Chapter XX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Identity

  Zagloba manipulates peasants by exploiting their grievances against the nobility, while Helena's disguise blurs class and gender lines.

• War and Rebellion

  The chapter depicts the brewing rebellion, with peasants preparing weapons and Zagloba urging them to join Hmelnitski.

• Honor and Betrayal

  Zagloba's cunning deception of the peasants and the sacrifice of Helena's hair reflect themes of honor and survival.

Characters to notice

• Pan Zagloba

  Disguises himself as a blind minstrel to manipulate peasants and later cuts Helena's hair to disguise her as a boy.

• Princess Helena

  Disguised as a peasant boy after cutting her hair; flees with Zagloba through the wilderness.

• Prince Yeremi Vishnyevetski

  Mentioned as a fearsome prince whose impending arrival Zagloba uses to scare the peasants.

• Bogdan Hmelnitski

  Referenced as the Cossack leader the peasants are urged to join against the lords.

• Pan Skshetuski

  Mentioned by Zagloba in relation to Helena's hair-cutting and as a potential rescuer.

• Bogun

  Mentioned as a threat Zagloba hopes Prince Yeremi will strike down.

Key passages

• “Who tells you it is time to begin?”

  Who says it's time to start the uprising?

  Zagloba questions the peasants' readiness to rebel.

• “The prince is coming, he is coming, and with him as many beautiful plumes and banners as there are stars in heaven or thistles on the steppe.”

  The prince is approaching with a vast army, as numerous as stars or thistles.

  Zagloba exaggerates Prince Yeremi's forces to frighten the peasants.

• “I would rather be a barber and cut Cossack tufts.”

  I'd prefer to be a barber cutting Cossack hair than do this.

  Zagloba expresses reluctance about cutting Helena's hair.

• “Cunning as Ulysses!”

  As clever as Ulysses!

  Zagloba praises his own cunning.