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
MANDERS. Yes, you have inherited the name of an energetic and admirable man, my dear Oswald Alving. No doubt it will be an incentive to you – (1.296)
During this part of the conversation, Mrs. Alving is silently listening. It rankles her to hear Manders (the man she once loved) and Oswald glorifying the man who made her miserable. Now, however, is not the time to talk about it.
Quote #5
MRS. ALVING. Here, in my loneliness, I have come to the same way of thinking, Pastor Manders. But I have never dared to say anything. Well! now my boy shall speak for me. (1.351)
Mrs. Alving is courageous in her thinking, but not so much in her actions. Still insecure about her own progressive values, she looks to Oswald to support and articulate them.
Quote #6
MANDERS. But instead of that you rebelliously throw away the cross, desert the backslider whom you should have supported, go and risk your good name and reputation, and – nearly succeed in ruining other people's reputation into the bargain. (1.360)
Ah-ha! So that's where you were going with that, Manders. Pastor Manders spends a lot of time condemning Mrs. Alving in idealistic, general, religious terms. Behind the sermon lies a very personal fear of exposure and humiliation.