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 #4
MRS. ALVING. [At the window.] Oh, that perpetual law and order! I often think that is what does all the mischief in this world of ours. (2.41-42)
Mrs. Alving has an anarchic streak that is encouraged by the return of her son. From the standpoint of her character development , we need to see her chafe against law and order, if we're to believe she is capable of euthanizing her son.
Quote #5
MRS. ALVING. But what about the truth?
MANDERS. But what about the ideals? (1.58-59)
One might think that truth is an ideal. but in this play, ideals are illusion. Ibsen was a realist.
Quote #6
MRS. ALVING. Ghosts! When I heard Regina and Oswald in there, it was as though ghosts rose up before me. But I almost think we are all of us ghosts, Pastor Manders. It is not only what we have inherited from our father and mother that "walks" in us. It is all sorts of dead ideas, and lifeless old beliefs, and so forth. They have no vitality, but they cling to us all the same, and we cannot shake them off. Whenever I take up a newspaper, I seem to see ghosts gliding between the lines. There must be ghosts all the country over, as thick as the sands of the sea. And then we are, one and all, so pitifully afraid of the light. (2.85)
Ibsen lived most of his adult life in self-exile in Rome. He found Norway provincial and close-minded, prey to the ghosts of old ideas like those mentioned by Mrs. Alving in this pivotal speech.