A Doll's House and Other Plays (Penguin)

by Henrik Ibsen

  THE MAYOR: Not you, sister-in-law; that couldn’t be further from my mind. [Points towards the DOCTOR’s study] He isn’t home perhaps?

  MRS STOCKMANN: No, he’s gone for a little walk after supper – he and the boys.

  THE MAYOR: Goodness me, can that be healthy? [Listens.] Ah, that’s probably him.

  MRS STOCKMANN: No, that’s unlikely. [A knock at the door] Come in!

  MR HOVSTAD enters from the hall.

  MRS STOCKMANN: Well, well, if it isn’t Mr Hovstad –!

  HOVSTAD: Yes, I do apologize; I was held up over at the printshop. Good evening, Mr Mayor.

  THE MAYOR [greets him rather stiffly]: Mr Hovstad. Editor. Come on business, I take it?

  HOVSTAD: In part. It’s something that might go in the newspaper.

  THE MAYOR: That I can believe. My brother seems, from what I hear, to be an extremely prolific contributor to The People’s Messenger.

  HOVSTAD: Yes, he allows himself to write in The People’s Messenger when he has a home truth to offer about this or that.

  MRS STOCKMANN [to HOVSTAD]: But, wouldn’t you like to –? [Points towards the dining room.]

  THE MAYOR: Well, good Lord, I don’t blame him in the least for writing for the readership among whom he might expect to find most sympathy. Besides, I’ve no personal reason, of course, to harbour any ill-will towards your newspaper, Mr Hovstad.

  HOVSTAD: No, quite right.

  THE MAYOR: All in all, a marvellous spirit of tolerance reigns in our town; an excellent sense of public spirit.12 And that comes from our having a great common venture to rally around – a venture that’s of equal concern to every right-minded citizen –

  HOVSTAD: The Spa Institute, yes.

  THE MAYOR: Precisely. We have our great, new, magnificent Spa Institute. You mark my words! The Spa will prove to be this town’s most precious asset, Mr Hovstad. Without a doubt!

  MRS STOCKMANN: That’s precisely what Tomas says.

  THE MAYOR: What a remarkable upturn this town has had in just the last couple of years! There’s a good flow of money between people; life and activity. Property and land values are rising with each day.

  HOVSTAD: And unemployment’s falling.

  THE MAYOR: That too, yes. The burden of the poor rates13 on the propertied classes has been reduced most pleasingly and will be still further, so long as we get a really good summer this year; a substantial volume of visitors – a good number of invalids to spread the institute’s reputation.

  HOVSTAD: And there’s every prospect of that, I hear.

  THE MAYOR: The signs are very promising. Inquiries are coming in every day about apartments and the like.

  HOVSTAD: Well, the doctor’s article will come at the perfect time then.

  THE MAYOR: Written something new, has he?

  HOVSTAD: This is something he wrote last winter; a recommendation for the Spa – a report on the beneficial health-giving conditions of our town. But at the time I put the article aside.

  THE MAYOR: Aha, some snag with it, I expect?

  HOVSTAD: No, not at all; but I thought it was better to wait until now in the spring; after all, it’s now that people start to plan ahead and think about their summer vacations –

  THE MAYOR: Quite right, absolutely right, Mr Hovstad.

  MRS STOCKMANN: Yes, Tomas is tireless when it comes to the Spa.

  THE MAYOR: Well, he is, of course, employed by the Spa.

  HOVSTAD: Yes, and, of course, he was also the one to create it at the start.

  THE MAYOR: Oh, he was, was he? Really? Yes, I do hear occasionally that certain people are of that opinion. But I rather thought that I had a modest part in this enterprise too.

  MRS STOCKMANN: Yes, Tomas always says that.

  HOVSTAD: Yes, who’s denying that, Mr Mayor, sir? You set the matter in motion and turned it into a practical reality; we all know that. I just meant the idea came from the doctor at the start.

  THE MAYOR: Yes, ideas are certainly something my brother’s had plenty of in his time – unfortunately. But when something’s to be put into action, it demands an altogether different kind of man, Mr Hovstad. And I really did think that in this house at least –

  MRS STOCKMANN: But, my dear brother-in-law –

  HOVSTAD: But, Mr Mayor, how can you –?

  MRS STOCKMANN: Go on in now and get something inside you, Mr Hovstad; I’m sure my husband will be here soon.

  HOVSTAD: Thank you, just a bite perhaps. [Goes into the dining room.]

