The Deluge · Chapter
VII explained
The aftermath of the battle at Volmontovichi leaves Lauda in mourning.
What happens
The aftermath of the battle at Volmontovichi leaves Lauda in mourning. Kmita has vanished, and Olenka struggles with her feelings for him amid the destruction he caused. The region remains tense as war looms, and the nobility debates legal action against Kmita. Eventually, a letter from Kmita arrives for Olenka.
Themes in this chapter
- War and Destruction
The chapter opens with the burned ruins of Volmontovichi, the aftermath of a bloody battle, and the ongoing war threatening the land.
- Love and Sacrifice
Olenka's internal conflict between her love for Kmita and the suffering he caused, and her efforts to protect him through legal restraint.
- Political Intrigue
The magnates, especially Yanush Radzivill, are pursuing their own ambitions, weakening the Commonwealth and contributing to the chaos.
- Social Class and Nobility
The Lauda nobility's struggle for justice against a powerful magnate like Kmita, and the role of the Billevich family in guiding the community.
Characters to notice
- Olenka Billevich
Panna Aleksandra mourns the destruction caused by Kmita, struggles with her lingering love for him, and presides over the Lauda elders' councils, advising restraint.
- Andrei Kmita
Kmita has vanished after the battle; a letter from him arrives for Olenka, in which he justifies his actions and expresses a desire for peace.
- Yanush Radzivill
The powerful Radzivill of Birji is mentioned as being occupied with public affairs and projects to elevate his house, contributing to the disorder in the Commonwealth.
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Volodyovski, dwelling in Patsuneli and recovering health, gives tidings that the king will come in spring with new troops.
- Stefan Charnyetski
Charnyetski's name is heard more frequently as a hero in the Ukraine, though his glory cannot replace troops.
- Kryshtofek Sapyeha
Pavel Sapyeha is noted for showing resistance and winning glory against the enemy.
Key passages
“The day rose gray, and lighted a group of ruins in Volmontovichi—the burned remnants of houses, outbuildings, bodies of people and horses burned or slain with swords.”
A gray dawn revealed the destruction in Volmontovichi: burned houses, outbuildings, and the corpses of people and horses killed by fire or sword.
Opening scene depicting the aftermath of the battle.
“If there was anyone who knew this best, it was Panna Aleksandra, who had become acquainted with him most intimately. There was a precipice between Pan Kmita himself and his deeds.”
Olenka knew better than anyone the gap between Kmita's true character and his terrible actions.
Olenka's internal conflict about Kmita's nature.
“All the bonds in the strong edifice of the Commonwealth had burst from the time of the Cossack war.”
The Commonwealth's unity had shattered since the Cossack war.
Historical context of the Commonwealth's decline.
