An Enemy of the People Act 1 Scene

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Questions and Answers

What is Petra doing at the beginning of the scene?

Serving drinks
Reading a letter
Enjoying herself with her family
Putting away her things (correct)

Who gives Petra a letter?

Billing
Her mother
Her father
The postman (correct)

What is Dr. Stockmann's concern about the letter?

It's from a country patient
It's the one he has been expecting (correct)
It's from an old friend
It's a notification of an award

How many hours of school did Petra have in the morning?

Four hours (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Petra think about her school work?

She likes it because she sleeps well (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Stockmann tell the boys to do?

Go to their room and study (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Stockmann not want the boys to stay?

Because she doesn't like the conversation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Petra think about the conversation?

There is so much falsehood (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic of conversation between Dr. Stockmann and Aslaksen?

The importance of the water supply in the town (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is Aslaksen's role in the Householders' Association?

Chairman (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reputation that Aslaksen has in the town?

A temperate and law-abiding citizen (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Aslaksen suggest doing for Dr. Stockmann?

Writing a testimonial to thank him (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Aslaksen think it's important to be cautious when approaching the authorities?

Because they are slow to move (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Baths project, according to Aslaksen?

To create a gold-mine for the town (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's reaction to Aslaksen's offer of support?

He is extremely pleased and thankful (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's wife's concern?

The well-being of their children (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Aslaksen plan to do after talking to Dr. Stockmann?

Talk to one or two householders to prepare the ground (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who interrupts Dr. Stockmann and Hovstad's conversation?

Mrs. Stockmann (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's goal?

To proclaim the truth (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mrs. Stockmann come to fetch her husband?

Because she is worried about their family's well-being (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of Dr. Stockmann's actions, according to Mrs. Stockmann?

He will lose his post at the Baths (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Hovstad deny doing to Dr. Stockmann?

Making a dupe of him (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's response to the potential consequences of his actions?

He is defiant and confident (D) Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Mr. Aslaksen give?

To show moderation in everything (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's concern about the town's welfare?

The town's welfare is being poisoned (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who intervenes when Dr. Stockmann and Peter Stockmann are about to fight?

Mrs. Stockmann and Petra (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Stockmann accuse Peter Stockmann of having?

Power on his side (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Stockmann believe he has on his side?

Right and truth (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dr. Stockmann's wife think he should not oppose his brother?

Because Peter Stockmann has power (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Stockmann's wife think is more important than having right on one's side?

Having might on one's side (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who does Dr. Stockmann think will lead the way in his fight for right and truth?

The liberal-minded, independent press (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's attitude towards his brother's warning?

He is angry about the warning (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's attitude at the beginning of the scene?

Confident and happy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Stockmann take from the Mayor's office?

The Mayor's official hat and staff of office (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Mayor run away from the printing room?

Because he sees Dr. Stockmann (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Stockmann's reaction to Dr. Stockmann's behavior?

She is worried and tries to calm him down (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Stockmann call himself towards the end of the scene?

The master of the whole town (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Peter Stockmann want Dr. Stockmann to return?

His hat and stick (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Dr. Stockmann's relation to Peter Stockmann?

He is his brother (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the mood of the scene towards the end?

Tense and confrontational (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Stockmann Family and Their Home

The scene takes place in the Stockmann family's home, where Dr. Stockmann, his wife Katherine, and their daughter Petra are discussing their day.
Petra has just returned from teaching and has a letter for her father, which he eagerly opens.

The Letter and Dr. Stockmann's Reaction

The letter is from an unknown sender, but it seems to be important to Dr. Stockmann, who is excited to receive it.
He excuses himself to go to his room to read the letter, leaving the others to discuss their day.

The Family's Conversation

The conversation turns to Petra's teaching and her exhaustion, with her mother and brother expressing concern.
The topic of Dr. Stockmann's work and his potential overwork is also discussed.

The Arrival of Visitors

Mr. Aslaksen, the Chairman of the Householders' Association, and Mr. Hovstad, a journalist, arrive at the Stockmann home.
Dr. Stockmann is pleased to see them and discusses his work with them.

The Conversation with Mr. Aslaksen and Mr. Hovstad

Dr. Stockmann discusses his work on the water supply and its potential impact on the town.
Mr. Aslaksen expresses his support for Dr. Stockmann's work and offers to help him with his project.
Mr. Hovstad also expresses his support and suggests that Dr. Stockmann's work could be of great importance to the town.

The Conflict with Dr. Stockmann's Brother

Dr. Stockmann's brother, Peter, arrives and the two brothers argue about their differing opinions on the water supply.
Dr. Stockmann accuses his brother of being more interested in his own power and wealth than in the well-being of the town.

The Climax of the Scene

The argument between the two brothers escalates, with Dr. Stockmann accusing his brother of being an enemy to the community.
Dr. Stockmann's wife, Katherine, tries to intervene, but Dr. Stockmann refuses to back down.

The Conclusion

Dr. Stockmann is left alone, feeling victorious and confident in his decision to stand up for what he believes in.
The scene ends with Dr. Stockmann holding the Mayor's hat and stick, symbolizing his newfound power and authority.

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Description

Petra returns home to her family, where they are enjoying themselves, and delivers a letter to her father, Dr. Stockmann.