  THE MAYOR [lowering his voice a little]: It’s incredible how these people who descend from peasants can never rid themselves of that ingrained lack of tact.

  MRS STOCKMANN: But is it worth troubling yourself over? Can’t you and Tomas share the credit as brothers?

  THE MAYOR: Yes, you’d have thought so; but it doesn’t appear that everybody is content to share.

  MRS STOCKMANN: Oh, what nonsense! You and Tomas get along marvellously. [Listens.] There, I think he’s coming.

  She goes out and opens the hall door.

  DR STOCKMANN [laughing and talking outside]: Look, I’ve another guest for you, Katrine. Isn’t that splendid? Do come in, Captain Horster; hang your coat there on the peg. Ah, but you don’t wear an overcoat, do you? Just imagine, Katrine. I grabbed him in the street; he practically refused to come up with me!

  CAPTAIN HORSTER comes inside and greets MRS STOCKMANN.

  DR STOCKMANN [in the doorway]: In you go, boys. They’re ravenous again, Katrine –! Come here, Captain Horster; you really must have a taste of this roast beef – [He ushers HORSTER into the dining room.]

  EILIF and MORTEN go in too.

  MRS STOCKMANN: But, Tomas, don’t you see –

  DR STOCKMANN [turning in the doorway]: Oh, it’s you, Peter! [Goes over and reaches out to shake the MAYOR’s hand.] Well, that’s splendid.

  THE MAYOR: Unfortunately, I’ll have to go in a moment –

  DR STOCKMANN: Oh, rubbish! The toddy will be on the table soon. You’re not forgetting the toddy, are you, Katrine?

  MRS STOCKMANN: Certainly not; the water’s already on the boil.

  She goes into the dining room.

  THE MAYOR: Toddy too –!

  DR STOCKMANN: Yes, just sling yourself down, and let’s enjoy ourselves.

  THE MAYOR: No thank you; I don’t partake of toddy parties.

  DR STOCKMANN: But this is hardly a party.

  THE MAYOR: Well, I think –. [Looks towards the dining room.] It’s remarkable how much food they can put away.

  DR STOCKMANN [rubbing his hands]: Yes, isn’t it a joy to see young people eating? Always an appetite, eh! That’s as it should be. Got to have food! For strength! They’re the ones who will dig about in the fermenting stuff of the future, Peter.

  THE MAYOR: May I ask what’s to be ‘dug about in’ here, as you put it?

  DR STOCKMANN: You’ll have to ask the youngsters about that – when the time comes. We don’t see it ourselves. Naturally. Two old fogeys like us –

  THE MAYOR: Well, really! But it’s a very peculiar turn of phrase –

  DR STOCKMANN: Oh, you mustn’t be too pedantic with me, Peter. It’s just that I feel such intense happiness and joy, let me tell you. I feel so indescribably content with all this budding, bursting life around me. They really are magnificent times we’re living in! It’s as though a whole new world were springing up around us.

  THE MAYOR: You think so, do you?

  DR STOCKMANN: Yes, you can’t see it as well as I can naturally. You’ve lived with this around you every day of your life; and then your impression of it is dimmed. But I, after having to sit up north14 in my far-flung little corner all those years, barely ever seeing an outsider with a stimulating word to say to me – for me, it’s as though I’d moved into the centre of a thronging metropolis –

  THE MAYOR: Hm, a metropolis –!

  DR STOCKMANN: Yes, I know things are on a smaller scale here than in many other places. But there’s life here – so muc
h promise, an infinite number of things to work and to fight for; and that’s the main thing. [Calls] Katrine, hasn’t the postman been?

  MRS STOCKMANN [from the dining room]: No, nobody’s been.

  DR STOCKMANN: And a decent income too, Peter – that’s something you learn to value when, as we have, you’ve lived on the edge of starvation –

  THE MAYOR: But, good Lord –

  DR STOCKMANN: Oh yes, things were often pretty tight for us up there, you can be sure. And now, to be able to live like a lord! Today, for example, we had roast beef for lunch; yes, and we had some left for supper too. Won’t you take a slice? Or can’t I at least show it to you? Come here –

  THE MAYOR: No, no – really –!

  DR STOCKMANN: Well, come over here then. You see this? We’ve got a table cover.

  THE MAYOR: Yes, I noticed that.

  DR STOCKMANN: And we’ve got a lampshade too. You see? Katrine’s scrimped for all this! And it makes the living room so cosy. Don’t you think? Just stand here – no, no, no; not there. Right there, yes! Just look how the light gathers downwards –. I really do think it looks elegant. Don’t you?

