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Ghosts
Public book overview with generated synopsis from the full running summary.
By Henrik Ibsen
3 chapters1881en
Summary•EnglishSynopsis
Quick synopsis of the book's plot, generated by our AI models.
Mrs. Alving, determined to fulfill her late husband’s charitable vision, prepares to open a new orphanage while confronting Pastor Manders, who arrives to finalize the deed and press for insurance. In a heated exchange she exposes her husband’s immoral past, her own sacrifices, and declares she will deny him any inheritance, later confronting both the pastor and Jacob Engstrand about hidden deceptions. The crisis deepens when her son Oswald confesses to a debilitating hereditary illness and guilt, and a sudden fire engulfs the orphanage, forcing everyone to flee. Undeterred, Mrs. Alving redirects the Alving endowment to a Sailors’ Home, expels Pastor Manders and completes the orphanage plans, only to witness Oswald’s tragic suicide attempt with morphine, culminating in his death as he repeatedly demands “the sun.” The story ends with Mrs. Alving watching in horror, embodying the tragic cost of truth and redemption.
Bibliographic Details
Details from the uploaded book file.
Primary Author
Henrik Ibsen
Source Title
Ghosts
Publisher
Not available
Language
en
Summary Language
English
Published Date
1881
Published Year
1881
Rights
Not available
Contributors
Henrik Ibsen (Author)William Archer (Translator)
Identifiers
No identifiers provided.
Description
No bibliographic description provided.
Chapter Summary Pages
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Characters
Character directory for this processed book.
Captain Alvingmale
Mentioned as the deceased husband of Mrs. Alving and former Chamberlain, whose reputation is now under scrutiny. Captain Alving is referenced as Oswald's father, depicted as broken‑down and lacking joy.
Jacob Engstrandmale
Introduced as a carpenter, father of Regina, with a limp and a history of alcoholism. Engstrand admits to having been paid to hide his past, confesses falsifying church records, and proposes using saved money for a Sailors’ Home. Jacob Engstrand proposes a Sailors' Home named after the Alvings, acts as a guardian figure, and assists Manders with the endowment matter.
Mrs. Helen Alvingfemale
Introduced as the widowed mother of Oswald, owner of the country house and founder of the orphanage. Mrs. Alving reveals the hidden scandal of her late husband, admits paying to silence Johanna, and expresses her guilt and desire to confront the truth. Mrs. Alving takes charge of the orphanage endowment, offers power of attorney, shows maternal concern for Oswald's illness, and mentions the planned "Chamberlain Alving's Home".
Oswald Alvingmale
Introduced as the adult son of Mrs. Alving, a painter returning home after years abroad. Oswald discloses a debilitating, inherited illness linked to the notion of "sins of the fathers," describing severe symptoms and a doctor’s diagnosis. Oswald reveals a hereditary brain condition, fear of helplessness, and his use of morphine, while demanding his mother’s rescue instead of Regina.
Pastor Mandersmale
Introduced as the local pastor, friend of the Alving family, and advisor on the orphanage affairs. Manders discusses Engstrand’s Sailors’ Home, approves it, and later discovers the orphanage has burned down, noting it was uninsured. Manders prepares to leave by steamer, takes the estate papers, and considers reallocating Solvik property and funds for town projects, including a Sailors' Home.
Regina Engstrandfemale
Introduced as Jacob Engstrand's daughter and maid to Mrs. Alving, outspoken and protective of herself. Regina serves drinks, aligns with Oswald when he decides to leave, and witnesses the orphanage fire, helping Mrs. Alving escape. Regina decides to leave by steamer, claims a share of the endowment, and comments on Pastor Manders and the future refuge.
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