The Deluge · Chapter
XVIII explained
Captive colonels, including Volodyovski, Mirski, and Stankyevich, are transported by Roh Kovalski toward Birji.
What happens
Captive colonels, including Volodyovski, Mirski, and Stankyevich, are transported by Roh Kovalski toward Birji. They debate Radzivill's treason and discuss Zagloba's cunning escape. Meanwhile, news of the hetman's betrayal spreads, causing unrest in Jmud. Radzivill prepares to crush the rebellion, and the prisoners are moved to a more secure location.
Themes in this chapter
- Honor and Betrayal
The colonels debate loyalty to the hetman versus loyalty to the country, highlighting the conflict between duty and betrayal.
- National Identity and Resistance
The prisoners and local populace resist Swedish occupation and Radzivill's treason, emphasizing Polish-Lithuanian patriotism.
- Political Intrigue
Radzivill's plans to consolidate power, suppress rebellion, and transfer prisoners to Birji illustrate the political maneuvering of the era.
Characters to notice
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Captive colonel, discusses Zagloba's escape and Radzivill's treason with fellow prisoners.
- Roh Kovalski
Dragoon officer transporting the prisoners, conflicted between duty to hetman and persuasion by colonels.
- Zagloba
Escaped prisoner, praised for cunning and stratagem; his escape is a key topic among the colonels.
- Yanush Radzivill
Hetman who betrayed the country to Swedes; prepares to suppress rebellion and orders prisoners moved to Birji.
- Mirski
Captive colonel, argues with Kovalski and discusses the situation with other prisoners.
- Oskyerko
Captive colonel, impatiently tries to persuade Kovalski to join the resistance.
- Stefan Charnyetski
Mentioned as a virtuous and beloved commander, contrasted with Radzivill's envy.
Key passages
“Was it I alone? No! Pan Mirski, Pan Stankyevich, the best soldiers, the worthiest men. Who remained with the hetman? Disturbers.”
The speaker argues that only the best men have left the hetman, while those who stayed are troublemakers.
Oskyerko tries to persuade Kovalski that Radzivill's followers are disreputable.
“I am a simple man; what I do not effect with my hand, I cannot with my head. But I know this—it is my duty to obey, and that is the end of it.”
Kovalski claims he is not clever and must simply follow orders, regardless of right or wrong.
Kovalski's rigid obedience contrasts with the colonels' moral reasoning.
“He surpassed Hmelnitski himself in cunning, and in stratagems no one can equal him.”
Volodyovski praises Zagloba's cleverness, saying he is even more cunning than the famous Cossack leader Hmelnitski.
The colonels admire Zagloba's resourcefulness in escaping.
“He is as brave in need as Achilles, but he prefers to follow Ulysses.”
Volodyovski compares Zagloba to both the brave Achilles and the cunning Ulysses, emphasizing his versatility.
This highlights Zagloba's combination of courage and wit.
