The Deluge · Chapter
XLV explained
Kmita, having blown up the Swedish siege-gun, is captured and brought before Miller.
What happens
Kmita, having blown up the Swedish siege-gun, is captured and brought before Miller. He reveals his true identity as Andrei Kmita, a renowned Polish colonel. Kuklinovski, seeking personal vengeance, persuades Miller to hand Kmita over to him, leading to Kmita's imminent execution.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of King Yan Ka…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- War and Destruction
The chapter depicts the destruction of the Swedish siege-gun by Kmita and the ongoing violence of the siege.
- Honor and Betrayal
Kmita's refusal to shake hands with Zbrojek highlights his disdain for those serving against their country; Kuklinovski's betrayal and personal vendetta underscore themes of honor and treachery.
- Redemption and Transformation
Kmita reveals his true identity, seeking to redeem his past by his heroic deed and facing death with pride.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Captured after blowing up the Swedish siege-gun; reveals his true identity and faces execution at the hands of Kuklinovski.
- Pan Kuklinovski
Seeks revenge on Kmita for past insults; persuades Miller to hand Kmita over to him for torture and execution.
- Arwid Wittemberg
Presides over Kmita's interrogation; initially orders Kmita to be shot but later grants him to Kuklinovski.
- Pan Zbrojek
Polish officer present at Kmita's interrogation; offers his hand to Kmita but is rebuffed.
- Count Veyhard Vjeshchovich
Swedish officer present at the interrogation; comments on the difficulty of taking the fortress.
- Pan Sadovski
Swedish officer present at the interrogation; questions the feasibility of capturing Yasna Gora.
- Pan Kyemlich
Appears in the opening scene with his sons, disputing about rings; later guides Kmita toward the Silesian boundary.
Key passages
“I did.”
Kmita admits to blowing up the siege-gun.
Kmita's confession to Miller during interrogation.
“My name is not Babinich, my name is Andrei Kmita; I was colonel of my own personal squadron in the Lithuanian contingent.”
Kmita reveals his true identity as a Polish colonel.
Kmita discloses his real name to the Swedish officers.
“I will not give a hand to traitors who serve against their country!”
Kmita refuses to shake hands with Zbrojek, condemning him as a traitor.
Kmita's rebuke of Zbrojek for serving the Swedes.
