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 #10
OSWALD. He said, "The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children." (2.270)
This is a very classical idea explored in the Bible, Euripides, and Shakespeare. The notion of a guilt passing through generations helps give the play its epic scope.
Quote #11
MRS. ALVING. This is terrible to think of! Ought not a son to love his father, whatever happens?
OSWALD. When a son has nothing to thank his father for? has never known him? Do you really cling to that old superstition? – you who are so enlightened in other ways? (3.168-169)
It's interesting that, even in the third act, Mrs. Alving repeats such a Manders-like idea. She may have argued with the Pastor about it, but she still believes in familial love as a deep obligation.