ENGLISH FORM 6-PLAYER-BETRAYAL OF THE CITY (By Francis Mbuga)
Posted by BETRAYAL OF THE CITY
(By Francis Mbuga)
BETRAYAL OF THE CITY
It was Kenya’s national entry to the second world Black and African Festival of Art and Culture in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977.It is a play within a play we have the play where Jusper is the main character and it is this main character who composed a play to entertain the visitor which makes creatively ending of the first play. Due to this we can say. Mbuga’s play is very unique as he composes two plays in one .It is the second play which gives the title of the main play which is “Betrayal in the City”.
It is a tragic comedy play as it has elements of both plays (tragedy and comedy).It is a tragedy as it appeals to sadness where we see many people suffer in jail and some of the killing in the play.eg Adika, Chagga, Mulili, Kabito. It is a comedy because there are some areas that appeals laughter .For instance in page 36 where Jusper says” shit! God what crap Is your toilet repaired”, Also in page 47 he says”…you need a little grey and perhaps a blue here and there” again in Page 49.Tumbo tell Jusper” Jusper tell your cousin that life is not a straight line” Jusper tells his cousin………”Jusper tell your cousin that we are here for a season”. Also Mulili language (poor grammar) “so I wakes up .I go to my cousin to explanation him “Page 54”I objection Mr. Chairman! Children should must………”page 55”That one, he be a green grass in snake page 59”.
Generally the play examine problems that encounter most of African Independent countries. As we seen from the play francis Mbuga shows how African leaders treat the citizens. We see in Kafira one is not allowed to shout against evils. We see people like Adika and Kabito who were killed in cold blood.Moses and Jere were jailed because they stand for the truth.
FORM
Plot summary
Francis Mbuge ‘s play start by showing the contradiction between Africans culture inherited government system in Africa Francis cuts a clear distinction between leaders and mass.The play opens by showing the life of Nina and Doga who mourn for their lost child,who was killed on an organized demonstration ,which was focused on Africa dictatorship and corruption.
Plot is built up by the author by adding more character who represent different situations on different circumstances.For instance we see Mulili an illeterate soldier who was employed and given high post because the president (Boss )is his cousin.On the same scene we see Jere who is faithfull soldier and he adores African style of life.Him and Mulili fall into fight since they take different couses of reasoning,Here Mullli representing the ruling class and it is common habits of bulldozing the society.
Again country is provern rotten and how harmfull speaking the truth.
We see how those dare to open their mouths and reveal of truth face difficulties,sometimes are being imprisoned if not sillenced.For example Jusper,Jere and Mosses also the late Adika.
Title of the Play
Title of the play “Betrayal in the city”is straight forward to what we see in the play as the general concept is to show the relationship between the system and the citizens after independence .Leader go against the agreement and the expectation that people had during the struggle for independence.People are still suffering from exploitation,Poverty,injustice and many other evils.So leaders have failed to fulfill what they promised.
Saying(Proverbs and Idiom)
PROVERBS
-“A mouse does not share a bowel with a cat”Doga tell Nina.Here Doga is against the sub chief because Chagaga killed Adika Page 3
-“A cloudy sky does not always cry rain “said Doga as he tells Nina that the ceremony will be conducted no matter what they say page 3
-“Silence is the best ship home” Askari acknowledge Mosese in Page19
-“The tree -climber begins from the bottom,not the top” page53
Kabito tells his member of the committee that we better know about the potatoes then we shall talk about the responsibilities of the committee
-“Colour name in blood page 59.Mulili tells boss that Kabito colour his name in blood to mean that Kabito has said bad thing against him(Boss).
-“Determination is greater in worth than numbers”Page 65 says Jusper that means if you are determined number is not a factor.
IDIOMS:
” Hot mouth” Page 19 to be tocative. Askari worn Moses
-“In cold blood”Means he died inocently page 24. Moses explains to why he is jailed just by attending the funeral of his student Adika who was killed in cold blood.
-“Bend so low “Page 26.Means to be humble and Mosese is not ready for that ,Moses believes that because he is not guilt he can never bend low as by doing so is to sale his dignity.
-“Black and white”means to be transparent in Page 47 Jusper says in Kafira things are not in black and white instead you need a little grey and perhaps a blue here and there.”
-“Tears in eyes” to cry page 63.This is when Mulili was explaining about the death of Kabito and says “Boss is with tears in his eyes.”
-“Cut short”Means to stop someone from saying something “Don’t cut me short,You do the listening I talk”.Askari tells Jere.
