With Fire and Sword · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Zagloba, disguised as a blind minstrel, warns Prince Yeremi's peasants against rebellion, convincing them to flee to Hmelnitski.
What happens
Zagloba, disguised as a blind minstrel, warns Prince Yeremi's peasants against rebellion, convincing them to flee to Hmelnitski. He then disguises Helena as a peasant boy, cutting her hair, and they flee through the wilderness, crossing the Kagamlik River and hiding in the reeds to avoid pursuit.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the duel, where Bogun’…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
