Short Fiction · Chapter
VII explained
Taras Bulba learns from the Jew Yankel that his son Andrii has betrayed the Cossacks and joined the Polish forces in the besieged city.
What happens
Taras Bulba learns from the Jew Yankel that his son Andrii has betrayed the Cossacks and joined the Polish forces in the besieged city. Enraged, Taras initially threatens Yankel but eventually accepts the truth. The Cossacks launch an assault on the city, and Ostap is chosen as hetman of the Oumantzi kurén. Under Ostap's leadership, they repel a Polish sortie, and the Cossacks celebrate their victory. Taras broods over Andrii's betrayal, vowing revenge against the Polish woman who bewitched his son.
Themes in this chapter
War and Cossack Identity
The chapter focuses on the Cossack siege and battle, emphasizing themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh code of honor among the Zaporozhians.
Love and Romance
Andrii's betrayal is motivated by his love for a Polish woman, illustrating the destructive power of romantic attachment in the context of war.
Characters to notice
- Taras Bulba
Enraged by the news of Andrii's betrayal; leads his men in battle and later broods over his son's treachery.
- Yankel
The Jew who enters the city and reports to Taras that Andrii has joined the Poles, describing Andrii's rich attire.
- Andrii
Betrayed the Cossacks; seen in the city adorned with gold, fighting on the Polish side.
- Ostap
Chosen as hetman of the Oumantzi kurén; leads the Cossacks in battle and is praised by the Koschevoi.
- Koschevoi
Gives orders to the Cossacks and congratulates Ostap on his leadership after the battle.
- Demid Popovitch
A Cossack who taunts the Poles from the ranks; later participates in the battle.
- The Lyakhs
The Polish forces besieged in the city; they sally forth and are repelled by the Cossacks.
- The Beautiful Pole
Referenced indirectly as the Polish woman who bewitched Andrii and caused his betrayal.
Key passages
“father is no longer my father, nor my brother my brother, nor my comrades my comrades; and that I will fight them all, all.”
Andrii declares that he has renounced his family and comrades and will fight against them.
Yankel reports Andrii's words to Taras, confirming his betrayal.
“You lie, imp of a Jew! ... I will kill you, Satan!”
Taras angrily accuses Yankel of lying and threatens to kill him.
Taras's initial reaction to the news of Andrii's betrayal.
“Here is the new hetman leading the army like an old one!”
The Koschevoi praises Ostap for his mature leadership in battle.
Ostap is recognized as a capable leader after being chosen as hetman.
“Thank you, oxen! ... you served us on the march, and now you serve us in war.”
The Cossacks thank the oxen for helping them in battle by stampeding into the Polish ranks.
A humorous moment during the battle where the oxen inadvertently aid the Cossacks.