4.3 (A) An Enemy of The People By Henrik Ibsen

Difficult Words with Meanings:

1.  Editorial : (noun) A newspaper article that expresses the opinion of the editorial board of the publication.

2.  Manuscript : (noun) A handwritten or typed document, typically the original copy of a book, article, or play.

3.  Sledgehammer : (noun) A large, heavy hammer with a long handle, used for heavy-duty tasks.

4.  Dingy : (adjective) Dark, dirty, and often gloomy in appearance.

5.  Compositors : (noun) People who set type for printing, typically in a printing shop.

6.  Handpress : (noun) A manually operated printing press.

7.  Sketched out : (phrase) To have a rough idea or plan in mind.

8.  Vistas : (noun) Distant views or prospects, often used metaphorically to refer to future possibilities or opportunities.

9.  Baths' Committee : (noun) A group responsible for overseeing the management of the municipal baths.

10.  Incapables : (noun) Incompetent or incapable individuals.

11.  Ring : (noun) A group of people who conspire to control or manipulate a particular situation or organization.

12.  Householders' Association : (noun) An organization representing homeowners or property owners.

13.  Moderation : (noun) Avoiding extreme or excessive behavior, often associated with being temperate and cautious.

14.  Emancipated : (adjective) Free from traditional constraints or social norms.

15.  Secretaryship : (noun) The position or role of a secretary, typically in a formal organization.

16.  Snare : (noun) A trap or device for catching animals or deceiving someone.

17.  Spider : (noun) An arachnid with eight legs that often constructs webs to catch prey.

18.  Weighty : (adjective) Of great importance or significance.

19.  Stimulates : (verb) Encourages or prompts to action.

20.  Revolutions : (noun) Radical and sudden changes in political, social, or economic systems.
21.  Editorial : (noun) A newspaper article that expresses the opinion of the editorial board of the publication.

22.  Manuscript : (noun) A handwritten or typed document, typically the original copy of a book, article, or play.

23.  Sledgehammer : (noun) A large, heavy hammer with a long handle, used for heavy-duty tasks.

24.  Dingy : (adjective) Dark, dirty, and often gloomy in appearance.

25.  Compositors : (noun) People who set type for printing, typically in a printing shop.

26.  Handpress : (noun) A manually operated printing press.

27.  Sketched out : (phrase) To have a rough idea or plan in mind.

28.  Vistas : (noun) Distant views or prospects, often used metaphorically to refer to future possibilities or opportunities.

29.  Baths' Committee : (noun) A group responsible for overseeing the management of the municipal baths.

30.  Incapables : (noun) Incompetent or incapable individuals.

31.  Ring : (noun) A group of people who conspire to control or manipulate a particular situation or organization.

32.  Householders' Association : (noun) An organization representing homeowners or property owners.

33.  Moderation : (noun) Avoiding extreme or excessive behavior, often associated with being temperate and cautious.

34.  Emancipated : (adjective) Free from traditional constraints or social norms.

35.  Secretaryship : (noun) The position or role of a secretary, typically in a formal organization.

36.  Snare : (noun) A trap or device for catching animals or deceiving someone.

37.  Spider : (noun) An arachnid with eight legs that often constructs webs to catch prey.

38.  Weighty : (adjective) Of great importance or significance.

39.  Stimulates : (verb) Encourages or prompts to action.

40.  Revolutions : (noun) Radical and sudden changes in political, social, or economic systems.

41.  Deliverer : (noun) Someone who rescues or saves others from a difficult or dangerous situation.

42.  Experiences : (noun) The knowledge or skill acquired through involvement in a particular activity or exposure to different situations.

