The Deluge · Chapter
XXIII explained
At a grand banquet hosted by Hetman Radzivill, the nobility and military gather under duress to show support for his alliance with Sweden.
What happens
At a grand banquet hosted by Hetman Radzivill, the nobility and military gather under duress to show support for his alliance with Sweden. Radzivill announces victories for the Swedes, including the fall of Warsaw, causing unease among the guests. Amidst the tension, Andrei Kmita and Olenka Billevich struggle with their personal conflict, each wrestling with feelings of love, pride, and condemnation.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
Radzivill manipulates the banquet to project unity and support for his Swedish alliance, while the nobility secretly dissent.
- National Identity and Resistance
The guests' discomfort and silence at Radzivill's celebration of Swedish victories highlight the conflict between loyalty to the Commonwealth and submission to the invaders.
- Love and Sacrifice
Kmita and Olenka's internal struggles reflect their personal sacrifices and the pain of their divided loyalties.
Characters to notice
- Yanush Radzivill
Hosts the banquet, announces Swedish victories, and tries to sway the nobility to his cause.
- Andrei Kmita
Sits beside Olenka, torn between love and hatred, and struggles with his loyalty to Radzivill.
- Olenka Billevich
Attends the feast reluctantly, conflicted about her judgment of Kmita and her feelings for him.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Sends letters via Pan Suhanyets reporting on the confederation in Podlyasye and Swedish victories.
- Pan Suhanyets
Arrives as an envoy from Prince Boguslav Radzivill with letters for Hetman Radzivill.
- Pan Shchanyetski
Speaks with a strange voice, urging rejoicing at the news of Swedish victories.
Key passages
“The sword-bearer of Rossyeni had a difficult struggle with Panna Aleksandra before she consented to go to that feast which the hetman had prepared for his people.”
Olenka's uncle had to plead with her to attend the hetman's feast, as she was reluctant.
Olenka's forced attendance at the banquet sets the stage for her encounter with Kmita.
“Radzivill caught with an eager ear those voices, dictated by fear or flattery, and did not consider that they came from the mouths of weak persons, who in danger would be the first to desert him”
Radzivill listened eagerly to the flattering voices of the nobles, not realizing they were motivated by fear and would abandon him in a crisis.
Highlights Radzivill's self-deception and the fragility of his support.
“Warsaw is taken! Long life to Karl Gustav!”
Radzivill announces the capture of Warsaw and toasts the Swedish king.
This moment reveals Radzivill's open allegiance to Sweden and shocks the assembled guests.
“I will be silent! said she to herself. Let him suffer what he has deserved. Until I see penitence I have the right to condemn him.”
Olenka decides to remain silent, believing she is justified in condemning Kmita until he shows remorse.
Olenka's internal conflict between pride and compassion for Kmita.
