Enemy Of The People

After reading the story "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik Ibsen and watching the movie "A Civil Action" similarities began to appear, especially between two main characters. In the story this is Dr. Thomas Stockmann, who makes a discovery about pollution going on in his town that is endangering the people there. In the movie the main character is Jan Schlichtmann, a personal injury lawyer, who also takes on a case of pollution that is making the citizens of Woburn sick. These two characters not only have similar situations but actions and personalities as well. In "An Enemy of the People" Dr. Stockmann is a medical officer to the baths. These baths are where people and tourists go to heal themselves and treat their bodies. The baths however,
Thomas Stockmann responds to his situation by not backing down. The town council does not want his discovery to be leaked so they try to discourage him from printing his findings in the town newspaper. This does not work and Thomas begins to go out on his own against what everyone else wants him to do. His determination causes trouble for him and his family but, Thomas decides to continue with his drive to get the information to the people despite what anyone else says. Jan Schlichtmann responds to his matter in similar way. His case could be settled outside of court with a money payoff but, he decides that this is not sufficient and refuses the money thus taking the case to court. This decision he came to on his own and it not only affected him but, the entire firm he works
Thomas and Jan therefore have parallel personalities as a result of their similar actions. They will not back down from a fight, no matter how difficult it may be. They both make decisions on their own when it also involves others. This quality proves to be difficult for both the characters because it is inevitably their downfall. In "An Enemy of the People" Thomas fights for his discovery even though no one will hear it because of what the consequences are if it is revealed. The baths would be shut down, the people that work there would lose their jobs, and the source of business and income would be cut off. This however does not mean as much to him as the pollution and corruption so he stays strong no matter what the consequences might be for him and his family. In "A Civil Action" Jan decides to settle the case in court on his own without the consent of his partners. This is a major choice because he is part of a small firm and does not have a lot of money which going to court requires. As a result the partners and the firm fall apart because Jan would not back down from the case that became important to him to win, even if it destroyed all that he had up to that point in his