Showing posts with label A LEVEL ENGLISH BOOK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A LEVEL ENGLISH BOOK. Show all posts
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A Man Of The People By Chinua Achebe Novel Anaysis by Teacher Hassan Lemunje
A Man of the People (1966) is a novel by Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe.
Written as a satirical piece, A Man of the People follows a story told by Odili, a young and educated narrator, on his conflict with Chief Nanga, his former teacher who enters a career in politics in an unnamed fictional 20th century African country. Odili represents the changing younger generation; Nanga represents the traditional West African customs, inspired by that of Achebe's native Nigeria. The book ends with a military coup, similar to the real-life coup organized by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Adewale Ademoyega, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Captain Chris Anuforo, Major Donatus Okafor, and Major Humphrey Chukwuka. Plot introduction EditA Man of the People is a first-person account of Odili, a school teacher in a fictional country closely resembling post-colonial Nigeria. Odili receives an invitation from his former teacher, Chief Nanga, who is now the powerful but corrupt Minister of Culture. As Minister, Nanga's job is to protect the traditions of his country especially when he is known as "A Man of the People". Instead, his position is used to increase his personal wealth and power that proves particularly alluring to Odili's girlfriend; she cheats on him with the minister. Seeking revenge, Odili begins to pursue the minister's fiancee.
Odili agrees to lead an opposition party in the face of both bribes and violent threats. Then there is a military coup.[2]
Diction of the novel
This refers to how an author employed the use of language (simple or complex), literary techniques and figure of speech.
In the novel, “A man of the people” an author used simple language in which it is well understood by his audiences. And in the book of “A man of the people” the author employed the use of PidginEnglish in small extent, for example, “…I go go haskam if he want see you. Wetin be your name?...” (Page 31). Also the author in the novel, employed the use of figures of speech and literary techniques as follows;
Symbolism;this refers to the usage of characters representing concept, idea or an object. The author of the novel used persons and objects to symbolize things as follows
(i) Gold and chain to symbolize wealth (page 7).
(ii) Kidney pie, steak and milk grill to symbolize western culture on food (page 46).
(iii) Azoge’sstick to symbolize small remained wealth of an individual (page 85).
(iv) Chief Nanga to symbolize selfish persons and irresponsible ones.
Repetition; this refers to the literary technique of repeating the same word frequently for more emphasis, for example, “…sir, sir, sir…” (Page 9),“…hear! Hear!..” (Page 10), also “…no, no, no, I said…”(Page 93).
Hyperbole; this refers to a figure of speech in which something is described as better than it really is. For example, chief Nanga says“… it is a mammoth crowd…” (Page 10), but in fact, people were not many as mammoth crowd.
Saying; this refers to a phrase expressing a basic truth which may be applied to common situation. The author of the novel employed the use of saying frequently in his work, for example, Chief Nanga says “…do the right and shame the devil…”(Page 11), “…better the water is spilled than the pot is broken..”(Page 28).
Simile; this refers to a figure of speech in which two things are compared using “like” or “as”.The author used simile like, “…he looked as bright as new shilling…” (page 38), “…blows were falling as fast as rain…”(page 140), “…her back was as perfect as her front…”(page 92), “…a sadness deep and cool like a well…”(page 140).
Metaphor; this refers to a figure of speech implies comparison of two unlike entities without using of “as” or “like”. The author used metaphor like when Chief Nanga says “…he has become an earthworm…”(page 42).
Ellipses; this refers to the omission of grammatical words in a sentence or phrase, for instance the author used ellipses like “…you didn’t tell me,Mr.…er…” (Page 62), “…a brilliant song called…erm…what is it called again?...”(page 63).
Personification; thisrefers to a figure of speech in which inanimate object is given human qualities. In the novel, the author employed the use of this like, “…if alligator comes out of the water one morning and tells you that, crocodile is sick …” (page 120), butin fact an alligator cannot speak a word, and“…what one dog says to another…”(Page 125).
Imagery; this is visible representation of an idea, concept, object or realities. In the novel, imagery was employed like “…he has now an ice cream eating permanent secretary…” (Page 109), an ice cream is an imagery representing the national wealth.
Rhetorical questions; these are questions in which an asker do not expect an answer. For example,”…why should you? Do I know book? Am I not ofthe Old Testament?...” (page 118)
Vulgarism;this refers to the use of the word or termthat is considered offensive or distasteful, this was shown by an author as jean says “…sex means much more to a woman than to a man, it takes place inside her. The man uses a mere projection of himself…”
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INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE ITS THEORY AND GENRES OF LITERATURE ( Hassan Lemunje )
INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
The term literature has many definitions depending on the intention of the
person defining it. Literature can be defined as a work of art which uses
words or language creatively to express and reflect human realities.
Literature can be defined as a mirror to social reality.
ORIGIN OF LITERATURE
Literature cannot be isolated with the origin of man through labour process
associated with the making and using tools.
Human beings had to use language to communicate different issues related
to labour differentiation. Primarily, literature was in oral forms such as songs
(labour songs) myths, fork tales aimed at warning, encouraging hardworking,
criticising evil, and maintaining social value or ethics.
Relationship between language and literature:
Literature and language are indistinguishable /inseparable because:
Literature is created through language. It is called so when language is
used creatively to reflect human realities. Language is the medium or tool of
communication in literature, no language, no literature .It can also be argued
that language develops through the four language skills which are listening,
speaking, writing and reading.
Therefore, literature as a work of art is different from other works of art
such as pottery, sculpture, painting, carving, weaving, because it uses
language creatively to describe or express human experiences and realities.
Generally, there are two types /genres of literature, namely:
1. Oral/old literature
2. Written/ modern literature
Oral/Old Literature
This is the type of literature which is presented through word of mouth from
one generation to another. It is a primary source of literature because it
started before written literature. It was practiced through verbal expressions
from one generation to another. Oral literature originated with human being
as human started to use it in a form of verbal songs, myths, folk tales, epics,
etc. Therefore, oral literature is a foundation of literature even which we use
today i.e. Written literature.
Written /modern literature
This is the type/genre of literature which is expressed in a form of writings. It
started with the invention of writings. It is also called a Secondary source of
literature because it started after oral literature and is a property of literate
and semi-literates.
Written literature has three genres, these are:
1. Novels and short stories
2. Poetry
3. Drama/play
Novel
This is a long narrative prose in which characters and actions represents real
life and are portrayed in a complex plot. Examples of novel books are such as
―Passed Like a Shadow‖ written by B. Mapalala, ―Spared‖ written by S.N
Ndunguru, Weep Not Child written by Ngugi Wa Thiong‘o, ―House boy‖
written by Ferdinand Oyono, ―A Wreath for Father Mayer‖ written by S.N.
