How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #7
JAMES
When you have the poison in you, you want to blame everyone but yourself! (3.1.58)
We just want to note that this isn't necessarily true. Mary appears to have an issue with taking responsibility that manifests itself both high and sober. If you look at the second quote in this section you'll see that Mary, when high, also blames fate a lot, instead of criticizing people's actions.
Quote #8
JAMES
Mary! Can't you forget–?
MARY
With detached pity.
No, dear. But I forgive. I always forgive you. So don't look so guilty. (3.1.73-74)
This is an unusual moment for James, asking for the past to be forgotten, though it makes sense considering what a jerk he was during their honeymoon. What stands out even more, though, is Mary's claim that she remembers but forgives all of James's wrongdoing. Is this really true? It seems to us that perhaps Mary can explain James's behavior, but she never really stops feeling resentful toward him.
Quote #9
EDMUND
The hardest thing to take is the blank wall she builds around her. Or it's more like a bank of fog in which she hides and loses herself. Deliberately, that's the hell of it! You know something in her does it deliberately – to get beyond our reach, to be rid of us, to forget we're alive! It's as if, in spite of loving us, she hated us! (4.1.84)
It makes sense, of course, that Edmund would be offended by Mary's morphine-wall-building, because he's spot on – she does it to forget about him and the family. But what he loses sight of here is the fact that he just said he loved doing exactly the same thing when he walks in the fog. See quote six in "Lies and Deceit" for that.