43.  Moderate : (adjective) Avoiding extremes or excesses; characterized by a balanced or restrained approach.

44.  Inconsistency : (noun) Lack of consistency or the quality of being contradictory or not in agreement.

45.  Emancipated : (adjective) Freed from legal, social, or political restrictions or constraints.

46.  Conscience : (noun) A person's moral or ethical sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behavior.

47.  Vocation : (noun) A person's calling or inclination toward a particular occupation, career, or way of life.

48.  Staunch : (adjective) Strongly loyal or committed to a particular cause or belief.

49.  Reveal : (verb) To make known or disclose information or secrets.

50.  Betray : (verb) To act disloyally or treacherously, often by revealing confidential information or breaking trust.

51.  Conflict : (verb) To be in opposition or disagreement, especially when two things are incompatible.

32.  Prospects : (noun) The possibility of future success or advancement; opportunities that may arise.

33.  Bile : (noun) A bitter greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, which aids in digestion.

34.  Applicants : (noun) People who request or apply for a particular job, position, or opportunity.

35.  Persevere : (verb) To persist or continue in a course of action despite difficulties or obstacles.

36.  March : (verb) To proceed or move forward, often in a deliberate and organized manner.

37.  Burst : (verb) To suddenly break open or explode, often with force.

38.  Subordinate : (noun) A person in a lower position or rank within an organization or hierarchy.

39.  Treasurer : (noun) An officer responsible for the financial affairs and funds of an organization or institution.

40.  Illuminate : (verb) To provide insight or clarity on a subject or issue; to make something clear or understandable.

51.  Tomfoolery : (noun) Foolish or silly behavior; nonsense.

52.  Triumphant : (adjective) Having achieved victory or success; characterized by triumph.

53.  Dupe : (noun) A person who is easily deceived or fooled.

54.  Agitation : (noun) The act of campaigning or working energetically for a cause or goal, often involving public protest or demonstration.

55.  Subscriber : (noun) A person who regularly receives or pays for a publication or service, such as a newspaper or magazine.

56.  Pamphlet : (noun) A small booklet or brochure, often containing information, arguments, or opinions on a specific subject.

57.  Enlist : (verb) To engage or recruit someone to participate in a cause, organization, or activity.

Certainly, here are some additional words from the passage along with their meanings:

58.  Cursory : (adjective) Hasty or superficial; not thorough or detailed.

59.  Provisional : (adjective) Temporary; subject to change or modification.

60.  Public-spirited : (adjective) Having a strong sense of responsibility and concern for the welfare of one's community or society.

61.  Self-sacrifice : (noun) The act of sacrificing one's own interests or well-being for the greater good or benefit of others.

62.  Plague spot : (noun) A location or place believed to be contaminated or associated with disease.

63.  Pinnacle : (noun) The highest point or peak of something; the zenith or culmination.

64.  Rash : (adjective) Acting without careful consideration; impulsive or hasty.

65.  Gagging : (verb) To prevent someone from speaking or expressing their opinions, often forcefully or unjustly.

 

Roles of the characters in the play:

1.  Dr. Thomas Stockmann : He is the central character of the play and serves as the Medical Officer of the Municipal Baths. Dr. Stockmann discovers and tries to expose the truth about the contaminated water in the Baths, which puts him in conflict with the town's authorities and leads to a clash between his idealism and the pragmatic concerns of the community.

2.  Mrs. Stockmann : She is Dr. Stockmann's wife and plays a supportive role throughout the play. She stands by her husband's side, even when his actions create tension and opposition in the town.

3.  Petra : Petra is Dr. Stockmann and Mrs. Stockmann's daughter. She is a teacher and represents the younger generation's ideals. She supports her father's efforts to expose the truth about the Baths.

4.  Ejlif & Morten : These are Dr. Stockmann and Mrs. Stockmann's sons. They are relatively young and don't have significant roles in the play. Still, they symbolize the family unit affected by the events unfolding in the story.

5.  Peter Stockmann : He is Dr. Stockmann's elder brother and holds several important positions in the town, including Mayor and Chairman of the Baths' Committee. Peter represents the established order and is in direct conflict with Dr. Stockmann's efforts to reveal the truth about the Baths, as it threatens the town's reputation and financial interests.

6.  Morten Kiil : He is Mrs. Stockmann's adoptive father and a tanner. His role is relatively minor, but his actions and motivations are essential to the plot's development.

