War and Peace

War and Peace
Study Guide by Course Hero
increases significantly in the second half of the novel, and in

What's Inside these instances, the author speaks directly to his audience.
TENSE
j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1 While War and Peace is written primarily in past tense, the
author occasionally lapses into present tense in the historical
d In Context ..................................................................................................... 1 and philosophical sections of the book.
a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 4 ABOUT THE TITLE

The title War and Peace encompasses the actions that take
h Characters ................................................................................................... 5
place in the novel to illustrate the human history of both war
k Plot Summary ............................................................................................ 11 and peace as well as the nature and morality of these
concepts.
c Chapter Summaries .............................................................................. 19
g Quotes ........................................................................................................ 73
l Symbols ...................................................................................................... 75 d In Context

m Themes ....................................................................................................... 75
b Glossary of Military Terms ................................................................ 77 Napoleon and the Napoleonic

e Suggested Reading .............................................................................. 77 Wars
While many people often refer to Napoleon Bonaparte as being
French, he was actually born in the Corsican capital of Ajaccio.
j Book Basics Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, was conquered by
the French and taken from the Italians in 1769—the year of
AUTHOR Bonaparte's birth. Napoleon is lauded by many for spreading
Leo Tolstoy democratic ideas and reforming the French legal system. His
reputation has risen and fallen at various moments in history.
YEARS PUBLISHED Nonetheless there is no doubt that Napoleon's agenda was to
1865–69 gain domination over as much territory as possible and spread
his approach to governance. He initially took part in the French
GENRE
Revolution in 1789 against the monarchy and then seized
Historical Fiction
power and crowned himself emperor of France in 1804.
PERSPECTIVE AND NARRATOR
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts Napoleon
War and Peace uses traditional third-person, omniscient
fought with various coalitions of European countries, although
narration in the fictional sections of the novel. The narration
the Napoleonic Wars were fought beyond Europe. After the
also includes historical and philosophical commentary, which
War and Peace Study Guide In Context 2
French Revolution, the kings of Europe felt threatened by

republican ideas, and Austria and Prussia provoked the first The Julian Calendar
conflict with France in 1792, when they called for all the rulers
of Europe to help put the French king back on the throne. This The historical dates of important events cited in War and
conflict evolved into the first coalition against Napoleon. The Peace are different from the dates given by Tolstoy because
third coalition formed in 1805, with Britain, Russia, Austria, and he uses the Julian Calendar. Introduced by Julius Caesar, the
Prussia against France. This is the first war in War and Peace. Julian Calendar was replaced by the Gregorian Calendar in the
Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, the second war in the Christian west by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 to more accurately
novel, was justified by Napoleon because Russia had broken its reflect the duration of Earth's revolution around the sun. Russia
promise not to trade with Great Britain, but the conflict was remained on the Julian Calendar until after the Russian
also over who would control Poland. Napoleon invaded with a Revolution in 1918. There is an approximately 12- or 13-day lag
drafted army of some 650,000 men from various nations, between Tolstoy's dates and the dates of the modern
called the Grande Armée (Great Army). By most accounts, calendar. Thus Tolstoy says the Battle of Borodino was fought
between 20,000 and 30,000 men returned from the conflict on August 26, but the battle was actually fought on September
with Russia, with some deserting, some staying in Russia, some 7. Dates using the Julian Calendar are referred to as being in
captured, and the vast majority missing or dead. "Old Style."
The Decembrists The Westernization of Russia

The Decembrist Revolt was the first serious challenge to Tolstoy writes 2 percent of his novel in French, with his own
absolute monarchy in Russia, which foreshadowed the Russian translation, to show that the Russian aristocracy generally
Revolution of 1917. This revolt was several years in the making. spoke in the French language. Most upper-class people knew
In fact the Decembrists evolved from earlier secret societies French better than Russian, and some could not even speak
that began forming in 1816, such as the Union of Salvation. The their own language. For example, at the beginning of the novel
Napoleonic Wars exposed a larger number of the Russian (Vol. 1, Part 1, Chapter 4), Ippolit attempts to speak in Russian,
upper class to the liberal and revolutionary ideas of Europe with "a pronunciation such as Frenchmen have after spending
and created a sharp contrast between the absolute autocracy a year in Russia."
of Russia and the evolving constitutional monarchies of the

The replacement of Russian with French grew out of
rest of Europe. Preceding the Decembrist Revolt, a faction of
widespread reforms that began in the late 17th century with
the Russian imperial guards, the Semyonovksy Regiment,
the first emperor of Russia, Peter the Great. Considered one of
revolted in 1820. After that the Decembrists went underground.
the most influential reformers, Peter undertook a series of
The Decembrist Revolt took place on December 26, 1825, as a
measures to bring his country into the modern era and to
protest against Tsar Nicholas I's accession to the throne after
change its image, in the eyes of Western Europeans, from an
Alexander I died. The rebels supported his brother
Asian to a European country. Following the Western
Constantine, who favored constitutional monarchy. The
Europeans, he built a navy, reorganized the army, and
Decembrists also supported emancipation of the serfs. The
secularized schools, among other reforms. Aristocrats were
revolt was quickly quelled, with five participants sentenced to
forced to adapt Western dress and manners and learn
death and others exiled to Siberia. At the end of War and
European languages. Peter also moved the capital from
Peace, Pierre goes to Petersburg on business related to a
Moscow to Petersburg. About 100 years later, Catherine the
society for which he was "one of the chief founders" (Epilogue,
Great continued to westernize Russia and was responsible for
Part 1, Chapter 11) and later speaks to the family about forming
making knowledge of the French language and culture a
a society to aid the fatherland. No doubt Leo Tolstoy is hinting
prerequisite for those in the aristocratic class. French became
at Pierre's involvement in, or at least flirtation with, the early
a key subject in the schools, and French teachers were given
Decembrist movement.
many perks to come to Russia.
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War and Peace Study Guide In Context 3
From Petersburg to Moscow Orthodox Russian Christianity

The characters often travel between Petersburg and Moscow; The Christianity of the Russians has the same root as Western
at the time Petersburg was a more sophisticated city that was Christianity. The Latin (Roman) and Greek Christian churches
heavily influenced by Western Europe, although both cities officially split in 1054, although doctrinal and political
were rich cultural centers. The distance between the two cities differences had been moving them apart for hundreds of years.
is about 400 miles. Travelers would have gone by horse and This was long before the Protestant revolutions further
carriage, changing horses every 20 or 30 miles during a total fragmented the Roman Catholic Church. The Eastern churches
of about 100 miles per day. Thus it would take at least four spawned separate branches—for example, Greek Orthodox
days to get from one city to another, depending on the number and Russian Orthodox Churches. Eastern Christianity was
of overnight stops. When Pierre travels to Petersburg and brought to Russia in the 10th century and developed into the
meets Bazdeev at the rest stop (Vol. 2, Part 2, Chapter 1), there Russian Orthodox Church. This form of Christianity shares
is a delay because horses are not available. most of the same beliefs as the Roman Catholic Church,
although many of the rituals and customs and dogma are
somewhat different. Russian Orthodoxy uses many visual
The Russian Class System representations of God the Father, Jesus, and Jesus's mother
Mary, as does the Russian tradition. An icon, or image, is a
The Russian class system was extremely rigid and oppressive physical representation of divine figures and might be a large
for those who did not belong to the upper classes. Landowners representation or a smaller item worn around the neck as
controlled all of the wealth, while the majority of the people Andrew promises to do (Vol. 1, Part 1, Chapter 25). A spiritual
worked for them. There was a middle class, but it was very image, in both the Eastern and Western tradition, is thought to
small. Russia remained primarily an agricultural country until convey a blessing or protection.
the early 20th century, when the Russian Revolution brought
about sweeping changes. In traditional Russia, the nobles
owned the people who worked on their land. They had The Masons
complete control over their lives in a relationship that was
similar to that of white European Americans and African slaves Freemasons (Masons) were originally members of
in the United States before the Civil War. The slaves in Russia brotherhoods of stonemasons who regulated the building
were called serfs. They were different from the African slaves trade, beginning in 14th-century Europe. The Protestant
in that they shared a history and a culture (to some degree) revolutions spelled a decline in the building of cathedrals, and
with their masters, as well as a common nationality and as a result, the Masons began accepting people who were not
religion. Nonetheless landowners could sell their serfs or force actually stonemasons into the order. The group evolved into a
them to serve in the army, and at one point the customary term brotherhood focused on ethics and morality based on its
of conscription was 25 years. This is the situation for Platon Christian roots. In some ways Masonry mimicked religion, for
Karataev, who is forced to join the military for a minor offense. example, in its use of rituals, ceremonies, and initiation, and
Tolstoy, writing shortly after the abolition of the serfs in 1861, over time it mixed in non-Christian beliefs. In Pierre's Russia
clearly views the old system as unjust and morally offensive. the Masons were a combined pseudo-religious and social
organization for aristocratic men.
The major characters in War and Peace are in the aristocratic
class, often counts and princes. A "prince" in Russia was not an
heir to the throne: the Tsar's children would be titled grand
dukes or grand duchesses. Instead "prince" is a high-ranking
Revisions of War and Peace
title of nobility, and a count, which was Tolstoy's own title,
War and Peace was first published in serialized form over a
ranked just below a prince.
two-year period, beginning in 1865, in a Russian magazine
called Russkiy Vestnik. But Tolstoy was not happy with it, so he
continued to tinker with the novel and published a complete,

War and Peace Study Guide Author Biography 4
revised edition in 1869 (second edition). In the third edition of

the book (1873), Tolstoy made additional stylistic revisions and a Author Biography
took out most of the French, and he also changed the
structure, reorganizing six volumes into four volumes. N.N. Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy was born into a family of
Strakhov, a literary critic and friend of Tolstoy's, helped him landowners and aristocrats on September 9, 1828, in the Tula
prepare the third edition. In the fifth edition (1886), edited by province of Russia. He had three older brothers and one
Tolstoy's aristocratic wife Sofya, the French was restored. It younger sister and was raised mostly by two aunts, since
became customary, beginning with the Jubilee Edition of the Tolstoy's mother, Princess Volkonskaya, died before he was
Complete Works of Tolstoy, published in 1937 (second two and his father, Count Nikolay Tolstoy, died when he was
printing), to introduce the corrections that were made in the about nine. Tolstoy also lost one of his aunts and a
1873 edition to the second edition (1869) of the text. However grandmother by the time he was 13. Despite the deaths of so
it was later uncovered through perusing letters written by many family members, his first autobiographical novel recalls a
Tolstoy to Strakhov—and by looking at corrections made by happy childhood. Tolstoy was educated by tutors and started
both men when they were preparing the 1873 edition—that university training in 1844, but he dropped out without getting a
some corrections were made by Strakhov and never approved degree.
by Tolstoy. Thus most translations are now based primarily on
the second edition, adding only those later corrections that The count lived a wild life in his student days and early
have been verified as being Tolstoy's. adulthood—he drank, gambled, and caroused with women. He
joined the military in his early 20s, accompanying his older
brother Nikolai to the Caucasus, where he served as an
artillery officer in Russian campaigns against the indigenous
people of the region. He also fought in the Crimean War
English Translations against Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire and was
promoted to lieutenant for bravery under fire. His war
Louise and Aylmer Maude, a husband-and-wife team, were experiences served to inform the realistic war scenes depicted
close friends of the Russian writer and published their in War and Peace.
translation of War and Peace in 1922. Ann Dunnigan's Signet
translation was published in 1968. According to Michael Katz, Tolstoy kept a diary throughout his life, which he used for his
Professor Emeritus of Russian and East European Studies at fiction as well as for self-examination. His early work includes
Middlebury College, these two translations have best "stood short stories and sketches and three autobiographical novels.
the test of time." After he married Sofya Bers in 1862, he settled down to family
life on his ancestral estate of Yasnaya Polyana and began his
New translations include that by Richard Pevear and Larissa most productive writing period, penning War and Peace in the
Volokhonsky (Vintage Classics, 2007), another husband-and- 1860s and Anna Karenina in the 1870s, his most well-known
wife team. This team has been highly praised by most critics and beloved works. War and Peace has been universally
for their fresh and accurate translations of classic Russian praised as a masterpiece and is considered by some to be the
novels. With regard to War and Peace, Katz says they manage best novel ever written. Matthew Arnold, a 19th-century English
to "preserve most of Tolstoy's stylistic originality." poet and critic, famously said that Tolstoy's novels were not
works of art but pieces of life. Critics have remarked on
Students who are new to War and Peace might want to read
Tolstoy's realism—his ability to vividly portray the external
either the Pevear and Volokhonsky or the Dunnigan
world and internal states of human consciousness.
translations. The Pevear/Volokhonsky translation includes
Tolstoy's original French and footnotes by the translators that The genesis of War and Peace was Tolstoy's interest in the
provide a wealth of information on the Napoleonic Wars and Decembrist uprising of 1825, in which a faction of aristocrats
Russian culture. The Dunnigan translation is highly readable who supported constitutional monarchy challenged the
but provides no additional information to the text. authority of Tsar Nicholas I. He imagined writing about one of
the exiled rebels coming back from Siberia in 1856, when the
surviving rebels were pardoned, but then began to reimagine

