The Peasants · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Peasants by Władysław Reymont.
Chapter 1
Publisher’s Note
A brief note from the publisher acknowledging the translator and the assistant who helped bring the English edition of The Peasants to press.
Chapter 2
The Peasants
The opening of the novel introduces the rural world of Lipka, setting the stage for the lives of peasants bound to the land, their labor, and the social structures that govern them.
Chapter 3
Autumn
The chapter depicts the arrival of autumn in the village of Lipka, focusing on the changing seasons, the preparations for winter, and the ongoing tensions within the community, particularly around the Boryna family and the impending marriage of Yagna to old Boryna.
Chapter 4
Chapter I
The chapter opens with the Squire attending the funeral of Matthias Boryna, the foremost farmer in Lipka, and attempting to negotiate with the villagers, who are suspicious and divided in their opinions. After the burial, the Boryna household is filled with grief and eerie tension, as the family and villagers mourn. The priest delivers a fiery sermon condemning the villagers' sins, and the funeral concludes with a feast. Yagna, the widow, is ostracized by the community, while Hanka and others make arrangements with the priest for the funeral.
Chapter 5
II
The chapter describes the Feast of Saint Peter and Paul in Lipka, with church bells ringing, villagers gathering, and a festive atmosphere. It covers the departure of the Germans, the Squire's negotiations with the peasants, and the interactions of characters like Yagna, Hanka, Vitek, and the dziad. Yagna is captivated by Yanek, the organist's son, during the church service.
Chapter 6
III
After Boryna's death, the family gathers to discuss the division of property. Hanka asserts that Antek, as the eldest son, should inherit the land, while the blacksmith and Magda press for a more equal share. Yagna, urged by her mother Dominikova, claims her six acres from the deed of gift. Hanka, feeling wronged by Antek's infidelity, eventually confronts Yagna and forces her to leave the house. Yagna, in a fit of scorn, throws the deed at Hanka and departs with her belongings. Later, the Voyt's wife insults Yagna, calling her a seducer and a devil, leading to a violent quarrel. Yagna, deeply wounded, decides to flee Lipka with her mother, while Hanka is left uneasy about Antek's reaction.
Chapter 7
IV
Antek returns to his father's land, experiencing a profound spiritual and emotional reconnection with the earth and his heritage. He reflects on his past sins, resolves to embrace a life of hard work and order, and is haunted by memories of Yagna. Meanwhile, Hanka manages the household with fierce energy, waking the family at dawn, assigning chores, and overseeing the komorniki in the cabbage-field.
Chapter 8
Chapter V
Antek struggles with the prospect of ten years of penal servitude, seeking advice from Matthew and the parish priest. He encounters Yagustynka, who shares the dire poverty of her son Voytek's family, and learns of Yagna's misery. The priest counsels him ambiguously about his options, including escape to America or serving his sentence.
Chapter 9
Simon's Wedding and the Struggle for Land
Simon works tirelessly on his newly bought land, facing the harsh sun and the skepticism of his wife Nastka. Despite her fears about winter and their poverty, Simon remains determined to build a hut and secure their future. Andrew comes to help him plough, despite the risk of punishment from their mother Dominikova. The chapter culminates in Simon and Nastka's quiet wedding, attended by few, with Yagna secretly aiding Nastka and Matthew providing music. The Borynas and other wealthy landowners are notably absent.
Chapter 10
Chapter VII
Yagna, feeling neglected and restless, encounters Matthew who confesses his despair and hints at marriage, but she rejects him, thinking only of Yanek. She then violently rebuffs the Voyt's advances. Learning that Yanek will return tomorrow, she is overcome with joy. Meanwhile, Yuzka lies ill with a fever, tended by Vitek and Yagustynka, who uses folk remedies. Yuzka gives away her young sow to Nastka and drifts in and out of delirium, while the village suffers under a severe drought.