7.  Hovstad : Hovstad is the editor of the "People's Messenger," and he initially supports Dr. Stockmann's cause, seeing it as an opportunity to gain readership and popularity for his newspaper. However, his commitment to the cause wavers as public opinion shifts.

8.  Billing : Billing is the sub-editor of the "People's Messenger" and supports Hovstad in his efforts to cover Dr. Stockmann's findings. Like Hovstad, his loyalty to the cause falters as the story progresses.

9.  Captain Horster : He is a local ship captain who is sympathetic to Dr. Stockmann's cause. He provides support to the Stockmann family during their ordeal.

10.  Aslaksen : Aslaksen is a printer and represents the conservative element in the community. He initially supports Dr. Stockmann but ultimately withdraws his support when public opinion turns against the doctor. He symbolizes the fickle nature of public sentiment.

11.  Men and Women of Various Conditions : These are townspeople who attend public meetings and represent the broader community. Their reactions and opinions play a significant role in the unfolding conflict.

12.  Schoolboys : A troop of schoolboys represents the younger generation and their potential future involvement in the town's affairs.

Main points from Act III of "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik Ibsen:

1.      Community vs. Individual:  Act III underscores the theme of the individual versus the community. Dr. Stockmann is willing to sacrifice his reputation and comfort to protect the health of the community by exposing the contamination of the Baths. However, the authorities and townspeople are more concerned about protecting the town's economic interests and their personal reputations.

2.      The Role of the Press:  The act highlights the power of the press in shaping public opinion. Hovstad and Billing, who initially supported Dr. Stockmann, withdraw their support due to the pressure of public opinion and economic considerations. This reflects the idea that the press can be swayed by public sentiment and financial interests.

3.      Dr. Stockmann's Idealism:  Dr. Stockmann's idealism and unwavering commitment to scientific truth are on full display in this act. He refuses to compromise on his principles, even in the face of opposition and personal attacks.

4.      Peter Stockmann's Political Calculations:  Peter Stockmann's character is further developed in this act. He is portrayed as a shrewd and politically calculating figure who prioritizes his position and the town's financial stability over the truth. He uses his authority and influence to try to dissuade Dr. Stockmann from his course of action.

5.      Captain Horster's Integrity:  Captain Horster emerges as a character of integrity and loyalty. He offers his ship as a venue for Dr. Stockmann's public meeting and stands by his friend despite the potential backlash from the town's authorities.

6.      Mrs. Stockmann's Transformation:  Mrs. Stockmann's character undergoes a transformation in this act. Initially concerned about the consequences of her husband's actions, she eventually decides to support him in his quest for truth, even if it means facing adversity.

7.      The Brewing Conflict:  Act III sets the stage for the escalating conflict between Dr. Stockmann and the town's authorities, particularly his brother Peter. The tension between individual conscience and community interests becomes increasingly pronounced.

8.      Foreshadowing of Public Meeting:  The act foreshadows the pivotal public meeting in Act IV, where Dr. Stockmann plans to present his findings to the townspeople. The outcome of this meeting will have significant ramifications for the characters and the town itself.

9.      Community vs. Individual:  Act III underscores the theme of the individual versus the community. Dr. Stockmann is willing to sacrifice his reputation and comfort to protect the health of the community by exposing the contamination of the Baths. However, the authorities and townspeople are more concerned about protecting the town's economic interests and their personal reputations.

10.  The Role of the Press:  The act highlights the power of the press in shaping public opinion. Hovstad and Billing, who initially supported Dr. Stockmann, withdraw their support due to the pressure of public opinion and economic considerations. This reflects the idea that the press can be swayed by public sentiment and financial interests.

11.  Dr. Stockmann's Idealism:  Dr. Stockmann's idealism and unwavering commitment to scientific truth are on full display in this act. He refuses to compromise on his principles, even in the face of opposition and personal attacks.

12.  Peter Stockmann's Political Calculations:  Peter Stockmann's character is further developed in this act. He is portrayed as a shrewd and politically calculating figure who prioritizes his position and the town's financial stability over the truth. He uses his authority and influence to try to dissuade Dr. Stockmann from his course of action.

