Comment briefly on the thematic concerns of Henrik Ibsen's play, An Enemy of the People.

Most of the time in conflicts over power and free expression, the majority is opposed to a minority of powerful men who control government/society. The majority clamor for their rights and occasionally rebel or revolt. However, as Ibsen trenchantly points out, the majority can also be a swelling mass of ignorant, easily moldable, and irrational people who will eagerly embrace anything that makes their lives easy and comfortable. In this play Stockmann’s report threatens their material comfort, and they are easily swayed by Peter’s persuasive appeal to their baser instincts. There is no room in the town for an iconoclast or a rebel; conformity is required and promoted. The masses are depicted in the play as dangerous and ridiculous, and the individual is the persecuted hero.