War and Peace Study Guide Characters 5
the time of rebellion and the era of the Napoleonic Wars—the Tolstoy's large body of work includes 12 novels and novellas,
historical period in which progressivism grew. The original title essays, plays, and an autobiography.
of his work in a serial publication was The Year 1805, which he
changed to War and Peace in 1867, a title likely borrowed from
a work by French socialist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, whom
h Characters
Tolstoy met in Belgium during a trip to Western Europe.
Most of the fictional characters in War and Peace were based

on friends and family members. For example, Natasha Rostov Pierre
has characteristics of both Tolstoy's sister-in-law and his wife.
The elder Prince Bolkonsky and Count Rostov are based on Pierre is 20 when the story begins, and he is the illegitimate
the author's grandfathers, young Nikolai Rostov and Marya son of a rich count. He is a massive man, and his weight is a
Bolkonsky on his parents, and Sonya on one of his aunts. reflection of his continual struggle for self-control: he has
Dolokhov is partially based on Fyodor Tolstoy, a cousin-uncle. prodigious appetites for food, drink, and women. The other
Tolstoy did extensive research on the Napoleonic Wars and side of Pierre is that he is a thoughtful and philosophical man
even visited battle sites to help create the realism of the novel. who is searching for truth and wishes to discover how to lead a
Parts of the novelist's personality can also be seen in the meaningful life. Pierre unexpectedly inherits his father's millions
characters of the young men: Pierre's appetite and desire to because Anna Mikhailovna schemes to help him, and he is
uncover the meaning of life; Nikolai's bravery and spectacular taken up by society as a result. People take advantage of him,
gambling loss (Tolstoy lost his house in a game of cards); and and he is easily persuaded to part with his money. His best
Andrei's existential angst (anxiety about existence). friend is Andrei Bolkonsky, who loves him for his kind and
generous nature. Pierre has a bad first marriage but ultimately
Tolstoy had always been preoccupied with spirituality and how
winds up with the heroine of the story, Natasha. As a result of
people could find a philosophy to provide meaning to their
his experiences as a prisoner of war and his contact with a
lives, but in midlife he underwent a profound spiritual crisis in
wise peasant, Pierre finally learns to live in the now, which
which the questions of life and death surfaced with renewed
imbues his life with all its necessary meaning.
intensity. Tolstoy eventually rejected the beliefs of Russian
Orthodox Christianity, which he believed wrongly exercised
authority over its members, even while he embraced a plain
Christianity based on the moral teachings of Jesus. He was
Andrei
excommunicated by the Church in 1901. In his old age Tolstoy
Prince Andrei is the secondary hero of the story, a handsome,
became a magnet for followers of his ideas; many of his
brooding intellectual, both a romantic and an idealist—but he
followers, like him, were vegetarian and believed in living
covers that up with an analytical façade. Andrei is about 27 at
communally rather than owning private property. Much of his
the beginning of the story, married to a beautiful aristocrat
later work is nonfiction and didactic short fiction, in which he
whom he despises because she is shallow. He is disgusted
sought to propagate his ideas about nonviolence and the
with aristocratic society and its pretentions and thus decides
corruption of state and religious institutions. Mahatma Gandhi,
to enlist in the war against France. Andrei is also a seeker of
the nonviolent Indian activist, corresponded with the author
truth, like his best friend Pierre, although he is more cynical and
and was influenced by his ideas, which were similar to Hindu
pessimistic. Andrei fights at Austerlitz and learns that he
and Buddhist teachings about nonviolence.
craves glory and wants to be known; he also has a spiritual
His desire to divest himself of wealth—for example, by giving awakening after he is wounded that gives him a larger
up his copyrights—created tensions in Tolstoy's marriage, as perspective on war. Andrei's wife dies, and he later falls deeply
did the growing number of disciples who came to see him. The in love with Natasha—a woman who breaks his heart. He dies
author left home on a pilgrimage in 1910 with his daughter and from a second wound received in the Battle of Borodino.
doctor but soon contracted pneumonia and died on November
20, 1910.

the "people of God," whom she feeds and communes with.

Natasha These are wandering Russian mendicants who consciously live
a life of poverty. She is a trusting person who does not see the
Natasha is the primary heroine of the novel. She is the corruption and deceptiveness of people around her. Marya is
quintessential Russian woman, meaning she has all the traits not beautiful, but she has luminous eyes that reflect the beauty
the author associates with the strength and beauty of his of her soul. She raises Andrei's young son and eventually
homeland. Natasha is alluring to everyone, especially men, marries Nikolai and enjoys a happy marriage.
because she is so full of life and reflects a joyfulness and
spontaneity that is contagious. However this spontaneity also
causes her to act rashly and without regard for consequences.
Natasha has several crushes in the novel but falls in love with
Andrei and accepts his proposal of marriage. However the
spontaneous aspect of her nature, which propels her to follow
her emotions without forethought, leads her to succumb to the
seduction of Anatole. She agrees to elope with him, although
their plans are foiled, and the seduction is not completed.
Natasha reunites with Andrei when he is wounded the second
time and cares for him until he dies. At the end of the novel,
she marries Pierre and becomes a much calmer person,
focused on her husband and children.
Nikolai
Nikolai Rostov is the brother of Natasha and the eldest child of
the Rostov clan. He is a man of action who wants to prove
himself in the military without any help from his family. Nikolai
fights in both wars against the French and receives several
promotions as he becomes a battle-tested warrior.
Occasionally he is forced by circumstances to question the
morality of what he does because he is essentially a deeply
moral man. Nikolai has initially promised himself to Sonya, but
he loves her like a sister and also needs to marry someone
who can help him restore the family fortune. Nikolai falls in love
with Princess Marya and marries her, and he learns from his
father's mistakes when it comes to managing land and money.
Marya
Princess Marya is deeply spiritual, like her brother Andrei,
although her spirituality is grounded in the Russian Orthodox
faith. She is the long-suffering companion and caretaker of her
difficult and exacting father, Prince Nikolai, who forces her to
spend her time doing mathematics and gives her little personal
freedom. As he descends into senility, he becomes more and
more abusive to her, but she takes refuge in her religion and

Character Map
Pierre
Seeker of life's meaning;
joins the Masons
Brother-in-law
First wife
Nikolai
Hélène
Second wife Man of action; pursues
Immoral and beautiful
a military career
Friends
Siblings
Natasha Childhood
Soulful heartbreaker;
sweethearts
easily falls in love
Betrothed Cousins
Spouses
Andrei Sonya
Seeker of life's meaning; Sister-in-law Self-sacrificing dependent;
goes to war for glory suffers unrequited love
Siblings
Marya
Spiritually gifted caretaker
of irascible father
Main Character
Other Major Character
Minor Character

Full Character List Anna

Princess Anna Mikhailovna
Drubetskoy is an impoverished
Mikhailovna aristocrat who uses influence to help
her son get ahead.
Character Description
Anna Pavlovna (Annette) Scherer

Count Pyotr Kirillovich or Kirilych
Anna Pavlovna hosts a salon for the upper class in
Bezukhov, most often called Pierre,
Pierre Petersburg.
is the primary hero of the story who
is riddled with human frailties.
Count Arakcheev is Tsar Alexander's
Arakcheev
minister of war.
Prince Andrei Nikolaevich
(Andryusha, Andre) Bolkonsky, most
Andrei often called Andrei or Prince Andrei, Archduke Ferdinand is commander-
is the intellectual son of Prince Archduke
in-chief of the Austrian forces in the
Nikolai. Ferdinand
war against Napoleon in 1805.
Countess Natalya Ilyinichna Prince Bagration is a commander in

(Natasha, Natalie; family name both wars, holding off the French at
Natasha Rostov), most often called Natasha, Bagration
Schöngraben in 1805 so the army
is the vibrant younger daughter of can retreat.
the Rostovs.
Balaga is the troika driver hired by

Count Nikolai Ilyich (Nikolushka, Balaga Anatole when he tries to abduct
Nikolenka, Nikolashka, Kolya, Natasha.
Nikolai Nicolas, Coco) Rostov, most often
called Nikolai or Rostov, is the
passionate son of the Rostovs. Balashov is the emissary Alexander
Balashov sends to Napoleon when he first
crosses the Niemen River in 1812.
Princess Marya Nikolaevna (Masha,
Mashenka, Marie; family name
Marya Bolkonsky), most often called Marya Barclay de Tolly is a Russian general
Barclay de Tolly
or Princess Marya, is the daughter of who calls the retreat at Smolensk.
Prince Nikolai.
Osip (Iosif) Alexeevich Bazdeev is a
Bazdeev
Tsar Alexander I is the emperor of highly respected Mason elder.
Russia. Nikolai sees him while in the
Alexander
army and is overwhelmed with
General Bennigsen is Kutuzov's chief
patriotic feeling.
Bennigsen of staff, who works to undermine
him.
Alpatych is the steward for the
Alpatych
Bolkonsky estates.
Alphonse Karlovich or Karlych
Berg (Adolf) Berg, usually called Berg, is a
Prince Anatole Vassilievich Kuragin Russian officer who marries Vera.
is the promiscuous and amoral
younger son of Vassily Kuragin. He is
Bilibin is a talented but cynical
offered to Princess Marya as a Bilibin
Anatole Russian diplomat.
marriage prospect and also attempts
to seduce Natasha, which leads to
her breaking her engagement to
Andrei.

Prince Boris (Borya, Borenka) Fyodor Ivanovich (Fedya) Dolokhov

Drubetskoy, most often called Boris, Dolokhov is a brave and ruthless Russian
is a shameless social climber and officer who fights a duel with Pierre.
Boris son of Anna Mikhailovna. When
Natasha was 13, he promised he
would marry her when she came of Dron is the headman of the peasants
Dron
age. (serfs) at Bogucharovo.
Princess Katerina Semyonovna, most Dunyasha is a ladies' maid for

Catiche often called Catiche, is old Count Princess Marya and also for
Bezukhov's niece. Dunyasha Countess Rostov; these are two
different characters with the same
name.
Count Kirill Vladimirovich Bezukhov,
Count Bezukhov most often called Count Bezukhov, is
a rich man and father of Pierre. Emperor Franz is the emperor of
Emperor Franz
Austria in 1805.
Count Ilya Andreevich or Andreich

(Elie) Rostov, most often called Princess Eléna Vassílievna (Lélya,
Count Ilya Hélène) Kuragin, most often called
Count Rostov or Count Ilya Rostov, is Hélène
Rostov Hélène, is the promiscuous and
the genial patriarch of the Rostov
family. amoral daughter of Vassily Kuragin.
Count Count Ostermann-Tolstoy Ilagin is a wealthy landowner and the

Ilagin
Ostermann- recommends Nikolai Rostov for a Rostovs' neighbor at Otradnoe.
Tolstoy medal for bravery.
Ilyin Ilyin is Rostov's young protégé.
Countess Natalya (Natalie; family
name Rostov), most often called Iogel is a dancing master who throws
Countess Rostov Iogel
Countess Rostov or the countess, is annual balls for his students.
the matriarch of the Rostov family.
Prince Ippolit Vassilievich (Hippolyte)

Danilo is a servant in charge of the Ippolit Kuragin is Vassily Kuragin's empty-
Danilo
hunting dogs at Otradnoe. headed elder son.
Davout is a French general known Julie Karagin is Marya's friend who

Davout Julie Karagin
for his cruelty. later becomes a wealthy heiress.
Vassily Dmitrich (Vaska) Denisov is Platon Karataev is a saintly foot

Denisov an officer in the cavalry and Nikolai Karataev soldier who helps Pierre cope with
Rostov's best friend. captivity.
Dessales is Nikolenka's (Prince Karp is an insubordinate serf at

Dessales
Andre's son) tutor. Karp Bogucharovo during the evacuation
to Moscow.
General Dokhturov is an effective
Dokhturov leader in both wars against the Katerina Petrovna is the governor's
French. Katerina wife in Voronezh who helps arrange
Petrovna a reunion between Nikolai Rostov
Prince Dolgorukov is an emissary and Marya.
Dolgorukov sent to Napoleon on the eve of the
Battle of Austerlitz.