Ndunguru.
Short Stories
This is a fiction prose narrative which is shorter than a normal novel and
restricted in characterization and situation. It normally deals with a single
major event. Examples of short stories are from the book titled ―Encounters
from Africa‖ by Macmillan Ltd. The book contains two stories, which are; ‗The
Voter‟ and „The Smile of Fortune‟.
Drama/Plays
Drama is a literary work written to be performed /acted by actors on a stage
before an audience. The word ―drama‖ means ‗to do‘ or ‗to act‘. It is a story
which involves characters who acts before the audience which gets the
message intended by the playwright. In order to be complete and effective
drama needs actors or players, audience, language (diction), plot, setting,
scenes, actions, etc.
Normally, plays belong to a different genre because they are border than
other genre due to the economical use of words by the playwright. Examples
of play;‗ This Time Tomorrow‘ written by Ngugi wa Thiong‘o ‗An Enemy of the
People written by Henrik Ibsen ―The Black Hermit,‖ Kivuli Kinaishi and ‗The
Lion and The Jewel‘ by Wole Soyinka
Elements of Literature
Literature has two important elements which includes form and content.
FORM: This refers to how a work or art is structured (how something is
arranged or said). Form includes PLOT, STYLE/TECHNIQUES, SETTING,
CHARACTERISATION, and LANGUAGE USE (DICTION)
Plot: This refers to how events are arranged in a novel /play. It shows
how events are arranged in an artistic way through conflict which can be
moral or personal or physical conflict.
Style/ technique: This refers to the way the work of art is
made/composed. Style can be narrative where by an author accounts a story.
It can also be part of the oral tradition which story is told in traditional styles
such as a long a time ago……….., for many years ago……….. Style can also
be straight forward where by events are narrated from what happened or
takes place at the beginning to an end of the novel. We also have flashback
techniques whereby an author may narrate events by moving back then
forward through time. . Example of a book in which the author employed a
flashback technique is ‗Betrayal in the City ‗by Frances Imbuga. Under
technique style we also have a point of view, this refer to how events are
observed. Depending on who sees the action and who tells the story. A story
can be told from an omniscient point of view whereby the narrator is not
known and has access to characters' thoughts feelings and all events. Third
person point of view is used when the author describes his/her characters
depending on what he sees, hears or thinks and the first person point of view
uses 'I" and the author describes only what can be seen, heard or thought by
a single character.
SETTING: This refers to environment or the immediate world in which
the events in a story takes place. It includes time, culture and place. Setting it can be really or imaginary setting .
For example setting of this play ‗‘ This Time Tomorrow‘‘ is Kenya after
independence and the setting of a book 'Betrayal in the City' is the Kafira
state in Africa hence imagery since we have no such state in Africa.
Characterization: Is the description of characters in a story.
Characterization refers to the creation of an imaginary person to exist as a
lifelike human for the readers. A good writer always strives to create
believable characters. We know a character by examining what she/he
thinks, says/does and what other character say about him or her life in
general. Character can be main/major /central character; that appears mostly
in every page of the book or narrative and plays a big role to the portrayal of
the intended message by the author. Character can also be minor. These
appear few times or very scarcely in a work of art. They assist the main
character in accomplishing some message to the reader(s).
Language, diction: Refers to the choice and arrangement of words in
a literary work .We examine whether the language used is simple , complex,
mixed, grammatical, or ungrammatical , normal ,or figurative language.
A figure of speech is a word or phrase that has a meaning other than the
literal meaning.
A figure of speech is a rhetorical device that achieves a special effect by
using words in a distinctive way. Figures can help our readers understand
and stay interested in what we have to say.
There are many different types of figures of speech in the English language.
These are some of the most commonly used.
Personification
Personification is a figure of speech in which a thing – an idea or an animal –
is given human attributes. The non-human objects are portrayed in such a
way that we feel they have the ability to act like human beings. For example,
when we say, ―The sky weeps,‖ we are giving the sky the ability to cry, which
is a human quality. Thus, we can say that the sky has been personified in the
given sentence.
Common Examples
The wind whispered through dry grass.
The flowers danced in the gentle breeze.
The fire swallowed the entire forest.
The shadow of the moon danced on the lake.
The flowers were blooming, and the bees kissed them every now and
then.
The skyscraper was so tall that it seemed to kiss the sky.
The ship danced over the undulating waves of the ocean.
When he sat the test, the words and the ideas fled from his mind.
Alliteration
Alliteration is derived from Latin‘s ―Latira‖. It means ―letters of alphabet‖. It is a
stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant
sound, occur close together in a series.
Consider the following examples:
But a better butter makes a batter better.
A big bully beats a baby boy.
Both sentences are alliterative because the same first letter of words (B)
occurs close together and produces alliteration in the sentence.
An important point to remember here is that alliteration does not depend
on letters but on sounds. So the phrase not knotty is alliterative, but cigarette
chase is not.
―The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew,
The furrow followed free;
We were the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea.‖
In the above lines we see alliteration (―b‖, ―f‖ and ―s‖) in the phrases ―breeze
blew‖, ―foam flew‖, ―furrow followed‖, and ―silent sea‖.
Archaism
Archaism is the derivative of a Greek word, archaïkós, which means
beginning or ancient. It is a figure of speech in which a used phrase or word
is considered very old fashioned and outdated.. It is the use of older versions
of language and art. Such as in these lines, ―To thine own self be true‖
(Hamlet by William Shakespeare). Sentences that may be considered as
examples of archaism will most probably contain the words ―thine‖ and ―thou‖.
Evolution of Archaism
The English language which Shakespeare has written and spoken is very
different from the English which is used today. The use of archaic language
were found in the literary works of ancient medieval ages, as well as in the
Victorian, Edwardian, 19th and 20th centuries.
Examples of Archaism from Literature
Archaism examples are found in the masterpieces of Shakespeare, S.T.
Coleridge, Hemingway, and Keats.
It is an ancient Mariner,
And he stoppeth one of three.
‗By thy long grey beard and glittering eye,
Now wherefore stopp‘st thou me?
He holds him with his skinny hand,
‗There was a ship,‘ quoth he.
‗Hold off! unhand me, grey-beard loon!‘
Eftsoons his hand dropthe
‗I fear thy skinny hand!….
I fear thee and thy glittering eye,
And thy skinny hand, so brown.‘—
Fear not, fear not, thou Wedding-Guest!
