The Deluge · Chapter
XXXVII explained
Pan Andrei Kmita observes the Swedish occupation of Warsaw, witnessing the plunder of palaces, the presence of foreign mercenaries, and the collaboration of Polish nobles.
What happens
Pan Andrei Kmita observes the Swedish occupation of Warsaw, witnessing the plunder of palaces, the presence of foreign mercenaries, and the collaboration of Polish nobles. He learns of widespread despair and betrayal, but also hears of secret resistance among the common people. After defending Pan Lushchevski from Swedish marauders, he visits a starosta who shares a prophecy of doom and hope. A young lady, Olenka, gives him a ducat for a Mass for a sinful Andrei, startling Kmita with the coincidence.
Themes in this chapter
- National Identity and Resistance
Kmita observes the contrast between collaborating nobles and the common people who secretly resist, highlighting the struggle for national identity.
- Social Class and Nobility
Kmita is shocked that nobles betray the country while commoners show loyalty, critiquing the moral decay of the upper class.
- Redemption and Transformation
The prophecy and Olenka's request for a Mass for a sinful Andrei point to Kmita's potential for personal redemption.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Observes the Swedish occupation of Warsaw, defends Pan Lushchevski, and is deeply moved by a prophecy and Olenka's request for a Mass.
- Radzeyovski
Governs Warsaw in Wittemberg's absence, collaborates with the Swedes, and is a target of Kmita's disdain.
- Arwid Wittemberg
Real governor of Warsaw and commander of the garrison, currently in Krakow.
- Karl Gustav
Swedish king whose return is awaited by Polish collaborators in Warsaw.
- Olenka Billevich
The starosta's daughter who gives Kmita a ducat for a Mass for a sinful Andrei, causing Kmita astonishment.
- Pan Kyemlich
One of Kmita's men, permitted to 'pound' the Swedish marauders during the defense of Pan Lushchevski.
Key passages
“It could not find place in his head that men of mean station and rank should exhibit more love for the country and loyalty to their lawful king than nobles, who ought to bring those sentiments into the world with their birth.”
Kmita is astonished that common people show more patriotism than the nobles, who should be born with such loyalty.
Highlights the theme of social class and national identity.
“The prophecy leaves hope! Not judgment, but salvation awaits us.”
Kmita interprets the prophecy as offering hope for salvation rather than doom.
Reflects the theme of redemption and transformation.
“Your name is Olenka, and you give me for a Mass for the intentions of a sinful Andrei. This cannot be chance; it is the finger of God.”
Kmita is shocked that the young lady named Olenka asks for a Mass for a sinful Andrei, seeing it as divine intervention.
Connects to Kmita's personal journey and the theme of redemption.
