The Deluge · Chapter
XLIII explained
Miller resumes negotiations with the cloister, sending a Polish noble who falsely claims King Yan Kazimir has abdicated in favor of Karl Gustav, sowing doubt among the defenders.
What happens
Miller resumes negotiations with the cloister, sending a Polish noble who falsely claims King Yan Kazimir has abdicated in favor of Karl Gustav, sowing doubt among the defenders. Kordetski counters the despair with faith, while Kmita confronts the traitor Kuklinovski privately, beating him after Kuklinovski sets aside his envoy status to urge surrender. Kmita later reports to Kordetski that Kuklinovski confirmed news of the Khan's support, Great Poland's rising, and Sapyeha's victory over Radzivill.
Themes in this chapter
- Religion and Faith
Kordetski's reliance on prayer and the Virgin Mary's protection counters the despair sown by the Swedish envoy, emphasizing faith as a rallying force.
- National Identity and Resistance
The defenders' refusal to surrender despite false news of abdication and overwhelming odds reflects Polish resistance against foreign occupation.
- Honor and Betrayal
Kuklinovski's treachery as a Polish noble serving the Swedes contrasts with Kmita's violent rejection of his overtures, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Confronts Kuklinovski privately, beats him after Kuklinovski sets aside envoy status, then reports intelligence to Kordetski.
- Kordetski
Leads the defense with faith, prays and rallies the monks and nobles against doubt, and receives Kmita's report.
- Pan Kuklinovski
Acts as a Swedish envoy spreading false news of abdication; later privately urges Kmita to defect and is beaten by him.
- Sobiepan Zamoyski
Supports Kordetski in the council, arguing that delay benefits the defenders and opposing surrender.
- Yan Kazimir
Mentioned as the king whose false abdication is reported by the envoy; negotiations with Cossacks and the Khan are referenced.
- Karl Gustav
Mentioned as the Swedish king to whom Yan Kazimir supposedly abdicated.
- Yan Sapyeha
Mentioned as the voevoda of Vityebsk who beat Radzivill in Podlyasye.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Mentioned by Kmita as a major enemy, contrasted with Kuklinovski.
Key passages
“All help is past: it is incumbent to yield to the King of the Swedes.”
The envoy declares that all aid is exhausted and surrender to the Swedish king is necessary.
False claim made by the Swedish envoy to demoralize the defenders.
“I gave it to him in the snout, and he rolled down hill.”
Kmita says he punched Kuklinovski in the face, causing him to fall down the slope.
Kmita's report to Kordetski after beating Kuklinovski.
“If you sleep not, neither do I sleep.”
Kordetski assures the assembly that he shares their vigilance and concern.
Kordetski's opening words to counter doubt among the monks and nobles.
