Maharashtra Board Class 11 English Chapter 4.3 An Enemy of the People Solutions

Character

Question 1. Mayor Peter Stockmann is a contrast to Dr. Thomas Stockmann. Justify.
Answer: There are lots of good things you can say about Dr. Stockmann, the protagonist of ‘An Enemy of the People’. He is an idealist and a man having great love and care for his family. He is generous with his neighbors and truly cares for his fellow men. Despite his troubles, he wishes to make the world a better place. Most importantly, the doctor is a man of principles willing to fight for justice no matter what it costs. His unwavering commitment to truth highlights the stark moral divide between the two brothers. On the contrary, Mayor Peter Stockmann, his brother is a practical man. He is the antagonist in the play who is less worried about the common men in the city. Throughout the play, the Mayor, Stockmann mercilessly tries to ruin his brother’s life in order to keep the truth from being revealed. He hardly shows any affinity towards his brother. He never shows any feeling of guilt for the fact that he’s totally messing up the life of a family member.
In simple words: Dr. Stockmann is a kind, honest man who fights for what is right, while his brother Peter is a selfish politician who cares only about power and is willing to ruin his own brother's life to hide the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use contrasting adjectives like 'idealistic' for Dr. Stockmann and 'pragmatic' or 'corrupt' for Peter Stockmann to highlight their differences clearly.

Question 2. Write the character sketch of Dr. Stockmann.
Answer: Dr. Stockmann is the brother of the Mayor, Peter Stockmann and the protagonist/hero of the play. He is a practising medical doctor and the medical officer of the town baths. He is an ideal person who has great love for family, fellow citizens and social values. Dr. Stockmann believes strongly in individual freedom and the right of every man to express himself freely. He stands as a beacon of integrity in a corrupt society.
In simple words: Dr. Stockmann is a dedicated doctor and the hero of the story. He loves his family and community, and strongly believes that everyone should have the freedom to speak the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention his dual role as a family man and a public medical officer to show both his personal and professional sides.

Question (i) Complete the following table.
Answer: This table highlights the key relationships and pivotal incidents involving the main characters in the play.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing character tables, focus on linking each character's actions directly to their primary supporters to show a clear understanding of the plot.

Question (ii) Match the column ‘A’ with column ‘B’
Answer: Matching these terms helps clarify the roles and traits of the characters in the drama.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to character traits described in the text to accurately match names with their corresponding roles or behaviors.

Question. Match the characters in Column 'A' with their traits in Column 'B':

🎯 Exam Tip: Double-check character descriptions from the text to avoid confusing similar characters like Peter and Dr. Stockmann.

Plot

Question 1. Describe the climax scene in your own words. Write your comments on it.
Answer: In the final scene, Dr. Stockmann realizes that no one is going to support him to publish the article as no one is ready to take any step against the Mayor. So, Stockmann asks Hovstad to give him back his papers (article). He announces in front of the Mayor that he will read out the article in a mass meeting for everybody to hear the voice of truth. But, the Mayor assures him that no one will lend him a hall in the city to do this. This dramatic confrontation highlights the immense isolation of a truth-teller in a corrupt society.
In simple words: In the climax, Dr. Stockmann finds himself completely alone because everyone is too afraid of the Mayor to help him publish his article. Even though he is threatened and has no hall to speak in, he bravely declares he will find a way to share the truth with the public.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a climax, focus on the main conflict's peak and the central character's final realization or decision.

Question 2. Describe in your own words the incident when Hovstad’s real intention to help Dr. Stockmann is exposed.
Answer: When Dr. Stockmann reached Hovstad’s office, he notices the Mayor’s stick and hat and suspects him of hiding in the next room. Dr. Stockmann enquired if Hovstad was going to publish the article in ‘People’s Messenger’. Hovstad answered him that he had to wait for publishing the article. Hovstad didn’t refuse him but was not ready to publish it. He was under the influence of the Mayor and had personal interest. In addition, both Billing and Aslaksen supported the editor. Dr. Stockmann approached Aslaksen to request him to at least print the article as a pamphlet. However, he denied doing so. Finally, Hovstad refused to print the article saying it would ruin the doctor’s family. This exposure highlighted the deep-seated corruption and cowardice prevalent among the local press. Here, the Doctor realized Hovstad’s real intention of not printing the article as he was doing everything to protect himself.
In simple words: Hovstad pretended to support Dr. Stockmann but backed out when he realized it would hurt his own interests and anger the Mayor. This showed he cared more about himself than the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the symbolic presence of the Mayor's hat and stick, as this is the key moment that triggers Dr. Stockmann's suspicion.