General Mikhail Ilarionovich Kutuzov Mikhail Nikanorytch is uncle to the

Mikhail
is the field marshal (commander-in- Rostov children, and he offers them
Kutuzov Nikanorytch
chief) of the Russian forces in both hospitality after the hunt.
wars against the French.
Dmitri Vasilevich (Mitenka) is the
Mitenka
Count Langeron objects to estate manager for the Rostovs.
Langeron Weyrother's plan for battle at the
war council before Austerlitz.
Miloradovich is a Russian general
Miloradovich who fights in both wars against the
Lavrushka is Denisov's and then French.
Lavrushka
Nikolai Rostov's servant.
Amalia Evgenievna (Amelie,
Lazarev is a Russian soldier chosen Bourrienka) Bourienne, usually called
Mlle Bourienne
Lazarev at random to receive the French Mlle Bourienne, is Marya's lady's
Legion of Honor medal for bravery. companion.
Princess Elizaveta Karlovna, née Mortemart is a French nobleman

Meinen (Lisa, Lizaveta, Lise, "the little Mortemart living in Russia who frequents Anna
princess"; family name Bolkonsky), Pavlovna's soirées.
most often called "the little princess,"
Lise
is Prince Andrei's wife who dies in
childbirth. She is a harmless but Mrs. Malvintsev (Anna Ignatyevna) is
superficial and silly person, ill-suited Mrs. Malvintsev Marya's maternal aunt who lives in
to her husband. Voronezh.
General Mack is the Austrian general Murat is a French general and

Mack Murat Napoleon's brother-in-law who fights
who surrenders to Napoleon in Ulm.
in both wars.
Makar Alexeich is the half-mad and

Makar Alexeich Napoleon Bonaparte, sometimes
alcoholic brother of Bazdeev.
called Buonaparte, is emperor of the
Napoleon
French empire and the commander-
Maria Feodorovna is the dowager in-chief of the invading army.
Maria
empress and mother of Tsar
Feodorovna
Alexander.
Nastasya Ivanovna is a buffoon who
Nastasya
lives with the Rostovs and dresses in
Ivanovna
Marva Marva Kuzminishna is the Rostovs' women's clothing.
Kuzminishna housekeeper.
Prince Nesvitsky goes back to tell
Marya Bogdanovna is the midwife in Nesvitsky the hussars they must blow up the
Marya
attendance when Andrei's wife is in bridge at Enns.
Bogdanovna
labor.
Prince Nikolai Andreevich
Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimov is an (Nikolushka, Nikolenka, Coco
Marya
outspoken woman, and she is good Nikolenka Bolkonsky), most often called
Dmitrievna
friends with the Rostovs. Nikolenka, is the son of Prince
Andrei.
Métivier is a French doctor in

Métivier Moscow who briefly tends to Prince Count Orlov-Denisov is the only
Nikolai Bolkonsky. commander who gets to his
Orlov-Denisov
appointed place at the right time at
the Battle of Tarutino.
Mikhail Ivanovich is Prince Nikolai
Mikhail Ivanovich
Bolkonsky's architect.

War and Peace Study Guide Plot Summary 11
Count Pyotr Ilyich (Petya, Petrusha) Prince Vassily Sergeevich Kuragin is

Vassily
Rostov, most often called Petya, is an empty and amoral aristocrat.
Petya
the youngest son of Count Ilya
Rostov.
Countess Vera Ilyinichna (Verushka,
Verochka; family name Rostov), most
Pfuel is a German general with a plan often called Vera, is the elder
Pfuel Vera
to fight the French in 1812. daughter of the Rostovs. She is
portrayed as a socially awkward,
artificial person.
Prince Nikolai Andreevich or
Prince Nikolai Andreich Bolkonsky, most often
Andreevich called Prince Nikolai Andreevich, is Vereshchagin is a radical who is
an eccentric aristocrat. Vereshchagin killed by a mob in Moscow on the eve
of the French occupation.
General Raevsky's artillery battery

Raevsky was the most strategic position at Weyrother is the Austrian general
the Battle of Borodino. Weyrother who draws up the plan for the Battle
of Austerlitz.
Ramballe is a French officer whose

Ramballe
life is saved by Pierre. Count Willarski is the chief Mason in
Willarski Petersburg who helps Pierre become
initiated into the order.
Rapp Rapp is one of Napoleon's adjutants.
Zherkov is a cowardly adjutant who,

Count Fyodor Vasilyevich Zherkov when under fire, does not deliver
Rastopchin Rastopchin served as Moscow's messages.
military governor.
Shinshin is Countess Rostov's cousin

Shinshin
and is known for his wit.
k Plot Summary
Sofya Alexandrovna (Sonya, Sophie),
most often called Sonya, is an
Sonya
orphaned cousin of the Rostov
children. Vol. 1 (1805)
Speransky is Tsar Alexander's chief
Speransky
counselor on matters of state. Part 1
Telyanin is an officer who steals Anna Pavlovna, hostess of a social gathering for Petersburg
Telyanin money from Denison and then
aristocrats, speaks to Prince Vassily Kuragin about Napoleon's
withholds supplies from his regiment.
recent territory incursion threatening Austria. Since Russia and
Austria are allies, Russia will soon go to war. Additional people
Tikhon is the manservant of Prince
Nikolai Bolkonsky; the scout that come into the salon, including two of Vassily's children, Anatole
Tikhon
Denison's partisans use is also and Hélène; Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife; and Pierre,
named Tikhon. the illegitimate son of wealthy Count Bezukhov. Andrei and
Pierre are best friends. Also at the soirée is Anna Mikhailovna
Captain Tushin directs the artillery Drubetskoy, an impoverished aristocrat who lives with her son
Tushin battery at Schöngraben and bravely
Boris in Moscow. Boris is going to war, and Vassily promises to
holds off the French.
help him get into the prestigious imperial guard. Andrei is also
planning to go to war, though his new wife is pregnant.

In Moscow the Rostovs celebrate the name day of both objections. The Battle of Austerlitz ensues, and the Russians
Countess Rostov and her youngest daughter with a big party. are defeated. Prince Andrei is seriously wounded and has a
The Drubetskoys live with the Rostovs, who also have four spiritual experience in which he realizes man is nothing next to
children: 13-year-old Natasha, her little brother Petya, an older the enormity of the universe.
daughter Vera, and son Nikolai, who has dropped out of school
and joined the cavalry to fight the French. Also living with the
Rostovs is Sonya, an orphaned cousin. In another part of town, Vol. 2 (1806–12)
Pierre lives at the house of his dying father and has been
invited to the Rostovs' dinner. During the party, Pierre is sent
for because his father has had another stroke, and Anna
Part 1
Mikhailovna accompanies him. When they arrive, Anna
Mikhailovna prevents Vassily and another relative from
After Austerlitz Nikolai comes home to visit. Count Rostov
destroying the document claiming that Pierre is Bezukhov's
prepares a party in Moscow for General Bagration, the hero at
legitimate heir.
Schöngraben. At the party Pierre challenges Dolokhov to a
duel. A soldier in Nikolai's regiment, Dolokhov is likely sleeping
Prince Andrei takes his wife to stay at his family estate at Bald
with Pierre's wife. Pierre wins the duel and leaves Moscow.
Hills while he is at war. He is greeted by his father, Prince
Nikolai Bolkonsky, and his sister, Princess Marya. Andrei's
At Bald Hills Andrei returns from battle as his wife dies giving
father gives him a letter addressed to General Kutuzov, whom
birth. The child is baptized Nikolai.
the old prince has served with in previous wars, recommending
Andrei as a confidential assistant. Dolokhov recovers and begins courting Nikolai Rostov's cousin
Sonya, who turns him down because she and Nikolai are
informally promised to each other. In a vengeful mood,
Part 2 Dolokhov entices Nikolai into a game of cards and wins from
him 43,000 rubles. Count Rostov, already in bad financial
Prince Andrei is at Kutuzov's headquarters when they learn straits, manages to raise the money, and Nikolai returns to his
that the Austrian general, Mack, has surrendered to Napoleon. regiment.
The Russian command gets word that Napoleon is advancing,
and they stall his vanguard at Schöngraben with a small
contingent of troops. Prince Andrei is disgusted with the way Part 2
war is conducted, amid so much bumbling and chaos.
Nonetheless the larger part of Kutuzov's army is able to retreat On his way to Petersburg, Pierre meets a high-ranking Mason.
ahead of the enemy for the purpose of fighting from a more The Masons are a secret brotherhood of men, and Pierre
strategic position. becomes one of them. Vassily attempts to reconcile Pierre with
his wife Hélène, but he refuses. Instead he goes to his estates
in the country and tries to improve the lives of the serfs. Then
Part 3 he visits Andrei in Bogucharovo, a small estate his father has
given him. The two talk about the meaning of life and then visit
Back in Moscow Vassily schemes to marry Pierre to his the old prince and Marya at Bald Hills.
daughter Hélène. He tricks Pierre into prematurely proposing
and then tries to match his depraved son Anatole with Princess At the front Nikolai's friend and commander, Denisov, gets into
Marya Bolkonsky, Andrei's sister. They visit Bald Hills, and trouble with the military authorities for seizing a supply
while Marya is attracted to Anatole, she declines the match transport for his starving men. He is threatened with court
when she sees him kissing her companion in the garden. martial, and Nikolai takes a letter to Tilsit to get his commander
a reprieve. His mission is unsuccessful, but he watches the
On the battlefield Nikolai has seen his first action. Both the pomp of the signing of the treaty between Tsar Alexander and
Austrian and Russian emperors review the troops, and General the victorious Napoleon.
Weyrother's plan of battle is adopted, despite Kutuzov's

her up. Nikolai successfully intimidates the serfs, who then

Part 3 allow her to leave.
Prince Andrei visits the Rostov country estate on business and As the French near Moscow, the Russians prepare for battle
meets Natasha. He then goes to Petersburg and begins and face the enemy at Borodino. A fierce battle results in a
working with Speransky, the secretary of state, on revising the victory for the French, weakening their army. Andrei is critically
country's laws. wounded in the battle and is taken to Moscow along with many
others.
Pierre and the Rostovs are also in Petersburg, and everyone is
present at a grand New Year's Eve ball at which Andrei dances
with Natasha. He begins courting her, falls deeply in love, and
proposes, although his father asks him to wait a year before
Part 3
marrying. The Rostovs agree to the long engagement, and
Kutuzov determines the army is too weak to fight for Moscow,
Andrei goes abroad to improve his health.
so he retreats deeper into Russia. As the Russians retreat, the
wounded are temporarily billeted in city homes, and Andrei
winds up at the Rostovs. The French occupy the city, although
Parts 4–5 it is nearly empty by the time they arrive. The Rostovs, among
the last to leave, have taken Andrei with them. When they stop
Nikolai comes home to Otradnoe, the family's country estate,
to rest, Natasha learns Andrei is with their train, and she goes
to help straighten out the family finances. He is unsuccessful
to see him, asking for forgiveness. They reconcile and she
but goes on a wolf hunt and enjoys Christmas with his family.
begins taking care of him.
Against his mother's wishes, he renews his promise to Sonya.
Pierre, who has stayed behind in Moscow, is captured and
In Moscow Pierre fights depression over his meaningless life.
jailed by the French as a suspected arsonist.
The elder Bolkonsky and Marya come to Moscow for an
extended stay, as do the Rostovs. Natasha and her father call
on the Bolkonskys and are met with an unfriendly reception.
Natasha meets Hélène and Anatole Kuragin at the opera, and
Vol. 4 (1812–14)
Anatole begins pursuing Natasha and convinces her to elope
with him. The plan is foiled, and when Natasha finds out
Anatole is married, she becomes ill. Andrei returns to Russia, Part 1
his heart broken by the news of his aborted engagement.
Petersburg continues much as before. Hélène, although still
married to Pierre, is being courted by two men and ends up
Vol. 3 (1812) committing suicide after having an abortion.
Nikolai has been sent to Voronezh to re-equip his regiment

