Good vs. Evil in Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People and Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons

Article Sidebar

Download article
Published: 2025-09-17
Updated: 2025-09-17
Versions:
2025-09-17 (3)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5678/0thka390
Keywords:
Truth, Tension, Conflict, Moral, Reader-Response, Evil, Good

Main Article Content

Walaa Shekho
Lecturer at Cordoba Private University, Aleppo, Syria
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5053-1357
Sally Jasem
An Independent Researcher in Literary and Translation Studies, UAE
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7128-827X

Abstract

 Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People and Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons focus on the moral complexities faced by the protagonists, Dr. Stockmann and Sir Thomas More. The study reflects on how each character embodies the conflict between their moral thoughts and societal expectations. Readers, per the Reader-response theory, are invited to be part of the characters' dilemmas, exploring their motivations and the broader implications of their choices. Ibsen’s Dr. Stockmann is shown as a tragic figure who confronts the hypocrisy of his community; on the contrary, Bolt’s depiction of More as a steadfast moral compass highlights different responses to the corruption of truth. This response encourages readers to consider their own beliefs about integrity, sacrifice, and the nature of evil in contemporary society, in addition to analyzing the narrative dialogues and ethical conflicts. This study emphasizes the relevance of these themes and invites a deeper reflection on the complexities of human morality. It also highlights the role of the reader in interpreting any text in any period.


 

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): August Issue

Section

Articles

Author Biographies

Walaa Shekho, Lecturer at Cordoba Private University, Aleppo, Syria

Dr. Walaa Shekho is an accomplished lecturer and translator with a strong academic and professional background. Based in Aleppo, Syria, she holds a Ph.D. in Literary Studies and Comparative Literature from Aleppo University (2023) as well as a master’s degree in Literary Studies and English-Arabic Translation. Her expertise is in translation and English literature. Dr. Shekho is currently a university lecturer at Aleppo University, Cordoba Private University, and Ebla Private University. Her teaching portfolio includes courses in medical and literary translation, comparative literature, literary criticism, and ESP for students of sociology, geography, dentistry, and medical sciences. She has contributed over 900 hours to teaching general and medical English at the Higher Institute of Languages. Her volunteer work at the institute included teaching visually impaired students, reflecting her dedication to inclusive education. As a translator, Dr. Shekho brings over a decade of experience, excelling in medical and literary translation. She has published articles in reputable journals, including the GIS Science Journal and the Journal for Basic Sciences, and has actively contributed as an interpreter at international conferences. Dr. Shekho’s professional skills include curriculum development, exam preparation, and student assessment. Beyond academia, she has served as an English language and translation trainer at the Nama’a Developmental and Charitable Association, underscoring her commitment to community engagement.

Sally Jasem, An Independent Researcher in Literary and Translation Studies, UAE

Dr. Sally Jasem is a dedicated educator and researcher with over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and translation. Based in Dubai, she earned her Ph.D. in World Literature from Aleppo University in 2022, with a focus on Orientalism and the works of renowned travelers and authors. She also holds a master’s degree in Literary Criticism, showcasing her expertise in deconstructive analysis of American literature. Dr. Jasem has a wealth of academic experience, having served as a university lecturer at Aleppo University and Cordoba Private University, where she taught courses in English literature, criticism, and translation. Her academic contributions include ESP courses for engineering, business, architecture, and dentistry students. Sally’s research spans Orientalism, sociology, and deconstruction, resulting in several published papers. She has also translated literary works and participated in international conferences. Beyond academia, Dr. Jasem has extensive experience in humanitarian efforts. She volunteered with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent for six years, receiving training in first aid, emergency response, and trauma counseling. Additionally, she served as a life skills trainer with the Norwegian Refugee Council, empowering displaced individuals through tailored courses in communication, problem-solving, and resilience building.

 

How to Cite

Good vs. Evil in Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People and Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons. (2025). Research Journal of Maaref University of Applied Sciences, 1(1), Pages 7. https://doi.org/10.5678/0thka390 (Original work published 2025)