# LXXIII explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Charnyetski, troubled by the possibility of Lyubomirski's pride preventing a joint attack on the Swedes, anxiously awaits the marshal's response to his letter. After a tense wait, the envoys return with Lyubomirski's agreement to join forces, and the combined armies march under Charnyetski's command. They launch fierce attacks on the Swedish rearguard, causing panic and heavy losses. Karl Gustav struggles to maintain order as Polish troops and peasant uprisings wear down the Swedish army. Lyubomirski, despite his pride, proves a capable ally, while Charnyetski's relentless pursuit drives the Swedes into a desperate retreat.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Destruction

The chapter depicts the brutal warfare between Polish and Swedish forces, with descriptions of panic, exhaustion, and atrocities such as flaying of prisoners.

### National Identity and Resistance

Polish troops and peasants unite against the Swedish invaders, using Tartar shouts and guerrilla tactics to resist foreign occupation.

### Political Intrigue

Lyubomirski's pride and ambition create tension with Charnyetski, reflecting the internal political rivalries that complicate the war effort.

## Character check-ins

### Stefan Charnyetski

Anxious and troubled over Lyubomirski's potential refusal to join forces; later leads the combined armies in relentless attacks on the Swedish rearguard.

### Pan Michael Volodyovski

Observes Charnyetski's distress and comments on the envoys' return.

### Zagloba

Returns with the envoys, singing joyfully, signaling good news.

### Pan Lyubomirski

Initially hesitant due to pride, but ultimately agrees to join Charnyetski; fights effectively and covers himself with glory.

### Karl Gustav

Struggles to maintain order in his retreating army; nearly captured at Rudnik; his unbroken spirit holds the remnant together.

### Roh Kovalski

Rides with orders from Charnyetski and speaks with Shandarovski about the Swedish king's location.

### Shandarovski

Leads the vanguard of Prince Dymitri Vishnyevetski's regiment; receives intelligence about Karl Gustav's location and leads an attack.

### Pan Vitovski

Vies with Charnyetski and Lyubomirski in crushing the Swedes, though unable to match Charnyetski's greatness.

## Key lines

> Charnyetski does not knock out my men, he steals them away

Karl Gustav complains that Charnyetski's tactics are not direct confrontations but rather a gradual attrition of his forces.

_Highlights Charnyetski's guerrilla warfare strategy._

> Allah! Allah! was heard night and day without a moment’s cessation

Polish troops constantly shouted 'Allah!' to deceive the Swedes into thinking Tartar reinforcements had arrived.

_Psychological warfare tactic used to demoralize the Swedish army._

> the marshal, unsparing of his own fortune, had announced that whoever took up arms would be freed from subjection

Lyubomirski promised freedom from serfdom to any peasant who took up arms against the Swedes, using his own wealth to support the uprising.

_Shows Lyubomirski's mobilization of peasant resistance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lxxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters