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
OSWALD. – then it flashed upon me that in her lay my salvation; for I saw that she was full of the joy of life. (2.360)
Oswald sees Regina as the instrument of his freedom. She's too vivacious and strong-willed to let him live as an invalid for long.
Quote #8
MRS. ALVING. [Starts.] The joy of life? Can there be salvation in that? (2.361)
Mrs. Alving still thinks that "joy of life" may be something sinful and is surprised that Oswald associates it with the religious idea of salvation. Of course she doesn't know yet that when Oswald says "salvation," he actually means "assisted suicide." Nevertheless she is listening.
Quote #9
MRS. ALVING. [Looks steadily at him.] Do you think that is what would happen?
OSWALD. I know it. You may live the same life here as there, and yet it won't be the same life.
MRS. ALVING. [Who has been listening eagerly, rises, her eyes big with thought, and says:] Now I see the sequence of things. (2.384-386)
As Mrs. Alving begins to understand her husband's need for freedom and joy, she also begins to understand her own mistakes. It's a big moment for her. Yet it's not a dramatic explosion. It's a subtle, internalized click in the character's mind. Ibsen is full of turning points like this.