Chapter 3
The chapter opens in the Alving conservatory after a house fire. Mrs. Alving, shrouded, and Regina discuss the ruined basement and the missing hat of the deceased Oswald’s father. Pastor Manders enters, distressed about the disaster, and is soon joined by Jacob Engstrand. The three men argue over who extinguished a candle that started the blaze, each denying responsibility. Mrs. Alving returns, chastises Manders for abandoning his inaugural address, and declares the orphanage project futile. She and Manders negotiate the fate of the Alving endowment: the Solvik property will be given to the parish, the bank interest will fund a “Sailors’ Home,” and Engstrand is urged to support this new venture. Manders and Engstrand plan to leave together; Regina is told she must stay, but later decides to depart by steamer, arguing with Mrs. Alving about her future.
Oswald, now back in the house, is shown sitting wet and ill. Mrs. Alving dries him, offers sleep, and they discuss his frailty. A long, bitter exchange follows in which Mrs. Alving reveals her belief that her late husband was a broken man, that she failed him, and that Regina should have been kept at home. Oswald confesses an inherited “softening of the brain,” a fatal disease that will return, and that he fears becoming a helpless infant. He produces a hidden box of morphine pills, declares his intention to use them, and threatens suicide. Mrs. Alving tries to seize the box, but Oswald hides it again, insisting that only Regina could have rescued him. He repeatedly demands “the sun,” refuses assistance, and eventually collapses, becoming mute and expressionless. Mrs. Alving kneels, cries, and attempts to help, but Oswald continues to repeat “the sun” in a toneless voice. The scene ends with Mrs. Alving shouting in terror as Oswald’s body remains motionless, implying his death.