Dr. Stockmann attempts to expose a water pollution scandal in his home town which is about to establish itself as a spa. When his brother, the mayor, conspires with local politicians and the newspaper to suppress the story, Stockmann appeals to the public meeting—only to be shouted down and reviled as 'an enemy of the people'. Ibsen's explosive play reveals his distrust of politicians and the blindly held prejudices of the 'solid majority'.
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Text: English, Norwegian (translation)
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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Emeritus
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Miller's version of Ibsen's famous play sets it in language and circumstances that one can connect with better than the original - which was full of allusions to things and times which are arcane - but the original's power still remains and is enhanced by Miller. The theme comes up in the newspaper every month - a community threatened by pollution, a media crusading against power - until the power threatens to pull the plug on the media - "science" being portrayed as both the question and the answer - and friends, family and enemies in couplings and cabals to work against each other "for the common good". Read it with friends and see what it does to friendships.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By JMack
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
In his own words, Arthur Miller never intended to rewrite "An Enemy of the People", Miller only wanted to revise or Americanize what was lost in the original translation. Ibsen is often verbose to a point where readers may lose a relevant point. In overcoming this problem, Miller may have perfected this play.
When Dr. Stockmann discovers a poison in the town's water supply, he believes he will be seen as a hero. However his brother Mayor Peter Stockmann sees things differently. Seeing the potential for an unpopular tax hike, Peter rallies the people against Dr. Stockmann's "irresponsible research". This comes to a climax at a town meeting at which Dr. Stockmann is labeled an enemy of the people. Even with seemingly factual research, the majority of the population spurns Dr. Stockmann as a liar.
Dr. Stockmann has one last chance to "clear his name". With a donation, the newspaper believes they can clear his name. With a family that suffers the same label as him, Dr. Stockmann begins a new life. Yet his new beginning is somewhat unexpected.
Much of the plot must be creditted to the work of Isben. In its original form, "An Enemy of the People" was not one of Isben's better known works. With Miller's polish, this work of Isben now shines.
When Dr. Stockmann discovers a poison in the town's water supply, he believes he will be seen as a hero. However his brother Mayor Peter Stockmann sees things differently. Seeing the potential for an unpopular tax hike, Peter rallies the people against Dr. Stockmann's "irresponsible research". This comes to a climax at a town meeting at which Dr. Stockmann is labeled an enemy of the people. Even with seemingly factual research, the majority of the population spurns Dr. Stockmann as a liar.
Dr. Stockmann has one last chance to "clear his name". With a donation, the newspaper believes they can clear his name. With a family that suffers the same label as him, Dr. Stockmann begins a new life. Yet his new beginning is somewhat unexpected.
Much of the plot must be creditted to the work of Isben. In its original form, "An Enemy of the People" was not one of Isben's better known works. With Miller's polish, this work of Isben now shines.
By Tanya
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Miller's adaptation of "An Enemy of the People" was thought-provoking and realistically revealed true human nature, especially in regards to what it means to believe in a cause that the majority ignorantly opposes. I kept book-marking pages and quotes that stood out to me throughout my entire reading. What I like best about this play is that though it is so profoundly deep and wise, it can be read with simplicity and ease. I recommend this read!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Enemy of the People
It was brief and much more easy to understand, according to other students with different editions and the professor also said so.. I highly recommend this Arthur Miller's ....
Published 3 months ago by Saul Holguin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Arthur Miller's take on Enemies
Slight rewrite of great Ibson play. Looks very much like the politics of today though the play is over a hundred years old. Read more
Published 4 months ago by L. Eugene Pelfrey
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent as a political statement; as a literary work, not so much
Although I've never read or seen Ibsen's version of this play, it is evident that Miller is, as he puts it, "ventur[ing] into another's chickencoop". Read more
Published on April 25, 2011 by Dienne
5.0 out of 5 stars
The More Things Change......
An Enemy of the People is timeless. Ibsen could have been writing for today, which begs the question, "will nothing ever change."
Published on January 23, 2010 by Maureen Beigel
5.0 out of 5 stars
great play
This adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's play is great. Probably relevent at any time in history, it seems to directly corrolate with current situations world wide.
Published on November 16, 2006 by Benjamin L. Gitelson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
If you're looking to discuss ethical issues, this is an excellent book to read!
Published on November 9, 2006 by E. Lewis
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not the best of Ibsen
This play is surely not Ibsen's most well-written play. Of course, the language is superb, but at the same time, that is not what makes this play memorable. Read more
Published on January 5, 2006 by Chelsea
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review for Enemy of the People
This book was delivered promptly and was in the condition stated in the ad. Thanks.
Published on September 13, 2005 by Rachelle Woodward
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Truth Shall Set You Free
My daughter had to read this book as one of her summer readings. I was not familar at all with this book. I picked it up and read it in one sitting, about 3 hours. Read more
Published on September 3, 2004 by H. F. Miglino
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