Citation: 53
Explanation and Analysis:
In this passage, Mr. Aslaksen (inadvertently) casts doubt on the concept that media (such as newspapers) are effective agents of social change. Along with Hovstad and Billing, Mr. Aslaksen presents himself as an advocate of the people, especially through the vehicle of the People’s Messenger: Here, he says explicitly that most of the newspaper’s agitating is useless, because it’s directed at the powerful national government. In fact, he encourages this kind of coverage because it makes him seem progressive and courageous without actually jeopardizing the interests of the wealthy—whom, when it comes down to it, he will always support. While Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nos

Hovstad. You are perfectly right; but an editor cannot always act as he would prefer. He is often obliged to bow to the wishes of the public in unimportant matters. Politics are the most important thing in life—for a newspaper, anyway; and if I want to carry my public with me on the path that leads to liberty and progress, I must not frighten them away. If they find a moral tale of this sort in the serial at the bottom of the page, they will be all the more ready to read what is printed above it; they feel more secure, as it were.

Petra. For shame! You would never go and set a snare like that for your readers; you are not a spider!

Related Characters: Petra Stockmann (speaker), Hovstad (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 57
Explanation and Analysis:
Petra has just arrived at the People’s Messenger offices, bringing with her an English novel that Hovstad had asked her to read and translate. Petra politely refuses to carry out the commission, since the book advances ideas contrary to her own and those of the newspaper, namely that God will reward good people and punish bad ones. Petra views this as a moralizing idea which encourages people to submit to authority rather than fighting social injustice, but Hovstad argues that printing sentimental and comforting stories is the only way to “trick” people into reading and adopting the newspaper’s more liberal Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessi

Peter Stockmann. The proprietors of the Baths are not in a position to incur any further expense.

Aslaksen. Is that absolutely certain, Mr. Mayor?

Peter Stockmann. I have satisfied myself that it is so. If the town wants these very extensive alterations, it will have to pay for them.

Related Characters: Peter Stockmann (speaker), Mr. Aslaksen (speaker)
Related Symbols: The Baths
Page Number and Citation: 63
Explanation and Analysis:
After learning that the People’s Messenger plans to publish Dr. Stockmann’s report and criticize his leadership of the town, Peter confronts Hovstad and Mr. Aslaksen. Cunningly, he tells them that if the baths must be repaired, the people will have to pay for it in the form of a municipal tax; everyone knows that the public will not side with Dr. Stockmann if it costs them money, and may even turn against the People’s Messenger for raising the issue. Prior to this, the newspapermen have been assuring Dr. Stockmann of the “compact majority’s” strength and ability to impose its will. Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Co

Mrs. Stockmann. Well, one would not give you credit for much thought for your wife and children to-day; if you had had that, you would not have gone and dragged us all into misfortune.

Dr. Stockmann. Are you out of your senses, Katherine! Because a man has a wife and children, is he not to be allowed to proclaim the truth—is he not to be allowed to be an actively useful citizen—is he not to be allowed to do a service to his native town!

Mrs. Stockmann. Yes, Thomas—in reason.

Aslaksen. Just what I say. Moderation is everything.

Related Characters: Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Mr. Aslaksen (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 67
Explanation and Analysis:
In this passage, Katherine arrives at the newspaper office to berate Hovstad for tricking her husband and to talk Dr. Stockmann out of his rash plans. Dr. Stockmann contends that his status as a husband and father shouldn’t prevent him from helping his town and fellow people; but, especially in a patriarchal society in which men must provide for families and women are unable to do so, Katherine is right in asserting her primary claim to his loyalties. Even though Katherine’s primary concern right now is her family, not activism, she’s showing her ability to publicly advocate for them, leaving Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nost

Dr. Stockmann. You dare not? What nonsense!—you are the editor; and an editor controls his paper, I suppose!

Aslaksen. No, it is the subscribers, Doctor.

Peter Stockmann. Fortunately, yes.

Aslaksen. It is public opinion—the enlightened public—householders and people of that kind; they control the newspapers.

