The Deluge · Chapter
XIII explained
The knights discuss the political turmoil and the impending Swedish war, with news of Prince Radzivill's suspicious actions, including the arrest of Pan Gosyevski and Pan Yudytski.
What happens
The knights discuss the political turmoil and the impending Swedish war, with news of Prince Radzivill's suspicious actions, including the arrest of Pan Gosyevski and Pan Yudytski. Harasimovich brings dire reports of Swedish advances and the king's flight, while the group decides to travel to Kyedani to meet the prince. Volodyovski also shares his unrequited love for Olenka Billevich.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
The arrest of Gosyevski and Yudytski by Prince Radzivill, along with secret councils and rumors of betrayal, highlights the treacherous political landscape.
- National Identity and Resistance
The knights grapple with the Swedish invasion and the king's flight, debating loyalty to the Commonwealth and the need for war to resist foreign domination.
- War and Destruction
Reports of Vilna burning, Warsaw threatened, and the Swedish advance underscore the devastation of war, with characters eagerly anticipating battle.
Characters to notice
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Expresses shock at the arrest of Gosyevski and Yudytski, and later confesses his love for Olenka Billevich.
- Zagloba
Rubs his hands at the prospect of war, boasts of past Swedish bloodshed, and decides to travel to Kyedani.
- Yan Skshetuski
Listens to the news and decides to join Volodyovski and Zagloba on the journey to Kyedani.
- Stanislav Skshetuski
Participates in the discussion about the political situation and agrees to travel with the group.
- Pan Kharlamp
Brings news of Prince Radzivill's preparations and the arrest of Gosyevski and Yudytski.
- Harasimovich
Delivers grim reports of Swedish advances and the king's flight, and announces the prince's summons.
- Olenka Billevich
Mentioned by Volodyovski as the object of his unrequited love.
- Andrei Kmita
Mentioned by Volodyovski as a rival for Olenka's affections.
Key passages
“According to my thinking, from these counsellings a terrible and vengeful war with Sweden will come, for which war we are all sighing.”
Kharlamp believes the secret meetings will lead to a fierce war with Sweden, which everyone desires.
Expresses the anticipation of war among the knights.
“All is lost, lost for the ages! The Commonwealth cannot stand against three wars. Lost! The will of God, the will of God! Our prince alone can save Lithuania.”
Harasimovich despairs that the Commonwealth is doomed against multiple wars, but hopes Prince Radzivill can save Lithuania.
Reflects the sense of crisis and reliance on Radzivill.
“It is well that war is near, said he, otherwise I should have suffered greatly, when I think at times that such is my misfortune, and that probably I shall die in the single state.”
Volodyovski says war is a welcome distraction from his unrequited love for Olenka Billevich.
Reveals Volodyovski's personal sorrow amidst the political turmoil.
