The Deluge · Chapter
XXXII explained
Jendzian arrives in Shchuchyn and reports to Volodyovski, Skshetuski, and Zagloba that Kmita has attacked and severely beaten a party of Volodyovski's men.
What happens
Jendzian arrives in Shchuchyn and reports to Volodyovski, Skshetuski, and Zagloba that Kmita has attacked and severely beaten a party of Volodyovski's men. Kmita, traveling in disguise, warns the confederates through Jendzian that Prince Yanush Radzivill is preparing to march against them with Swedish reinforcements and urges them to unite. Despite the violence, Kmita's advice is seen as sincere, and the confederates debate its merits.
Themes in this chapter
- Honor and Betrayal
Kmita's actions blur the line between betrayal and loyalty: he attacks Volodyovski's men yet warns them sincerely about Radzivill's plans, raising questions about his true allegiance.
- Political Intrigue
Kmita's secretive movements, his disguise, and his strategic warning to the confederates underscore the complex political maneuvering during the Swedish invasion.
- National Identity and Resistance
The confederates' struggle to unite against Radzivill and the Swedes reflects the broader resistance to foreign domination and the fight for Lithuanian sovereignty.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Attacks Volodyovski's men, kills three including Yuzva Butrym, but sends a warning letter urging the confederates to unite against Radzivill.
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Receives news of Kmita's attack and the warning letter; is angered by the loss of his men but considers Kmita's advice.
- Yan Skshetuski
Defends Kmita's sincerity regarding the warning, arguing that the advice is good despite Kmita's mysterious actions.
- Zagloba
Questions Kmita's motives and the situation, but acknowledges the logic of the warning about Radzivill.
- Vansosh
Jendzian, the tenant of Vansosh, delivers Kmita's message and recounts the battle at 'The Mandrake.'
- Yuzva Butrym
Mentioned as having been cut up by Kmita in the fight, barely breathing.
- Yanush Radzivill
Referenced as the grand hetman of Lithuania who is waiting for Swedish reinforcements to attack the confederates.
Key passages
“He said that the voevoda was only waiting for Swedish reinforcements, and that he would move at once on Podlyasye.”
Kmita reported that the voevoda (Radzivill) was awaiting Swedish reinforcements before advancing on Podlyasye.
Jendzian relays Kmita's warning about Radzivill's imminent attack.
“That there is in him evil with good, as tares with wheat, is certain; but that there is any treason in this counsel that he gives us at present, I simply deny.”
Pan Yan acknowledges Kmita's mixed nature but insists his current advice is not treasonous.
Skshetuski defends Kmita's sincerity regarding the warning.
“I am not now what I was, and God grant that you will hear something altogether different about me.”
Kmita claims he has changed and hopes they will hear better of him in the future.
From Kmita's letter to the confederates, indicating personal transformation.