Chapter 11
VIII
The peasants gather at the District Office to vote on a school tax. The scrivener manipulates them into compliance, but Gregory leads a rebellion against the rate. The head official intimidates the crowd, and after the vote, Gregory warns of informers and slips away toward Lipka.
Chapter 12
Chapter IX
Antek encounters Yagna and Yanek meeting secretly in the forest, sparking jealousy and bitterness. Yanek returns home to his mother, who disapproves of his association with Yagna. A swarm of bees is captured by the priest with Yanek's help. Yanek visits old Agata, who speaks of her impending death and visions of the Virgin Mary, then walks through the village greeting neighbors.
Chapter 13
The Search for Roch
Yagna returns to Lipka to find the village in a state of alarm as gendarmes arrive searching for Roch. The community fears the soldiers may be Cossacks or tax collectors, but it soon becomes clear they are after Roch for his subversive activities. Antek, Gregory, and Matthew conspire to hide Roch, who escapes into the rye and later flees the village by night. The gendarmes search Boryna's hut thoroughly but find nothing, and after a day of fruitless searching, they leave empty-handed. Roch bids farewell to the women and departs with Matthew's help, while the village breathes a sigh of relief.
Chapter 14
Chapter XI
The village prepares for the harvest, with a bustling atmosphere as people grind corn and ready their tools. The miller, ill in bed, refuses credit to those who patronized the priest's bull. News spreads that the smith is building a windmill, threatening the miller's monopoly. John returns from the army, and Kozlova informs him of his wife Teresa's affair with Matthew. Matthew, learning of this, is troubled but also contemplates marrying Yagna after hearing about her title-deed and settlement. Tensions rise as Teresa, in despair, seeks Matthew's help.
Chapter 15
Chapter XII
Yanek's mother confronts him about his relationship with Yagna, revealing the village's scandalous tales about her. Yanek is torn between disbelief and anguish. Later, he overhears a romantic encounter between Pete and Maryna, which stirs confused emotions. The chapter ends with the pilgrimage departing and Yagna's despair as she realizes Yanek is leaving forever.
Chapter 16
Winter
The chapter depicts the harsh winter season in the village of Lipka, focusing on the struggles of peasant life, the preparations for Christmas, and the community's efforts to survive the cold. It highlights the tension between tradition and survival, as well as the interpersonal conflicts that simmer beneath the surface.
Chapter 17
Chapter I
The chapter opens with the Squire attending the funeral of Matthias Boryna, the foremost farmer in Lipka, and attempting to negotiate with the villagers, who are suspicious and divided in their opinions. After the burial, the Boryna household is filled with grief and eerie tension, as the family and villagers mourn. The priest delivers a fiery sermon condemning the villagers' sins, and the funeral concludes with a feast. Yagna, the widow, is ostracized by the community, while Hanka and others make arrangements with the priest for the funeral.
Chapter 18
II
The chapter describes the Feast of Saint Peter and Paul in Lipka, with church bells ringing, villagers gathering, and a festive atmosphere. It covers the departure of the Germans, the Squire's negotiations with the peasants, and the interactions of characters like Yagna, Hanka, Vitek, and the dziad. Yagna is captivated by Yanek, the organist's son, during the church service.
Chapter 19
III
After Boryna's death, the family gathers to discuss the division of property. Hanka asserts that Antek, as the eldest son, should inherit the land, while the blacksmith and Magda press for a more equal share. Yagna, urged by her mother Dominikova, claims her six acres from the deed of gift. Hanka, feeling wronged by Antek's infidelity, eventually confronts Yagna and forces her to leave the house. Yagna, in a fit of scorn, throws the deed at Hanka and departs with her belongings. Later, the Voyt's wife insults Yagna, calling her a seducer and a devil, leading to a violent quarrel. Yagna, deeply wounded, decides to flee Lipka with her mother, while Hanka is left uneasy about Antek's reaction.
