How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used William Archer's translation.
Quote #1
MANDERS. It is the very mark of the spirit of rebellion to crave for happiness in this life. What right have we human beings to happiness? We have simply to do our duty, Mrs. Alving! And your duty was to hold firmly to the man you had once chosen, and to whom you were bound by the holiest ties. (1.358)
In a nutshell we have Manders's philosophy. The emphasis on duty and self-denial stands in stark contrast to Oswald's later explanation of the joy of life.
Quote #2
MANDERS. But a wife is not appointed to be her husband's judge. It was your duty to bear with humility the cross which a Higher Power had, in its wisdom, laid upon you. (1.360)
While he acknowledges the possibility that Captain Alving wasn't what he seemed, Manders doesn't think it matters. His religion tells him that suffering is not only appropriate, it's an honor.