41 pages • 1 hour read
Henrik IbsenAn Enemy of the People
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1882A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read An Enemy of the People?
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.