3. Write Down the Consequences of the Following Occurrences, with the Help of the Play

Question (a) Dr. Thomas Stockmann wants an article exposing social evils to be printed in the newspaper.
Answer: Dr. Stockmann was an idealist and a lover of truth. When he came across the unhygienic condition of the baths which was a direct threat to the health of the people, he decided to publish the article in the newspaper exposing the Mayor and his cronies. This would directly affect the ruling government to lose their seats. His determination to expose the truth set off a chain reaction of hostility from the town's leadership. In consequence, the authorities and the newspaper staff conspired to suppress his findings to protect their own political and financial interests.
In simple words: When Dr. Stockmann tried to publish the truth about the polluted baths, the powerful people in town turned against him to protect their own jobs and money.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly link Dr. Stockmann's actions to the immediate political backlash from the Mayor and the local authorities.

Question (b) The Mayor, Peter Stockmann persuades Mr. Hovstad and Mr. Billing from printing the article.
Answer: The Mayor entered Hovstad’s office through the back doors. He didn’t want to let Dr. Stockmann know about his visit to Hovstad. When he met Hovstad and Billing, he told them that Dr. Stockmann is a headstrong man and had some wrong informations about the condition of the baths. He also praised both Hovstad and Billing and assured them that he had another article to publish which would clear the doubts of all regarding the baths. He indirectly assured them to have their favour in this matter if they supported him. This clever manipulation was designed to protect his own political interests. As Dr. Stockmann came to know about the Mayor’s visit to Hovstad’s office to persuade them, he was of the firm opinion that they would not publish his article.
In simple words: The Mayor secretly visited the newspaper editors to convince them not to print Dr. Stockmann's article by calling the doctor stubborn and promising them political favors.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the Mayor's manipulative tactics, such as using the back door and offering favors, to show how political power influences the press.

Question (c) Aslaksen declares that he would not print Dr. Stockmann’s article.
Answer: As the Mayor told Aslaksen his idea of raising the money from the small tradesmen, Aslaksen thought that Dr. Stockmann’s idea of extensive alternation of the baths was unrealistic. So he decided not to print the article in the newspaper and save the small tradesmen from this unnecessary burden. He prioritized financial caution over public health truths. As Aslaksen denied printing the article, Dr. Stockmann assured them that he would read the article in the mass meeting or raise the issue on the streets of the city. He would anyway expose the ruling government and give justice to common men.
In simple words: Aslaksen refused to print the article because he worried the expensive repairs would financially hurt small business owners, prompting Dr. Stockmann to decide to share his message directly with the public instead.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain Aslaksen's motivation clearly, focusing on his concern for the taxpayers and small tradesmen, to score full marks.

Question (d) Katherine encourages Dr. Stockmann to proceed in his attempts in the cause of public attempts.
Answer: When the Mayor and his supporter opposed Dr. Stockmann, Mrs. Stockmann felt shameful that all of them turned against her husband. She put her arm onto his neck and told him that she was ready to stand with him. She encouraged him not to give up on his mission despite the heavy opposition. Her loyalty provided him with the emotional strength needed to face his adversaries.
In simple words: Seeing everyone turn against her husband, Katherine stood by him and encouraged him to keep fighting for the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe Katherine's shift from caution to active support to show her character development and loyalty to her husband.

