Character Analysis and Reflections on an Enemy of the People

Character Analysis and Reflections
On an Enemy of the People The play An Enemy of the People illustrates how a person who fights for the collective interest of the public has become an “enemy” of the people in town. In this paper, character analysis of Tom Stockmann, Peter Stockmann and Hovsta, trying to conclude evaluate Dr. Stockmann should be considered as an enemy of the people. The character of Dr. Stockmann should be considered as a good person who places the general interest of the public above everything. There are many good aspects of this character, for example, when he finds out the truth of the baths, he puts his principles above his own desires and gains, not tempted by financial rewards. He is honest and shows great personal integrity both in scientific research and in communication of his ideas. Tom is a perfect idealist who thinks all other people are just as good as he is. As s man of principle, he believes that he is absolutely right in caring about all their people’s health. Even if many other people may not understand him immediately after he announces his findings, he never gives up even when he is steadily stripped of the home, job and social status. The spirit is admiring, but the way he deals with this problem is not considered wise enough. As an idealist Tom believes in the freedom of each individual to express his or her own opinions. This belief itself should not be considered wrong, but he should have realized the fact that to express an opinion is one thing, to deliver a certain idea to every citizen is another thing. The weakest character shown on Tom Stockmann is that he is too impractical. When he confirms the bad sanitary conditions at the baths, he immediately announces the news to the public without talking to any other authority that might be related to this issue. His lack of tactics and understanding of the practical issues places him in a position of people’s enemy. Under Tom’s glory,