How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used R. Farquharson Sharp's translation.
Quote #1
Hovstad: "[The Baths ] owe their existence to [Dr. Stockmann].
Mayor Peter Stockmann: "To him? Indeed! It is true I have heard from time to time that some people are of that opinion." (1.46-47)
The Mayor gets really offended whenever people give all the credit for the Baths to his popular brother. His pride can't take the fact that his brother had a really good idea. It is true that Mayor Stockmann, and not his brother, had the skills necessary to actually get the Baths built. Of course, as we find out later in the play, the Mayor had them built incorrectly. His pride won't allow him to admit this. His stubborn refusal to admit the truth drives the action of the play.
Quote #2
Dr. Stockmann: "whether it is a demonstration in my honour, […] whatever it is, you most promise me solemnly and faithfully to put a stop to it." (3.269)
The Doctor seems to be showing a good bit of humility here, by insisting that the town not do anything to honor him. This line is great example of dramatic irony, or when the audience knows something that a character doesn't. Stockmann is completely unaware that the whole town is about to turn against him.
Quote #3
Dr. Stockmann: "There is going to be a revolution in the town tomorrow, let me tell you.
You [Peter Stockmann] thought you could turn me out; but now I shall turn you out--" (3.310)
The Doctor seems to be taking great joy in humiliating his brother, the Mayor. Is it possible that the Doctor's determination to expose the contamination of the baths is partly motivated by pride? How much does sibling rivalry come into play in the conflict between the brothers?
Quote #4
Dr. Stockmann: "I will impart to you a discovery of a far wider scope than the trifling matter that our water supply is poisoned and our medicinal Baths are standing on pestiferous soil." (4.62)
The Doctor has just been kept from reading his contentious article at the town gathering. He says, however, that he has a new discovery to announce to the crowd. Notice how even though the Doctor is about to impart his new great revelation, he still can't bear to not mention the contaminated Baths. Is it pride that won't let him be totally silenced at the meeting, or is it principle?
Quote #5
Dr. Stockmann: "And there I stayed, for many years, in a horrible hole far away up north. When I came into contact with some of the people that lived scattered about among the rocks, I often thought it would of been more service to the poor half-starved creatures if a veterinary doctor had been sent up there, instead of a man like me." (4.68)
Dr. Stockmann thinks highly of himself, and is unafraid to say so. He seems to see the poor people to whom he used to provide his services as totally beneath him. Is he guilty of pride, or is it just the truth? Is he too good for the destitute people of the north?
Quote #6
Dr. Stockmann: "I was like one of the cider-ducks brooding on its nest, and what I hatched was the plans for these Baths." (4.71)
Is it pride that makes Dr. Stockmann point out that the Baths were his idea to begin with? He definitely knows how much the issue annoys his brother, who often tries to take credit for it all. Is it just another way of attacking the Mayor? Of course, can you really blame the Doctor? He's only saying what's true.
Quote #7
Dr. Stockmann: "The majority has might on its side--unfortunately; but right it has not. I am in the right--I and a few other scattered individuals." (4.94)
So, the Doctor is basically saying that he and the few people like him have the right to rule society, because they're smarter than everybody else. Thoughts? Is that idea the most massive ego-trip ever, or does he have a good point?
Quote #8
Mrs. Stockmann: (in an undertone). "Thomas, dear, let us go out by the back way."
Dr. Stockmann: "No back ways for me, Katherine," (4.187-188)
Notice how the Doctor refuses to back down, even after the entire community rejects his ideas. His pride won't allow him quietly exit through the back door. He leads his family right into an angry mob. Do you think this is bold, or selfish?
Quote #9
Dr. Stockmann: "You are really ridiculous, Katherine. Do you want me to let myself be beaten off the field by public opinion and the compact majority and all that devilry? No, thank you!" (5.277)
The Doctor decides to keep his family in the town and fight against all the ignorance he sees around him. We wonder if pride might have a lot to do with it. If he stuck his tail between his legs and sailed away to America as he was originally planning, he might never regain his self-respect. Do you think Katherine is being "ridiculous," though, when she urges her husband to be cautious? His preaching hasn't gotten through to anybody in the past. Could it be that pride has driven the Doctor just a little bit mad? Or is he as he sees himself: a steadfast man, fighting the good fight no matter what the cost?
Quote #10
Dr. Stockmann: "I am the strongest man in the whole world." (5.306)
Wow, it takes a lot of pride to make a statement like this. The Doctor says this because he's alone in his beliefs, and he feels that the fact that he still sticks to his principles makes him strong. What do you think? Does the Doctor have the biggest muscles on earth, or just the biggest head?