# LXXVIII explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Zagloba returns to Hetman Sapyeha's camp and engages in witty banter about the campaign. Sapyeha prepares to march to Warsaw, where the Swedes have fortified the city and caused immense suffering among the populace. Despite the dire situation, Sapyeha indulges in nightly feasts, neglecting military discipline. Kmita is torn between a scouting mission and attending Sapyeha's feast, but ultimately decides to attend.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Destruction

The chapter depicts the devastation of Warsaw, with burning suburbs, starving civilians, and the grim realities of siege warfare.

### Political Intrigue

Sapyeha's feasting and neglect of duty amid the siege highlight the tensions between personal indulgence and military responsibility.

### National Identity and Resistance

The Polish forces, led by Sapyeha and Charnyetski, continue to resist the Swedish occupation, with hope placed in the king's arrival.

## Character check-ins

### Zagloba

Returns to Sapyeha's camp, engages in humorous exchanges, and later receives the Lubelsk deputation.

### Kryshtofek Sapyeha

Hetman Sapyeha prepares for the siege of Warsaw, holds feasts, and struggles with the balance between duty and pleasure.

### Stefan Charnyetski

Mentioned as a great warrior who is marching to Great Poland and Prussia; his troops are exhausted from many battles.

### Andrei Kmita

Receives an order to attend Sapyeha's feast despite a scouting mission; decides to comply.

### Pan Michael Volodyovski

Comments on Sapyeha's feasting and the expected improvement in discipline once the king arrives.

### Yan Skshetuski

Present among the officers; criticizes Sapyeha's neglect of duty.

### Roh Kovalski

Mentioned by Zagloba in a story about past romantic exploits.

## Key lines

> In the whole camp of Sapyeha it smells of hashed meat and cabbage.

Zagloba jokes that the camp smells of food because the Swedes have been cutting up Polish soldiers like cabbages.

_Zagloba uses humor to criticize Sapyeha's military setbacks._

> Sapyeha would make a saint fall, and what must happen to me, who have been always fond of sport?

Zagloba admits that Sapyeha's feasting tempts even him to overindulge, despite his good intentions.

_Reflects the theme of moral weakness and self-awareness._

## Links

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