The Deluge · Chapter
LXXXV explained
Prince Boguslav Radzivill recovers from a severe illness and decides to march for Podlyasye despite his weakness.
What happens
Prince Boguslav Radzivill recovers from a severe illness and decides to march for Podlyasye despite his weakness. He and Sakovich discuss their failed schemes, suspecting supernatural interference from Olenka's aunt. Boguslav reveals his plan to seize Billevich's buried money under the pretext of war requisition. A council of war is held, and the army prepares to march. Billevich receives a letter from Boguslav cynically accepting the offered money, causing outrage. Olenka remains defiant.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
Boguslav and Sakovich plot to seize Billevich's money and march on Podlyasye, while maneuvering among Swedish and local forces.
- Honor and Betrayal
Boguslav's cynical letter to Billevich betrays trust and honor, using false friendship to justify theft.
- Love and Sacrifice
Olenka's defiance and willingness to face danger rather than submit to Boguslav's desires.
Characters to notice
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Recovers from illness, plans to march for Podlyasye, discusses seizing Billevich's money, and holds a council of war.
- Pan Sakovich
Attends Boguslav during illness, discusses supernatural suspicions, and reports on troop movements.
- Olenka Billevich
Remains in Taurogi with her uncle, advises reading Boguslav's letter, and expresses defiance.
- Tomash Billevich
Recovers from injury, receives Boguslav's letter about the money, and reacts with fury.
- Patterson
Participates in the council at Boguslav's bedside and makes a biblical allusion.
- Panna Kulvyets
Remains in Taurogi with Olenka and Billevich.
Key passages
“Impossible! Why? The old man has confessed that he has a tremendous lot of money buried in Billeviche. If I let them alone, they will dig up the money and go to the forests. I prefer to keep them here, and take the money in requisition.”
Boguslav insists on keeping Billevich captive to seize his buried treasure under the guise of war requisition.
Boguslav reveals his true motive for detaining Billevich and Olenka.
“If Sapyeha is my pillar, I will shake him so that the whole Commonwealth will fall on his head.”
Boguslav boasts that he will destroy Sapyeha and bring down the Commonwealth.
Boguslav's threat against Sapyeha, showing his ambition and ruthlessness.
“Strike, whoso believes in God! cried he at last. One injustice the more, the punishment of God nearer; for the measure will soon be filled, said Olenka.”
Billevich cries out in despair at Boguslav's betrayal, while Olenka comforts him with faith in divine justice.
The reaction of Billevich and Olenka to Boguslav's letter.