This body dropt not down…
Assonance
Assonance takes place when two or more words, close to one another repeat
the same vowel sound, but start with different consonant sounds.
For instance, in the following sentence:
―Men sell the wedding bells.‖
The same vowel sound of the short vowel ―-e-‖ repeats itself in almost all the
words, excluding the definite article.
Common Assonance Examples
We light fire on the mountain.
I feel depressed and wrestle
Go and mow the lawn.
Johnny went here and there and everywhere
The engineer held the steering to steer the vehicle.
Consonance
Consonance refers to repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a
sentence or phrase.
For instance, the words chuckle, fickle, and kick are consonant with the
same consonant „ck „
Hyperbole
Hyperbole, derived from a Greek word meaning ―over-casting,‖ is a figure of
speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.
Therefore, a hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the real
situation.
Common Examples of Hyperbole
My grandmother is as old as the hills.
She is as heavy as an elephant!
I am trying to solve a million issues these days.
I will love you dear until China and Africa meet.
The blacksmith‘s hand was harder than the rock.
His classmates laughed at him, saying he had a pea-sized brain.
Metaphor
Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes comparison between two things
that are unrelated, but which share some common characteristics without
using conjunctions e.g. like, as etc
Examples of Metaphors
My brother was boiling mad. (This implies he was too angry.)
The assignment was a breeze. (This implies that the assignment
was not difficult.)
Her voice is music to his ears. (This implies that her voice makes
him feel happy)
Maria is an angel of Mwanza.
Melina‘s face is a map of Africa.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that makes comparison between two things that
are unrelated, but which share some common characteristics by using
conjunctions e.g. like, as etc
Common Examples of Simile
Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
He is as funny as a monkey.
The water well was as dry as a bone.
At exam time, the high school student was as busy as a bee.
The beggar on the road looked as blind as a bat.
The diplomat said the friendship of the two countries was as deep as
an ocean.
The audience listened to his spellbinding speech as quietly as mice.
The history paper was as tricky as a labyrinth.
The boys in the playing field were feeling as happy as dogs with two
tails.
Euphemism
The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions which replace
words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or which suggest
something unpleasant.
For example, ―kick the bucket‖ is a euphemism that describes the death of a
person.
Examples in Everyday Life
You are becoming a little thin on top (bald).
Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant).
He is always economical in truth (liar).
We do not hire mentally challenged (stupid) people.
He is a special child (disabled or retarded).
Sarcasm
Sarcasm is derived from French word sarcasmor and also from a Greek
word sarkazein that means ―tear flesh‖ or ―grind the teeth‖. Somehow, in
simple words it means to speak bitterly.
Sarcasm is a literary and rhetorical device that is meant to mock with often
satirical or ironic remarks with a purpose to amuse and hurt someone. It gives
the meaning which is different from what the speaker intends to say.
For instance:
―I didn‘t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of
it.‖ (Mark Twain)
―Friends, countrymen, lend me your ears.‖
(Julius Caesar by Shakespeare)
Satire
Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness
and corruption of an individual or a society by
using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve their
characters by overcoming their weaknesses.
Examples of Satire in Everyday Life
Most political cartoons which we witness every day in newspapers and
magazines are examples of satire. These cartoons criticize some recent
actions of political figures in a comical way.
Some shows on television are satire examples like The Daily Show, The
Colbert Report, and The Larry Sanders Show. These shows claim to target
what they think are stupid political and social viewpoints.
Let us see a sample of Stephen Colbert‘s social satire:
―If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn‘t help the poor, either we
have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we‘ve got to
acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy
without condition and then admit that we just don‘t want to do it.‖
Irony
Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their
intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words.. In
simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality.
Types of Irony
On the grounds of the above definition, we distinguish two basic types of
irony: (1) verbal irony, and (2) situational irony.
Verbal irony involves what one does not mean. For example, when in
response to a foolish idea, we say, ―What a great idea!‖ This is verbal irony.
Situational irony occurs when, for instance, a man is chuckling at the
misfortune of another, even when the same misfortune is, unbeknownst to
him, befalling him.
Common Examples of Irony
Let us analyze some interesting examples of irony from our daily life:
You laugh at a person who slipped stepping on a banana peel, and the
next thing you know, you‘ve slipped too.
―Oh great! Now you have broken my new camera.‖
Short Examples of Verbal Irony
The doctor is as kind hearted as a wolf.
His friend‘s hand was as soft as a rock.
The student was given ‗excellent‘ on getting zero in the exam.
He enjoyed his job about as much as a root canal.
A vehicle was parked right in front of the no-parking sign.
The CEO of a big tobacco company said he did not smoke.
Synecdoche
Synecdoche is when a part represents the whole or the whole is represented
by a part. Examples are:
Wheels - a car
The police - one policeman
Coke - any cola drink
Army - a soldier
Content: Refers to the main subject of a literary work presented in a written
or spoken form. It also refers to what is being conveyed in a speech, an
article or a certain program. Content includes the following elements:
Themes, message, conflicts, climax, crisis and philosophy.
Theme: This refers to the major idea or subject contained in a work of
art. It is represented through persons, actions, or concepts in a literary work.
It may also refer to the major topic obscured and reflected or describe in the
book. In Africa literature the main themes are such as corruption, position and
role of women, irresponsibility, betrayal and African traditional, belief, poverty.
Other minor themes can be alienation, protest, oppression, and humiliation,
sacrifice, class struggle.
Message: This refers to the lesson we get after reading a work of art. .
Example; is the play ‗This Time Tomorrow‘ we learn that, unity and solidarity
is important for the liberation of the oppressed and humiliated society.
Conflict: This refers to the clash or opposition between one idea,
thought or feeling and another, one person and another or conflict within an
individual person. Conflict can be because of economic conflict, social
conflict, political, personal or philosophical conflict between one idea and
feelings and another.
Climax: This is a stage in which conflict reaches the higher point where
resolution is inevitable or necessary.
Crisis: This is a point where conflict rises and causes some problems
to the person or people involved and therefore, resolution is necessary. There
may be different crisis each proceed the climax.
Philosophy: Refers to the belief or outlook of the author which he/she
expresses in the book/story.
General Themes of Literature
Literature is not written in a vacuum, it emanates from a society to reflect its
social, political, economic, as well as cultural aspects. Therefore, literature
has a direct connection to human life and thus, it cannot be separated from
human beings. The following are some of the important roles and functions of
literature:
Literature criticizes societies. Authors of a literary work criticize society
by revealing corruption, oppression, and humiliation, and inequality.