with horses and runs into Marya again, and they begin a
Parts 1–2 tentative courtship. Meanwhile, Sonya writes to Nikolai under
pressure from Countess Rostov and releases him from his
Napoleon crosses into Russian territory. Andrei returns to promise to marry. Nikolai also gets a letter from his mother
service, and Prince Nikolai and Marya return to Bald Hills. relaying Andrei's circumstances, and Marya travels to where
When the French approach Smolensk near the Bolkonsky the Rostovs are staying to see her brother. Marya and Natasha
estate, Andrei sends word to evacuate. But Prince Nikolai has care for Andrei together until he dies.
a stroke, so Marya evacuates him to Bogucharovo.
A battle takes place in Smolensk, and the Russians retreat. The

old prince dies, and after the burial Marya tries to leave for
Moscow. Nikolai Rostov intercedes when unruly peasants hold

temper. Natasha is a loving mother and wife, and Pierre is a

Part 2 homebody when not on business. The author leaves the reader
with a whisper of political turmoil to come and the possibility
Napoleon sends a contingent of men under General Murat to
that Pierre and young Nikolai, Prince Andrei's son, might be
look for the Russians, who give battle at Tarutino and defeat
involved in controversial politics in the future.
the enemy. By now the remainder of the French army in
Moscow is in disarray as soldiers continue looting and The historical essay that caps the novel explains in greater
discipline breaks down. Fires break out. When Napoleon hears depth Leo Tolstoy's ideas about free will versus necessity and
about Tarutino, he decides to leave Russia. The French army calls for a study of the rules that govern the movements of
retreats, taking prisoners with them, including Pierre. history.
Part 3
Guerrilla fighters, among them Denisov and Dolokhov, harry the
French on their way out of Russia. Young Petya Rostov joins
their group when they attack the French. Petya recklessly
ignores a warning to wait before charging and is killed. The
partisans rescue the Russian prisoners, including Pierre, and
kill the French survivors.
Part 4
Natasha and Marya are mourning Andrei's death when word
comes of Petya's death. Countess Rostov breaks down, and
Natasha looks after her. Marya and Natasha then depart for
Moscow.
The Russian army fights more battles against French troops.

Tsar Alexander and the Russian generals are unhappy with
Kutuzov because he has not captured Napoleon and is
avoiding unnecessary skirmishes. He is forced into retirement
at the end of the war.
After liberation Pierre falls ill for a few months. When he

recovers, he returns to Moscow and reunites with Natasha and
Marya. Pierre is a changed man, having realized in captivity his
internal freedom. He and Natasha realize they love each other
and plan to marry.
Epilogue (1813–20)
An epilogue, divided into two parts, reveals that the principal
couples—Natasha and Pierre, Nikolai and Marya—are happily
married with children. Nikolai has grown prosperous and
personally manages his estates, and Marya has tamed his

Plot Diagram
Climax
11
10
12
9
Falling Action
Rising Action 8
13
7
6 14
5
15
4
Resolution
3
2
1
Introduction
8. Natasha's elopement with Anatole is foiled.

Introduction
9. French cross the Niemen River and invade Russian territory.
1. Russia goes to war with Napoleon when he threatens 10. Andrei fights at Smolensk and Borodino.
Austria.
Climax
Rising Action
11. French win a battle and Russians retreat.
2. Andrei and Nikolai go to war.
3. Andrei is wounded in Austerlitz.

Falling Action
4. Andrei returns home the night his wife dies in childbirth.
5. Dolokhov and Pierre fight a duel over Pierre's wife Hélène. 12. Hélène commits suicide.
6. Russia loses first war with France; signs treaty at Tilsit. 13. Andrei dies and Pierre is imprisoned in occupied Moscow.
7. Andrei and Natasha get engaged. 14. The French lose their army retreating down Smolensk

Road.
Resolution
15. Pierre and Natasha marry; Nikolai and Marya marry.

Timeline of Events
August 1805
Nikolai and Boris prepare to leave for the front.
August 1805
Pierre inherits a fortune.
August 1805
Andrei leaves for the front.
November 1805
Russians hold off the French at Schöngraben.
Winter 1805–06
Pierre marries Hélène.
December 1805
Battle of Austerlitz begins.
December 1805
Andrei is wounded.
March 1806
Pierre fights a duel with Dolokhov.
March 1806
Andrei returns from war, and his wife dies.
Fall 1809–Winter 1810
Pierre reunites with Hélène.
Fall 1809–Winter 1810
Andrei and Natasha get engaged.
June 1812
French cross the Niemen River to attack Russia.
August 1812

Battle of Borodino begins.
August 1812
Andrei is mortally wounded.
September 1812
French army occupies Moscow.
September 1812
Natasha and Andrei reunite.
October 1812
Battle of Tarutino begins.
October–December 1812
French army retreats.
1813
Pierre and Natasha marry.
Fall 1814
Nikolai and Marya marry.

War and Peace Study Guide Chapter Summaries 19
Chapter 5 Andrei invites Pierre to his house after the soirée,

c Chapter Summaries and in the subsequent chapter they continue their
conversation. Andrei plans to go to war since he is fed up with
society and his shallow wife. Pierre admires his friend for his
Vol. 1, Part 1, Chapters 1–6 calmness, intelligence, and rationality. Andrei warns Pierre to
stay away from Anatole, but after Pierre leaves he meets up
with Anatole; his wild companion Dolokhov, who gambles and
drinks to excess; and the rest of young Kuragin's army
Summary buddies.
War and Peace begins in Saint Petersburg (Petersburg) in

1805, at a soirée hosted by Anna Pavlovna, whose fancy Analysis
parties are frequented by Russian aristocrats. The hostess
playfully attacks Prince Vassily Kuragin, her first guest, Tolstoy wrote about 2 percent of his novel in French to
speaking to him in French. She accuses him of wanting to demonstrate the Russian nobility's worship of French language
make excuses for the "Antichrist," "Buonaparte," the French and culture. By the early 1800s, most of the upper class could
conqueror who has recently annexed two Italian principalities. not even speak their own language properly, and this is
As the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that Russia, something that Tolstoy both satirizes and calls attention to in
along with its ally Austria, will soon be at war with France. Anna War and Peace. The fact that Anna Pavlovna is railing against
Pavlovna speaks with great fervor, claiming that the Russian French aggression in the French language is extremely ironic,
emperor will save Europe. Vassily complains about his as is her hosting of a salon in the French tradition.
dissolute second son, Anatole, but says that both of his sons
are imbeciles. His hostess suggests she can facilitate a match Anna's playful attack of Vassily announces that war will play an
for Anatole with the rich Princess Marya Bolkonsky, who lives important role in this story—and war takes place on and off the
an unhappy life with her eccentric, strict father. battlefield. The backdrop of the story is Napoleon Bonaparte's
two wars with the Russians. The first begins in 1805, when
In Chapter 2 Prince Vassily's older son, Ippolit, and beautiful Austria joins the British-Russian coalition to prevent Napoleon
daughter Hélène arrive, along with Princess Bolkonsky—called from moving farther East. Anna, like other Russians,
"the little princess." She is pregnant and recently married to disparagingly uses the Italian pronunciation, Buonaparte, to
Marya's brother, Prince Andrei. Also newly arrived is a tall, emphasize that Napoleon is not French but a Corsican upstart.
overweight young man, the illegitimate son of Count Bezukhov.
Recently back from France, Pierre Bezukhov has just come Anna and her salon are the essence of Petersburg—effete,
into society and doesn't know how to act. Last to arrive is the pretentious, superficially intellectual, French—and by
handsome Prince Andrei, bored and weary (Chapter 3). Andrei extension, Western European. Beginning in the 17th century,
cheers up when he sees his good friend Pierre, who is staying Russia became westernized (more like the rest of Europe) due
with the Kuragins, relations of Count Bezukhov. to the forced reforms of Peter the Great. While many were
beneficial, some undermined traditional Russian values and
In Chapter 4 Prince Vassily is accosted on his way out by Anna culture. Petersburg is the city built by the great reformer, as a
Mikhailovna Drubetskoy, an impoverished elderly princess with European capital that would bring Russia into the modern
former high connections. She persuades Vassily to intercede period. In Tolstoy's view Petersburg also is the center of
with his contacts to get her son Boris an appointment with the aristocratic corruption, brought on by an abandonment of
imperial guard—reminding Vassily that her father had helped traditional morality and the imitation of the excesses of the
him get ahead in his younger days. At the party a French French upper classes. Moscow represents the Russian soul,
viscount speaks against the upstart Napoleon, while Pierre which Tolstoy associates with Orthodox Russian Christianity,
defends him, saying he has reined in the excesses of the mysticism, and the land and peasants in their simplicity,
French Revolution. strength, and honesty. Some aristocrats, such as Natasha
Rostov, Marya Bolkonsky, and Pierre Bezukhov, possess the
Andrei is about seven years older than Pierre, who is 20. In
Russian soul and have not been corrupted. Not surprisingly, the

Rostovs, who are the happiest and least dysfunctional family in Numerous guests have been coming and going all day, and
the novel, live in Moscow. gossip centers on the dying Count Bezukhov and his
illegitimate son Pierre, who has been banned from Petersburg
These first chapters introduce members of four of the five because of his rowdy behavior when carousing with Dolokhov
principal families in the novel. First there are the Kuragins, and his friends. Although Prince Vassily is a direct heir to
exemplars of the worst kind of Russian aristocrat. Everything Bezukhov's enormous fortune, Pierre is the count's favorite and
the patriarch does is based on advancing his family's position. might inherit, according to Anna Mikhailovna.
Vassily respects neither of his sons, however, and identifies
Anatole as a "troublesome" fool because he spends money The young people of the Rostov household are introduced in
recklessly and is a notorious womanizer. Chapters 8 and 9. Thirteen-year-old Natasha is a lively and
daring child and a favorite with everyone. She and Boris, now
Second are the Bolkonskys. Prince Andrei Bolkonsky is one of an officer in the Semyonovksy regiment, have a mutual crush.
the novel's two heroes. He is handsome, rich, and respected, Nikolai, the eldest child, has dropped out of school and joined
but he finds the superficiality of his class unbearable. As the the army as a noncommissioned officer. Sonya, an orphaned
novel progresses, Prince Andrei will be revealed as someone 15-year-old cousin who lives with the Rostovs, is in love with
who longs for fame and glory as he attempts to create a Nikolai. The youngest boy, Petya, is about seven, and the
meaningful life. One of the major themes of the novel is that life eldest girl, Vera, is 17. In Chapter 10 Nikolai reassures Sonya of
is a journey toward wisdom and understanding, and Andrei his affection and kisses her, and Natasha kisses Boris, who
makes both metaphorical and literal sojourns. says he will ask for her hand in four years.
Third are the Bezukhovs, to whom illegitimate Pierre belongs. In Chapter 11 Anna Mikhailovna confesses to the countess that
Pierre is young, naïve, and somewhat out of control. He she needs 500 rubles to equip her son for the guard; she
blunders through Anna's salon and makes everyone decides to ask Bezukhov for help since he is Boris's godfather.
uncomfortable by defending Napoleon, and his awkwardness In Chapter 12 mother and son reach Count Bezukhov's home
causes people to dismiss and overlook him. Unlike Andrei, the and find the count's three nieces (princesses who live with
other hero of the novel, Pierre has no self-discipline, but both him), Prince Vassily, and Pierre. Since leaving Petersburg,
men are on a spiritual quest to discover the best way to lead Pierre has been staying in his father's house. In Chapter 13 the
their lives and to reach an understanding of life's ultimate reader learns that he helped tie a bear to a policeman and
meaning. threw it in the river when he was carousing with Anatole and
Dolokhov. The eldest princess does not allow Pierre to see his
Finally the Drubetskoys consist of Boris and his mother. These
father and is not happy to see Anna Mikhailovna. Boris visits
impoverished aristocrats become consummate politicians to
with Pierre and extends the Rostovs' invitation to the name-day
hold onto their class status. Anna Mikhailovna, tenacious and
dinner. When the Drubetskoys return home (Chapter 14), the
fearless, will stop at nothing to help Boris make his way in the
countess, after asking her husband for money, gives Anna
world. Later in the novel, Boris will surpass his mother in
Mikhailovna the 500 rubles she needs for her son.
skillfully cultivating influence and climbing the ladder of
success. In Chapters 15–17 the guests assemble for dinner. Marya
Dmitrievna, a frank and simple aristocrat who always speaks in
Russian rather than French, is introduced, along with Berg, a
Vol. 1, Part 1, Chapters 7–17 Russian officer and love interest of Vera's. Sonya tells Natasha
privately that Vera has warned her about encouraging Nikolai,
and Natasha reassures her about Nikolai's loyalty. Natasha has
Summary an exceptional voice and sings with the other young people,
and Count Rostov and Marya Dmitrievna impress everyone
Anna Mikhailovna returns to her rich relations in Moscow in with a lively dance.
Chapter 7, where she and her son have lived for years. The
Rostovs are celebrating the name day of the Natalyas in honor
of both Countess Rostov and her youngest daughter, Natasha.

