# Chapter XXXI explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## What happens

Kmita, disguised as a horse-dealer, encounters Pan Jendzian of Vansosh, who mistakes him for a subordinate and offers him protection. Their conversation reveals Kmita's true identity when Yuzva Butrym recognizes him. A fight ensues, and Kmita kills several confederates before fleeing. He gives Jendzian a ring as a sign for Volodyovski, advising the confederates to stay together against Radzivill. Kmita struggles with guilt over killing men he would rather fight alongside, but resolves to continue to the king.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Betrayal

Kmita struggles with his past betrayals and the necessity of killing confederates, while trying to prove his loyalty to the king.

### Redemption and Transformation

Kmita seeks redemption by going to the king, despite his violent past and the guilt of killing men he wishes to fight alongside.

## Character check-ins

### Andrei Kmita

Disguised as a horse-dealer, Kmita is recognized by Yuzva Butrym and forced to kill confederates in self-defense. He gives a ring to Jendzian as a sign for Volodyovski and resolves to go to the king.

### Vansosh

Pan Jendzian of Vansosh, a young noble who mistakes Kmita for a subordinate and later receives a ring from him to deliver to Volodyovski.

### Yuzva Butrym

Recognizes Kmita in the inn and attempts to seize him, but is wounded in the ensuing fight.

### Pan Kyemlich

Old Kyemlich, traveling with Kmita, is present during the confrontation and later ponders Kmita's motives.

### Soroka

Kmita's trusty sergeant, who brings news of approaching men and later clatters joyously after the colonel.

### Pan Michael Volodyovski

Referenced as the recipient of Kmita's warning and ring; Kmita expresses a desire to stand with him.

## Key lines

> pestilence crushed them, and I hide that not from you, for it seems to me that you are honest; and though you were not honest, you would not bind me and take me to the Swedes, for I should not yield, having armed men, and a sabre at my side.

Kmita tells Jendzian that even if Jendzian were dishonest, he wouldn't be able to capture him because Kmita is armed and ready to fight.

_Kmita asserts his strength and distrust, setting the tone for their interaction._

> I am Pan Jendzian of Vansosh, said he, with importance.

The young noble introduces himself proudly as Pan Jendzian of Vansosh.

_Jendzian reveals his identity, leading to Kmita's amusement and later conflict._

> Jesus, Mary! screamed Butrym, this is Kmita!

Yuzva Butrym recognizes Kmita and cries out in shock.

_The moment of recognition triggers the violent confrontation._

> I am he! said Pan Andrei, seeing that there were no further means of concealment.

Kmita admits his identity when he can no longer hide it.

_Kmita's confession leads to the fight and his escape._

> My old sins are pursuing and following me, said Kmita to himself. I will flee to the farthest place; and guide me, O God!

Kmita reflects that his past misdeeds are catching up with him and prays for guidance as he flees.

_Kmita's guilt and desire for redemption are central to his character arc._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/xxxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters