Test Your Knowledge of Henrik Ibsen's Play Ghosts

Mrs. Alving discovers that her son Oswald is suffering from syphilis, a revelation that deeply impacts the storyline as it connects to the family's troubled history and the play's thematic underpinnings. This discovery serves as a pivotal moment, influencing the characters' actions and decisions.

The revealed relationship between Regina and Oswald in "Ghosts" is that of siblings. Their discovery of being half-siblings adds a complex layer to the plot while also causing emotional distress to Oswald as all romantic possibilities between them disappear.

Helen Alving, the central character in "Ghosts," is on the verge of dedicating an orphanage in memory of her late husband, Captain Alving. This act is symbolic, reflecting her enduring commitment despite her husband's past transgressions and setting the stage for significant events in the play.

Pastor Manders convinces Mrs. Alving not to insure the orphanage, a decision that eventually results in the orphanage's burning down. This manipulation becomes a pivotal moment, leading to a tragic event that shapes the characters' fates.

Regina Engstrand is revealed to be the illegitimate daughter of Captain Alving, making her Oswald's half-sister. This revelation significantly complicates the relationships within the play and drives the emotional tension and conflict between the characters.

The play concludes with Mrs. Alving having to confront the decision of whether or not to euthanize her son Oswald in accordance with his wishes, culminating in a harrowing and morally challenging resolution to the play.

The orphanage burns down due to Manders' carelessness with a candle, as claimed by Engstrand. This event serves as a turning point in the play, intensifying the conflict and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Jacob Engstrand aspires to open a hostel for seafarers, a goal that adds an additional layer to the characters' aspirations and motivations within the play. His ambition becomes a part of the intricate web of relationships and ambitions portrayed in the narrative.

"Ghosts" by Henrik Ibsen delves into profound themes such as religion, venereal disease, incest, and euthanasia, forming the core subject matter of the play. These contentious themes provoke significant introspection and debate throughout the narrative, defining the play's depth and impact.

Oswald asks his mother for a fatal morphine overdose to avoid the late stages of syphilis, a poignant and heart-wrenching plea tied to the play's themes of suffering and ethical dilemmas. This request forms a crucial ethical and moral quandary for the characters.