XLV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• War and Destruction

  The chapter depicts the destruction of the Swedish siege-gun by Kmita and the ongoing violence of the siege.

• Honor and Betrayal

  Kmita's refusal to shake hands with Zbrojek highlights his disdain for those serving against their country; Kuklinovski's betrayal and personal vendetta underscore themes of honor and treachery.

• Redemption and Transformation

  Kmita reveals his true identity, seeking to redeem his past by his heroic deed and facing death with pride.

Characters to notice

• Andrei Kmita

  Captured after blowing up the Swedish siege-gun; reveals his true identity and faces execution at the hands of Kuklinovski.

• Pan Kuklinovski

  Seeks revenge on Kmita for past insults; persuades Miller to hand Kmita over to him for torture and execution.

• Arwid Wittemberg

  Presides over Kmita's interrogation; initially orders Kmita to be shot but later grants him to Kuklinovski.

• Pan Zbrojek

  Polish officer present at Kmita's interrogation; offers his hand to Kmita but is rebuffed.

• Count Veyhard Vjeshchovich

  Swedish officer present at the interrogation; comments on the difficulty of taking the fortress.

• Pan Sadovski

  Swedish officer present at the interrogation; questions the feasibility of capturing Yasna Gora.

• Pan Kyemlich

  Appears in the opening scene with his sons, disputing about rings; later guides Kmita toward the Silesian boundary.

Key passages

• “I did.”

  Kmita admits to blowing up the siege-gun.

  Kmita's confession to Miller during interrogation.

• “My name is not Babinich, my name is Andrei Kmita; I was colonel of my own personal squadron in the Lithuanian contingent.”

  Kmita reveals his true identity as a Polish colonel.

  Kmita discloses his real name to the Swedish officers.

• “I will not give a hand to traitors who serve against their country!”

  Kmita refuses to shake hands with Zbrojek, condemning him as a traitor.

  Kmita's rebuke of Zbrojek for serving the Swedes.