Related Characters: Peter Stockmann (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker), Mr. Aslaksen (speaker), Hovstad
Page Number and Citation: 70
Explanation and Analysis:
In this passage, Dr. Stockmann realizes that Hovstad and Mr. Aslaksen have turned on him and now support Peter’s false interpretation of the report. The newspapermen are proud to affirm that “subscribers” and “public opinion” dictate the newspaper’s coverage and what causes it supports; they see this as evidence of the publication’s egalitarian nature. However, as Dr. Stockmann is beginning to understand the treacherous and mutable nature of public opinion and prioritize individual thought, this discovery is evidence of the newspaper’s fundamental unreliability. As evidenced by his supposition that the editor must control the newspaper completely, Dr. Stockmann has idealized Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occae

Katherine. But this is too shameful! Why should every one turn against you like that?

Dr. Stockmann (angrily). I will tell you why. It is because all the men in this town are old women—like you; they all think of nothing but their families, and never of the community.

Katherine (putting her arm into his). Then I will show them that an—an old woman can be a man for once. I am going to stand by you, Thomas!

Related Characters: Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 72
Explanation and Analysis:
Seeing how quickly Hovstad and Mr. Aslaksen have turned on her husband, Katherine scolds the newspapermen for their treachery. Dr. Stockmann compares their hypocritical pursuit of their own interests to his wife’s caution for the sake of her family, delegitimizing her real concerns. That Katherine supports her husband after this public put-down shows her generosity of spirit and lack of ego; in this sense she’s a foil to Dr. Stockmann, who repudiates anyone who disagrees with him. Katherine’s astute recognition, just before this passage, that the newspapermen are playing her husband shows how much Dr. Stockmann needs her—but this moment Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Acc

Act IV Quotes

Hovstad: And, in the matter before us, it is now an undoubted fact that Dr. Stockmann has public opinion against him. Now, what is an editor’s first and most obvious duty, gentlemen? Is it not to work in harmony with his readers? Has he not received a sort of tacit mandate to work persistently and assiduously for the welfare of those whose opinions he represents? Or is it possible I am mistaken in that?

Related Characters: Hovstad (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann
Page Number and Citation: 77
Explanation and Analysis:
In Act IV, Dr. Stockmann convenes a meeting to present his findings to the public and speak to them without interference from town authorities. However, Mr. Aslaksen, Peter, and Hovstad soon wrest control of the meeting from him and use it to argue for their own side. In this passage, Hovstad publicly defends the People’s Messenger’s shifting allegiances by saying that it always tries to reflect public opinion. Hovstad thinks that his argument is logical, and it certainly appeals to the self-interest of the crowd, but ultimately it exposes the newspaper’s lack of fundamental principles and the meaninglessness of its Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a.

Dr. Stockmann. You may depend upon it I shall name them! That is precisely the great discovery I made yesterday. (Raises his voice.) The most dangerous enemy of truth and freedom amongst us is the compact majority—yes, the damned compact Liberal majority—that is it! Now you know!

Related Characters: Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 81
Explanation and Analysis:
In this passage, Dr. Stockmann begins to expound on his new conception of the problems with majoritarian rule. This passage strengthens the connection between the physical contamination of the water and the moral contamination of the town, although it’s important to note that different parties marshal this metaphor for different reasons; Hovstad first used it to criticize the authorities, while the doctor employs it against Hovstad and the majority he represents. It’s in this moment that Dr. Stockmann transforms from a public health crusader to a champion of the broader ideal of individual thought. However, this moment also demonstrates the Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus volupta

Dr. Stockmann: It is true we are the finest animals anyone could wish for; but, even amongst us, exceptionally fine animals are rare. There is a tremendous difference between poodle-men and cur-men.

