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 #7
MANDERS. You call it "cowardice" to do your plain duty? Have you forgotten that a son ought to love and honour his father and mother?
MRS. ALVING. Do not let us talk in such general terms. Let us ask: Ought Oswald to love and honour Chamberlain Alving? (2.55-56)
This exchange typifies Manders and Mrs. Alving's different approaches to the world. Pastor Manders accepts a rule and sticks to it. Mrs. Alving worms around inside the rule to investigate it more closely. Which approach is a better recipe for happiness?
Quote #8
MRS. ALVING. Do you really mean "unheard of"? Frankly, Pastor Manders, do you suppose that throughout the country there are not plenty of married couples as closely akin as they? (2.74)
Mrs. Alving's suggestion that Oswald and Regina live openly together is surprising. The idea of incest doesn't bother her – it's the idea of deceit she can't stand.
Quote #9
MRS. ALVING. You know I would ten times rather forgo the joy of having you here, than let you – (2.225)
Mrs. Alving is proposing the same old self-sacrifice that has made her life so miserable. Putting her son before her is her old ghost of habit. It's also the reason Oswald gravitates towards Regina.