Literature expresses people‘s culture. This includes norms, values,
traditional, and, practices so that people can follow them. It can also makes
people abandon some bad cultural practiced such as female genital
mutilation (FGM) for positive changes.
Literature educates people: it educates people about day to day
happenings or events in their society. It widens their mind and thinking
capacity.
Literature entertains people; people enjoy by watching and reading
different works which appeal to their state of mind.
Literature is a tool of liberation. It makes people know the presence of
exploitation, irresponsibility, it direct people to struggle for mental and
physical liberation against these problems.
Literature develops language because language is a tool or medium of
communication in literature.
POETRY: is a genre of literature which expresses the feelings, ideas, and
emotions of the reader(s) or hearer(s). The language used in poetry is
characterized by imagery and rhythmical sounds.
Terms related to poetry
Poem: This is a piece of writing in a verse form which expresses the
deep feelings using artistic language.
Persona: This refers to a character in a poem.
Poet/poetess: This refers to a man or woman who composes an oral
or written poem.
Verse: This is a simple line in a poem.
Stanza: Is a combination or collection of verses to make a complete
idea of a poem.
How poetry differs from other genres of literature?
The genre of poetry differs from other genres of literature like prose in the
following aspects:
1. Poetry uses much imagery which appeals to the sense of touch,
hearing, small and taste in a more concentrated way than prose.
2. Poetry is arranged in verse which forms stanzas to make a poem
as whole while prose is written in sentences and paragraphs.
3. Poetry employs the use of much musical features such as rhyme
and rhythm unlike to novels and Short stories which words are intended
to be read silently not loud or sung or recited.
4. Poetry employs language economy. Few words convey such
information. This is because even single word in poetry may hear a
number of messages.
5. Poetry uses many figures of speech such as simile metaphor
personification etc. than other Prose.
6. The character in a poem is called persona but in novel and play a
character does not possess a name.
Written by Seleman M. Kajana
CONTACT 0766495166
O654006809
Email:seremankajana@gmail.com
CLICK HERE TO GET ANALYSIS OF LITERARY WORKS
INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
The term literature has many definitions depending on the intention of the
person defining it. Literature can be defined as a work of art which uses
words or language creatively to express and reflect human realities.
Literature can be defined as a mirror to social reality.
ORIGIN OF LITERATURE
Literature cannot be isolated with the origin of man through labour process
associated with the making and using tools.
Human beings had to use language to communicate different issues related
to labour differentiation. Primarily, literature was in oral forms such as songs
(labour songs) myths, fork tales aimed at warning, encouraging hardworking,
criticising evil, and maintaining social value or ethics.
Relationship between language and literature:
Literature and language are indistinguishable /inseparable because:
Literature is created through language. It is called so when language is
used creatively to reflect human realities. Language is the medium or tool of
communication in literature, no language, no literature .It can also be argued
that language develops through the four language skills which are listening,
speaking, writing and reading.
Therefore, literature as a work of art is different from other works of art
such as pottery, sculpture, painting, carving, weaving, because it uses
language creatively to describe or express human experiences and realities.
Generally, there are two types /genres of literature, namely:
1. Oral/old literature
2. Written/ modern literature
Oral/Old Literature
This is the type of literature which is presented through word of mouth from
one generation to another. It is a primary source of literature because it
started before written literature. It was practiced through verbal expressions
from one generation to another. Oral literature originated with human being
as human started to use it in a form of verbal songs, myths, folk tales, epics,
etc. Therefore, oral literature is a foundation of literature even which we use
today i.e. Written literature.
Written /modern literature
This is the type/genre of literature which is expressed in a form of writings. It
started with the invention of writings. It is also called a Secondary source of
literature because it started after oral literature and is a property of literate
and semi-literates.
Written literature has three genres, these are:
1. Novels and short stories
2. Poetry
3. Drama/play
Novel
This is a long narrative prose in which characters and actions represents real
life and are portrayed in a complex plot. Examples of novel books are such as
―Passed Like a Shadow‖ written by B. Mapalala, ―Spared‖ written by S.N
Ndunguru, Weep Not Child written by Ngugi Wa Thiong‘o, ―House boy‖
written by Ferdinand Oyono, ―A Wreath for Father Mayer‖ written by S.N.
Ndunguru.
Short Stories
This is a fiction prose narrative which is shorter than a normal novel and
restricted in characterization and situation. It normally deals with a single
major event. Examples of short stories are from the book titled ―Encounters
from Africa‖ by Macmillan Ltd. The book contains two stories, which are; ‗The
Voter‟ and „The Smile of Fortune‟.
Drama/Plays
Drama is a literary work written to be performed /acted by actors on a stage
before an audience. The word ―drama‖ means ‗to do‘ or ‗to act‘. It is a story
which involves characters who acts before the audience which gets the
message intended by the playwright. In order to be complete and effective
drama needs actors or players, audience, language (diction), plot, setting,
scenes, actions, etc.
Normally, plays belong to a different genre because they are border than
other genre due to the economical use of words by the playwright. Examples
of play;‗ This Time Tomorrow‘ written by Ngugi wa Thiong‘o ‗An Enemy of the
People written by Henrik Ibsen ―The Black Hermit,‖ Kivuli Kinaishi and ‗The
Lion and The Jewel‘ by Wole Soyinka
Elements of Literature
Literature has two important elements which includes form and content.
FORM: This refers to how a work or art is structured (how something is
arranged or said). Form includes PLOT, STYLE/TECHNIQUES, SETTING,
CHARACTERISATION, and LANGUAGE USE (DICTION)
Plot: This refers to how events are arranged in a novel /play. It shows
how events are arranged in an artistic way through conflict which can be
moral or personal or physical conflict.
Style/ technique: This refers to the way the work of art is
made/composed. Style can be narrative where by an author accounts a story.
It can also be part of the oral tradition which story is told in traditional styles
such as a long a time ago……….., for many years ago……….. Style can also
be straight forward where by events are narrated from what happened or
takes place at the beginning to an end of the novel. We also have flashback
techniques whereby an author may narrate events by moving back then
forward through time. . Example of a book in which the author employed a
flashback technique is ‗Betrayal in the City ‗by Frances Imbuga. Under
technique style we also have a point of view, this refer to how events are
observed. Depending on who sees the action and who tells the story. A story
can be told from an omniscient point of view whereby the narrator is not
known and has access to characters' thoughts feelings and all events. Third
person point of view is used when the author describes his/her characters
depending on what he sees, hears or thinks and the first person point of view
uses 'I" and the author describes only what can be seen, heard or thought by
a single character.
SETTING: This refers to environment or the immediate world in which
the events in a story takes place. It includes time, culture and place. Setting it can be really or imaginary setting .