Related Characters: Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 86
Explanation and Analysis:
In the midst of his speech about the ills of majoritarian politics, Dr. Stockmann argues that “well-bred” animals are more intelligent and capable than “ill-bred” ones; similarly, he says, there is a great difference between the natural abilities of “poodle-men” and “cur-men.” Dr. Stockmann uses this point to argue that power should be reserved for the intellectual elite; he later outlines a new class system in which such people are recognized and elevated to high positions. Yet his comparison of people to strains of “better” or “worse” animals suggests that intelligence is always derived from one’s ancestors—a belief which would Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis consectetur et. Dicta impedit ut. Ducimus possimus quo. Non inventore in. Eligendi atque placeat. Mol

Dr. Stockmann. The kind of common people I mean are not only to be found low down in the social scale; they crawl and swarm all around us—even in the highest social positions. You have only to look at your own fine, distinguished Mayor! My brother Peter is every bit as plebeian as anyone that walks in two shoes…

Related Characters: Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker), Peter Stockmann
Page Number and Citation: 86
Explanation and Analysis:
In this passage, Dr. Stockmann argues for a new class system that is simultaneously more and less egalitarian than the one that currently exists in his community. On one hand, he argues that power should be taken away from the majority and placed in the hands of a few capable men. On the other, he suggests that such men might be found in any class and should be given power regardless of their origins – belief that could disrupt the stranglehold that well-born men like Peter and Mr. Aslaksen have on power. It’s especially interesting that his argument here seems Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. U

Act V Quotes

Dr. Stockmann. You should never wear your best trousers when you go out to fight for freedom and truth. It is not that I care so much about the trousers, you know; you can always sew them up again for me. But that the common herd should dare to make this attack on me, as if they were my equals—that is what I cannot, for the life of me, swallow!

Related Characters: Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 94
Explanation and Analysis:
The morning after the disastrous public meeting, Dr. Stockmann and Katherine walk through their vandalized house and meditate on their next steps. Dr. Stockmann complains that the rough crowd has torn the trousers he wore to the meeting, an action he resents more for its show of disrespect than for the physical damage it inflicts. Dr. Stockmann asserts that he doesn’t “care so much about the trousers” to evince his lack of material concerns, but this really demonstrates his dependence on Katherine: he can only feel pure of self-interest and devoted to ideology because his wife is standing by to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaqu

Peter Stockmann. A man with a family has no right to behave as you do. You have no right to do it, Thomas.

Dr. Stockmann. I have no right! There is only one single thing in the world a free man has no right to do. Do you know what that is?

Peter Stockmann. No.

Dr. Stockmann. Of course you don’t, but I will tell you. A free man has no right to soil himself with filth; he has no right to behave in a way that would justify his spitting in his own face.

Related Characters: Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker), Peter Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 102
Explanation and Analysis:
In their final confrontation, Peter and Dr. Stockmann exchange harsh words before breaking off with each other forever. Again, Peter weaponizes social norms to suppress individual thought and assert his own authority (importantly, he doesn’t have any real concern for Katherine or the children). In contrast, Dr. Stockmann asserts that an individual’s obligations are primarily to himself, rather than his family or the wider community. While this belief may or may not be “correct,” it’s important to note that it marks a major shift from Dr. Stockmann’s earlier conception of himself as a servant of the community. Notably, Dr. Stockmann’s Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus

Dr. Stockmann (lowering his voice). Hush! You mustn’t say anything about it yet; but I have made a great discovery.

Mrs. Stockmann. Another one?

Dr. Stockmann. Yes. (Gathers them round him, and says confidentially:) It is this, let me tell you—that the strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.

Mrs. Stockmann (smiling and shaking her head). Oh, Thomas, Thomas!

Related Characters: Katherine Stockmann (speaker), Dr. Thomas Stockmann (speaker)
Page Number and Citation: 116
Explanation and Analysis:
In this final scene, Dr. Stockmann’s family gathers around to support him and affirm his principles. Even though they have been ostracized and now face an uncertain and probably harsh future, everyone takes hope from Dr. Stockmann’s cheerful and confident behavior; even Katherine, who was despairing of the family’s prospects minutes before, is now overcome by admiration for her husband’s courage. However, it’s important to note that while Dr. Stockmann may be alone in terms of the support of other men, it’s the support of Katherine and Petra which has saved him from trouble many times and will continue to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asper
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