Chapter 20
IV
Antek returns to his father's land, experiencing a profound spiritual and emotional reconnection with the earth and his heritage. He reflects on his past sins, resolves to embrace a life of hard work and order, and is haunted by memories of Yagna. Meanwhile, Hanka manages the household with fierce energy, waking the family at dawn, assigning chores, and overseeing the komorniki in the cabbage-field.
Chapter 21
Chapter V
Antek struggles with the prospect of ten years of penal servitude, seeking advice from Matthew and the parish priest. He encounters Yagustynka, who shares the dire poverty of her son Voytek's family, and learns of Yagna's misery. The priest counsels him ambiguously about his options, including escape to America or serving his sentence.
Chapter 22
Simon's Wedding and the Struggle for Land
Simon works tirelessly on his newly bought land, facing the harsh sun and the skepticism of his wife Nastka. Despite her fears about winter and their poverty, Simon remains determined to build a hut and secure their future. Andrew comes to help him plough, despite the risk of punishment from their mother Dominikova. The chapter culminates in Simon and Nastka's quiet wedding, attended by few, with Yagna secretly aiding Nastka and Matthew providing music. The Borynas and other wealthy landowners are notably absent.
Chapter 23
Chapter VII
Yagna, feeling neglected and restless, encounters Matthew who confesses his despair and hints at marriage, but she rejects him, thinking only of Yanek. She then violently rebuffs the Voyt's advances. Learning that Yanek will return tomorrow, she is overcome with joy. Meanwhile, Yuzka lies ill with a fever, tended by Vitek and Yagustynka, who uses folk remedies. Yuzka gives away her young sow to Nastka and drifts in and out of delirium, while the village suffers under a severe drought.
Chapter 24
VIII
The peasants gather at the District Office to vote on a school tax. The scrivener manipulates them into compliance, but Gregory leads a rebellion against the rate. The head official intimidates the crowd, and after the vote, Gregory warns of informers and slips away toward Lipka.
Chapter 25
Chapter IX
Antek encounters Yagna and Yanek meeting secretly in the forest, sparking jealousy and bitterness. Yanek returns home to his mother, who disapproves of his association with Yagna. A swarm of bees is captured by the priest with Yanek's help. Yanek visits old Agata, who speaks of her impending death and visions of the Virgin Mary, then walks through the village greeting neighbors.
Chapter 26
The Search for Roch
Yagna returns to Lipka to find the village in a state of alarm as gendarmes arrive searching for Roch. The community fears the soldiers may be Cossacks or tax collectors, but it soon becomes clear they are after Roch for his subversive activities. Antek, Gregory, and Matthew conspire to hide Roch, who escapes into the rye and later flees the village by night. The gendarmes search Boryna's hut thoroughly but find nothing, and after a day of fruitless searching, they leave empty-handed. Roch bids farewell to the women and departs with Matthew's help, while the village breathes a sigh of relief.
Chapter 27
Chapter XI
The village prepares for the harvest, with a bustling atmosphere as people grind corn and ready their tools. The miller, ill in bed, refuses credit to those who patronized the priest's bull. News spreads that the smith is building a windmill, threatening the miller's monopoly. John returns from the army, and Kozlova informs him of his wife Teresa's affair with Matthew. Matthew, learning of this, is troubled but also contemplates marrying Yagna after hearing about her title-deed and settlement. Tensions rise as Teresa, in despair, seeks Matthew's help.
Chapter 28
Chapter XII
Yanek's mother confronts him about his relationship with Yagna, revealing the village's scandalous tales about her. Yanek is torn between disbelief and anguish. Later, he overhears a romantic encounter between Pete and Maryna, which stirs confused emotions. The chapter ends with the pilgrimage departing and Yagna's despair as she realizes Yanek is leaving forever.
Chapter 29
Chapter XIII
The chapter opens with the village in uproar over the Voyt's embezzlement, with rumors spreading that he spent the stolen money on Yagna. The organist's wife fuels the fire with false accusations, and the mob turns against Yagna, calling for her expulsion. Later, a blind beggar passes through during harvest, learning from Matthew that Yagna is bedridden and mentally broken. At Dominikova's farm, Yagna is listless and the farm is neglected. Dominikova confronts Yagna about rumors involving Yanek, revealing that Yanek was beaten and sent away. Yagna reacts with fury and despair, while Dominikova laments her daughter's ruin.
