Act 3 Summary

The fire was caused by Manders' carelessness in putting out the candles after the ceremony celebrating the completion of the church, and only Engstrand knows it. The pastor knows there will be an investigation, and the only witness is Engstrand. Engstrand blackmails the pastor for the money to build his Seamen's Home, which he intends to name Captain Alving's Home. Mrs. Alving washes her hands of the whole business, telling Manders to handle everything. She wants no more part of the hypocritical effort to honor her late husband.

Mrs. Alving tells Oswald and Regine the truth about Captain Alving. She blames herself for his boredom when he was young because he had no occupation, only a title. She believes that she was so focused on doing her duty in their marriage, that she brought little light into his life, causing him to live...