Similes
-“You work like the meteorological department “This means that No public questions into method used and no assurance page 17
-“We have no choice like caged animals,we move but inside the cage .Says Tumbo in Page 62.This means that though they are in the committee they’ve no choice they are to do as the instruction of the boss”.
Hyperbole
-For instance Regina says”there is no brand of beer that Jusper hasn’t tested”Page 41.This is exaggeration of fact because it not true that Jusper has tested all brand of beer.The idea here is that Jusper drinks too much.
Symbolism
-Coins in the grave symbolize money of illiteracy of the people in the system.
-Potatoes symbolize money page44
-Mulili poor grammar is a symbol of illiteracy
-Also the picture on the cover of the play shows the pressure of injustice/torture
Foreshadowing
-When Jusper picks up two sticks and hold them as if they were two pistols…….squad,attention!Aim…..one,two….in page 66.This was a prediction of what will happen later,he kills Mulili at the end in the same way.
-Doga’s curse foreshadow the death of Mulili…..”….May you die the way Adika died!”page 10.
-Paradox eg:Jere tells Askari “I know .innocence can be an offense “page29.
-Has it ever occurred to you that the outside of this cell may well be the inside of another Page 16.
Soliloquy
Is a speech in a play in which a character who is alone on the stage,Speaks his/her thoughts it is like monologue
e.g.Observe Jusper speech on page 5-6
also Mosese’s speech on page 30-31
Onomatopoeia
e.g- Tu-tu-tu-tu !this is the sound of the gun given by Jusper in page6.This means that in Kafira state killing is something common
Generally Language used in the play is standard and understood except the ungrammatical structure used by Mulili which is made intentionally to show incompetence of some of the leaders.Mulili is the adviser of the boss while his English shows that he is uneducated person .This lead to the failure of the government due to involving people who are not qualified.
Character & characterization
1. Jusper Wendo
Patriotic – he advocated for change
Brave – did not sway away regarding issues for truth
Courageous
Stubborn
Creative
Philosophical
2. Mulili
Soldier, Jere’s colleagues then a farmer bods distance cousin
Betrayer
Flamboyant
Not very educated
Self centered
Ego
3. Jere
Mulili’s colleague, comes from a difference culture
Kind heated
Trust worthy
Short- tempered
Religious
Naive
4. Boss
Head of state of Kafira, wasn’t liked by the students mostly
Arrogant
Naive
Dictator
Womanizer
5. Mosese
Lecture in Kafira, Regina’s brother, framed for drugs and got arrested
Intellectual
Silent
Philosophical thinker
Caring
Patriotic
Tolerant
6. Nina
– Caring
– Religious
– Tradition
– Courageous (pg 9)
– Uneducated
7. Doga
– Traditionalist
– Religious
– Courageous
– Vocal
– Egocentric
– Looks down upon women (wife)
8. Regina
– Caring
– Truthful
– Naive
– Courageous
9. Tumbo
– Corrupt
– Self centered
– Kind
– Coward
10. Nicodemo
– Lazy
– Greedy
– Betrayer
– Self centered
– Coward
– Uses innuendo
11. Kabito
– Considerate
– Coward
– Corrupt
– Greedy
– Educated
– Unhappy
ELABORATION OF TRAITS
1. Jusper wendo
– Patriotic because he advocated for change being one of the students in Kafira university he also played port in the protest that ended up with the death of Adika (one who loves his country).
– Brave and courageous due to the fact that the was not afraid to speak truth regarding matters of Kafira and he did not sway away from that.
– Stubborn, this is seen through the conversation between him and his mother (page 6) and also with Regina his girlfriend who seems to be advising him and convincing him to change (scene 3) page 32 (determined not to change)
– Creative because he could come up with a play for the visiting of the head of state
– Philosophical – He is a philosophy student at Kafira University. In page 33 he claim it himself that he is a philosophy student and also it can be proved by the way he speaks.
– Vocal in a sense that he expresses his ideas loudly (evident in normal conversations with others)
2. Mulili
He is an ex – soldier who is now a farmer. He is Jere colleague and Boss distance causing
– Betrayer because he betrayed Jere, his colleague who trusted him (evident in pg 14 were Jere reminds him that he had not told on him regarding a man called Mustafa who escaped.
– Flamboyant – one who misreads others
Not very educated this is evident on the way he speaks e.g. 11 what have happen? And many more in his conversations.
