The Deluge · Chapter
XCIII explained
Olenka and Anusia escape from Taurogi and join the sword-bearer Pan Billevich's insurgent party near Olsha.
What happens
Olenka and Anusia escape from Taurogi and join the sword-bearer Pan Billevich's insurgent party near Olsha. Pan Billevich, rejuvenated by military action, commands a force of peasant infantry and noble cavalry. Anusia sends two messengers with letters to Babinich seeking rescue, but both messengers are killed and the letters intercepted. Olenka struggles with her feelings for Kmita, torn between love and his betrayal. News arrives of the victory at Prostki, where Babinich captured Prince Boguslav, and of Babinich burning Taurogi, causing excitement and hope among the party.
Themes in this chapter
- Love and Sacrifice
Olenka's internal conflict between her love for Kmita and his betrayal, and Anusia's desperate plea to Babinich for rescue, highlight themes of personal sacrifice and devotion.
- National Identity and Resistance
The insurgent party led by Pan Billevich embodies Polish-Lithuanian resistance against Swedish occupation, with local nobles and peasants rallying to defend their homeland.
- War and Destruction
The chapter vividly describes the burned villages, displaced populations, and brutal violence inflicted by war, including the mutilation of civilians.
- Honor and Betrayal
Yanush Radzivill's treason is cited as the cause of the region's suffering, and Olenka grapples with Kmita's past betrayal, while Pan Billevich's renewed honor contrasts with Sakovich's treachery.
Characters to notice
- Olenka Billevich
Freed from Taurogi, she joins Pan Billevich's camp and struggles with her conflicted feelings for Kmita, praying in anguish.
- Anusia Borzobogati
Also freed from Taurogi, she writes letters to Babinich and sends messengers, then becomes excited upon hearing news of Babinich's exploits.
- Tomash Billevich
The sword-bearer of Rossyeni, now leading a sizable insurgent party, he welcomes the maidens and plans to attack Ponyevyej.
- Babinich
Anusia's hoped-for rescuer; news arrives that he captured Prince Boguslav at Prostki and burned Taurogi, causing great excitement.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Mentioned as having been captured by Babinich at the battle of Prostki.
- Pan Sakovich
The traitor who attacked Pan Billevich's party and ordered the flaying of Braun; he flees before Babinich.
- Yurek Billevich
A messenger sent by Anusia; he is shot while fleeing a Swedish party and dies.
- Yanush Radzivill
Mentioned as the traitor whose actions led to the devastation of the region.
Key passages
“I will fall before a hair shall drop from your heads.”
Pan Billevich vows to die before any harm comes to the maidens.
Demonstrates his protective resolve and renewed courage.
“I could wish not to live myself, and that he were not living.”
Olenka expresses her despair over Kmita's betrayal, wishing neither of them were alive.
Reveals her deep emotional turmoil and conflicted love.
“Babinich is burning Electoral Prussia, is advancing like death toward Jmud, slaying, leaving behind only earth and sky.”
News spreads that Babinich is devastating Prussia and approaching Jmud with destructive force.
Highlights Babinich's fearsome reputation and the hope he brings to the insurgents.
