Background: England During the Regency Era The Regency Era in England lasted from about 1800 to 1820. During this period, the country was fighting the Napoleonic Wars with France and much
of the population lived in poverty. The small, elite population at the top of the social chain, however, lived a life of ease centered around class
restrictions and the rules of society. Inheritance rules played a significant role in the lives of wealthy families who owned land. Daughters were not
allowed to inherit property. Instead, it was passed down to the nearest male relative. Respectable women also were not allowed to hold jobs. The
only way they could guarantee a good life for themselves, therefore, was to marry a man of solid income.

Excerpt from an enemy of the people henrik ibsen mrs. stockmann. (turns to the hall door, listening.) i expect that is mr. hovstad coming. billing. very likely. (peter stockmann comes in. he wears an overcoat and his official hat, and carries a stick.) peter stockmann. good evening, katherine. mrs. stockmann (coming forward into the sitting-room). ah, good evening--is it you? how good of you to come up and see us! peter stockmann. i happened to be passing, and into the dining-room). but you have company with you, i see. mrs. stockmann (a little embarrassed). oh, no--it was quite by chance he came in. (hurriedly.) won't you come in and have something, too? peter stockmann. i! no, you. good gracious--hot meat at night! not with my digestion, when peter stockmann enters, what does his physical appearance to reveal about his character?