For example setting of this play ‗‘ This Time Tomorrow‘‘ is Kenya after
independence and the setting of a book 'Betrayal in the City' is the Kafira
state in Africa hence imagery since we have no such state in Africa.
Characterization: Is the description of characters in a story.
Characterization refers to the creation of an imaginary person to exist as a
lifelike human for the readers. A good writer always strives to create
believable characters. We know a character by examining what she/he
thinks, says/does and what other character say about him or her life in
general. Character can be main/major /central character; that appears mostly
in every page of the book or narrative and plays a big role to the portrayal of
the intended message by the author. Character can also be minor. These
appear few times or very scarcely in a work of art. They assist the main
character in accomplishing some message to the reader(s).
Language, diction: Refers to the choice and arrangement of words in
a literary work .We examine whether the language used is simple , complex,
mixed, grammatical, or ungrammatical , normal ,or figurative language.
A figure of speech is a word or phrase that has a meaning other than the
literal meaning.
A figure of speech is a rhetorical device that achieves a special effect by
using words in a distinctive way. Figures can help our readers understand
and stay interested in what we have to say.
There are many different types of figures of speech in the English language.
These are some of the most commonly used.
Personification
Personification is a figure of speech in which a thing – an idea or an animal –
is given human attributes. The non-human objects are portrayed in such a
way that we feel they have the ability to act like human beings. For example,
when we say, ―The sky weeps,‖ we are giving the sky the ability to cry, which
is a human quality. Thus, we can say that the sky has been personified in the
given sentence.
Common Examples
The wind whispered through dry grass.
The flowers danced in the gentle breeze.
The fire swallowed the entire forest.
The shadow of the moon danced on the lake.
The flowers were blooming, and the bees kissed them every now and
then.
The skyscraper was so tall that it seemed to kiss the sky.
The ship danced over the undulating waves of the ocean.
When he sat the test, the words and the ideas fled from his mind.
Alliteration
Alliteration is derived from Latin‘s ―Latira‖. It means ―letters of alphabet‖. It is a
stylistic device in which a number of words, having the same first consonant
sound, occur close together in a series.
Consider the following examples:
But a better butter makes a batter better.
A big bully beats a baby boy.
Both sentences are alliterative because the same first letter of words (B)
occurs close together and produces alliteration in the sentence.
An important point to remember here is that alliteration does not depend
on letters but on sounds. So the phrase not knotty is alliterative, but cigarette
chase is not.
―The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew,
The furrow followed free;
We were the first that ever burst
Into that silent sea.‖
In the above lines we see alliteration (―b‖, ―f‖ and ―s‖) in the phrases ―breeze
blew‖, ―foam flew‖, ―furrow followed‖, and ―silent sea‖.
Archaism
Archaism is the derivative of a Greek word, archaïkós, which means
beginning or ancient. It is a figure of speech in which a used phrase or word
is considered very old fashioned and outdated.. It is the use of older versions
of language and art. Such as in these lines, ―To thine own self be true‖
(Hamlet by William Shakespeare). Sentences that may be considered as
examples of archaism will most probably contain the words ―thine‖ and ―thou‖.
Evolution of Archaism
The English language which Shakespeare has written and spoken is very
different from the English which is used today. The use of archaic language
were found in the literary works of ancient medieval ages, as well as in the
Victorian, Edwardian, 19th and 20th centuries.
Examples of Archaism from Literature
Archaism examples are found in the masterpieces of Shakespeare, S.T.
Coleridge, Hemingway, and Keats.
It is an ancient Mariner,
And he stoppeth one of three.
‗By thy long grey beard and glittering eye,
Now wherefore stopp‘st thou me?
He holds him with his skinny hand,
‗There was a ship,‘ quoth he.
‗Hold off! unhand me, grey-beard loon!‘
Eftsoons his hand dropthe
‗I fear thy skinny hand!….
I fear thee and thy glittering eye,
And thy skinny hand, so brown.‘—
Fear not, fear not, thou Wedding-Guest!
This body dropt not down…
Assonance
Assonance takes place when two or more words, close to one another repeat
the same vowel sound, but start with different consonant sounds.
For instance, in the following sentence:
―Men sell the wedding bells.‖
The same vowel sound of the short vowel ―-e-‖ repeats itself in almost all the
words, excluding the definite article.
Common Assonance Examples
We light fire on the mountain.
I feel depressed and wrestle
Go and mow the lawn.
Johnny went here and there and everywhere
The engineer held the steering to steer the vehicle.
Consonance
Consonance refers to repetitive sounds produced by consonants within a
sentence or phrase.
For instance, the words chuckle, fickle, and kick are consonant with the
same consonant „ck „
Hyperbole
Hyperbole, derived from a Greek word meaning ―over-casting,‖ is a figure of
speech that involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.
Therefore, a hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the real
situation.
Common Examples of Hyperbole
My grandmother is as old as the hills.
She is as heavy as an elephant!
I am trying to solve a million issues these days.
I will love you dear until China and Africa meet.
The blacksmith‘s hand was harder than the rock.
His classmates laughed at him, saying he had a pea-sized brain.
Metaphor
Metaphor is a figure of speech that makes comparison between two things
that are unrelated, but which share some common characteristics without
using conjunctions e.g. like, as etc
Examples of Metaphors
My brother was boiling mad. (This implies he was too angry.)
The assignment was a breeze. (This implies that the assignment
was not difficult.)
Her voice is music to his ears. (This implies that her voice makes
him feel happy)
Maria is an angel of Mwanza.
Melina‘s face is a map of Africa.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that makes comparison between two things that
are unrelated, but which share some common characteristics by using
conjunctions e.g. like, as etc
Common Examples of Simile
Our soldiers are as brave as lions.
He is as funny as a monkey.
The water well was as dry as a bone.
At exam time, the high school student was as busy as a bee.
The beggar on the road looked as blind as a bat.
The diplomat said the friendship of the two countries was as deep as
an ocean.
The audience listened to his spellbinding speech as quietly as mice.
The history paper was as tricky as a labyrinth.
The boys in the playing field were feeling as happy as dogs with two
tails.
Euphemism
The term euphemism refers to polite, indirect expressions which replace
words and phrases considered harsh and impolite or which suggest
something unpleasant.
For example, ―kick the bucket‖ is a euphemism that describes the death of a
person.
Examples in Everyday Life
You are becoming a little thin on top (bald).
Our teacher is in the family way (pregnant).
He is always economical in truth (liar).
We do not hire mentally challenged (stupid) people.
He is a special child (disabled or retarded).