  THE MAYOR: Yes, when one can allow oneself such a luxury –

  DR STOCKMANN: Oh yes, I think I can allow myself that now. Katrine says I earn almost as much as we spend.

  THE MAYOR: Almost, yes –!

  DR STOCKMANN: But a man of science ought to live in a little style. I’m sure an ordinary district governor15 spends far more than I do in a year.

  THE MAYOR: I daresay! A district governor, a top senior official –16

  DR STOCKMANN: All right, your average merchant, then! A man like that spends many times more –

  THE MAYOR: Well, that’s to be expected.

  DR STOCKMANN: Anyway, Peter, I certainly don’t squander money to no purpose. But I really don’t think I can deny myself the heart-warming pleasure of seeing people in my home. I need it, you see. After sitting shut out of things for so long – for me it’s one of life’s necessities to be together with bold, enterprising young people, liberal-minded people, full of purpose – and that’s what they are, all those men sitting in there, enjoying their food. I wish you knew Hovstad a little –.

  THE MAYOR: Ah, yes, Hovstad, that’s right; he told me he wants to print another article of yours.

  DR STOCKMANN: An article of mine?

  THE MAYOR: Yes, about the Spa. An article you wrote this winter.

  DR STOCKMANN: Oh that, yes! – No, but I don’t want that going in just yet.

  THE MAYOR: You don’t? But I’d have thought now would have been the perfect moment.

  DR STOCKMANN: Yes, you may be right; under ordinary circumstances – [Walking across the room]

  THE MAYOR [watching him]: But what could possibly be extraordinary about the circumstances now?

  DR STOCKMANN [stops still]: Well, Peter, I honestly can’t tell you for the moment; at least not this evening. There may be a great many things that are extraordinary about the circumstances; or then again absolutely nothing. It may be that it’s just a figment of my imagination.

  THE MAYOR: I must admit this all sounds extremely mysterious. Is there something going on? Something I’m to be kept out of? I’d have thought that I, as chairman of the Spa’s board –

  DR STOCKMANN: And I would have thought that I – well, let’s not tear each other’s hair out over this, Peter.

  THE MAYOR: Good Lord! I’m not in the habit of tearing people’s hair out, as you put it. But I must demand, most categorically, that any proposals be put forward and decided upon in a businesslike manner, through the legally constituted authorities. I cannot allow illicit paths or back doors to be used here.

  DR STOCKMANN: When have I ever used illicit paths or back doors?

  THE MAYOR: You have an ingrained tendency to take your own path, at least; and in a well-ordered society that’s almost as inadmissible. The individual17 must be ready to comply with the community18 as a whole, or more precisely, with the authorities whose job it is to watch over the welfare of that community.

  DR STOCKMANN: That may be. But what the hell has that got to do with me?

  THE MAYOR: Well that, my good Tomas, is what you never seem willing to learn. But watch out; you’ll pay for it some time – sooner or later. Now I’ve said it. Goodbye.

  DR STOCKMANN: But are you stark raving mad? You’re on completely the wrong track –

  THE MAYOR: I don’t tend to be. And incidentally, I object to being – [Calls into the dining room] Goodbye, sister-in-law. Goodbye, gentlemen. [Goes out.]

  MRS STOCKMANN [comes into the living room]: Did he leave?

  DR STOCKMANN: Yes, and in an absolute fury.

  MRS STOCKMANN: But, Tomas dear, what have you done to him this time?

  DR STOCKMANN: Not a thing. He can’t possibly expect me to give him a full account before the time comes.

  MRS STOCKMANN: What would you give him an account of?

  DR STOCKMANN: Hm! Leave that to me, Katrine. – But it’s strange the postman hasn’t been.

  HOVSTAD, BILLING and HORSTER have got up from the table and come into the living room. EILIF and MORTEN come a little later.

  BILLING [stretching his arms]: Ah, after a meal like that, God strike me dead, you feel like a new man.

  HOVSTAD: The mayor wasn’t in the best of moods this evening.

  DR STOCKMANN: It’s his stomach; he has a poor digestion.

  HOVSTAD: Doubtless it was the two of us from The Messenger that he couldn’t stomach.

  MRS STOCKMANN: I thought you were getting on with him rather well.

  HOVSTAD: Yes; but it’s really no more than a kind of armistice.

  BILLING: There you have it. That word sums up the situation perfectly!

