LVI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• War and Rebellion

  The chapter depicts the chaos of the Cossack uprising, with armies on the move, deserted towns, and the constant threat of violence.

• Honor and Betrayal

  Rogovski's release of Bogun is seen as a betrayal, driven by personal enmity, and Volodyovski vows to settle the matter by the sword.

• Fate and Omens

  The flight of wolves and deer from the east is interpreted as an omen of approaching Tartar forces, heightening the sense of impending doom.

Characters to notice

• Pan Zagloba

  Leads the group with stratagems, uses Burlai's baton to pass through Cossack territory, and discovers Bogun's release by Rogovski.

• Pan Volodyovski

  The little knight, alert to danger, interprets the fleeing beasts as a sign of approaching Tartar forces and urges haste.

• Jendzian

  Carries Burlai's baton, reveals he delivered Bogun to Rogovski, and expresses a desire for revenge against Bogun.

• Princess Helena

  Travels with the group, exhausted and alarmed; her beauty attracts dangerous attention from Cossack mobs.

• Bogun

  Mentioned as having been set free by Pan Rogovski in Ploskiri; a threat to the group.

• Burlai

  Cossack colonel whose baton is used by the group as a pass; his forces are advancing toward Shargorod and Volynia.

• Bogdan Hmelnitski

  Sends orders to Burlai; his main army is approaching from the east, crushing castles and killing survivors.

• Pan Rogovski

  Colonel of an armored regiment who freed Bogun; an enemy of Skshetuski and now a target for Volodyovski's wrath.

Key passages

• “But it seems to me, Pan Michael, that you look at things in too sombre a light. Just think that three men like us⁠—without flattery to you or me⁠—should not be able to make our way in the steppe!”

  Zagloba tries to reassure Volodyovski that their combined skills are enough to navigate the steppe.

  Zagloba's characteristic bravado and confidence in their abilities.

• “Not only are clouds gathering, but a storm is rolling up behind, namely the Tartars; and if Burlai should come up with us he would be greatly astonished that we are not going to Kiev, but in the opposite direction.”

  Volodyovski warns that the Tartar threat is imminent and that Burlai would suspect them if they were caught.

  Volodyovski's strategic awareness of the danger from both Cossacks and Tartars.

• “I understand, I understand! He is the one who must have let Bogun out through spite. But that is a capital offence, and smells of death. I'll be the first to report it.”

  Zagloba realizes Rogovski freed Bogun out of enmity and vows to denounce him.

  Zagloba's quick understanding and his readiness to use legal means against an enemy.

• “If God lets me meet him, we shall be sure not to go to a tribunal.”

  Volodyovski implies he will kill Rogovski in a duel rather than seek legal justice.

  Volodyovski's preference for personal vengeance over formal justice.

• “My master, if Pan Rogovski has let him go, then I must seek revenge on him again myself for the wrong done me and the insult. I do not forgive him, for I took an oath; and if we were not conducting the lady, I should turn back on the road at once.”

  Jendzian declares he will pursue revenge against Bogun, bound by an oath, but prioritizes the princess's safety.

  Jendzian's stubborn and vengeful nature, reminiscent of his earlier killing of Horpyna.

• “Evil! You have seen wild beasts rushing from their lairs and escaping in the night. It means that they are frightened. Troops, Cossack or Tartar, are coming toward us from the right hand.”

  Volodyovski interprets the fleeing animals as a sign of approaching enemy forces.

  Volodyovski's ability to read the landscape for signs of danger.