– Ego – the act of thinking that you are right and if gets you way you seal with him or her. Mulili has e.g., this is evident on the way he dealt with Kabito who seemed to get on his way. He ended up three
– Self centered – to think about you and not about other people. Mulili though much of himself, regarding his action of betrayal having ego.
3. Jere
Mulili’s colleague comes from different culture
– Trust worthy – one that you can trust. Jere is trust worthy because he could keep a secret (about Mustafa) and never told, unlike mulili.
– Religions – to be connected with religion (having strong belief) Jere shows that he is religious, as he claims to read the bible (the New Testament) and taught religious knowledge for three years before he went to the army.
– Short tempered – to be easily annoyed
Jere prises to be short tempered (page 15) considering his conservation with Mulili after having a misunderstanding he reaches a point of aiming a pistol at him
– Naive – to be easily convinced
Jere is naive in the sense that he was easily coned by Mulili on the matter of Mustafa
– Patriotic is one who loves his country and Jere being one of them proves it by.
– Kind –Hearted because of his intentions of do good Jere (page 13) feels the need to allow the ceremony to go on
4. Boss
Head of state of Kafira and wasn’t like so much mostly by the students of the university
– Boss was naive because he was easily convinced by Mulili through false information that led to the death of Kabito.
– Also he was a dictator, one who rules with force, He wanted everything his way caring less what others think, that why people did not like him.
– Arrogant that is one who thinks he is better or more important than others (pg 60) after finding out that had gone against him, he deals with him.
– Womanizer is also a trait for Bods whereby despite of being married to Mercedes he also wanted Regina.
5. Mosese
Lecturer at Kafira University (philosophy) He is Regina brother and was frames with drugs and got arrested.
– Mosese is intellectual ni the sense that he has the ability to reason and understand. This is a fact because he is a lecturer at the university.
– He is silent in the sense that he rarely speaks or makes noise. This is evident in prison whereby there was silent up until Askari decides to ask him (page 18) and he repels saying “it prudent to be silent”.
– Moses is a philosopher / thinker regarding to the way he speaks e.g. Page 28 where he talks of memories, the post and the future.
– Caring in the sense that he was concerned about his sister Regina, he was not ready to let her face the Boss knowing what man he was and what might happen to her.
– Patriotic due to the fact that he plays part in the play which was based on advocating for change and stopping the worse that could probably happen in Kafira.
6. Nina
Doga’s wife and Jusper and Adika’s mother
– Caring – being concerned about someone or something, Nina cared much about his son, and mostly evident towards Jusper as the only son left.
– Religious – one who is greatly concerned with religion Nina proves to be religious when she decides to put the day in God’s hands and saying a prayer (page 8).
– Traditionalist – very concerned with tradition Nina and Doga her husband were to have a ceremony for their dead son Adika (shaving ceremony)
– Courageous – showing that you are not afraid when you do something that might be dangerous or difficult. Nina has his trait in the sense that the way she was able to confront Mulili and Jere who wanted to stop the ceremony was with courage and without fear regarding what who said and their response (page 9).
– Remorseful – a feeling of guilty or compassion
This is shown by Nina in (page 12) whereby she feels guilty having to send her son to address something which she didn’t know therefore ever thought would bring trouble but rather it does.
7. Doga
– Nina’s husband
– Jusper and Adika father
– Courageous also in the way he addressed issues without fear of the consequences of what is saying.
– Traditionalist in the sense that he is so attached to it and seems to know much (pg 4).he practises the shaving ceremony for Adika.
– Religions, his also concerned with religion (page 12) he offers Jere a pocket Bible and tells him that may God open his eyes to the suffering of his people.
– Vocal as in he expresses his ideas loudly, the way he speaks with Jusper, his wife Nina
– Egocentric also describes Doga in the sense that he thinks he is always right.
– Looks down upon women whereby he tends to crash most of his wife thoughts and also (pg 3) he speaks of women they think the beds upon which they wide for the night.
8. Regina
Mosese sister and Jusper’s girlfriend
– Caring
She was very concerned about both Mosese and Jusper she gave Jusper advice despite his stubbornness and wanted to help Mosese get out of prison through seeing the Boss to help Mosese get out of prison through seeing the Boss.
– Truthful
Regina preferred to stick to the truth when Tumbo brought the idea of having Jusper win play write competition immediately so as to get extra cash.
– Naive
She was easily convinced by Tumbo to go see Boss.
-Courageous
Regina courageous because she could address matters without fear and also had the courage to face Boss for the sake of his brother Mosese.
– Wise
She is wise because she could give advice to Jusper regardless his stubbornness.
