Setattheturnofthecentury,thestoryconcernsaPolishpoetlivinginCracowwhohasdecidedtomarryapeasantgirl.TheweddingisattendedbyaheterogenousgroupofpeoplefromallstrataofPolishsociety,whodance,getdrunkandlamentPoland's100-year-longdivisionofPolandunderRussia,Prussia,andAustria.Thebridegroom,apainterfriend,andajournalisteachinturnisconfrontedwithspectresofPolishpast.Intheendacalltoarmsiscalledbutturnsouttobeahoaxddd