Analysis Vol. 1, Part 1, Chapters 18–21

The Rostovs are the fifth of Tolstoy's families and, though far
from perfect, are emblematic of the Russian soul as Tolstoy
imagines it. The Russian soul is associated both with the values
Summary
of the peasants, as idealized by writers like Tolstoy and
In Chapter 18 Count Bezukhov has a sixth stroke. Prince
Dostoevsky, and is also tied to the archetype of Russian
Vassily tells Catiche, the princess in attendance, that although
character unspoiled by westernization. Thus love of family,
they are direct heirs, the count has made a new will that leaves
generosity, communal spirit, spontaneity, and strongly
his property to Pierre. Moreover he has written a letter
expressed emotion are all characteristics demonstrated by
requesting that the sovereign grant Pierre legitimacy so he can
those with the Russian soul. The Rostovs are currently living in
inherit. Catiche tells Vassily that the documents he refers to
their usual extravagant style, hosting large, sumptuous dinners
are in a portfolio under the count's pillow.
and supporting poor relations, although they are already in
financial difficulty. Sonya is second cousin to the Rostov Since the count has sent for Pierre, he arrives with Anna
children but has been embraced by the Rostovs as another Mikhailovna in Chapter 19, who tells him she will guide him and
sibling. The Drubetskoys are friends and distant relations who look out for his interests. The two almost sneak into the house,
have been living on the Rostovs' largesse for years. since they come up the back stairs. In the next two chapters,
Pierre and his self-appointed advocate visit the count, who may
The young Natasha Rostov, the primary heroine of the novel, is
or may not recognize Pierre in these last moments. When his
portrayed as a quintessential Russian woman—a vibrant and
father smiles unexpectedly, Pierre begins to cry. When they
spontaneous child who will eventually metamorphose into a
come out of the sick room, it becomes apparent that the
maternal archetype of beauty and strength. She is playful and
princess is hiding the portfolio, which she probably took when
funny, and she gets away with violating social rules because
the count was transferred from the reception room to his bed.
she is so charming. She has a large heart like her mother and
The two women struggle for possession of the portfolio, and
comforts her cousin as she frets over Nikolai. Despite the
the princess lets go when one of the other nieces comes out of
Rostovs' generosity, a liaison between Nikolai and Sonya is
the bedroom to say the count is dying. Anna Mikhailovna
bound to be problematic, since Sonya is penniless and Nikolai
scoops it up and runs into the sickroom with the rest, except
must marry a woman with money. This is why Vera scolds
for Pierre. She then comes out and tells Pierre that his father is
Sonya.
gone, but his inheritance is secured.
The Rostov commitment to community manifests in Nikolai as

a passionate and patriotic desire to serve in the military. He
joins as a junker, the lowest level of military officer for a
Analysis
nobleman. Nikolai is also someone who cannot hide his
Pierre continues to be ignorant and clumsy, and he is not
feelings. While Nikolai's face expresses "impetuousness and
familiar with the unspoken rules of the aristocratic class.
rapturousness" in a drawing room, Boris quickly gets "his
Neither does he feel he has rights as a son. In Chapter 13 he
bearings" and calmly tells a story.
asks to see his father and is told "if you want to kill him ...
The scene at the end of Chapter 17, in which the old count outright," as if his cousins are the only ones who can comfort
dances with an old family friend, is also emblematic of the the count, while Pierre is merely a nuisance. Pierre accepts this
largeness of the Russian soul. No one can take their eyes off answer instead of standing up for his rights. When he goes to
the dancers, and the count says, "That's how people danced in the Rostovs in Chapter 15, he sits "awkwardly in the middle of
our time," meaning in the time before westernization, before the drawing room ... getting in everyone's way."
the aristocracy had taken on the polished and affected ways of
Pierre hardly seems to know that he has any financial interests
the French.
in the event of his father's death. He relies on his benefactress
as she signals him to go up to his father, kiss his hand, and
then sit down at the bedside, because he doesn't know how he

is expected to act. Although clumsy and clueless, of all the fight Napoleon all the way to Italy. Father and son continue this
participants in the deathbed drama, he is the only one to discussion over dinner in Chapter 24, and Prince Andrei takes
express genuine emotion. leave of his family in Chapter 25. When the siblings are alone,
Andrei says Prince Nikolai is too hard on Marya, but she
Anna Mikhailovna once again shows her mettle by getting admonishes, "Is it possible to judge one's father?" When Andrei
Pierre into the house without having to go past the sentries, is alone with his father, the old man commends his decision to
Bezhukov's nieces. Clearly she has more fortitude than either serve and gives him a letter of introduction to Mikhail
Catiche or Vassily; neither have the will nor the stomach to Ilarionovich Kutuzov, his friend and head of the army. The elder
fight her for the documents, although both are selfish and Bolkonsky is grieved to part from his son but covers it up.
manipulative people. She ensures that Pierre is not cheated When Andrei says goodbye to his wife, she faints and he
out of his fortune because she trades in influence, and Pierre leaves before she recovers.
may prove useful in the future. She says, "I know you well
enough to know that this will not turn your head, but it does
impose duties on you, and one must be a man." No doubt a Analysis
large fortune in the hands of the innocent Pierre is preferable
to having Bezhukov's money go to his unpleasant nieces or to The Bolkonsky clan is a mixture of honor, integrity,
greedy Prince Vassily. intellectuality, and dysfunction. Both the prince and his two
children have high moral standards and moral courage. Prince
Pierre's illegitimacy and ignorance make him an outsider, but
Nikolai has served faithfully in the army and civil service and is
he is not untainted by Western corruption. Still he will show
highly respected, which is why he can send his son to General
himself to have a Russian soul as the novel progresses,
Kutuzov with a letter of introduction. He has brought up his
although it will be brought forth by Natasha and Platon
children without superstition (he is not devout) and has
Karataev, a peasant Pierre is imprisoned with at the end of the
educated them. Although old and retired, he still works hard.
novel.
Prince Andrei is following his father into service. Like his father,
he rejects the frivolous life of the aristocratic class and is
disgusted with Petersburg.
Vol. 1, Part 1, Chapters 22–25
Marya is a devoted daughter with strong religious beliefs, and
she is kind and self-sacrificing. While both Marya and Natasha
Summary are the two exemplars of Russian women, they are very
different. Marya is ruled by her father and religious belief, while
In Chapter 22 the action moves to Bald Hills, the estate of Natasha is a free spirit. Like Pierre and Andrei, these two major
Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, Prince Andrei's father, who lives with female characters are on a journey toward self-knowledge. As
his devoted daughter Marya and her French companion Mlle the novel progresses, Marya learns to balance her tendency to
(Mademoiselle) Bourienne. The family is expecting Prince put others' needs ahead of her own and reach out for what she
Andrei and his wife; she will live with them while he is at war. needs for her own happiness. Natasha also changes and
The elder Bolkonsky is an eccentric taskmaster who conducts learns to rein in the impetuous and mercurial aspect of her
all his activities according to a strict schedule. He is retired nature as she grows into a responsible woman.
from government and military service. Though he loves and
Prince Nikolai is one of those people who cannot contain his
depends on his daughter Marya and has taught her since
emotion and, therefore, vents his rage on those who are
childhood, he verbally abuses and intimidates her. She patiently
closest to him. He cannot show his affection to Marya or
and lovingly puts up with him, finding consolation in devout
Andrei, and when his son is ready to leave, he practically
religious practice. Marya also corresponds regularly with her
throws him out of the house. Andrei also has trouble
best friend in Moscow, Julie Karagin. Julie keeps her up to date
expressing his feelings and like his father can be cold and
on the latest doings among the aristocracy.
judgmental. He has decided his wife is shallow and worthless
Prince Andrei arrives in Chapter 23 and tells his father about and so does not treat her kindly. When she faints, he turns to
the coming war, in which the Russians and Austrians plan to leave and doesn't look back. Mayra's dysfunction manifests in

a masochistic acceptance of her father's abuse and will remain the bridge, and the colonel is triumphant, referring to "two
imprisoned by her relationship with her father until he dies. hussars wounded and one killed on the spot" as "trifles."
Vol. 1, Part 2, Chapters 1–8 Analysis

Russia and Austria became allies when they joined England in
the third coalition against France and Napoleon Bonaparte. He
Summary marched on present-day Germany in 1805, which is why the
Russians are in Braunau. Kutuzov is well liked and respected
Chapters 1–3 take place in Braunau, Austria, in early October
by the troops. Currently he faces the urgent demand that the
1805. Commander-in-Chief Kutuzov reviews the troops. He
Russians march to Ulm, but as a cautious and strategic warrior,
greets soldiers he knows and admonishes Dolokhov, now
Kutuzov won't put his men at risk without a reason. Throughout
among the ranks because of his prank in Petersburg. He
the novel he prefers a "wait and see" approach to charging in
promises to give his status back if he proves himself. Although
without thought. Prince Andrei, his favored adjutant (a
an Austrian general has come to persuade Kutuzov to join
confidential assistant or aide-de-camp), will help him stall the
General Mack in Ulm (in Prussia), he avoids putting his troops
Austrians by writing the memo. Almost immediately his
in the field on the strength of a report from Archduke
judgment proves to be astute when Mack appears.
Ferdinand that the Austrians are winning. While Prince Andrei,
Kutuzov's new adjutant, is writing a memo about current Nikolai is getting himself into trouble a few miles away because
intelligence, General Mack bursts in to relate that the Austrian of his impetuous nature and ideas about honor. His calling out
army has surrendered to Napoleon. Andrei is excited about the the thief in public is bad form because what one soldier does is
prospect of an encounter with the French and irritated that it a reflection on the whole regiment. Nikolai says he would do
crosses his mind that Bonaparte, whom he admires, might lose. anything to honor the regiment but can't bring himself to
apologize when he feels himself to be in the right. In this scene
Nikolai Rostov is only two miles from Braunau, in the
Nikolai undergoes his first initiation into the world of the
Pavlogradsky hussar regiment where he is living with the
military, and he must learn its rules and protocols.
squadron leader, Captain Denisov (Chapter 4). Nikolai gets into
an argument with a lieutenant who has stolen money from his Nikolai is a member of a hussar regiment, which means he is on
captain. In exposing the thief to the regimental commander in horseback. In his first encounter with danger, he experiences a
front of his fellow officers, he inadvertently brings shame to the heightened sense of awareness—vividly experiencing nature.
squad (Chapter 5). He does not want to apologize to the Tolstoy also uses this first scene of battle to show how so
commander, but his dilemma is shelved after news of General much of what happens in war is error, misunderstanding, and
Mack's defeat puts the Russian army on the march. people working at cross purposes. He touches again and again
on this idea throughout the novel: that while we attribute
Kutuzov takes his troops toward Vienna, burning bridges as he
events in history and in our own lives to a very few
crosses them. As the troops cross the bridge at Enns, they
circumstances, events are actually dependent on an infinite
begin to dawdle (Chapter 6). General Kutuzov realizes the
number of variables. The commander of the hussars either
danger and sends Prince Nesvitsky to the back of the line to
deliberately or because of his stupidity misunderstands the
repeat his order to have the hussars cross last and then set
orders, not once, but at least three times. As a result his men
fire to the bridge, but Nesvitsky's communication is
are at additional risk for starting late.
misunderstood by the hussars' colonel. After the hussars cross
the bridge, the order is reiterated two more times (Chapter 7). One of the major themes of the novel is that war is immoral
Finally Nikolai's squadron is ordered to go back to torch the because it is the senseless taking of life in the most horrific
bridge the French are now firing on. He has neglected to bring way imaginable. Moreover men (and now women) at war lose
a plait of straw, so he can do nothing except stand around their moral compass in the pursuit of victory. This commander
(Chapter 8). As he watches men fall, he notices how beautiful at the bridge cares mostly for his own glory because when his
the river, sky, and sun look. The men succeed in setting fire to men successfully accomplish the mission, he thinks nothing