9.Tumbo
– Chairman of the visitors entertainment committee corrupt – his corrupt due to his unfair or dishonesty of conducting the play write competition.
– Kind – Tumbo has a good heart because he brought drinks for Regina and Jusper and also connected Regina with boss.
– Coward – Tumbo is afraid of Boss, has no courage
– Self centered – Misuses play write by making short cuts also in page 42
10. Nicodemo
One of the members of the visiting committee.
– Lazy
Nicodemo proves to be lazy by asking for a three hour break as the meeting begins.
– Greedy
Page.53 Nicodemo is so anxious to know the size of the potato (money) that he will be getting from the committee he insists on been played per hour.
– Betrayer
He betrayed Mosese by framing him with drugs on page 52 he speaks of what a tragedy it would be to him if mosese is pardoned after the visit of the head of state.
-Self centered
Does not like the fact prisoners are been treated nicely, now that they are going to act a play.
-Coward
He is afraid of the boss and knows what is due to happen.
11. Kabito
Member of the visiting committee.
– Considerate
Whatever decisions brought forward, Kabito tends to consider the possible impact of them (page 55) the school children.
– Coward – He is afraid of the boss (pg.52)
– Corrupt he practiced corruption by giving people cash and being nice so as to get a tender which he didn’t get.
– Greedy – he is interested to know the amount of money he will be getting as payment in the committee before it even begins.
– Educated – this is due to the way he gave ideas which proved at some point that the was intellectual.
THEMES IN BETRAYAL IN THE CITY
THEMES
The main idea in a literary work.
i. Betrayal
The act of being disloyal/unfaithful to someone a serious breach of trust
– Nicodemo betrayed Mosese (page 25)
– Nicodemo frames Mosese with drugs
– Mulili betrays Jere by dinning to keep a secret unlike Jere who did not tell about Mustafa escape.
– Mulili betrayed Kabito who ended up dead.
– Mulili betrayed the boss denning that he is his cousin and that they can kill him.
– Boss betrayed people of Kafira by putting power into people such as Mulili and Tumbo.
– The government betrayed the people of Kafira by breaking their trust in protecting them but yet they end up shooting Adika during the protest.
– Tumbo betrayed the visitor’s entertainment committee and the boss by not practising a fair play write competition for the money.
– The boss betrayed Mercedes by being a womanizer.
– Jusper betrayed Doga and Nina; he left the grave when he was told to guide it.
ii. Corruption
Misuse of power and office position for personal use /gain
– Tumbo squandered the money for the play write.
– Mulili let Mustafa escape using his position.
To get the milk tender (convinced boss regarding the fact that they are relative)
Used his position to do away with people by convincing the boss also (kabitos death).
Kabito birded people expecting to get the milk tender but it didn’t work, Mulili get it instead.
iii. Protest
Is a statement/action that shows disagreement to something or
A reaction against unwanted situation.
– University student of Kafira against the government which led to the death of Adika.
– Nina and Doga against Mulili who wanted the ceremony not to go ahead.
– Kabito against Mulili which led to his death.
– Jusper by killing the sub – chiefs brother.
– Mosese against the system from boss.
– Jere against Mulili.
iv. Conflict
Clash between two parts which can be ideological.
– Students of university of Kafira and the government
Why – didn’t like the system
How – they protested, and Adika ended up shot
– Kabito and Mulili
Why – Mulili took kabito tender
How – throwing words to one another
– Nina and boga against Mulili
Why – Mulili did not want the ceremony to go on
How – Nicodemo framed mosese with drugs
– Jere against Mulili
Why – about the ceremony and the fact that milili was a betrayer
How – he gets upset they throw words against each other and jere aims a pistor at mulili
– Jusper against sub – chief’s’ brother
Why – he thought he was responsible for the shooting of Adika
How – Jusper kills him
– Boss and Mercedes
Why – Boss was cheating, he wanted Regina
How – Mercedez reacted to boss after finding out “she become rude”
v. Nepotism
– Giving favour because of a relation either blood, tribe, schoolmate … mostly they don’t deserve the favour.
Boss favoured Mulili – they are distant relatives
Tumbo favoured jusper
Jusper might be able to write a play but he was favoured in the sense that he did not go through a competition and the fact that Regina was in relation with him
Mulili favoured Mustafa who escaped across the border.
vi. Dehumanisation
To treat a person a person in a way that makes him or her less human (denies him/her basic rights)
– Student of Kafira university been shoot at as they demonstrate against the government.
– Doga and Nina are denied there right to mourn for their son and to conduct the shaving ceremony.
