The Deluge · Chapter
XX explained
In Lithuania, civil war erupts as the army divides over Radzivill's treason.
What happens
In Lithuania, civil war erupts as the army divides over Radzivill's treason. Volodyovski and his officers decide to head to Podlyasye to join confederated squadrons, but must evade Radzivill's forces. Meanwhile, Radzivill, enraged by the battle of Klavany and Swedish accusations, pursues Volodyovski relentlessly. Kmita receives orders to secure Billeviche and bring Olenka and the sword-bearer to Kyedani, though he secretly hopes to avoid force. Volodyovski skillfully evades the hetman's trap at Nyevyaja, but the situation grows dire.
Themes in this chapter
- War and Destruction
The chapter depicts the chaos of civil war, invasions, and the devastation of Lithuanian forces.
- Political Intrigue
Radzivill's manipulation, Swedish threats, and the confederation of squadrons highlight the political maneuvering.
- Honor and Betrayal
Radzivill's treason and Kmita's conflicted loyalty are central to the chapter's conflicts.
Characters to notice
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Leads the Lauda squadron, decides to head to Podlyasye, and skillfully evades Radzivill's pursuit.
- Zagloba
Advises heading to Podlyasye and expresses despair at the difficult situation.
- Yanush Radzivill
Hetman enraged by the battle of Klavany, pursues Volodyovski, and issues orders to Kmita.
- Andrei Kmita
Receives Radzivill's orders to fortify Kyedani and bring Olenka and the sword-bearer, but secretly wishes the colonels well.
- Olenka Billevich
Mentioned as the niece of the sword-bearer whom Kmita is ordered to bring to Kyedani.
- Yan Skshetuski
Present in the council, supports the decision to go to Podlyasye.
- Mirski
His squadron was destroyed by Radzivill; he joins Volodyovski's council and condemns Kmita.
- Oskyerko
Participates in the council and agrees to the plan to head to Podlyasye.
Key passages
“In Lithuania a civil war had begun, which, with two invasions of the Commonwealth and the ever more stubborn war of the Ukraine, filled the measure of misfortune.”
Lithuania was engulfed in civil war, compounded by two foreign invasions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to immense suffering.
Sets the stage for the chapter's turmoil.
“The army of the Lithuanian quota, though so small in number that alone it could not offer effectual resistance to any of the enemies, was divided into two camps.”
The small Lithuanian army was split into factions, unable to effectively resist any invader.
Highlights the military weakness due to division.
“Radzivill, deceived in the army, determined to bring it to obedience through force.”
Radzivill, disappointed by the army's disloyalty, resolved to use force to subdue it.
Shows Radzivill's authoritarian response.
“He whose word not long before terrified the country more than all Sweden; he for the half of whose property all the Swedish lords might have been bought; he who stood against his own king, thinking himself the equal of monarchs; he who had acquired fame in the whole world by his victories, and who walked in his own pride as in sunshine—must now listen to the threats of one Swedish general, must hear lectures on obedience and faithfulness.”
The once-mighty Radzivill, who rivaled kings, now had to endure threats and lectures from a Swedish general.
Emphasizes Radzivill's fall from power and pride.
“I will use no force, unless in the last resort, and in no case will I urge Olenka. Finally, it is not my will, ’tis the command of the prince.”
Kmita resolves to avoid coercion and blames his actions on Radzivill's orders.
Reveals Kmita's internal conflict and reluctance.
