’Midst the Wild Carpathians · Chapter
VI: The Battle of Nagy Szöllös explained
Michael Apafi, awaiting Turkish aid, is besieged in Segesvar by John Kemeny's larger force.
What happens
Michael Apafi, awaiting Turkish aid, is besieged in Segesvar by John Kemeny's larger force. His Szekler allies, frustrated by his defensive strategy, abandon him. Kucsuk Pasha arrives with a small contingent, then departs to confront Kemeny, leaving Apafi in a state of anxious uncertainty. The chapter culminates in the Battle of Nagy Szöllös, where Kemeny's forces, led by the cautious Wenzinger, prepare to meet the enemy, with Kemeny himself defiantly choosing to lead from the front.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
Apafi's desperate situation, his anxiety, and his reliance on Turkish aid highlight the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds.
Loyalty and Duty
The Szeklers' abandonment of Apafi contrasts with Kucsuk Pasha's commitment to fight, even with a smaller force, illustrating conflicting loyalties and duties.
Pride and Fall
John Kemeny's pride in leading from the front, despite Wenzinger's objections, foreshadows potential downfall and the clash between personal glory and tactical prudence.
Characters to notice
- Michael Apafi
Anxious and indecisive, he awaits Turkish aid in Segesvar, loses his Szekler allies, and is confounded by Kucsuk Pasha's tactics.
- John Kemeny
Leads a vast host against Apafi but is cautious about engaging, preferring to await the enemy's attack at Nagy Szöllös.
- Kucsuk Pasha
Arrives with a small force, offers fatalistic reassurance, then departs to fight Kemeny, leaving Apafi in suspense.
- Stephen Apafi
Advises his brother to remain on the defensive and later counsels trust in God when Kucsuk's small force arrives.
- Wenzinger
The experienced German general who leads Kemeny's siege operations with methodical caution, clashing with Kemeny's desire for a frontline role.
- Stephen Nalaczi
Tasked with keeping the Szeklers in a martial humour, he fills them with ardour in the tavern, leading to their clamorous demand for battle.
- John Cserey
Apafi's steward and factotum, he delivers the news of Kucsuk Pasha's departure and the waiting messenger.
Key passages
“Either you must let us march against the foe or home we go!”
The Szeklers demand to either fight the enemy immediately or be allowed to return home.
Shows the Szeklers' frustration with Apafi's defensive strategy and their willingness to abandon him.
“God alone knows, who reads the destiny of man in heaven above”
Kucsuk Pasha responds fatalistically, suggesting that only God knows the outcome of their situation.
Highlights the Pasha's fatalistic outlook and the uncertainty of their military position.
“I'll be damned if I do!”
Wenzinger angrily refuses to delay his battle preparations, insisting on the urgency of the moment.
Demonstrates Wenzinger's professional discipline and his frustration with the Hungarian nobles' casual attitude.