– Kabito was denied the right to live
– Adika was denied the right to live
vii. Patriotism
Is the feeling of love and willingness to do anything for the benefit of one’s country
Jusper wendo
University studens + adika
Mosese (passive protest)
Jere (passive protest)
An Enemy of the People
Author – H.ibsen
SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY
Ibsen is a Norwegian playwright he was born in 1828-1905.The play deals with political and environmental issues .The action of the play passes during four consecutive days in early spring of the year 1881-1882 at a costal town in southern part.
The town in which the play was set built a huge bathing complex which was very crucial for the development of the town .Doctor Stockman discovers that the baths drainage system is seriously contaminated. He decides to report the matter to Mr. Houstad,Billing and Aslaksen who are the people working in the newspaper(The Herlad).
Next morning his brother Peter Stockman who is the Mayor of the town hears that his young brother has discovered something in the bathing system. Mayor tells Dr. ignore his discovery as it is very expensive to repair the bathing system.
As if not enough the mayor goes to the Herlad to order the workers (Horstad,Billing and Aslaksen) that they should not print Dr’s article. After that obstacle Dr. Decided to call the meeting to talk to his people about his finding once again he finds some challenges in getting the venue. Finally, Dr. succeeds to find a place where he can address the majority .Unfortunately the solid majority see his speech offensive to them .Next morning they went to Dr’s house and renderlise it. Her daughter Retra was fired from her job, Morten and Elif was chosen away from school, Captain Hostar and Dr. himself
PLOTTING
Act One
At Dr. Thomas stockman’s sitting room, Katherine together with Mr. Billing who is eating after been served a meal, later joined by peter, then Mr. hovstad they begin speaking about the bath and how it has played a role in bringing development in the town plus the “The herald magazine. Dr. Stockman arrives with the boys later on along with captain Horste.
Peter and Dr. stockman begin talking, peter is curious to know why Thomas is so caught up with writing articles about the bath and warns him that if he gets too far it might cost him then he leave normal conversation proceeds, they decide to have a cup of tea (today) later on Petra gets back home with a letter for Dr. Thomas he receives it anxiously because his been waiting for it for long. He exists to another room to read it, Katherine on the other hand explains how this letter must be of importance to him to the others.
Dr Stockman comes back later claiming he got good news a victual discovery about the baths being a play spot, he examines how he got all this discovered.
Katherine argues why he didn’t say earlier but on the other hand it was found out on the right time. After all that, they had to wish Dr. Stockman good luck knowing what he might face bringing this news to public.
Act Two
The same scene as in act one, Katherine brings a letter to Dr. Stockman from peter it says that he will here to see him during midday. Morten kiil comes in asking about what he heard about the bath, he was told by Petra on the way, and Dr. Stockman confirms that it’s true. But the morten kiil brings the idea that it might not please Peter as in the discovery Mr. Hovstad also hearing about the news as they speak about it he comes up with a thought that he believes that is the pollutions not the only cause for this issue but rather a marsh what he calls it, it involves the people in high positions (something to do with bureaucrats) he also tells doctor that how sure is he that he might get his way in this situation.
The doctor believing that this is common sense it therefore should be solved. Another visitor Mr Aslaksen also asking if the new about the discovery is true, after the doctor confirms it, he offers to give support claiming that middlemen forming a “solid majority” are behind him he even speaks having a demonstration, regarding to the fact that he is the chairman of the house holders Association hence has influence to a great number of people. They also agree that an article about this should be written.
Peter arrives later on when Hovstad and Morten have left, Petra is back peter and Thomas have a private conversation in the dining room. Peter is angry regarding the investigation on the baths done behind his back, the suggestions made towards the issue that they might cost allot, it will also lead to decline in economy in the town. The conversation was long and involved threats as well (Dismissal) this leads to the saying enemy of the people which was told to Thomas by Peter Katherine is worried about her husband who is now angry about is going on.
Act Three
At the editors office into the Herald office, Mr. Billing and Mr. Hovstad were having a chat on the possibility of anything happening towards the recent issue on the bath with regards to the major. Letter on Dr. Thomas enters, angry still emphasis on the printing of the article which should be supervised by Aslaksen conservation among au proceeds proving Dr. Stockman to be courageous.And the rest assuring him that they will support him. Dr. Stockman leaves later on a chat they the matter proceeds whereby Mr. Hovstad Mr. Aslaksen seems to be worries that if things go too far, there might be worried that if things go too far, there might to be problems, the rest claim that he is scared.
