Bethsy falls ill with pneumonia, and the family is deeply affected by her suffering. As death nears, she experiences moments of lucidity mixed with hallucinations in which she calls out to deceased loved ones. Her death, sudden yet expected, leaves the family in mourning.

Tony mourns her mother while dealing with the selfishness of the household personnel, who take away her mother’s belongings. The family discusses the inheritance and future of the Buddenbrooks’ house. Despite their emotional attachment, the siblings decide that the house must be sold.

Hanno, dressed in his sailor suit, is brought by his parents to say goodbye to his grandmother’s body, and its artificial appearance deeply affects him. The funeral procession is followed by a somber ceremony.