about what it cost in human life. For him they are just cannon has to get to Znaim ahead of the French, which requires
fodder, not individuals with hopes, dreams, desires, and stalling them. Thus he is sending a 4,000-man vanguard under
potential that have been so thoughtlessly snuffed out. Bagration to meet the enemy.
When the French see the Russians, they think it is the whole
Vol. 1, Part 2, Chapters 9–14 army. Therefore Murat tries to trick Bagration with a fake truce
(as he had tricked the Austrians), since Murat's force is also a
vanguard. Bagration sends word to Kutuzov about the offer,
and the general sends an adjutant to the enemy camp to
Summary broker conditions for a Russian surrender. This maneuver will
give Bagration's men a chance to rest (since they have force
In Chapter 9 the French army pursues Kutuzov's troops and,
marched to meet the French) and the larger army's baggage
with 35,000 men, he retreats down the Danube River, fighting
trains more time to get to Znaim. Kutuzov sends word to his
only to protect heavy equipment. At the end of October,
baggage trains to speed up. Kutuzov proves himself to be an
Kutuzov's troops attack one French division and defeat them.
adroit commander in using Bagration's vanguard to slow down
Prince Andrei is sent to Brünn, where the Austrian court has
the French while he retreats to put his army in a more
moved, to deliver the good news. Andrei is disappointed when
advantageous position to fight. Napoleon, however, sees
his news is not received with an excess of joy by the minister
through the Russian ruse and sends Murat word to call off his
of war.
truce.
While waiting to see the Austrian emperor, Andrei stays with

the Russian diplomat Bilibin (Chapter 10), a wit who loves to
turn a phrase, which he does while gathering the wrinkled skin
Analysis
above his left eye and then releasing it. Bilibin explains to
Bilibin is a skilled diplomat who has a deep understanding of
Andrei that one small victory pales before the fact that the
the political machinations of rulers. He is also a humorous
French now occupy Vienna. This is news to Andrei. The war will
character who delights in creating witty phrases that people
be lost, the diplomat says, unless Tsar Alexander can convince
will repeat in salons and drawing rooms. The narrator
Prussia to enter into the alliance with Russia and Austria. He
introduces a characteristic physical gesture that is repeated
suspects that the Austrians are trying to make a secret peace
often in the novel, which Bilibin performs when he is uttering a
with France behind the backs of the Russians (Chapter 11). The
"mot," or witty remark. Tolstoy gives other characters these
next day Emperor Franz receives Andrei's news with gracious
signature gestures or physical characteristics as well—for
thanks and gives him a medal for Kutuzov (Chapter 12). When
example, Princess Marya has luminous eyes, and Napoleon has
Prince Andrei returns to Bilibin's house, he learns that the
small white hands.
French general, Murat, has tricked the Austrians into allowing
the French to cross a key bridge. As a result they are now on Bilibin's suspicion of Austrian treachery is right. In fact,
their way to Brünn. Bilibin tries to convince Andrei to retreat according to a note in the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation
with him, but Andrei has the idea that he can save the army. of the novel, the Austrians twice asked for a truce, before and
after Napoleon took Vienna, but Napoleon rebuffed the offers.
Andrei reaches a village (Chapter 13) where Kutuzov is billeted
Prince Andrei cannot believe the Austrians would do such a
and finds the general in conversation with Prince Bagration; he
thing, saying, "It would be too vile," which shows his naïveté
realizes Kutuzov is sending him on a dangerous mission. Prince
regarding matters of state. Andrei also has inordinate
Andrei asks permission to join Bagration and then delivers his
admiration for Napoleon's prowess, calling him an
news from Brünn.
"extraordinary genius."
Kutuzov had received word that the enormous French army is
Moreover he finds the sad news about the loss of Vienna as an
headed his way, and he is completely outmanned (Chapter 14).
opportunity "which would take him out of the ranks of unknown
He has decided to retreat so he can battle the French in Znaim
officers and open for him the first path to glory!" Clearly he
rather than on the march with his baggage trains. In Znaim he
hungers for recognition and also has a taste for heroism, which
can also join forces with additional troops from Russia. But he

is why he asks to join Bagration's mission, even though patter of make-believe French. Soon both sides are laughing,
Kutuzov tells him most of the men will die. "after which it seemed they ought quickly to unload their guns,
blow up their munitions, and all quickly go back home."
Andrei's initial reason for going to war is that he is bored and
disappointed with married life, and he wishes to get away from Next Prince Andrei goes up to the battery (Chapter 16) and
the wife he can no longer bear. He is frustrated to be living in a hears the artillery officer, Captain Tushin, having a
society that has granted him a privileged lifestyle without philosophical discussion about death with fellow soldiers.
providing him with the means to feed his soul with existential Suddenly a cannonball is in the air, and the Russians are taken
meaning. Religion is not an option for him; like his father, he by surprise as the French call off the truce on Napoleon's
leans toward nonbelief. He has no real career, given that his orders. Chapters 17 and 18 describe the battle in which the
despotic sire is in charge of the estates, and it isn't until Prince commander issues some orders, but Andrei notices that mostly
Nikolai gives him part of his inheritance later in the novel that he simply approves the actions of his sub-commanders and
he comes into his own as a landowner. So Andrei turns to war creates the impression that everything is done on his order. He
to provide the meaning of his life. He wishes to have a chance also notices that his presence calms the troops and inspires
to be heroic and expects that people will remember him if he courage.
were to die. To some readers it may seem odd that Andrei is
willing to risk death to wrest meaning from life and even die for In Chapter 19 Tushin's battery sets fire to the village of
the meaning he ascribes to life, but for certain personalities, Schöngraben and keeps firing on the French, allowing the
death is not the worst thing—having no purpose is much worse. Russians to retreat. The left flank, however, is in trouble, and
Bagration sends his adjutant, Zherkov, to tell the infantry and
Napoleon is Andrei's hero because he is a world conqueror, a hussars (Nikolai's regiment) to retreat. Zherkov, however, is too
leader of men, and a brilliant war strategist. Napoleon's glory is frightened to deliver his message. At one point the hussars are
unparalleled, and Andrei and his contemporaries know that his cut off from the infantry and must face the enemy. Nikolai
exploits will be remembered for years, long after the man drifts off from his regiment, his horse shot from under him. As
himself is dead and gone. Andrei would like some of that glory he stumbles around, he is surprised that people are trying to
for himself—to be remembered as a great man. Since his kill him—a man whom everybody loves. A French soldier runs
spiritual nature has not yet been awakened, the material world, toward him, and he throws his pistol at him instead of shooting
and in his case the field of battle, is the only field on which he it and runs into the bushes.
can prove himself and transcend his feeling of insignificance.
Moreover he still believes war is a noble pursuit, which is why In Chapter 20 Dolokhov fights bravely under fire and is
he is surprised that the Austrians would betray their allies. He wounded; he makes sure to inform his commander of his
doesn't realize that war cannot help but spawn dishonorable deeds. Zherkov also fails to deliver retreat orders to the
behavior because, at its root, it is a dishonorable pursuit no artillery, which keeps firing until someone else delivers the
matter how "noble" the cause. order again. Andrei arrives to help the artillery remove their
cannons, forcing himself to remain calm under fire.
The wounded Nikolai is given a ride on the cannon during

Vol. 1, Part 2, Chapters 15–21 Tushin's retreat in Chapter 21, although many of the wounded
are left behind. Tushin is then called to task by Bagration for
abandoning two of his artillery guns. Andrei stands up for him,
Summary saying, "we owe the success of the day most of all to the
operation of this battery and the heroic endurance of Captain
Prince Andrei has persuaded Kutuzov to allow him to fight with Tushin and his company." Andrei feels disappointed and
Bagration, and in Chapter 15 he is surveying the troops. When downhearted after the battle, which was nothing like what he
he gets to the front line, he sees that in the middle the had expected.
opposing armies are close enough to speak to each other. He
hears Dolokhov arguing with a French grenadier. At one point
another Russian soldier begins to produce a nonsensical


Tolstoy's antiwar theme pervades the novel, and the author
takes every opportunity to show that war is chaotic, random,
senseless, and unnatural. Nowhere in the novel is war depicted
Summary
as glorious, and the excitement that battle elicits in soldiers is
Chapter 1 begins with some analysis of Prince Vassily's
shown to be a perversion of noble feelings. The absurdity of
character. As an instinctive schemer sensing opportunity, he
war is highlighted in Chapter 15, when Prince Andrei, while
naturally takes an interest in the heir to the Bezukhov fortune.
surveying the troops, finds Russian and French soldiers on the
As a newly minted millionaire, Pierre finds himself with a host of
front line somewhat playfully insulting one another. The
new friends and hangers-on, all of whom are anxious to make
narrator wistfully comments that perhaps they should all go
his acquaintance. Suddenly people see Pierre as kind and
home, but then soberly reports that "the guns remained loaded
intelligent and want to shower him with affection. Prince
... and the unlimbered cannon remained turned against each
Vassily takes charge of Pierre's affairs, telling him how much
other just as before."
money to give Bezukhov's nieces and enrolling him in the
Andrei follows Bagration around as part of his suite and sees diplomatic corps.
how, on the one hand, the commander is essential to the

Pierre gets another invitation to Anna Pavlovna's, and Anna,
success of the troops, but on the other, the work of fighting is
ever the commander of the social battlefield, sits him with the
carried out by the rank-and-file. Captain Tushin, who is modest
beautiful Hélène Kuragin. Pierre feels an intense sexual
and deeply conscientious, is one of the characters in the novel
attraction and immediately thinks he must marry her. When he
who embodies the Russian soul. The Russian soul is
gets home, he remembers that he thinks Hélène is stupid, and
associated with the folk—the peasants, the "salt of the earth."
he's even heard an illicit story about her and her brother
As pointed out by Tolstoy scholar Laura Olson, Tolstoy, "like
Anatole. "There's something vile in the feeling she aroused in
many romantic authors, mythologizes the folk in order to
me," he thinks. Still he clings to the image of her beauty.
critique Western morality." The folk are pure, without guile, and
Chapter 2 finds Pierre frequently at the house of the Kuragins,
free of self-consciousness. The folk find their morality and
but he cannot bring himself to propose. Vassily, who wants his
locate their center in connection and community, Olson says,
daughter to have Pierre's wealth and social position,
and the Russian soul in Tolstoy has all of the qualities of the
manipulates Pierre into a betrothal by prematurely
folk soul. Tushin is a simple man committed to his mission in a
congratulating him, as if Vassily had already heard the news of
community of soldiers. He doesn't wait for orders and bravely
their engagement. Six weeks later Pierre is married.
holds off the French long enough for the Russians to retreat.
Tushin is the hero of the day, but in his modesty he is ashamed Vassily now turns his attention to Anatole in Chapter 3,
to have lost two of his cannons, even though there was no way arranging a visit with the Bolkonskys so that his son can meet
for him to save them without covering troops. Andrei feels Marya. In Chapters 4–5 Anatole, now an infantryman, pretends
disgusted after he has to defend him; he has expected war to to court Marya, who is plain except for her "luminous" eyes.
be honorable, rational, and glorious—but he is beginning to find The elder Bolkonsky is not happy, but Marya is excited over
that it is none of those things. the prospect of a suitor. Prince Nikolai believes women have a
right to choose their mates, but he warns her that Anatole has
Nikolai Rostov also faces disillusion. He has imagined nothing
his eye on her lady's companion. Nonetheless Marya is almost
but brave action for himself before actually going to war.
ready to say yes to Anatole until she sees him embracing Mlle
However, when faced directly with the enemy for the first time,
Bourienne in the garden. Marya turns him down, and her father
he runs away, almost comically throwing his gun at a
couldn't be happier.
Frenchman instead of firing it. He cannot wrap his mind around
the idea that the people actually want to kill him. Tolstoy
honestly and realistically portrays people's odd reactions to
what is a mad, irrational experience; becoming accustomed to
combat is a forced, artificial process.


