The play An Enemy of the People is a story about a man, Dr. Thomas Stockmann who discovers that a Norwegian town’s water supply has become contaminated and is threatening the lives and business of the whole town. Through the play his struggles to convince the citizens of the town of the danger they are in. At first it seems many will listen to him when the newspapers and and many important people side with him. Slowly though, through a series of corrupt negotiations Thomas’ brother Peter uses his political leverage to sway the people over to his side. With the newspapers in his pocket Peter makes Thomas out to be nothing more than a trouble causer trying to destroy the town. The weak minded masses quickly buy up this story choosing to believe what is easiest for them.
While watching the play, An Enemy of the People, I was reminded heavily of our last presidential election. Afterwards I shared this with several other people who all said that was what had immediately come to mind for them as well. For me this is how I relate the characters to major players in the last election, first Dr. Stockmann represented Mitt Romney, the most intelligent candidate who actually had a plan to save a country. Peter Stockmann is very characteristic of Barrack Obama, he holds the opinion of the masses in his hands and is capable of manipulating the media to serve his own devices. No one really knows why they listen to him though. Alasken fits the role of Joe Bidden, he originally seems like he’s out to do the world some good but later severs his loyalties stabbing old friends in the back to side with Peter Stockmann. Finally, Captain Horster plays the role of John McCain. He is well intentioned and posses noble character but really isn’t cut out to lead the town in any capacity nor is he capable of changing their current situation. An Enemy of the People was accurately able to convey the real life absurdity of mob mentality and how corrupt political organizations can easily become.
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This my friend was very intriguing. Very interesting how you tied in each of the main characters with real life politics. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I liked this one. Very creative. I saw some parallels but not as many as you - though you have now enlightened me.
ReplyDeleteI do like how you were able to connect the text to current events.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to note, though, that the way you chose to do it was to attack those who you disagree with. I think that this would be my same inclination too.
But I think that it would be a more meaningful interpretation if we were able to point the text at our own souls and see the corruption (and arrogance and hypocrisy and whatever else the play depicts) in our own souls.