13.  Captain Horster's Integrity:  Captain Horster emerges as a character of integrity and loyalty. He offers his ship as a venue for Dr. Stockmann's public meeting 

In Act III, Henrik Ibsen continues to explore complex themes of truth, integrity, individuality, and the consequences of challenging established norms. The characters' motivations and conflicts become more pronounced as the play builds towards its climax in Act IV.

 

Summary of the play "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik Ibsen:

Act 1: The play is set in a small coastal town in Norway. Dr. Thomas Stockmann, the Medical Officer of the Municipal Baths, discovers that the water in the public Baths is contaminated and poses a serious health risk to the townspeople. He is initially excited to share this information with the town's authorities, believing that they will act responsibly to address the issue.

 Act 2: Dr. Stockmann presents his findings to his brother, Peter Stockmann, who is the Mayor of the town and also the Chairman of the Baths' Committee. However, Peter is more concerned about the potential economic and political consequences of the revelation. He convinces other town officials that they should suppress Dr. Stockmann's report to avoid damaging the town's reputation and economy.

 Act 3: Dr. Stockmann's attempts to expose the truth face resistance from the townspeople, the local newspaper editor Hovstad, and even some of his friends. Hovstad initially supports him, hoping to gain readership, but changes his stance when public opinion turns against Dr. Stockmann. Aslaksen, a printer and representative of the conservative element in the community, also withdraws his support.

 Act 4: Dr. Stockmann's family stands by him, with his wife, Mrs. Stockmann, and his daughter, Petra, supporting his fight for truth and public health. Captain Horster, a local ship captain, offers assistance to the Stockmann family.

 Act 5: Dr. Stockmann becomes increasingly isolated as the town's authorities and the majority of the townspeople turn against him. He decides to hold a public meeting to expose the truth about the Baths, but he struggles to find a venue and support for his cause. As the play concludes, the future remains uncertain for Dr. Stockmann and his family, and the conflict between truth and the interests of the community remains unresolved.

 

The main points from Act III of "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik Ibsen:

1.  Dr. Stockmann's Determination:  Act III opens with Dr. Stockmann determined to address the public about the contamination of the Baths, even though Hovstad and Aslaksen have withdrawn their support for publishing his findings in the newspaper.

2.  Peter Stockmann's Opposition:  Dr. Stockmann's brother, Peter Stockmann, who is the Mayor of the town, opposes his plan to address the public. Peter is concerned about the potential economic and reputational damage to the town if the truth about the Baths is revealed.

3.  Dr. Stockmann's Confidence:  Dr. Stockmann remains confident in the support of the townspeople and believes that once they know the truth, they will rally behind him. He plans to read his findings at a mass meeting.

4.  Mrs. Stockmann's Concern:  Initially, Mrs. Stockmann is worried about her husband's decision to address the public, fearing that it will lead to trouble. However, she eventually supports him.

5.  Captain Horster's Support:  Captain Horster, a friend of Dr. Stockmann, offers his ship as a venue for the public meeting. He stands by Dr. Stockmann's side and supports his efforts to expose the truth.

6.  Dr. Stockmann's Determination:  Dr. Stockmann remains resolute in his pursuit of truth and public safety, even if it means facing opposition from the authorities and the majority of the town's residents.

7.  Conflict and Tensions:  Act III highlights the growing conflict and tensions between Dr. Stockmann, who is determined to reveal the truth, and the authorities and townspeople who are concerned about the consequences of his actions.

8.  Themes of Truth and Consequences:  The act continues to explore themes of truth, public responsibility, and the consequences of challenging the status quo. Dr. Stockmann's unwavering commitment to the truth puts him in direct conflict with those who prioritize their interests and reputation.

9.  Foreshadowing:  Act III sets the stage for the climactic public meeting in Act IV, where Dr. Stockmann plans to reveal his findings to the townspeople and face the potential consequences of his actions.