Petra comes in later on wanting to return a story book was given to her translate it, she says she cannot, Mr. Hovstad does not know the content of whatever is in it simply because he cannot read English. Petra argues that whatever is in there cannot be kept in the herald simply because it carried along things that don’t really happen in reality, Mr. Hovstad now puts the blame on Billing that he was the one who brought the idea. The conversation became bitter when they end up talking about Petra’s father and the discovery plus Mr. Hovstad saying that Thomas cannot do it without him. Petra leaves, by surprise the mayor comes to the Herald’s office.
Without wanting to be seen he uses the back door, his aim is to persuade hovstad and the rest not to print the article but mostly not to support Dr. Stockman, he speaks of the costs the town will incur loans if possible, raising tax and at the end forcing the other to change their minds. Suddenly Dr. Stockman forcing Peter to hide (billing office).With panic hovstad asks why he is back, and the Doctor say that he is so concerned that he doesn’t mind coming back twice. Kate also walks in wanting or claiming that she supports her husband she is here to tell him that he is been fooled, he disagrees but within or claiming that she supports her husband, she is here to tell him that he is been fooled, he disagrees but within a minute, he finds out that its true.
Seeing Peters cap and stick, proving that he is here and was trying to talk them over. This was true right after Dr. Stockman saw him and started to confront him, but it still does no good after Hovstad and Billing together with Aslaksen refuse to help again, stockman and his wife leave the office with anger and determination to stand on the truth, he claims to organize a mass meeting.
Act Four
A mass meeting was prepared in captain Horster’s house, people of all classes enter, almost full mostly men, few women and a small group of school boys. Few citizens’ start questioning why they are here, because of Dr. Stockman who going to have a go at the mayor, his brother, why the House Holder Association nor the city club didn’t give him a hall and much more.
Captain Horster, a brave man who cares and supports Dr. Stockman and his family, Hovstad, Aslasksen and Billing are also present, later on Peter and Thomas also arrive. Doctor is ready to start when Aslasksen suggest that they elect a chairrman, the citizens also agree, first they choose the mayor but he choose Aslasksen (president of the House – Holder Association)
Peter is honoured as the mayor to Address then Dr. Stockman begins whereby his speech is faced with objections at large, All this is due to his discovery, but rather not the baths as what he claims, he speaks of his love for his native town what he has done and much more.
Being told not to talk about the baths, Dr. Stockman decides to speak of moral decay in the society that the people are morally polluted. Also he talks of how the majority is always wrong because it is full of fools (pg 80) but rather the minority is always right, Mr. Hovstad declared that the Doctor is a revolutionary, he as wondering from the subject (page 81) which he agrees because he wants to stand on the truth an why the people do not want to listen to him (83)
Also Dr. Stockman claims that Mr. Hovstad is a Hypocrite (pg 84) because he turned the whole thing upside down. As the presentation proceeds, Dr Stockman is declared an enemy of people because he would rather see the town perish than prospering on a lie (page 86) and people agree. Mr Billing and Mr Aslaksen as agree to the Dr. Being an enemy of the people.
The meeting ends with noises, people shooting that the Dr. Is an enemy of the people (pg. 90) Dr and his family together with captain, Horster leave.
Act Five
The last act in the play takes place in Dr. Stockman’s consulting room. It is the morning after the lecture (p.92) window panes are broken a few stones can be seen. We than remember that the crowd promised to smash the windows and they did. Dr. Stockman collects them so as to be a reminder for Eilif and Morten when they grow up.
A letter arrives, it is a notice from the landlord that they have to move out, it is obvious that he is forced by authority to do because he was such nice man. Petra gets back home because she has been dismissed from where she was teaching by Mrs Busk who also received threats (3 letters comes to her things morning) Also in this act it is also learn that captain Horster has been dismissed from his work as a captain of the ship only because lent Dr. Stockman (pg 97) his house by his boss Mr. Vik. This also affects the fact that Dr. Stockman was to give him a lift as he was to leave the polluted country.
Peter also comes hypocritically, to sympathize with Dr. Stockman for what happened last night and at the same time he gives the Doctor a letter of dismissal that he will not be a doctor anymore, he was not be consulted and after wards peter advises him to write a letter of apology (meaning that he made a mistake but the doctor remains firm. He simply tell Katherine to scrub the floor to remove Peter’s dirt (pg (102).
Another consequence is that Dr stockman is made to experience is the fact that Mortem kiil decides to buy more shares of the spa baths, he uses the money that he wanted to give Katherine (103 – 104). He did this to punish Dr. Stockman who still stays firm and calls his father in law a devil (105).