Pierre's life is irrevocably changed by his inheritance, and his
relative Vassily is the first in a string of people who will take
advantage of him. The narrator says Vassily did not
Summary
consciously think, "Here Pierre is rich, I must entice him to
In Chapter 6 the Rostovs receive news of Nikolai, rejoicing to
marry my daughter" but that is exactly what Kuragin does.
find out that, although he has been wounded, he is doing well
Pierre knows he doesn't have the right kind of feeling for
and is now a commissioned officer. The family responds with
Hélène, but he capitulates to the scheming of the Kuragins.
personal letters, a letter of recommendation to Prince
Pierre embodies the archetype of "the Fool," a character who Bagration, and 6,000 rubles for his expenses. The letter,
is oblivious to danger yet, through his innocence and purity, obtained with help from Anna Mikhailovna, will get him on staff,
has the potential to educate himself and learn the ways of the but Nikolai throws it away.
world. Pierre steps precipitously into a bad marriage as the

Chapter 7 returns to the battlefront. Nikolai is camped with the
first major step on his life journey, and it will take him some
rest of the army near Olmütz when he gets a note from Boris
years to disentangle himself from that bad union, which sets
to visit him where the guards are camped so he can get his
him back and puts him on the wrong path. But Pierre has no
money. Nikolai reunites with Boris and Berg, who have been
one to guide him except his best friend, Andrei, who is at war.
traveling with the grand duke, and when they ask him about his
Thus he has to make do with some harsh education from his
battle experience, he tells them a heroic war story instead of
new spouse, Hélène.
the truth: that he fell off a horse, dislocated his shoulder, and
The reader gets a closer look at Hélène's brother Anatole ran from a Frenchman. In the middle of his account, Prince
when he arrives at the Bolkonskys. Anatole is so depraved that Andrei walks in, looking for Boris. Andrei shows his disdain for
he cannot even do what is in his best interest—refrain from Nikolai's arrogant behavior, and after they have a minor spat,
attempting to seduce the attractive French companion on the Andrei leaves.
eve of his possible engagement to a rich heiress. The narrator

In Chapter 8 the Russian and Austrian emperors review the
notes that Anatole "looked upon his whole life as a ceaseless
troops, and Nikolai is overwhelmed with feelings of hero
entertainment, which somebody for some reason had taken it
worship for Tsar Alexander, feeling that he would be happy to
upon himself to arrange for him."
sacrifice his life at the tsar's request. Boris, like Berg, is
Also made clear is Prince Nikolai's attachment to his daughter: cultivating his friendship with Andrei (Chapter 9), who is more
"life without Princess Marya, despite the fact that he seemed than happy to mentor him. When Boris finds Andrei later, the
to value her little, was unthinkable." Marya feels Anatole's prince makes a general wait while he talks to Boris. Suddenly
sexual gaze as a torment and an excitement, not fully Boris realizes there is a visible and invisible hierarchy of
understanding her own feelings. This chapter also shows her subordination—military rank and actual importance are not the
to be naïve, since she believes the licentious and silly Anatole same thing—and this insight will serve him well. Andrei takes
to be kind and good when she first meets him. Likewise her Boris to see an influential friend, and they learn that against the
companion Mlle Bourienne cares little for Marya and selfishly advice of Kutuzov the war council has decided to "go on the
diverts Anatole's attention toward herself, but Marya feels offensive immediately and give general battle to Bonaparte."
nothing but love and friendship for Mlle Bourienne even after
In Chapter 10 the Russians capture a French squadron and
she sees the French woman embracing her prospective fiancé.
think the French are retreating. The next day (Chapter 11)
However she has the Bolkonsky pride and refuses Anatole as
Napoleon tries to arrange a meeting with Alexander, who
soon as she sees what he is made of.
sends an emissary, Prince Dolgorukov. The prince has the
impression that Napoleon is afraid to fight a general battle. At a
second war council (Chapter 12), General Weyrother lays out
his plan of attack. Prince Andrei has an alternative plan, but
Kutuzov, who is apparently sleeping in his chair, suddenly

wakes and cuts him off, saying everything has been decided, out the French, but the young men around the tsar are eager
so it's best to simply get a good night's sleep. On the eve of the for battle. "[I]n war the energy of young men often points to a
battle, Andrei wonders why Kutuzov was not able to speak surer way than all the experience of old cunctators [delayers],"
directly to Alexander and whether, because of "court and Dolgorukov tells Prince Andrei. Kutuzov also knows it is
personal considerations, tens of thousands of lives must be useless to argue, since Weyrother's plan has already been
risked." Then he fantasizes that he leads a great victory, finally decided on. Andrei isn't sure whether Kutuzov or Weyrother is
admitting to himself, "if I want this, want glory, want to be right. He is shocked by his own state of mind when he realizes
known to people, want to be loved by them, it's not my fault how greedy he is for glory. Nonetheless he accepts this aspect
that I want it, that it's the only thing I want, the only thing I live of his character, which shows that he is capable of self-
for." examination and self-acceptance. He is not ashamed of his
feelings because his impulse for glory will, in his mind, provide
something positive for the greater good—meaning that he
Analysis believes his sacrifices will not be wasted.
The three young men from Moscow are taking alternative

paths. Nikolai chooses the path of the warrior and deliberately Vol. 1, Part 3, Chapters 13–19
refuses help from family or friends, since he wants to get
ahead on his own merit and stay close to the fighting. He has
fallen in love with his sovereign, Tsar Alexander, who
symbolizes for him all honor and manly beauty and everything
Summary
worth fighting and dying for. Berg and Boris, on the other hand,
Nikolai, riding half asleep as part of an advance guard of
want to make a brilliant career in the military, stay out of the
Bagration's detachment, wakes up when they reach the front
fighting as much as possible, and become adjutants to
line (Chapter 13). The French have set fires, and Dolgorukov
prominent leaders. Both young men hope Andrei can help them
thinks it's a ruse and that the enemy has retreated. Bagration
advance.
sends Nikolai to see if the French are still at their posts. He
When Nikolai's friends ask him about his first battle experience, takes off with a few hussars, and when they get close to the
although he is a truthful person, he necessarily lies because if French they are fired upon, which they report to the generals.
he were honest, they would not have believed him or would The next chapters describe the Battle of Austerlitz.
have thought he was at fault. The narrator further explains that

On the morning of the battle, November 20, 1805, fog
all the stories these young men have heard so far were also
obscures the view of the allies (Chapter 14). The movement
distorted or exaggerated, and a real account would pale by
forward is delayed because two commanders are arguing
comparison or seem to be distorted. In other words, young
about troop positioning. Napoleon's forces are very near to the
men who first experience battle don't want to admit that they
allies; he can see them because he is on a height, but they still
were frightened and ran away, for example, or acted stupidly in
cannot see the French because they are in a valley of fog.
the first flush of battle, forgetting all their training. They don't
Kutuzov delays the movement of his troops because he
want to admit that the actual killing of the enemy is a chaotic
doesn't know where the French are (Chapter 15). Soon the
and unorganized affair, in which it is hard to know who is in
emperors arrive, and Alexander wants to know what the
charge or what is to be done. And since there is an unspoken
general is waiting for, so Kutuzov gives the order to advance.
rule about telling the truth about war, men lie about their
Finally the French attack at close range (Chapter 16). Kutuzov
exploits, and Nikolai is following suit. Andrei, who has been in
gets hit in the cheek, and the troops begin to flee. When the
battle, knows Nikolai is lying, which is why he mocks him
ensign (standard bearer) drops the standard, Andrei rushes to
silently. In response Nikolai makes a snide remark about
retrieve it and then runs forward, urging the men to follow him,
people on staff who never actively participate in battle, but the
and the battalion rallies. Andrei gets hit on the head and has a
quarrel fizzles out.
spiritual moment of epiphany in the midst of the battle, thinking,
General Kutuzov is a seasoned soldier who knows the wisdom "How is it I haven't seen this lofty sky before? ... [E]verything is
of patience and the folly of excessive zeal. He wants to wait empty ... except this infinite sky."

In another part of the field of action, Nikolai is sent by narrator says, "Prince Andrei thought about the insignificance
Bagration to find out from either Kutuzov or Tsar Alexander of grandeur, about the insignificance of life, the meaning of
whether the troops should begin fighting (Chapter 17). When which no one could understand, and about the still greater
he arrives in the town where they are supposed to be, he sees insignificance of death, the meaning of which no one among
only disorderly troops and more and more mayhem—the the living could understand or explain." It is a transformative
wounded and the dead (Chapter 18). He finally sees Alexander moment for Andrei, who until now has cared a great deal about
alone in an empty field but cannot approach the downcast, glory and honor, but who has been inflexible and closed off
grieving sovereign. He rides on to find Kutuzov in the village. from others as well as from life. The purpose that Andrei
created for himself is gone, but in its place is knowledge that
Meanwhile Andrei lies bleeding in a field where he fell. The can potentially lead to a new purpose, one based on an
French come by with Napoleon, who comments on Andrei's acceptance of the paradox that each life is important, yet
fine death. Andrei's hero appears small and insignificant to him insignificant in the greater scheme of things.
as he watches the sky. When Napoleon realizes Andrei is alive,
he orders him brought to a first-aid station along with other Andrei's transformation is accomplished through suffering, one
wounded Russians. Napoleon looks over the prisoners, and of the themes threaded through the novel. On the other side of
Andrei's hero "seemed so petty to him, with his petty vanity and the battle, Nikolai has an awakening as well, although less
joy in victory, compared with that lofty, just, and kindly sky." transcendent than Andrei's. Still he also grows in
understanding through suffering. Bagration has sent Nikolai on
a fool's errand, knowing full well that he will either be killed on
Analysis his mission or never get back in time to give him an answer.
Bagration doesn't want to take responsibility for beginning
According to the history books, the Battle of Austerlitz is a action, so he passes it on as leaders sometimes do. Like
huge defeat for the Russians and Austrians because they are Andrei, Nikolai is also enamored of a hero—in his case Tsar
outsmarted by Napoleon, who actually have fewer troops than Alexander. He is ready to die for the tsar at a moment's notice,
the combined allied forces. Napoleon pretends weakness and and when he sees him lonely and in despair, he too
lures the allies into a premature attack; on the day of the battle experiences a change in perception. Is this Alexander, who is
he traps them on a plateau. While General Kutuzov is in charge only human after all? Thus both men feel disillusioned and both
of the troops and is later blamed for the defeat, in fact he is gain some wisdom as a result of battle experience.
following the tsar's orders.
On the morning of the battle, Kutuzov's instinct to wait is

overruled by the tsar, and as a result the French surprise the
allies and scatter them. When Kutuzov says to the regimental
commander, "Stop those villains!" Andrei is mortified and
angered by the behavior of the troops and runs with the Summary
standard to egg the battalion on, capturing his moment of
glory. When Andrei's heroics are stopped by a blow to the Chapter 1 opens at the beginning of 1806 in Moscow, with
head, he has an experience of enlightenment—in which he Nikolai on leave with his friend Denisov. Nikolai professes his
suddenly sees how beautiful the world is and that nothing continued love for Sonya in speaking with Natasha, who
really exists, because everything is temporary. Only the sky indirectly reminds him of his informal promise to her. At the
exists, but the sky represents infinity, the backdrop against same time, he draws away from his cousin because he does
which the petty cares of men are being played out. not want to be tied down. At the beginning of March, Count
Rostov, who has recently remortgaged his estates, is
All along Andrei has admired Napoleon as a great hero, even generously sponsoring a banquet for 300 in General
though he is fighting against him. But when he sees the Bagration's honor, despite the allies' stunning defeat in
emperor at close range through the eyes of his sudden Austerlitz, and partly as a reprimand of General Kutuzov, whom
wisdom, he realizes how petty and vain he is, and how ignorant Muscovites are blaming for the defeat (Chapters 2–3).
he is in the face of imminent death, which comes to all. The

