# XCVII explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Andrei Kmita recovers from his wounds at Lyubich and regains consciousness. He attends Mass at Upita, where he encounters Olenka Billevich. During the service, a letter from King Yan Kazimir is read, publicly absolving Kmita of past treason and praising his heroic deeds, including his capture of Prince Boguslav Radzivill and his defense of Chenstohova. Overcome with emotion, Olenka kisses Kmita's hand in the church. Afterward, the crowd celebrates Kmita as the new starosta of Upita, and he is reunited with Pan Volodyovski and Zagloba, who urge him to go to Vodokty for betrothal. Anusia learns the truth about Babinich's identity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Transformation

Kmita's public absolution by the king's letter and his acceptance by Olenka and the community mark his full redemption from past errors.

### Love and Sacrifice

Olenka's public kiss of Kmita's hand in church symbolizes her forgiveness and love, while Kmita's suffering and service demonstrate his sacrifice.

### Honor and Betrayal

The king's letter explicitly addresses Kmita's earlier betrayal by Prince Yanush Radzivill and his subsequent honorable actions, restoring his honor.

## Character check-ins

### Andrei Kmita

Recovers from wounds, attends Mass at Upita, is publicly vindicated by the king's letter, and is celebrated as the new starosta of Upita.

### Olenka Billevich

Sees Kmita at church, is deeply moved by the king's letter, and kisses his hand in front of the congregation.

### Soroka

Faithful servant who cares for Kmita during his recovery and accompanies him to church.

### Pan Michael Volodyovski

Returns with the Lauda men, brings the king's letter to Upita, and supports Kmita after the service.

### Zagloba

Celebrates Kmita's vindication, urges him to go to Vodokty for betrothal, and sings joyfully.

### Anusia Borzobogati

Learns from Olenka that Pan Babinich is actually Kmita, and is excited to hear of Pan Volodyovski's return.

### Tomash Billevich

Accompanies Olenka to church and leaves with her after the service.

### Yuzva Butrym

Leads the Lauda men in shouting 'Long life to Pan Kmita!'

## Key lines

> The horned, daring soul in truth was unwilling to go out of its bodily enclosure, and did not go out.

Kmita's fierce spirit refused to leave his body, and he survived.

_Describes Kmita's tenacious will to live despite severe wounds._

> The penance is over—I see that clearly. The mercy of God is upon me!

Kmita feels his suffering and atonement are complete, and he is forgiven by God.

_Reflects Kmita's sense of spiritual redemption._

> Olenka! Olenka is near me! said he to himself, see, God has commanded us to meet in the church after absence.

Kmita marvels that divine providence has brought him and Olenka together in church.

_Highlights the emotional reunion in a sacred setting._

> Then he is Babinich? Then he is that crusher of the Swedes, the savior of Volmontovichi, the victor in so many battles—that is Kmita?

The congregation realizes that the hero known as Babinich is actually Kmita.

_Reveals the public recognition of Kmita's secret identity._

> Olenka placed both her hands on her temples, and raising her head, began to catch the air into her parted lips. From her bosom came out the groan— O God! O God! O God!

Olenka is overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing of Kmita's sufferings.

_Shows Olenka's intense emotional response to the king's letter._

## Links

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