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
MRS. ALVING. And now, my poor suffering boy, I am going to take the burden off your mind –
OSWALD. You, mother?
MRS. ALVING. – all the gnawing remorse and self-reproach you speak of. (3.104-6)
This is one of those sad moments in the play where Mrs. Alving thinks she's figured it out – only to have the rug pulled out from under her again. She almost believes she can heal Oswald by telling him the truth about his father. At least she can assure him that his illness isn't his fault. But what does it matter? Oswald is terminally ill.