Kroll’s opposition to political change and Rosmer's new political affiliation can also be attributed to his conviction that women have no place in politics. During a conversation with Rebecca, in which she admits her tendency to be “an agitator,” Kroll grudgingly admits her right to read the newspaper but challenges her right to form a political opinion.

Rebecca: . . . I must follow the course of events—keep up with what is happening.

Kroll: Well, under any circumstances, I should never expect you, as a woman, to side actively with either party in the civic dispute—indeed one might more properly call it the civil war—that is raging here.

When Rosmer comes home and joins the conversation, Kroll reveals that his opposition to women stating their views partly arises from the situation at home, where his wife has sided with their “radical” children.

Kroll: She, who all her days—in great things and small—has concurred in my opinions and approved of all my views, has actually not refrained from throwing her weight on the children's side on many points . . . . She says I try to coerce the young people too much.

The liberal cause is supported by a paper called the Searchlight, which has an outspoken editor and publisher, Peter Mortensgaard. To counter its growing influence on the “misguided masses,” Kroll has bought another paper and intends to turn it into a conservative mouthpiece. He believes that speaking up for his beliefs is the “duty of every patriotic man.” He is shocked and distressed when Rosmer, his old friend, turns down his offer to be the paper’s editor. Rosmer explains that he prefers to take a nonpartisan position and consider everyone’s perspective, and will work toward bringing people together. He also admits to having lost his faith, which was the reason he stopped serving as a pastor.

Rosmer: I do not give my allegiance to the spirit that is directing this, nor to any of those who are leading the fight. I want to try to bring men of all shades of opinion together—as many as I can reach—and bind them as closely together as I can . . . . Mankind is suffering from the strife that is going on now, and we ought to bring peace and happiness and a spirit of reconciliation into their souls.

Kroll’s anger at being refused soon turns into a personal attack. When he returns to Rosmer’s home the next day, he accuses Rosmer of having been complicit in the suicide of Beata, Rosmer’s wife and Kroll’s sister, which had occurred a year before the play’s action begins. His intolerance of Rebecca as an “emancipated” woman has combined with his disapproval of Rosmer’s changing religious views as an “apostate.” He accuses them of having had an affair while Beata was still alive; her belief that Rebecca was pregnant had prompted her to take her own life so that they could marry.

Kroll: . . . And now I ask you, Rosmer, how much truth is there in her other accusation?—the last one, I mean.

Rosmer: Accusation? Was that an accusation, then?

Kroll: Perhaps you did not notice how it was worded. She said she meant to stand out of the way. Why? Well?

Rosmer: In order that I might marry Rebecca, apparently.

Kroll: That was not quite how it was worded. Beata expressed herself differently. She said "I have not much time left; for John must marry Rebecca IMMEDIATELY now."