Act I, Scene 1 Summary

Mr. Kill has stopped by his daughter's home. His daughter is Catherine Stockmann who is married to Dr. Tom Stockmann. Mr. Billing, is an assistant editor of The People's Daily Messenger, is urging Mr. Kill to stay for dinner but Kill insists he can't stay. Dr. Tom Stockmann is out on a walk with his sons. While Kill is preparing to leave, Peter Stockmann, Tom's brother and Mayor of the town, stops by. While Kill fills his pipe and lights it, another knock is heard on the door—it is Mr. Hovstad who is the editor of the The People's Daily Messenger.

The Mayor and Hovstad discuss the proposed newly constructed Kirsten Springs located on the outskirts of the town. These springs, the Mayor, boasts, will be as popular as those in Carlsbad. People with illnesses and disabilities...