Dr. Stockman proves that he hates hypocrisy by chasing away Mr. Hovstad and Aslaksen, threaten to hit them with an umbrella, they came to sympathize.
Also his sons come back suspended from school the doctor he will teach them himself (113) And because the doctors is determined to stay firm, he declares himself as the strongest man in the world “the strongest man in the world is he who stands alone.
Characterization
1. Dr Thomas stockman
- Father of Motern , Eilif, Petra and husband to Katherine
- He is a doctor (intellectual)
- A brother to peter
- Traits
- Determined
- Confident
- Patriotic
- Radical
- Short temptered
- Caring
- Enthusiastic
- Humble
- Brave
- Optimistic
- Naive
2. Peter
- Selfish
- Self centred
- Coward
- Hypocrite
- Cunning
- Conniving
- Jealous
- Greed
3. Mr. Hovstad
- Hypocrite
- Naive
- Coward
- Egocentric
4. Katherine
Dr. Stockman’s wife
- Kind – way she deals with visitors
- Patriotic
- Responsible
- Hospitality
- Humble
5.Petra
- Hardworking
- Patriotic
- Confident
- Confident
- Radical
- Activist
6. Mr. Aslaksen
Chairman of house holders association, sub- editor
- Hypocrite
- Naive
- Coward
- Betrayer – the doctor
7. Captain Hoster – A captain, travelled
- Caring
- Generous
- Courageous
- Patriotic
- Wise
8. Morten kill
- Master tanner
A. Elaborations of Character traits
1. Dr. Stockman
– Determined – to find out.
Dr. Stockman was determined to act upon his discovery, that is to ensure renovation of the baths from the pollution.
-Confident – believe in one’s ability
Dr. Stockman knew he was right and he trusted his ability to stand and fight against any form of obstacle regarding his discovery.
– Patriotic – Love for ones country
Dr. Stockman proved to love his own country and was ready to do anything regardless the consequences for it. The way he fought for his discovery because he cared about the peoples welfare and ended up being the enemy of the people.
-Radical – One who advocated for change
Dr Stockman wanted the baths renovated after his discovery regarding its contamination.
-Optimistic – believe that good things will prevail
After the doctor made his discovery he believed that eventually actions will be taken upon the matter.
-Humble – Does not think he is better or more Important than others
Dr. Stockman was kind to visitors at his home
Caring – feel concerned about someone
Dr. Stockman care about his town much that he wants to expose a disgraceful state of affairs
2. Peter
-Selfish – To think about yourself and not about (self centred) other people
Peter was selfish in the sense that he did not care about others regarding the discovery he didn’t want renovation to take place he didn’t want renovation to take place because there would be a loss on his side.
–Hypocrite – Pretend to have feelings that you don’t have
Peter went back to the doctor after the meeting claiming that he cared but he actually didn’t.
Also he pretended to care about the people by telling them the effects of the renovation which were false.
Also he was a hypocrite to Hovstad and aslaksen telling them false information hence they changed their mind towards helping Dr. Stockman.
-Conning – Plan something behind someone’s back.
Peter being gains the discovery, he decided to speak to hovstad and aslaksen behind the doctors back so as to change their minds.
–Cunning – To achieve something by lying
Peter achieved what he wanted by lying to Hovstad, Aslasksen and the society by making them belief that the renovation of the baths will cost a lot and they will have to contribute to it.
3. Mr. Hovstad
-Hypocrite – to pretend to have feelings that you don’t have Mr.Hovstad pretended to side with the doctor after betraying him because of peter, he and Aslaksen came back later to apologise but the doctor chased them away.
-Naive – Easily convinced by peter to betray the doctor with his discovery after peter claiming the effects of the renovation.
-Coward – He was a coward because he was afraid of peter who convinced him to side with him against stockman.
– Egocentric – Because he thinks he is very important and that others cannot do without him (pg 56) He speaks to Petra, then ends up telling her that her father cannot do without him.
4. Katherine
-Kind – Having intentions to good. Katherine was kind because of the way she was dealing with visitors.
– Responsible – Having a job or duty to do something Katherine was a responsible mother regarding the fact she cared much about her kids future life consider the situation they were getting into and
its effect.
-Hospital/humble – she cared about others mostly the way she handled visitors and also she did not think that others are not important.
5. Petra
-Radical – Concerning the most basic and important parts of something.
-Petra was concerned with the system of the society (how children are taught lies at school and at home are not told the truth).
