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An Enemy of the People  (1882; translated by Farquharson Sharp) by Henrik Ibsen is a play that critically examines society's role in its political and ideological enslavement and the elements that prevent or impede its progress. The questions: whether 'the government of the people by the people for the people' is a concept that exists or is even possible; the 'rightness' of the majority, which is the basis of democracy; and the end result of unquestioned liberalism, are all answered in this stupendous play. It critiques society's choices, and the factors that influence those choices: are the choices leaders make made in the interest of the people or are they made in the interest of a few who, armed with the tools given them by the people, make the people believe the reverse? Or is society deceived to choose the very option that is counter to its interest, serving instead the interest of the privilege minority, as in this story? In this story, set in a Nor...

Ah! - one feels a new man after a meal like that. [12] A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm. [13] It is astonishing how little most sailors care about what goes on on shore. [13] Sailors are like birds of passage; they feel equally at home in any latitude. [13] Oh well, it is better never to trust anybody; you may find you have been made a fool of before you know where you are. [23] I am of humble origin, as you know; and that has given me opportunities of knowing what is the most crying need in the humbler ranks of life. [27] Yes - and in my opinion a journalist incurs a heavy responsibility if he neglects a favourable opportunity of emancipating the masses - the humble and oppressed. I know well enough that in exalted circles I shall be called an agitator, and all that sort of thing; but they may call what they like. If only my conscience doesn't reproach me - [27] There is one thing I esteem higher than that; a...