Sarcasm
Sarcasm is derived from French word sarcasmor and also from a Greek
word sarkazein that means ―tear flesh‖ or ―grind the teeth‖. Somehow, in
simple words it means to speak bitterly.
Sarcasm is a literary and rhetorical device that is meant to mock with often
satirical or ironic remarks with a purpose to amuse and hurt someone. It gives
the meaning which is different from what the speaker intends to say.
For instance:
―I didn‘t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of
it.‖ (Mark Twain)
―Friends, countrymen, lend me your ears.‖
(Julius Caesar by Shakespeare)
Satire
Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness
and corruption of an individual or a society by
using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve their
characters by overcoming their weaknesses.
Examples of Satire in Everyday Life
Most political cartoons which we witness every day in newspapers and
magazines are examples of satire. These cartoons criticize some recent
actions of political figures in a comical way.
Some shows on television are satire examples like The Daily Show, The
Colbert Report, and The Larry Sanders Show. These shows claim to target
what they think are stupid political and social viewpoints.
Let us see a sample of Stephen Colbert‘s social satire:
―If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn‘t help the poor, either we
have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we‘ve got to
acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy
without condition and then admit that we just don‘t want to do it.‖
Irony
Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their
intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words.. In
simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality.
Types of Irony
On the grounds of the above definition, we distinguish two basic types of
irony: (1) verbal irony, and (2) situational irony.
Verbal irony involves what one does not mean. For example, when in
response to a foolish idea, we say, ―What a great idea!‖ This is verbal irony.
Situational irony occurs when, for instance, a man is chuckling at the
misfortune of another, even when the same misfortune is, unbeknownst to
him, befalling him.
Common Examples of Irony
Let us analyze some interesting examples of irony from our daily life:
You laugh at a person who slipped stepping on a banana peel, and the
next thing you know, you‘ve slipped too.
―Oh great! Now you have broken my new camera.‖
Short Examples of Verbal Irony
The doctor is as kind hearted as a wolf.
His friend‘s hand was as soft as a rock.
The student was given ‗excellent‘ on getting zero in the exam.
He enjoyed his job about as much as a root canal.
A vehicle was parked right in front of the no-parking sign.
The CEO of a big tobacco company said he did not smoke.
Synecdoche
Synecdoche is when a part represents the whole or the whole is represented
by a part. Examples are:
Wheels - a car
The police - one policeman
Coke - any cola drink
Army - a soldier
Content: Refers to the main subject of a literary work presented in a written
or spoken form. It also refers to what is being conveyed in a speech, an
article or a certain program. Content includes the following elements:
Themes, message, conflicts, climax, crisis and philosophy.
Theme: This refers to the major idea or subject contained in a work of
art. It is represented through persons, actions, or concepts in a literary work.
It may also refer to the major topic obscured and reflected or describe in the
book. In Africa literature the main themes are such as corruption, position and
role of women, irresponsibility, betrayal and African traditional, belief, poverty.
Other minor themes can be alienation, protest, oppression, and humiliation,
sacrifice, class struggle.
Message: This refers to the lesson we get after reading a work of art. .
Example; is the play ‗This Time Tomorrow‘ we learn that, unity and solidarity
is important for the liberation of the oppressed and humiliated society.
Conflict: This refers to the clash or opposition between one idea,
thought or feeling and another, one person and another or conflict within an
individual person. Conflict can be because of economic conflict, social
conflict, political, personal or philosophical conflict between one idea and
feelings and another.
Climax: This is a stage in which conflict reaches the higher point where
resolution is inevitable or necessary.
Crisis: This is a point where conflict rises and causes some problems
to the person or people involved and therefore, resolution is necessary. There
may be different crisis each proceed the climax.
Philosophy: Refers to the belief or outlook of the author which he/she
expresses in the book/story.
General Themes of Literature
Literature is not written in a vacuum, it emanates from a society to reflect its
social, political, economic, as well as cultural aspects. Therefore, literature
has a direct connection to human life and thus, it cannot be separated from
human beings. The following are some of the important roles and functions of
literature:
Literature criticizes societies. Authors of a literary work criticize society
by revealing corruption, oppression, and humiliation, and inequality.
Literature expresses people‘s culture. This includes norms, values,
traditional, and, practices so that people can follow them. It can also makes
people abandon some bad cultural practiced such as female genital
mutilation (FGM) for positive changes.
Literature educates people: it educates people about day to day
happenings or events in their society. It widens their mind and thinking
capacity.
Literature entertains people; people enjoy by watching and reading
different works which appeal to their state of mind.
Literature is a tool of liberation. It makes people know the presence of
exploitation, irresponsibility, it direct people to struggle for mental and
physical liberation against these problems.
Literature develops language because language is a tool or medium of
communication in literature.
POETRY: is a genre of literature which expresses the feelings, ideas, and
emotions of the reader(s) or hearer(s). The language used in poetry is
characterized by imagery and rhythmical sounds.
Terms related to poetry
Poem: This is a piece of writing in a verse form which expresses the
deep feelings using artistic language.
Persona: This refers to a character in a poem.
Poet/poetess: This refers to a man or woman who composes an oral
or written poem.
Verse: This is a simple line in a poem.
Stanza: Is a combination or collection of verses to make a complete
idea of a poem.
How poetry differs from other genres of literature?
The genre of poetry differs from other genres of literature like prose in the
following aspects:
1. Poetry uses much imagery which appeals to the sense of touch,
hearing, small and taste in a more concentrated way than prose.
2. Poetry is arranged in verse which forms stanzas to make a poem
as whole while prose is written in sentences and paragraphs.
3. Poetry employs the use of much musical features such as rhyme
and rhythm unlike to novels and Short stories which words are intended
to be read silently not loud or sung or recited.
4. Poetry employs language economy. Few words convey such
information. This is because even single word in poetry may hear a
number of messages.
5. Poetry uses many figures of speech such as simile metaphor
personification etc. than other Prose.
6. The character in a poem is called persona but in novel and play a
character does not possess a name.
Written by Seleman M. Kajana
CONTACT 0766495166
O654006809
Email:seremankajana@gmail.com
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Betrayal In The City Analysis Play By Fransis Imbuga
Title: BETRAYAL IN THE CITY
Setting: KAFIRA
Playwright: FRANCIS IMBUGA
BOOK OVERVIEW
Scene 1
It is set at Adika's grave. the grave appears to have been burnt and there is a bowl of coins on it. Nina and Doga, Adika's parents are approaching the grave in the morning to prepare for the shaving ceremony.
