Master Harold
Master HaroldAct I is largely introductory in nature. The two main characters,
Dr. Stockmann and his brother, Peter the Burgomaster, are
presented on stage and developed. The Burgomaster, a restless
bachelor, obviously resents his brother’s success; he comments that
he would rather dine economically on bread and butter than on
extravagant roast beef. It is further learned that the Burgomaster is
a representative of the Old World order and fears a person who
asserts his individuality. Additionally, he believes it is the duty of
the authorities to watch over the welfare of society. Proud and
power-hungry, Peter Stockmann does not want to give up any of
his authority as Burgomaster.
Dr. Stockman is a real contrast to his brother. Although he has
suffered a hard life like Peter, the doctor refuses to let his past
haunt him. He has become a successful and jovial doctor who likes
to live in style and be surrounded by young, bright people with
liberal views. He particularly enjoys the company of Hovstad, the
editor of a daily newspaper, and Horster, captain of a ship.
Politically, he is conscientious and believes in protecting the
welfare of society, no matter the cost.
The seeds of the conflict are also introduced in this act, as it
becomes apparent that there are problems between the two
Stockmann brothers. First, Dr. Stockmann does not confide in his
brother, a fact that the Burgomaster resents. Secondly, although the
idea of the baths was conceived by Dr. Stockmann, his brother
wants credit for implementing the scheme, for he is Chairman of
the Baths Committee. When the Burgomaster learns that his
brother has written an article about the baths for the newspaper, he
wants to know the contents. When Dr. Stockmann refuses to let
him see the article or even be told what it is about, Peter is quite
irritated. The Burg-master then becomes furious at his brother’s
refusal to consult him on a matter of public importance.
Dr. Stockmann is displeased that his earlier suggestions about the
proper laying of the water pipes leading to the baths were not taken
seriously. Since the pipes were incorrectly constructed, the water
of the baths has become contaminated. Dr. Stockmann had
suspected the contamination after he had seen so many patients
who had fallen ill after using the baths; now the university has
verified his suspicions. Their report confirms the presence of
poisonous matters in the water. Dr. Stockmann almost seems
happy at the news, for he delights in proving his brother wrong. It
is almost with pleasure that he says, “I tell you the whole place is a
poisonous whited-sepulcher, noxious in the highest degree.” This
discovery proves the Burgomaster has been wrong, while the
doctor has been conscientious.
It is important to notice the reactions of Hovstad and Billing to Dr.
Stockmann’s discovery. They are full of praise for him and even
suggest that he is a hero, worthy of a torchlight procession in his
honor. This is a sharp contrast to the doctor’s image at the end of
the play, when he is judged by the majority of citizens to be “an
enemy of the people.” Additionally, his light and happy mood at
the end of...
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