# A Prince in His Own Despite explained — ’Midst the Wild Carpathians

> Chapter companion for ’Midst the Wild Carpathians by Mór Jókai.

## What happens

A year after Michael Apafi's return home, his wife Anna is in labor. Turkish soldiers arrive, demanding Apafi accompany them to Ali Pasha's camp. Despite his wife's pleas, Apafi leaves, learning en route that Anna has given birth to a son. At the camp, Ali Pasha informs Apafi that the Sultan has chosen him to become Prince of Transylvania, replacing John Kemeny. Apafi is reluctant but is compelled to issue writs for a Diet.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Free Will

Apafi is thrust into a position of power against his will, illustrating the lack of agency in his life.

### Political Intrigue

The Ottoman Pasha orchestrates the replacement of a prince, showing the political machinations of the time.

## Character check-ins

### Michael Apafi

Forced to leave his wife in childbirth to meet Ali Pasha; learns he is to be made Prince of Transylvania.

### Anna Bornemissa

In labor, fears for her husband's safety, gives birth to a son.

### Ali Pasha

Commands Apafi to come to his camp and announces the Sultan's decision to make him Prince.

### Andrew

Servant who brings news of the birth of Apafi's son.

## Key lines

> My wife lies in the pangs of childbirth; the issues of life and death depend on the next five minutes. I cannot leave her now.

Apafi pleads that he cannot leave his wife who is in labor, as her life and the child's are at risk.

_Shows Apafi's concern for his family over his own safety._

> The Sublime Sultan has heard how honestly, discreetly, and manfully thou hast borne thy doleful captivity...

Ali Pasha explains that the Sultan has been impressed by Apafi's conduct during his captivity and has chosen him for a higher purpose.

_Reveals the reason for Apafi's elevation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/chapters/iii-a-prince-in-his-own-despite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/midst_the_wild_carpathians_se/chapters