영어로 읽는 고전 _ 헨리크 입센의 민중의 적
『민중의 적』은 1882년에 쓰인 희곡으로, 진실과 사회적 압력 사이의 충돌을 다룬다. 토마스 스토크만 박사는 마을에 새로 지은 온천 목욕장에서 위험한 오염을 발견하고, 이 공중보건상의 위협을 세상에 알리기로 결심한다. 그의 결정은 경제적 파탄을 두려워한 지역 유지들 ? 그중에는 친형도 있다 ? 의 거센 반발을 불러온다. 공동체 전체가 등을 돌리는 가운데, 스토크만은 기득권에 맞서고 자신의 원칙을 굽히기를 거부한 대가로 직업적, 개인적 파국을 감당하게 된다.
Classics Read in English _ An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen
Written in 1882, An Enemy of the People asks what a truth is worth when nobody wants to hear it. Dr. Thomas Stockmann has found something in the water: the springs feeding his town's new spa, its pride and its livelihood, are contaminated and will make visitors ill. He reports it expecting gratitude, perhaps even a small parade.
What he gets instead is his own brother, the mayor, explaining patiently that the baths cannot be closed, that the repairs would ruin the town, that a man may be right in private and still be wrong to speak. The newspaper that promised to print him reconsiders. The neighbours who applauded him reconsider. By the final act Stockmann has lost his position, his standing, and nearly his home ? and stands alone, unbroken and not entirely likeable, insisting that the majority is never right simply for being the majority.
Summary
Mrs. Stockmann. You see, if you come an hour late, Mr. Billing, you have to put up with cold meat.
Billing (as he eats). It is uncommonly good, thank you?remarkably good.
Mrs. Stockmann. My husband makes such a point of having his meals punctually, you know.
Billing. That doesn't affect me a bit. Indeed, I almost think I enjoy a meal all the better when I can sit down and eat all by myself, and undisturbed.
Mrs. Stockmann. Oh well, as long as you are enjoying it?. (Turns to the hall door, listening.) I expect that is Mr. Hovstad coming too.
Billing. Very likely.
(PETER STOCKMANN comes in. He wears an overcoat and his official hat, and carries a stick.)
Peter Stockmann. Good evening, Katherine.
Mrs. Stockmann (coming forward into the sitting-room). Ah, good evening?is it you? How good of you to come up and see us!
Peter Stockmann. I happened to be passing, and so?(looks into the dining-room). But you have company with you, I see.