 

In "An Enemy of the People," Henrik Ibsen explores themes of truth, morality, social responsibility, and the challenges of speaking out against a majority opinion when it goes against the greater good. The play highlights the consequences faced by those who dare to challenge the established order and question the priorities of society.

 

Questions and answers related to Act III of "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik Ibsen:

 Q1:  In Act III, what is Dr. Stockmann's main concern regarding the public's reaction to his findings about the contaminated Baths?

 A1:  In Act III, Dr. Stockmann is concerned that the public may not react positively to his findings about the contaminated Baths. He fears that the town's residents might not appreciate the gravity of the health risks posed by the polluted water and that they could turn against him.

 Q2:  How does Hovstad's attitude toward Dr. Stockmann's findings change in Act III?

 A2:  In Act III, Hovstad initially supports Dr. Stockmann's findings as they present an opportunity to boost the circulation of his newspaper, the "People's Messenger." However, his attitude changes when he realizes that public opinion is turning against Dr. Stockmann. Hovstad shifts his stance to align with the majority, even if it means going against the truth.

 Q3:  Why does Aslaksen, the printer, withdraw his support for Dr. Stockmann in Act III?

 A3:  Aslaksen, who represents the conservative element in the community, withdraws his support for Dr. Stockmann in Act III because he fears the consequences of going against public opinion. He values moderation and does not want to risk damaging his reputation or business by supporting a controversial cause.

 Q4:  How does Dr. Stockmann respond to the betrayal of Hovstad and Aslaksen in Act III?

 A4:  Dr. Stockmann is deeply disappointed by the betrayal of Hovstad and Aslaksen in Act III. He feels betrayed by those he thought were allies in his fight for the truth. Despite his frustration, Dr. Stockmann remains determined to expose the contamination issue and does not give up on his mission.

 Q5:  What role does Petra, Dr. Stockmann's daughter, play in Act III, and how does she differ from the other characters?

 A5:  In Act III, Petra is portrayed as a strong-willed and principled character. She supports her father's pursuit of truth and is willing to stand by him, even when others, including Hovstad and Aslaksen, abandon the cause. Petra represents the voice of morality and integrity in the play, in contrast to characters who prioritize personal gain or public opinion.

 Q6:  What is Dr. Stockmann's plan to make his findings about the contaminated Baths public after Hovstad and Aslaksen withdraw their support in Act III?

 A6:  Dr. Stockmann decides to read his findings and expose the contamination issue at a mass meeting of the townspeople. He is determined to ensure that the truth reaches the public, even if it means facing opposition and obstacles from the authorities.

 Q7:  How does Peter Stockmann, the Mayor, respond to Dr. Stockmann's plan to address a mass meeting in Act III?

 A7:  Peter Stockmann is opposed to Dr. Stockmann's plan to address a mass meeting. He tries to dissuade him and believes that the authorities can handle the situation without involving the public. Peter Stockmann is concerned about the potential negative impact on the town's reputation and economy.

 Q8:  Why does Dr. Stockmann believe that the townspeople will support him in Act III, despite the opposition from the authorities?

 A8:  Dr. Stockmann believes that the townspeople will support him because he has faith in their sense of justice and morality. He thinks that once they understand the health risks associated with the contaminated Baths, they will rally behind him in the pursuit of truth and public safety.

 Q9:  How does Mrs. Stockmann react to her husband's determination to address the public in Act III?

 A9:  Initially, Mrs. Stockmann is worried about her husband's determination to address the public, fearing that it will lead to trouble and backlash. However, she eventually stands by him and supports his decision to expose the truth.

 Q10:  What role does Captain Horster play in Act III, and how does he differ from the other characters in the play?

 A10:  Captain Horster is a friend of Dr. Stockmann and provides him with a venue for the public meeting on his ship. He supports Dr. Stockmann's efforts to reveal the truth about the Baths' contamination. Captain Horster represents a character who values loyalty and friendship over public opinion or personal gain, making him distinct from some of the other characters who prioritize their interests and reputation.

 

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