Chapter 30
Spring
The chapter depicts the arrival of spring in Lipka, bringing a mix of relief and hardship. The thaw reveals the village's poverty and decay, while the community begins to stir with renewed activity and conflict.
Chapter 31
Chapter I
The chapter opens with the Squire attending the funeral of Matthias Boryna, the foremost farmer in Lipka, and attempting to negotiate with the villagers, who are suspicious and divided in their opinions. After the burial, the Boryna household is filled with grief and eerie tension, as the family and villagers mourn. The priest delivers a fiery sermon condemning the villagers' sins, and the funeral concludes with a feast. Yagna, the widow, is ostracized by the community, while Hanka and others make arrangements with the priest for the funeral.
Chapter 32
II
The chapter describes the Feast of Saint Peter and Paul in Lipka, with church bells ringing, villagers gathering, and a festive atmosphere. It covers the departure of the Germans, the Squire's negotiations with the peasants, and the interactions of characters like Yagna, Hanka, Vitek, and the dziad. Yagna is captivated by Yanek, the organist's son, during the church service.
Chapter 33
III
After Boryna's death, the family gathers to discuss the division of property. Hanka asserts that Antek, as the eldest son, should inherit the land, while the blacksmith and Magda press for a more equal share. Yagna, urged by her mother Dominikova, claims her six acres from the deed of gift. Hanka, feeling wronged by Antek's infidelity, eventually confronts Yagna and forces her to leave the house. Yagna, in a fit of scorn, throws the deed at Hanka and departs with her belongings. Later, the Voyt's wife insults Yagna, calling her a seducer and a devil, leading to a violent quarrel. Yagna, deeply wounded, decides to flee Lipka with her mother, while Hanka is left uneasy about Antek's reaction.
Chapter 34
IV
Antek returns to his father's land, experiencing a profound spiritual and emotional reconnection with the earth and his heritage. He reflects on his past sins, resolves to embrace a life of hard work and order, and is haunted by memories of Yagna. Meanwhile, Hanka manages the household with fierce energy, waking the family at dawn, assigning chores, and overseeing the komorniki in the cabbage-field.
Chapter 35
Chapter V
Antek struggles with the prospect of ten years of penal servitude, seeking advice from Matthew and the parish priest. He encounters Yagustynka, who shares the dire poverty of her son Voytek's family, and learns of Yagna's misery. The priest counsels him ambiguously about his options, including escape to America or serving his sentence.
Chapter 36
Simon's Wedding and the Struggle for Land
Simon works tirelessly on his newly bought land, facing the harsh sun and the skepticism of his wife Nastka. Despite her fears about winter and their poverty, Simon remains determined to build a hut and secure their future. Andrew comes to help him plough, despite the risk of punishment from their mother Dominikova. The chapter culminates in Simon and Nastka's quiet wedding, attended by few, with Yagna secretly aiding Nastka and Matthew providing music. The Borynas and other wealthy landowners are notably absent.
Chapter 37
Chapter VII
Yagna, feeling neglected and restless, encounters Matthew who confesses his despair and hints at marriage, but she rejects him, thinking only of Yanek. She then violently rebuffs the Voyt's advances. Learning that Yanek will return tomorrow, she is overcome with joy. Meanwhile, Yuzka lies ill with a fever, tended by Vitek and Yagustynka, who uses folk remedies. Yuzka gives away her young sow to Nastka and drifts in and out of delirium, while the village suffers under a severe drought.
Chapter 38
VIII
The peasants gather at the District Office to vote on a school tax. The scrivener manipulates them into compliance, but Gregory leads a rebellion against the rate. The head official intimidates the crowd, and after the vote, Gregory warns of informers and slips away toward Lipka.