The burning of the grave confirms that the person who killed Adika lives among them. It's revealed that Adika was shot by a police officer during a university demonstration. Chagaga, the sub-chief's brother was implicated in the murder.
Jusper comes back. Since his brother's death, he has been behaving strangely. This has made his parents suspect that he is mad. He is coming from the river where he has thrown Chagaga's body whom he had caught burning Adika's grave to prevent Adika's ghost from haunting him -as the community believes. He asks his parents whether he should go and confess the murder. Thinking that he is raving, they tell him to put on a clean shirt and go confess.
Two soldiers, Jere and Mulili, arrive to ensure that no ceremony is held in memory of Adika. They inform Nina and Doga that Jusper is currently in custody. After confessing to have murdered Chagaga an angry mob almost lynched him. He was saved by the police and locked up.
Mulili and Jere argue over whether to allow the ceremony to go on. Jere being from that village understands the importance of a shaving ceremony as a traditional ritual and therefore he wants to let the old couple proceed with it. Mulili differs with him because he has been promised a large chunk of land by Boss in return for his loyalty. They fight. Jere shoots at Mulili.
Scene II
The scene is set in a prison cell. Jere is a prisoner; apparently he was arrested after his fight with Mulili. The other prisoner is Mosese; a university lecturer arrested after Adika's funeral. Like Jere, Mosese is a political prisoner persecuted for criticising the government.
The scene reveals how Mosese ended up in prison: a man called Nicodemus/Nicodemo planted opium in his vehicle for Mosese to be arrested and falsely accused of possessing illegal drugs.
Following the incident Mosese dropped his Christian name Nicodemus to be called Mosese wa Tonga. Mosese reveals to Jere the government's plan to have prisoners act a play to entertain a visiting head of state. Jere narrates how he was arrested after being deployed in his own village to "restore order".
Askari brings Mosese a cup of tea citing that Mosese belongs to his tribe. He observes that "one needs a tall relative to get anything in Kafira". This highlights the wide spread nepotism and corruption in the state.
Mosese is disillusioned by the state of things in Kafira under Boss' leadership. He points out that the political leadership of Kafira has destroyed all the hopes that the citizens had of a better independent Kafira.
Scene III
The scene is set in Regina's small room. Regina is Mosese's sister and Jusper's girlfriend. Jusper has visited. He, like all university students, is in a red gown to show that they are protesting against the government. He has been released from custody after his parents were murdered.
Jusper and Regina argue about the best course of action in Kafira. Obviously an idealist, Jusper favours protests and head-on collision with the dictatorial government. In opposition, Regina argues that people should be concerned about survival instead of trying to fight a ruthless regime that is ready to kill. She says that "fighting the government is like fighting stones" -people with no feelings.
Regina's landlord, Mr. Tumbo comes to visit. Tumbo is also a high ranking government official. He confirms about the impending visit by a foreign head of state and that the prisoners are to stage a play in his entertainment.
When Regina tells Tumbo that Jusper like writing plays, he asks him to write one for the occasion. Tumbo was supposed to conduct a play writing competition in order to select the best play for the occasion but he fraudulently awards Jusper the tender to write the play promising to pay him and publish the news of "Jusper's winning" in newspapers.
He encourages Regina to go see Boss and plead for Mosese's release.
ACT 2
Scene I
The scene is set in a conference room where the entertainment committee is set to meet. Kabito, the first member of the committee to arrive, is sleeping. Nicodemus -the one who set up Mosese -is the second one to arrive. Kabito tells Nicodemo how he had gotten a tender through bribery but later lost it to Mulili who had sought Boss' intervention.
They are later joined by Tumbo and the meeting begins. The meeting lacks seriousness as much time is spent discussing payment of the committee members instead of discussing business of the day. Mulili arrives late for the meeting. He narrates how he was able to get the milk tender that had been awarded to Kabito by seeking Boss' intervention.
They continue to raise ridiculous suggestions as to how the visitor should be entertained. These suggestions give a picture of a nation that is desperate to fool the foreign head of state that its citizens are happy and content with the government.
Mulili and Kabito quarrel in the course of the meeting. They committee members then take a break to return later.
Scene II
This scene is set at Boss' palace. Boss is pulling out grey hairs -an indicator that he may be the kind of leader who wants to rule for life.
Mulili has visited him after the quarrel with Kabito. He lies to Boss that Kabito is slandering his name at the committee meeting saying that Boss is spoiling Kafira's economy by grabbing public property and hiding wealthy in foreign banks.
Infuriated, Boss orders Mulili to kill Kabito and make it look like an accident. Thus, Mulili gets his revenge against Kabito.
Scene III
It takes place in the same room the committee had met in earlier.
Jusper has come to inform Tumbo that he is no longer interested in writing the play for the event. He says it is because Regina was almost raped by Boss when she went to plead for Mosese's release. The conversation reveals that Boss locked up his wife for complaining about the incident. Having just learnt of Kabito's suspicious death, Tumbo warns him that it would be unwise to stop participating in the play.
Mulili comes back after the break for meeting. Tumbo and Nicodemo pretend they did not know anything about the death. He tells them that Kabito was drunk and had been killed in a hit and run accident. He also reports that Boss is so sad and has ordered a road be named Kabito Road.
Scene IV
This is set in Boss' palace where the prisoners are rehearsing the play to be staged for the foreign head of state.
Tumbo and Jusper are making final preparations. Tumbo is understandably scared because of Boss' hot temper. It is revealed that university students have fired Jusper for writing the play for the government.
Boss arrives and asks Jusper to stage the play. In his talk with Jusper, Boss says that students have no right to protest against anything in Kafira. He boasts that their demonstration against expatriate personnel resulted to nothing but the death of a student and the imprisonment of a senior lecturer. He says that after the demonstration he deliberately ordered for three hundred more expatriate workers in defiance to their protests.
Then they learn that one prisoner who was to be actor in the play fell ill and can therefore not take part in the rehearsal. Boss offers to step in for him and he orders the police to surrender their guns to be used as props when they discover that some props were not ready yet.
As part of the play, Jere and Mosese get hold of the guns and challenge Boss and his henchmen. Apparently Jusper and the prisoners had crafted a coup into the play.
Mulili denies any relation with Boss calling him a "distant cousin". He further claims that Boss should be killed because he spoilt Kafira's economy, killed Kabito.
Boss is angered by this act of betrayal so he asks Jere to kill him. However Jere tells him they have no reason to kill him because Kafira needs everybody including Boss. Jusper takes the gun and kills Mulili.
The play ends with Nina and Doga's ghosts mourning their son.
