Conflict appears in many different shapes and forms, internal and external, small and large scale, but all force characters to make difficult decisions. Henrik Ibsen’s play, An Enemy of the People, focuses on the internal conflict of Dr. Thomas Stockmann as he chooses between crippling his town’s economy and preserving his moral integrity. Through the process of Dr. Stockmann’s choice as well as his eventual decision, Ibsen asserts that sometimes, one man must take a stand against corruption and evil in order to retain his morality. Upon receiving word that his town’s healing springs “is a pesthole,” Dr. Thomas Stockmann immediately sends word to his brother, the mayor of the town, hoping to fix the problem as soon as possible (Miller 34). Dr. Stockmann does as any well-mannered and righteous human being would do by trying to save the health of those around him. He sees that rebuilding the springs in a different location is the only way to permanently solve the problem, and gives no thought to any potential consequences for the town. However, when the mayor visits, Dr. Stockmann finds out that the replacement project would cost “at least three hundred thousand crowns,” and take about “two years” to complete (52). The mayor also warns that he may be “dismissed from the Institute” if he reveals his findings to the public (58). This initiates the conflict within the Doctor, for he must choose between his conscience and the wellbeing of not only himself, but also his family. After Dr. Stockmann releases his statements, his father-in-law informs him that he has invested Mrs. Stockmann’s inheritance in the springs and it will be a waste if the Doctor does not recant his statements about the springs and bring the stock price back up. Dr. Stockmann now realizes that he will be dooming his family to poverty if he stands by his discoveries, but he still chooses to do so. He recognizes and acknowledges the pote