Chapter 39
Chapter IX
Antek encounters Yagna and Yanek meeting secretly in the forest, sparking jealousy and bitterness. Yanek returns home to his mother, who disapproves of his association with Yagna. A swarm of bees is captured by the priest with Yanek's help. Yanek visits old Agata, who speaks of her impending death and visions of the Virgin Mary, then walks through the village greeting neighbors.
Chapter 40
The Search for Roch
Yagna returns to Lipka to find the village in a state of alarm as gendarmes arrive searching for Roch. The community fears the soldiers may be Cossacks or tax collectors, but it soon becomes clear they are after Roch for his subversive activities. Antek, Gregory, and Matthew conspire to hide Roch, who escapes into the rye and later flees the village by night. The gendarmes search Boryna's hut thoroughly but find nothing, and after a day of fruitless searching, they leave empty-handed. Roch bids farewell to the women and departs with Matthew's help, while the village breathes a sigh of relief.
Chapter 41
Chapter XI
The village prepares for the harvest, with a bustling atmosphere as people grind corn and ready their tools. The miller, ill in bed, refuses credit to those who patronized the priest's bull. News spreads that the smith is building a windmill, threatening the miller's monopoly. John returns from the army, and Kozlova informs him of his wife Teresa's affair with Matthew. Matthew, learning of this, is troubled but also contemplates marrying Yagna after hearing about her title-deed and settlement. Tensions rise as Teresa, in despair, seeks Matthew's help.
Chapter 42
Summer
The chapter depicts the vibrant and laborious summer season in Lipka, focusing on the rhythms of agricultural work, community interactions, and the simmering tensions among the villagers. The heat and abundance of the season contrast with the underlying conflicts over land, love, and social status, particularly involving Yagna, Antek, and old Boryna.
Chapter 43
Chapter I
The chapter opens with the Squire attending the funeral of Matthias Boryna, the foremost farmer in Lipka, and attempting to negotiate with the villagers, who are suspicious and divided in their opinions. After the burial, the Boryna household is filled with grief and eerie tension, as the family and villagers mourn. The priest delivers a fiery sermon condemning the villagers' sins, and the funeral concludes with a feast. Yagna, the widow, is ostracized by the community, while Hanka and others make arrangements with the priest for the funeral.
Chapter 44
II
The chapter describes the Feast of Saint Peter and Paul in Lipka, with church bells ringing, villagers gathering, and a festive atmosphere. It covers the departure of the Germans, the Squire's negotiations with the peasants, and the interactions of characters like Yagna, Hanka, Vitek, and the dziad. Yagna is captivated by Yanek, the organist's son, during the church service.
Chapter 45
III
After Boryna's death, the family gathers to discuss the division of property. Hanka asserts that Antek, as the eldest son, should inherit the land, while the blacksmith and Magda press for a more equal share. Yagna, urged by her mother Dominikova, claims her six acres from the deed of gift. Hanka, feeling wronged by Antek's infidelity, eventually confronts Yagna and forces her to leave the house. Yagna, in a fit of scorn, throws the deed at Hanka and departs with her belongings. Later, the Voyt's wife insults Yagna, calling her a seducer and a devil, leading to a violent quarrel. Yagna, deeply wounded, decides to flee Lipka with her mother, while Hanka is left uneasy about Antek's reaction.
Chapter 46
IV
Antek returns to his father's land, experiencing a profound spiritual and emotional reconnection with the earth and his heritage. He reflects on his past sins, resolves to embrace a life of hard work and order, and is haunted by memories of Yagna. Meanwhile, Hanka manages the household with fierce energy, waking the family at dawn, assigning chores, and overseeing the komorniki in the cabbage-field.
Chapter 47
Chapter V
Antek struggles with the prospect of ten years of penal servitude, seeking advice from Matthew and the parish priest. He encounters Yagustynka, who shares the dire poverty of her son Voytek's family, and learns of Yagna's misery. The priest counsels him ambiguously about his options, including escape to America or serving his sentence.