Setting

Question 1. The setting of the act is the office of the newspaper ‘The Herald’. Explain how it is the proper background for the theme of the play.
Answer: This act is set in the editor’s room at the office of ‘People’s Messenger’. One door leads to the printing office and another to the rest of the offices. There is a large table in the middle covered with books, papers and newspapers and there is a desk at the window. The room is described as ‘dingy and cheerless’. This physical environment mirrors the moral decay and the struggle for truth within the society. The setting of the play is appropriate to the theme as the single door opening shows that truth is the only way to be followed by everyone. The dingy and clumsy atmosphere and old furniture urge need of change and renovation in the existing situation. The table covered with books and newspapers is a symbol of chaos and anarchy in the government. The window stands for a ray of hope in the darkness of injustice. A few closed chairs symbolize time to wind-up prevailing conservative government and bring in new liberal governance. The glass panels stand for transparency and clarity in every section of the government.
In simple words: The messy, dark office represents the corrupt and chaotic state of the local government. The window and glass panels represent the hope for truth and transparency that the main characters are fighting for.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining settings, connect physical objects (like windows or messy tables) directly to the symbolic themes of the play.

Question 2. Explain the use of the following property in the development of the play.
Answer: (a) Hat – Hat plays an important role in the development of the play. It stands for the city’s authority, ‘the Mayor’ as it was a part of the official uniform. The hat thus becomes a physical representation of power shifting between characters. When Dr. Stockmann put on the hat, he told his brother that the entire city was in his hand. He also added that with that supreme power he would throw him off the existing government. Dr. Stockmann saw the Mayor’s hat in the editor’s room and could realize that the Mayor was hiding in the next room, listening his conversation with the editor. This made him understand the Mayor’s plot of ruining his article.
In simple words: The Mayor's hat is a symbol of official power and authority. When Dr. Stockmann finds or wears it, it shows the struggle for control and reveals the Mayor's secret plans to stop him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state what the prop symbolizes first, then explain how it drives the plot forward in specific scenes.

Question. Explain the significance of the following symbols from the play:
Answer:
(b) Stick – The stick at certain instances was a symbol of assertiveness, commitment, new ideas or sticking to the old things. The stick in Dr. Stockmann’s hand suggests his assertiveness, commitment and new ideas in the existing government with the support of everyone. But the stick in the Mayor’s hand, suggests that the whole situation was groomed by him to turn against Dr. Stockmann. The stick in the hand of the Mayor also proves his authority and command over other people. This symbol highlights the clash of ideologies between the two brothers.
(c) An envelope containing the letter – The envelope of the letter focuses over the issue of grievance which everyone keeps by hiding a secret. Dr. Stockmann took various efforts to expose the issue but finally Hovstad returned the envelope to him, which suggests how everyone tried to conceal the burning issue. The issue needed immediate attention, but was hidden from the public as the letter was hidden by the envelope.
In simple words: The stick represents power and authority, showing who is in control, while the envelope represents how people try to hide important truths and secrets from the public.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly explain what each symbol represents in the context of the characters' actions to secure full marks.

3. Explain the Following Statements with Reference to the Context

Question (a) And then, once the ring is broken, we’ll get to work and show the public every day just how incompetent the Mayor is!
Answer: When both Hovstad and Billing read Dr. Stockmann’s article, they were shocked to know that the article would bring a revolution in the city. Hovstad was ready to publish that article the next day in ‘People’s Messenger’. Billing thought that if the Mayor didn’t like it then it would be a great trouble for them. But Hovstad was ready to take the risk as the problem was acute.

The Mayor would be in trouble from either by the small tradesmen and the householders’ association or by the shareholders in the bath. Anyhow the ring would be broken and they would get a chance everyday to expose the Mayor through the newspaper and the entire government would go in the hands of the liberals. This political shift would completely alter the power dynamics of the town.
In simple words: The characters want to publish an article that will expose the Mayor's failures. By breaking his circle of influence, they hope to hand over control of the town to more liberal leaders.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining statements with reference to context, identify who said the words, to whom, and the underlying political motives of the characters.

Question (b) From now on The Herald shall be my artillery.
Answer: Dr. Stockmann says this when he believes he has the full support of the liberal press, specifically Hovstad and the editors, to publish his findings about the contaminated water supply. He views the newspaper as a powerful weapon (artillery) to wage war against the corrupt public officials and the Mayor. He is confident that the truth will force the authorities to make the necessary reforms. This metaphor highlights his reliance on the press as a tool for social justice.
In simple words: Dr. Stockmann plans to use the newspaper like a weapon to fight against the corrupt leaders and share the truth with everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the metaphor of 'artillery' to show how the character intends to use the power of the press as a weapon for truth.