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An Enemy Of The People Analysis Play By Henric Ibsen (Hassan Lemunje)
(original Norwegian title: En folkefiende)
is an 1882 play by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen.
Ibsen wrote it in response to the public outcry against his previous play, Ghosts, which challenged the hypocrisy of 19th-century morality. According to Ellen Mortensen (Ibsen Studies v.7, 169), the words "scandalous, degenerate," and "immoral" were hurled at both Ghosts and its author because it openly discussed adultery and syphilis. Therefore, An Enemy of the People tells the story of a man who dares to speak an unpalatable truth, and is punished for it. However, Ibsen took a somewhat skeptical view of his protagonist, suggesting that he may have gone too far in his zeal to tell the truth. Ibsen wrote to his publisher: "I am still uncertain as to whether I should call [An Enemy of the People] a comedy or a straight drama. It may [have] many traits of comedy, but it also is based on a serious idea."
Plot overview
Act I
Dr. Thomas Stockmann is the medical officer of a recently opened spa in a small town in southern Norway. The play begins in Dr. Stockmann's house, where his wife Katrine is entertaining dinner guests. As the evening progresses, Dr. Stockmann's brother Peter (the mayor) and Hovstad (the editor of the newspaper) arrive at the house. The Mayor asks his brother about a rumor that Hovstad is about to print an article he wrote regarding the spa baths. Dr. Stockmann is evasive about the nature of this article, and Peter leaves. Dr. Stockmann's daughter Petra brings in a letter, which reveals that Dr. Stockmann's suspicions were correct and the spa water is contaminated with bacteria (he had sent samples of water away to be tested in a lab). With this proof in hand, Hovstad agrees to print Dr. Stockmann's article, which will reveal the truth about the spa water. This will bring a great deal of attention to the baths and possibly force them to shut down (which will have repercussions on the town's economy). Dr. Stockmann is overwhelmed with all that has happened, but rejoices that he has saved the town.
Act II
The next morning in Dr. Stockmann's house. Morten Kiil, Dr. Stockmann's father-in-law, stops by to congratulate him on what Kiil believes is an elaborate prank. Kiil says that the notion that the baths are tainted is too ridiculous to be believed, and certainly not by the mayor. Hovstad and the printer Aslaksen visit the house to reinforce their commitment to the doctor and extend their gratitude. The new alliance between the newspaper and Dr. Stockmann has a deeper interest than just the baths. The newspaper wants to confront the government of the town and expose the corruption that happens behind closed doors, and this opportunity is a way to start.
Peter enters the house, and everything becomes tense. Peter tells Dr. Stockmann that if he proceeds with this article and exposes this information to the town, he will be partially culpable for the ruin of the town. Peter accuses Dr. Stockmann of being selfish and not thinking of the bigger picture. He encourages Dr. Stockmann to retract the article and to solve the problem in a more quiet way. Dr. Stockmann refuses his brother's propositions. Peter reiterates that there will be terrible consequences for him and his family.
Act III
In the newspaper office, Hovstad and Billing discuss the pros and cons of running Dr. Stockmann's article, which will damage the reputation of the town government. They are ready to proceed and help bring the privileged classes down. Dr. Stockmann comes into the office and tells them to print the article, but the office starts to experience a change of heart, questioning how valuable is it really to expose the government and the town's baths in this way. They realize printing this article will do more damage than help with the situation, and may cause the town's economy to crater. Peter Stockmann comes to the newspaper office with a statement of his own, intending to reassure the public about the safety of the spa baths. The newspaper readily agrees to print the mayor's statement. Desperate, Dr. Stockmann decides that he does not need the paper to print anything and that he can fight this battle on his own. He decides to call a town meeting and spread the information that way. Katrine Stockmann realizes that her husband is making an extreme decision and is risking his reputation, but she stands by him.
Act IV
At a town meeting in Captain Horster's house, Dr. Stockmann is about to read his water report to the townspeople. Billing, the family, the mayor, Aslaksen, and Hovstad are there. Aslaksen, a respected citizen, is elected Chairman of the meeting. Permission for Dr. Stockmann's being allowed to speak is about to be voted on when he says he has a different subject. He then winds up into a passionate oration about social evolution. He says that new, truthful ideas are always condemned, due to the "colossal stupidity of the authorities" and the small-mindedness of "the compact majority" of the people, who may as well "be exterminated." The audience feels insulted by these accusations and anger rises. By the end of the meeting the audience has rebelled, repeatedly shouting, "He is an enemy of the people!" Dr. Stockmann tells his father-in-law, Kiil, that it is his tannery that is leaking most of the poisons into the baths. As the crowd is leaving, voices are heard threatening to break his windows.
Act V
The next morning, Dr. Stockmann's study is shown, badly damaged. The windows of the house have been smashed. The town has turned against the family, and no one they know will help them. The landlord is evicting them from their house, and Petra has been fired from her job as a schoolteacher for having progressive opinions. Peter comes to the house to present Dr. Stockmann with a letter from the board of directors of the baths, terminating his contract, and a resolution from the homeowners' association stating that no one should hire Dr. Stockmann in this town again.
Dr. Stockmann's father-in-law, Morton Kiil, arrives to say that he has just bought shares in the Baths with the money that he had intended to leave to his daughter and grandchildren. He expects that will cause his son-in-law to stop his crusade, to ensure that the spa does not go bankrupt and his family will have a secure future. Dr. Stockmann rebuffs Kiil's threat and also ignores Peter's advice to leave town for a few months. Katrine tells Dr. Stockmann she is afraid that the people will drive him out of town. But Dr. Stockmann replies that he intends to stay and make them understand "that considerations of expediency turn morality and justice upside down." He ends by proclaiming himself the strongest man in town because he is able to stand alone.
Characters
Édouard Vuillard, An Enemy of the People program for Théâtre de l'Œuvre, November 1893
Doctor Thomas Stockmann, the medical officer at the new Municipal Baths and the protagonist.
Mrs. Katrine Stockmann, his wife.
Petra, their daughter, a teacher.
Ejlif & Morten, their sons.
Peter Stockmann, Doctor Stockmann's elder brother; he is the mayor of the town and thus Thomas' supervisor.
Morten Kiil, a tanner (Mrs. Stockmann's father), also known as the Badger.
Hovstad, editor of The Peoples' Messenger, the local paper.
Billing, sub-editor.
Captain Horster, a shipmaster going to America and a friend of Thomas Stockmann.
Aslaksen, a publisher (also a character in The League of Youth).
Men of various conditions and occupations, a few women, and a troop of schoolboys – the audience at a public meeting.
(Source Google Wikipedia)
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