Chapter 48
Simon's Wedding and the Struggle for Land
Simon works tirelessly on his newly bought land, facing the harsh sun and the skepticism of his wife Nastka. Despite her fears about winter and their poverty, Simon remains determined to build a hut and secure their future. Andrew comes to help him plough, despite the risk of punishment from their mother Dominikova. The chapter culminates in Simon and Nastka's quiet wedding, attended by few, with Yagna secretly aiding Nastka and Matthew providing music. The Borynas and other wealthy landowners are notably absent.
Chapter 49
Chapter VII
Yagna, feeling neglected and restless, encounters Matthew who confesses his despair and hints at marriage, but she rejects him, thinking only of Yanek. She then violently rebuffs the Voyt's advances. Learning that Yanek will return tomorrow, she is overcome with joy. Meanwhile, Yuzka lies ill with a fever, tended by Vitek and Yagustynka, who uses folk remedies. Yuzka gives away her young sow to Nastka and drifts in and out of delirium, while the village suffers under a severe drought.
Chapter 50
VIII
The peasants gather at the District Office to vote on a school tax. The scrivener manipulates them into compliance, but Gregory leads a rebellion against the rate. The head official intimidates the crowd, and after the vote, Gregory warns of informers and slips away toward Lipka.
Chapter 51
Chapter IX
Antek encounters Yagna and Yanek meeting secretly in the forest, sparking jealousy and bitterness. Yanek returns home to his mother, who disapproves of his association with Yagna. A swarm of bees is captured by the priest with Yanek's help. Yanek visits old Agata, who speaks of her impending death and visions of the Virgin Mary, then walks through the village greeting neighbors.
Chapter 52
The Search for Roch
Yagna returns to Lipka to find the village in a state of alarm as gendarmes arrive searching for Roch. The community fears the soldiers may be Cossacks or tax collectors, but it soon becomes clear they are after Roch for his subversive activities. Antek, Gregory, and Matthew conspire to hide Roch, who escapes into the rye and later flees the village by night. The gendarmes search Boryna's hut thoroughly but find nothing, and after a day of fruitless searching, they leave empty-handed. Roch bids farewell to the women and departs with Matthew's help, while the village breathes a sigh of relief.
Chapter 53
Chapter XI
The village prepares for the harvest, with a bustling atmosphere as people grind corn and ready their tools. The miller, ill in bed, refuses credit to those who patronized the priest's bull. News spreads that the smith is building a windmill, threatening the miller's monopoly. John returns from the army, and Kozlova informs him of his wife Teresa's affair with Matthew. Matthew, learning of this, is troubled but also contemplates marrying Yagna after hearing about her title-deed and settlement. Tensions rise as Teresa, in despair, seeks Matthew's help.
Chapter 54
Chapter XII
Yanek's mother confronts him about his relationship with Yagna, revealing the village's scandalous tales about her. Yanek is torn between disbelief and anguish. Later, he overhears a romantic encounter between Pete and Maryna, which stirs confused emotions. The chapter ends with the pilgrimage departing and Yagna's despair as she realizes Yanek is leaving forever.
Chapter 55
Chapter XIII
The chapter opens with the village in uproar over the Voyt's embezzlement, with rumors spreading that he spent the stolen money on Yagna. The organist's wife fuels the fire with false accusations, and the mob turns against Yagna, calling for her expulsion. Later, a blind beggar passes through during harvest, learning from Matthew that Yagna is bedridden and mentally broken. At Dominikova's farm, Yagna is listless and the farm is neglected. Dominikova confronts Yagna about rumors involving Yanek, revealing that Yanek was beaten and sent away. Yagna reacts with fury and despair, while Dominikova laments her daughter's ruin.
Chapter 56
Endnotes
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes for the novel, detailing various Polish customs, terms, and historical references such as Easter traditions, peasant life, and social structures.
