# XCIV explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Sakovich, driven by vengeance after Anusia's flight, arranges a joint attack on the Billevich party with Hamilton's Swedes. Billevich, expecting Babinich's arrival, gathers the Lauda population in Volmontovichi. The enemy attacks from multiple sides, but Babinich arrives unexpectedly and routs them, saving the village. After the battle, Olenka tends to the wounded while Anusia anxiously awaits Babinich's return, but he does not come back immediately, having moved on to capture Ponyevyej.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Sakovich's vengeful obsession with Anusia and Kmita's relentless pursuit of Olenka highlight the destructive and redemptive power of love.

### War and Destruction

The brutal attack on Volmontovichi, the burning of houses, and the slaughter of wounded soldiers underscore the devastation of war.

### National Identity and Resistance

The Lauda people's defense of their village and Billevich's leadership reflect the broader Polish-Lithuanian resistance against Swedish occupation.

## Character check-ins

### Pan Sakovich

Driven by vengeance after Anusia's betrayal, he organizes a joint attack on the Billevich party with Hamilton.

### Olenka Billevich

Shows bravery during the battle, tending to the wounded afterward and leading the nursing efforts.

### Anusia Borzobogati

Overwhelmed with fear and later joy at Babinich's rescue, anxiously awaits his return.

### Tomash Billevich

Leads the defense of Volmontovichi, believing in Babinich's imminent arrival and later pursuing the retreating enemy.

### Babinich

Arrives unexpectedly to rescue the village from Sakovich and the Swedes, then continues his campaign by capturing Ponyevyej.

### Andrei Kmita

Revealed as Babinich; he has been pursuing Sakovich and destroying Swedish forces in Jmud, unaware that Olenka is with the Billevich party.

## Key lines

> “A knight in petticoats!” called voices. “Better set hens and pluck feathers!”

The soldiers mock a woman who shows martial spirit, suggesting she should stick to domestic tasks.

_Reflects contemporary gender roles and the surprise at a woman's bravery in battle._

> “Oh, that is blood! that is the wife for a soldier; she is the right kind of volunteer!”

The soldiers praise Olenka's fearless demeanor, calling her a true soldier's companion.

_Highlights Olenka's courage and the admiration it earns from the troops._

> “God bless thee, invincible warrior! savior who rescued us, with our children and houses, from ruin!”

The villagers thank Babinich for saving them from destruction.

_Shows the gratitude of the people and Babinich's heroic status._

## Links

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