The Deluge · Chapter
XCVI explained
The chapter describes the gradual return of peace to the Commonwealth after years of war, with villages and towns being rebuilt.
What happens
The chapter describes the gradual return of peace to the Commonwealth after years of war, with villages and towns being rebuilt. In Jmud, Olenka Billevich prepares to enter a convent, managing Vodokty with her uncle Pan Tomash. Rumors circulate that Babinich is actually Kmita, but Olenka refuses to believe. While returning from Mitruny, they encounter a wagon carrying a wounded Pan Kmita, who was shot by Hungarians and wishes to die at Lyubich. Olenka, deeply shaken, sends for a priest and prays for him through the night. Kmita survives and begins to recover, stirring conflicted feelings in Olenka, who struggles with her past grievances and newfound pity.
Themes in this chapter
- Love and Sacrifice
Olenka's internal conflict between her vow to enter the cloister and her lingering feelings for Kmita, culminating in her prayers and care for him despite past grievances.
- Redemption and Transformation
Kmita's near-death experience and potential recovery symbolize a chance for redemption, while Olenka's struggle reflects her own transformation from bitterness to pity.
- War and Destruction
The chapter opens with a vivid description of the widespread devastation and relentless battles across the Commonwealth, and the slow return to peace.
Characters to notice
- Olenka Billevich
Living at Vodokty, managing the estate and preparing to enter a convent; deeply conflicted upon learning of Kmita's return and injury.
- Tomash Billevich
Olenka's uncle, managing Vodokty with her; accompanies her on the ride and later questions her feelings about Kmita.
- Anusia Borzobogati
Living at Vodokty with Olenka and the sword-bearer; threatens to enter the cloister after Babinich's affront.
- Andrei Kmita
Found wounded in a wagon, shot by Hungarians at Magyerovo; brought to Lyubich to die, but begins to recover.
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Mentioned as having led Lauda men who are still in the field; Anusia waits for his return.
- Stefan Charnyetski
Mentioned as taking the Polish sword to Denmark after the war.
- Yan Kazimir
Mentioned as taking Prussian fortresses during the peace.
- Pan Lyubomirski
Mentioned as ruining Transylvanian forces with fire and sword.
Key passages
“It is written in no book how many battles the armies, the nobles, and the people of the Commonwealth fought with the enemy.”
The countless battles fought by the Commonwealth's forces and people are not recorded in any chronicle.
Opening reflection on the unrecorded heroism of the war.
“But under the force of these exertions the power of the enemy bent at last.”
The enemy's strength finally gave way under the relentless pressure.
Describes the turning point in the war.
“The King of Sweden, being the first to despair of his cause, went home to the Danish war;”
King Karl Gustav, losing hope, left for the war against Denmark.
Historical note on the Swedish king's departure.
“Peace began to return gradually to the plains of Poland.”
Slowly, peace started to settle across the Polish lands.
Indicates the end of major hostilities.
“Olenka had been living for some time at Vodokty, with Anusia and the sword-bearer.”
Olenka resided at Vodokty alongside Anusia and her uncle.
Sets the scene for Olenka's current life.
“She had determined therefore to follow that voice.”
She resolved to obey that inner calling.
Olenka's decision to enter the convent.