  DR STOCKMANN: We mustn’t forget Peter’s a solitary man, poor chap. He hasn’t the comforts of a home to enjoy; just work and more work. And all that damned weak tea he pours down his throat! Now then, pull a few chairs up to the table, boys. Katrine, isn’t that toddy coming?

  MRS STOCKMANN [going into the dining room]: I’m bringing it now.

  DR STOCKMANN: And sit on the couch next to me, Captain Horster. A rare visitor like yourself –. There now, take your places, my friends.

  They sit at the table. MRS STOCKMANN brings a tray with the toddy heater,19 glasses, decanters and other items.

  MRS STOCKMANN: Here you go! Here’s some arrack,20 and this is rum, and there’s the cognac. Help yourselves, everyone.

  DR STOCKMANN [taking a glass]: We shall indeed. [Mixing a toddy] And now for the cigars. Eilif, you seem to know where the box is. And you, Morten, can get my pipe. [The two BOYS go into the room on the right] I have a suspicion Eilif pinches a cigar now and then! – but I pretend not to notice. [Calls out] And my smoking-cap21 too, Morten. Katrine, why don’t you tell him where I left it. Ah, he’s got it.

  The BOYS bring him what he has asked for.

  DR STOCKMANN: Help yourselves, my friends. I stick to my pipe, of course; this pipe has been with me on many a stormy walk up in Nordland. [They clink glasses.] Cheers! Well, it’s certainly a good deal better to be sitting here safe and snug.

  MRS STOCKMANN [who sits knitting]: Do you sail soon, Captain Horster?

  HORSTER: I expect to be ready sometime next week.

  MRS STOCKMANN: And then you’ll be off to America?

  HORSTER: That’s the plan.

  BILLING: But then you won’t be able to take part in the council elections.

  HORSTER: Is there going to be another election?

  BILLING: Didn’t you know?

  HORSTER: No, I don’t involve myself in all that.

  BILLING: But surely you take an interest in public affairs?

  HORSTER: No, I don’t know much about them.

  BILLING: Still, we all have to vote at least.

  HORSTER: Even those who understand nothing?

  BILLING: Understand? What do you mean? Society is like a ship; everyone must come together at the hel
m.

  HORSTER: That might be all right on land; but it would come to no good on a ship.

  HOVSTAD: It’s astonishing how little most sailors care about the country’s affairs.

  BILLING: Quite extraordinary.

  DR STOCKMANN: Seafarers are like migratory birds; they feel equally at home in the south or the north. But that’s why the rest of us must be all the more active, Mr Hovstad. Will there be anything of public interest in The Messenger tomorrow?

  HOVSTAD: Not about local affairs. But the day after tomorrow I was thinking of including your article –

  DR STOCKMANN: Ah, hell, the article! No, listen, you’ll have to wait with that.

  HOVSTAD: Oh? We’ve got plenty of space right now, and I thought now was the perfect time –

  DR STOCKMANN: Yes, yes, you may be right; but you’ll have to wait anyway. I’ll explain later –

  PETRA, wearing a hat and cloak and with a bundle of exercise books under her arm, comes in from the hall.

  PETRA: Good evening.

  DR STOCKMANN: Hello, Petra; are you back?

  Mutual greetings; PETRA takes off her things and puts them down on a chair by the door.

  PETRA: So you’ve all been sitting here enjoying yourselves, while I’ve been out slaving!

  DR STOCKMANN: Well, come and enjoy yourself too!

  BILLING: Shall I mix you a little drink?

  PETRA [coming to the table]: Thanks, I’d rather do it myself; you always make it too strong. Oh, by the way, Father – I’ve got a letter for you. [Goes to the chair on which she put her outdoor clothes.]

  DR STOCKMANN: A letter! From whom?

  PETRA [looking in her coat pocket]: I got it from the postman just as I was leaving –

  DR STOCKMANN [getting up and going over to her]: And you haven’t given it to me until now!

  PETRA: I really didn’t have the time to run up again. Here, there it is!

  DR STOCKMANN [grabbing the letter]: Let me see, let me see, my child! [Looks at the envelope.] Yes, as I thought –!

  MRS STOCKMANN: Is that what you’ve been waiting for, Tomas?

  DR STOCKMANN: It is indeed; I must go in immediately and –. Where can I find a candle, Katrine? I presume there isn’t a lamp in my room!

  MRS STOCKMANN: Oh yes, the lamp’s already lit on your desk.

  DR STOCKMANN: Good, good. Excuse me for a moment – [Goes into his study to the right.]