Theme

[Texas53]

can someone please tell me about the theme on truth of this play?

[byquist]

Well, something along the lines that truth is not the "run of the mill" or standard fare that we generally get from society. That truth is rebellious and against the status quo. The town was going to live a lie by allowing, and even perpetuating, the success of the cesspool spa. Dr. Stockman, the scientist, exposes the town's fraud; he spoils their party. They want to both shut him up and eventually kill him. He stands alone, no sympathizers, hardly even his family.

You might compare Stockman to other individualists who went against the grain of standard practice: Galileo, Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, others. These people told truths that others did not want to hear. Stockman is an iconoclast, and therefore not popular.

It's a great play, and after completing it Ibsen wasn't sure if it was a serious drama or a comedy. It has a lot of comedy in it. A very hot, fast paced play.

[Gladys]

Originally Posted by byquist

Well, something along the lines that truth is not the "run of the mill" or standard fare that we generally get from society. That truth is rebellious and against the status quo.

I would add Dr. Stockmann's final insight, 'that the strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone'. A genuine 'friend of the people' is without social acknowledgment or support.

Social networks and relationships undermine authentic, honest behaviour. In society, all act with personal interests foremost. Radical theses characterise Ibsen's later plays, such as 'The Master Builder' and 'When We Dead Awaken'