-Confident – feeling sure about her ability to do something.
6. Mr. Aslaksen
-Hypocrite – Pretend to have feelings that you don’t have Aslaksen pretended to care about Doctor stockman and dared to come apologies but was chased away
together with Hovstad.
-Naive – Easily convinced
Peter convinced him together with Aslaksen to betray stockman by giving them wrong information about effects to having to renovate the baths. -Coward – One
who is afraid
Aslaksen was afraid of the mayor, him and hovstad and hence they were easily convinced to betray the Doctor.
– Betrayer – a serious breach of trust.
Aslaksen not only betrayed the doctor but also the citizens by feeding them wrong information.
7. Captain Horster
– Caring – Cared about doctor Stockmann and his family as he was beneath them through the whole situation.
– Generous – Kind enough to let the doctor use his house for the meeting and offered to sail with them before the cost his job.
– Courageous – Regardless the whole Dr. Situatation, the captain did not hold back to support them.
– Patriotic – Loves his country enough to support for what’s good for it .
– Wise – He has moved around the world, hence knows a lot to make them know the best.
THEMES IN AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
i. Betrayal
– Peter betrays his brother
– Motern kill betrays Katherine and the kids
– Hovstad and Aslaksen betray the doctor
– Solid majority betrays the doctor
– The bosses of petra, Dr, Hoster betrayed
ii. Corruption
Misuse of power for personal gain
– The mayor practises corruption towards hovstad and Aslaksen
– The mayor towards the solid majority.
iii. Patriotism
Love for ones country
– Dr. Stockman
– Petra
– Captain Horster
iv. Hypocrisy
Pretending to have feelings that you don’t have.
Mr Hovstad and Aslaksen is hypocrite to Katherine, doctor, and to the people
Peter is hypocrite to Dr.Stockman, people, Hovstad and aslaksen
v. Conflicts
A clash between two parties
– Dr.Stockman + Katherine
– Dr.Stockman + Peter
– Dr.Stockman + Aslaksen and Hovstad
– Dr.Stockman + People
– Dr.Stockman + Hovstad
– Dr.Stockman + Peter
– Dr.Stockman + Morten Kiil
– Petra what goes down in the entire society.
vi. Ignorance
Lack of knowledge or information about something people of the society
vii. Pollution
Introduction of unwanted material to the environment
– Pollution of the water bath
– Pollution of the land (marsh land)
– Society is polluted through receiving the wrong information from the media
viii. Protest
– Reaction against unwanted situation
– Doctor why discovery
– How publisizing, holding a meeting
– People against the doctor
Why against his idea
How threw stones
– Petra against the system society
– Why – they teach lies
– How express her views and saying
– That she could open her own school
ix. Bravery
Act of dealing with something difficult or unpleasant in order to achieve something
– Doctor
– Captain Hoster
x. Arrogance
The behaviour of a person when they feel that they are more important than other people
– Peter
– Mr. Hovstad (pg 56)
– Mortern kill
xi. Cowardice
Fear or lack of courage
– Mr Hovstad and Aslaksen
STYLE IN H. IBSENT
The play uses simple less formal and didactic language possibly with the intention of making sure that reader understands.
Originally the play was written in Norwegian language – Nordic which was later translated to an English version by max Faber.
A part from the simple language used, he has also made use of imagery.
a. Symbolism
A symbol refers to the use of specific concrete objects to stand for one or more abstract ideas for example a wedding ring has came to symbolize the qualities which marriage ideally represent the ring symbolizes the following.
i. The preciousness of the ring (gold) symbolizes the preciousness of marriage.
ii. The ring symbolizes lifelong commitment it is circular with no end,
In the play the following symbols are found.
i. The baths
These symbolize the town leaders and their followers. These baths are contaminated filthy and dirty hence represent leaders like the major, Hovstad, Aslaksen and the people who clear them up.
ii. Water in the baths
The water symbolizes the citizens of the town. The water was tasted in the hall but could not stand the taste for truth and therefore they (citizens) are guilty in fact they are contaminated by their leaders’ guilty.
iii. Tannery
The Tannery symbolise the greediness of the leaders which deeds to the filth of precipitation of all the filth.
E.g. of the filth
Corruption
Hypocris
Betrayal
Not here that the contaminating germs in the baths are from the tannery the ills of the leaders are a result of their greediness.
b. Foreshadowing
This is the arrangement of the presentation of events and information in a fiction or drama in such a way that later events into the work are prepared for (introduced in advance)
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