Billing, Aslaksen, Hovstad and Dr. Stockmann were discussing about the article. Hovstad was ready to publish the article in the ‘People’s Messenger’ on the next day only. Seeing this Aslaksen agreed with Hovstad to print whatever he wished to print. Dr. Stockmann was of the opinion that it would disrupt on the entire system.

Dr. Stockmann told them that the Mayor and his cronies tried to persuade him by all means but he was determined to publish the article at any cost. Now, Dr. Stockmann considered ‘People’s Messenger’ as his sheet-anchor (additional support) to use it as an artillery to attack on the Mayor with one article after another.

Question (c) You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
Answer: Petra visited Hovstad and she told him that she could not translate the novel he had given her. Hovstad asked the reason why she could not translate that book. She answered that the book was unrealistic and she didn’t find it to be read by the common men. At that time, Petra came to know Hovstad’s original intention not printing her father’s article revealing the truth. She thought him as a loyal person but he turned a traitor. She felt deeply let down by his sudden change of principles. So she said that he ought to be ashamed of himself.
In simple words: Petra was angry at Hovstad because he refused to print her father's truthful article. She felt he was acting like a hypocrite and a traitor to their cause.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining character reactions, focus on the contrast between their expectations and the sudden betrayal they experience.

Question (d) Because your father can’t do without my help.
Answer: Petra did not wish to translate the book as it was unrealistic. When she asked Hovstad about her father’s article, Hovstad told her that he was not going to print the article. She sensed the intention of Hovstad and his behaviour. She did not like his way of looking at the truth. She got upset when Hovstad told her that she was fighting against it as it was only a matter of her father. She became furious as she heard his remarks that her father couldn’t do anything without his help. This arrogant statement exposed Hovstad's true colors and his desire for control. She got to know the attitude of Hovstad to support the Mayor in the issue.
In simple words: Hovstad claimed that Petra's father needed his help to succeed, which insulted Petra. She realized Hovstad was actually siding with the Mayor instead of standing up for the truth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the power dynamics between the characters to show a deeper understanding of the conflict.

Question (e) And it’s by no means the small sacrifice the town will have to make.
Answer: The Mayor tried hard to persuade Aslaksen and Hovstad that they should not publish the article, arguing that it would bring financial ruin to the town's baths. He emphasized that the cost of repairs would fall heavily on the taxpayers, making it a massive burden for everyone. He used the fear of economic loss to control the press and suppress the truth.
In simple words: The Mayor argued that fixing the water system would cost too much money and hurt the town's economy. He wanted them to believe that keeping the secret was better than paying for the expensive repairs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the economic arguments used by the Mayor to show how he manipulates public interest against scientific truth.

support Dr. Stockmann in his attempts to publish the article as it was not in favour of the small tradesmen and the householders. If the Mayor would go for the extensive alteration of the baths, the town would have to sacrifice. It would incur great expenditure on the municipal.

As a result, they would have to put extra burden of taxes over the tradesmen and commoners. In addition, the baths would be shut down for two years. In such condition, the householders would have to suffer a lot. Eventually, the city would have to be ready to make the sacrifice but Aslaksen was in no mood to put the additional burden over the tradesmen and householders.

Glossary

• 1. sledgehammer – mallet or a heavy hammer used for breaking rocks
• 2. chicken-hearted – cowardly or easily frightened
• 3. prudent – wise and sensible, shrewd
• 4. bombard – attack/ assault/ bother
• 5. bigwigs – VIP or important persons
• 6. mince – cut/ chop/ crumble
• 7. salvation – deliverance/ escape/ rescue
• 8. alderman – an elected member of a city council /next in status to the mayor
• 9. compositor – a person who arranges the text and pictures of a newspaper or a book before it is printed
• 10. trembling – shake/shiver/vibrate
• 11. dingy – dull/colourless
• 12. hypocrite – fraud/ deceiver/ pretender
• 13. trivial – unimportant/ little/ worthless
• 14. subscription – membership fee/ donations/ contribution.