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
MRS. ALVING. [Looking steadily at him.] If I were what I ought to be, I should go to Oswald and say, "Listen, my boy: your father led a vicious life – " (2.50)
Compare this fantasy of hers – coming clean about her husband's vicious life – with her understanding of Captain Alving at the end of the play. It seems as though she learns empathy.
Quote #8
MANDERS. You have established a happy illusion in your son's heart, Mrs. Alving; and assuredly you ought not to undervalue it. (2.65)
Manders just never makes any bones about it: lying is an appropriate means if the end is worthy.
Quote #9
MANDERS. And this is how you reward me! You cause me to enter falsehoods in the Church Register, and you withhold from me, year after year, the explanations you owed alike to me and to the truth. Your conduct has been wholly inexcusable, Engstrand; and from this time forward I have done with you! (2.146)
Just a moment ago the Pastor was reassuring Mrs. Alving that lying was appropriate, now he seems to be defender of the truth. It looks like he may have had his ego bruised.