At the banquet Pierre finds himself sitting across from Nikolai mannered, but the narrator tells us that his father's blood is
and Dolokhov, uncomfortably thinking about the rumors evident when he loses his temper with Hélène and almost kills
circulating about his wife, Hélène, and Dolokhov (Chapter 4). her. And even though gentle and awkward, he is no coward, as
The restored officer has used his previous acquaintance with is evidenced by his willingness to fight a duel when he has no
Pierre to impose on his hospitality, living at Pierre's house and experience with weapons. Dolokhov, known for bouts of
even borrowing money from him. After Dolokhov makes a snide capricious cruelty, obviously has a lot more experience with
toast to beautiful women and their lovers, Pierre takes the first guns. Pierre's sense of honor and morality are further tried in
opportunity to quarrel with him and challenges him to a duel. In the aftermath of the duel. He does not simply feel himself to be
Chapter 5 Pierre, who has to be taught how to shoot the gun, a wronged husband: he knows that he is at fault for marrying a
unexpectedly hits Dolokhov first, and Nikolai, who is Dolokhov's woman he did not love simply because he was sexually
second, learns that "this rowdy duelist ... lived in Moscow with attracted to her, and for his pride in having such a beautiful
his old mother and hunchbacked sister and was a most wife. He is not hypocritical enough to continue pretending he is
affectionate son and brother." After the duel (Chapter 6) Pierre Hélène's husband, but it would be very difficult for him to
begins thinking about the evidence of his wife's depravity, divorce her. He would have to definitively prove her an
including her scornful treatment of him and her public and adulterer and bring shame on both of them. Instead he simply
inappropriate physical affection toward her brother, Anatole. leaves her, although he shows his generosity of spirit, or
She is angry about the duel, saying, on the one hand, that she possibly just his disgust with his life as Count Bezukhov, by
is innocent and, on the other, that any woman would take a giving her control of a large part of his fortune.
lover if she had a husband like Pierre. In a temper Pierre picks
up a slab of marble to hit her but stops himself in time, and a
week later he gives her power of attorney over most of his Vol. 2, Part 1, Chapters 7–10
estates and leaves for Petersburg.
Summary
Analysis
In Chapter 7 the Bolkonskys at Bald Hills are mourning Andrei.
When Nikolai comes home, he acknowledges his connection to
He is missing in action, and everyone assumes he is dead.
Sonya. The possible coupling of Nikolai and Sonya remains a
However no one has told "the little princess" because she is
minor plot point for a good part of the novel; as Nikolai
close to the end of her pregnancy. In Chapters 8–9 Andrei's
changes, he outgrows his romantic feelings for Sonya, but he
wife goes into labor, and he unexpectedly arrives home on the
still loves her and she remains a part of his life that cannot be
night she gives birth. He addresses her with new tenderness,
left behind. While the family sympathizes with the feelings of
but she dies tragically after delivering the infant. Prince Nikolai
the young people, the Rostov parents hope that Nikolai will
greets his son and cries like a child as he embraces him. The
make a "brilliant match," and as they sink further and further
family buries the little princess and baptizes the baby, named
into debt, Nikolai's marriage will take on more importance. For
Nikolai after his grandfather and father.
now the new lieutenant, fresh from battle and lauded by his
home town, decides to keep his options open.
Moscow wants to honor those who are fighting for Russia, and
Analysis
General Bagration is a good representative for soldiers
The little princess is not malicious and behaves sweetly to the
because he valiantly fought off the French at Schöngraben
people around her. She is somewhat shallow and simple, when
while Kutuzov's army retreated. People are only starting to
compared to Prince Andrei, living on the surface of life. Lise is
absorb the terrible defeat at Austerlitz, which Bagration also
not used to hardship, and soon after marriage she is foisted on
took part in, and they don't realize that Kutuzov was only
in-laws she hardly knows by her disdainful husband and then
nominally in charge of the Battle of Austerlitz.
goes through labor in his absence. Childbirth is too much for
Pierre has not been married long, but already he is suffering her, and she becomes a victim of forces beyond her control.
the consequences of his hasty union. He is generally mild When Andrei sees her shortly before she dies, she appears to

accuse him with her eyes and ask, "why am I suffering?" It was dancer, partners with Natasha, with whom he is in love. In
not uncommon for 19th-century women to die during labor, Chapter 13 Dolokhov is giving a farewell party before going
given the primitive state of medicine, and Lise ends up an back to the army, and he invites Nikolai. When he arrives,
unfortunate casualty. Dolokhov, who has a reputation as a card sharp, is playing
cards. Nikolai remembers that Dolokhov once said that only
When Andrei arrives and addresses his wife in the throes of fools gamble on luck. Dolokhov entices his friend into the
labor, he clearly has a different attitude toward her than when game, and soon Nikolai is losing money. As he continues
he left for war. He feels tender and solicitous, and he is ready playing, he realizes his friend is getting even with him because
to take up his responsibilities as a husband to the woman he Sonya loves him (Chapter 14). By the time the game is over,
has freely chosen. When she dies he feels "something snapped Nikolai has lost 43,000 rubles (Dolokhov chooses this number
in his soul, that he was to blame for something he could neither because 43 is the sum of his and Sonya's ages). In Chapter 15
set aright nor forget." When Andrei's father comes to greet Nikolai is in despair, but then he hears his sister Natasha's
him, he cries because the beloved son whom he thought was untutored but exquisite singing and is revived, thinking, "One
lost on the battlefield has miraculously appeared, and because can kill, and steal, and still be happy." In the next chapter
he understands the dimensions of his son's grief—his wife is Denisov proposes to Natasha, who turns him down because
dead, and he now has no chance to make it right with her. The she doesn't love him and is too young to marry anyway. Nikolai
heartrending scene between father and son testifies to the delivers the bad news about his loss to his father, at first
fierce love the Bolkonskys have for one another, even if they defiantly but eventually begging forgiveness. He returns to the
have difficulty expressing their feelings under most front (Poland) after his father raises the money to pay his debt.
circumstances.
Analysis
Not surprisingly Nikolai and Dolokhov have become close; they
are recently back from the same war, and Nikolai spends time
Summary with his friend while he is recovering. Dolokhov is something of
an outlaw—passionate in love, brave in war, and vengeful when
Back in Moscow Dolokhov is recovering from the duel, and he is offended. He also has a cruel streak, as seen in the bear
Rostov's father is able to hush up his son's part in the affair, prank and in the way he scorns Pierre. Now he turns that
since dueling was illegal and Nikolai acted as Dolokhov's cruelty on his friend because he is the obstacle in the way of
second (Chapter 11). The family goes to the country in the his marrying Sonya.
summer of 1806 without Nikolai, and when they return, Denisov
Although Dolokhov would be a brilliant match for Sonya, she
comes to stay with them. Nikolai has become good friends with
turns him down and continues to hope throughout the novel
Dolokhov, who begins frequenting his home because he has
that she can somehow marry her first choice. Sonya has spent
fallen in love with Sonya. In Chapter 11 Nikolai and Denisov are
her life in service to the Rostovs because of the gratitude she
preparing to go back to their regiment after the Christmas
feels toward them for taking her in. She is a Russian example
season. The war is still on with Napoleon. Nikolai has not
of the plight of single women without means who must live on
interfered between Sonya and his friend because he would be
the charity of family members. Her life is narrow and
a good match, given that Sonya has no dowry. When Dolokhov
circumscribed, and her choices are few, but her love for Nikolai
proposes she turns him down, saying she loves another. Nikolai
holds her in place even as the chance of marrying him
has a frank talk with her, telling her he thinks he loves her but
becomes more and more remote.
can promise her nothing. Besides his mother is against their
marrying. Sonya claims she loves him like a brother and that is Nikolai has behaved honorably toward both Dolokhov and
enough for her. Sonya. But Dolokhov is not governed by any code of behavior
and acts only on his strong emotions. Why does Nikolai allow
In Chapter 12 Natasha and Sonya participate in a ball held by
himself to be enticed into a card game with Dolokhov? The
their dancing school, and Denisov, who is an exceptional
narrator says that "[b]ehind his smile, Rostov saw in him that

mood [he gets in] when, bored with everyday life, [he] felt the person and confesses his worst vice—women. He feels
necessity of getting out of it by some strange, most often cleansed and refreshed after the ritual. In Chapter 5 Vassily
cruel, act." Perhaps Nikolai feels guilty that Sonya has refused visits and attempts to persuade his son-in-law to return to his
his friend, and perhaps he knows that he will never marry wife, but Pierre finds the strength to stand up to him and
Sonya and should have made a stronger case against himself. orders him to leave. With the idea of setting things right
Or perhaps he is testing the limits of his friendship and needs according to his new belief system, especially with regard to
to come to terms with Dolokhov's amorality. Whatever the his serfs, Pierre leaves for his country estates.
reason, his reckless betting has consequences for his family,
already in debt. Nikolai also feels the weight of that guilt, People are now talking behind Pierre's back about the duel and
especially because his father does not scold him. Nikolai is the taking Hélène's side, saying he is "a jealous dunderhead,
most down to earth of the three major male characters, but subject to the same fits of bloodthirsty rage as his father"
even he experiences moments of transcendence. In the depths (Chapter 6). Hélène has returned to Petersburg, and she and
of his despair, he realizes that there is something independent her father work as a team to smear Pierre's reputation. At the
of all his petty cares, "higher than anything in the world," and end of 1806, people at Anna Pavlovna's salon are also talking
that thing is what allows a person to feel happiness, even in the about the defeat of the Prussian army by Napoleon and
worst of circumstances. Russia's continued war with France. Boris is in town as a

courier (having become an adjutant), and he meets Hélène at
Anna Pavlovna's. Hélène extends an invitation to Boris to visit
Vol. 2, Part 2, Chapters 1–7 her at home. In Chapter 7 Boris accepts her invitation, and the
narrator says that "[d]uring his stay in Petersburg, Boris
became an intimate at Countess Bezukhov's house."
Summary
Analysis
In Chapter 1 the story moves back in time. Pierre has just left
Hélène in Moscow and is on his way to Petersburg, when he In earlier centuries people had to stop at posting stations to
and his servant stop at a posting station for fresh horses. As is change horses when traveling by carriage, since the animals
usual for Pierre when he lapses into thought, he doesn't pay could journey only short distances before needing to rest.
attention to anything around him, although the postmaster and Tolstoy, like many writers, treats physical journeys as moments
his wife are offering him services. Pierre is pondering of symbolic transition. Pierre's serendipitous encounter at a
existential questions: "What is bad? What is good? What rest stop will change his life. He is a seeker of truth, and his
should one love, what hate? Why live, and what am I? What is spiritual journey reflects an important theme in the novel, which
life, what is death? What power rules over everything?" Then is that life itself is a journey toward enlightenment. That is, as a
an elderly gentleman comes into the station and strikes up a person grows in self-knowledge and compassion toward
conversation with Pierre. He is a famous Mason, Bazdeev. others, they draw closer to the meaning of existence.
Pierre and the old man get into a metaphysical conversation
about the existence of God. Pierre feels drawn to the Mason's In Chapter 1 Pierre meets his first spiritual guide, who is
belief system, which seems to have given him wisdom and instrumental in his initiation into the Freemason brotherhood, a
peace, and asks him for help in changing his decadent life. The secret society of spiritual seekers with political interests and
old man gives Pierre a contact in Petersburg—Count Willarski. quasi-Christian beliefs. Pierre tells Bazdeev he hates his life,
and his mentor urges him to change it by purifying himself and
When Pierre gets to Petersburg (Chapter 3), he begins reading using his wealth for the good of others. Pierre is only 20 when
the famous Christian mystic Thomas à Kempis. The young the story begins, and almost immediately he inherits a great
Bezukhov longs for "perfection and the possibility of brotherly deal of wealth and is conned into marrying a cynical and
and active love among people," which Bazdeev has spoken promiscuous woman.
about. Count Willarski invites Pierre into the Mason
brotherhood, waiving the customary trial period. Pierre As an outsider Pierre spent a good part of his young life being
completes initiation after he gives up all the valuables on his educated in France. He has neither the looks, manners, nor

wealth to travel in his father's aristocratic circles and is the

object of scorn among the upper crust until he becomes rich. Vol. 2, Part 2, Chapters 8–14
Initially he is too naïve to see that people are using him.
However, unlike many of the shallow aristocrats who want to
put their hands in his pocket, Pierre inherently has a noble Summary
nature and a desire for self-improvement. The strong, sensual
side of his nature, however, is at war with his spiritual longings. After Prince Andrei returns home, his father gives him his share
The duel he fights is something of a wake-up call, as he faces of the inheritance—Bogucharovo—a large estate about 30
up to the terrible mistake of his marriage and gets as far away miles from Bald Hills, where Andrei now spends most of his
from Hélène as possible. But Anna Pavlovna is correct at the time (Chapter 8). At Bald Hills Prince Nikolai is carrying out his
beginning of the novel in thinking Pierre "did not know how to duties as one of the newly appointed commanders of the
live." Indeed he does not but wants to learn, and the Masons provincial militias, and Marya is occupied with raising baby
hold out the possibility of providing him with a framework and Nikolai. To avoid going back to the front, Prince Andrei takes a
direction. In fact when Pierre leaves Petersburg at the end of post recruiting for the militia under his father's command. In
Chapter 6, his goal is to enact reforms on his estates. February 1807 Andrei is at Bald Hills with his sister, keeping
watch with baby Nikolai, who is very ill. While he is there, Andrei
His acceptance into the Mason brotherhood gives Pierre the gets an amusing letter from his friend Bilibin, now in a
strength to put his father-in-law in his place. Of course Vassily diplomatic post at the front (Chapter 9). Bilibin writes in French
is concerned about the social repercussions for his family with but describes "the whole campaign with an exclusively Russian
Pierre so publicly rejecting his wife, which is why they attempt fearlessness of self-condemnation and self-derision." He
to justify her behavior and characterize him as a jealous and complains about the Russians defending the Prussians, who
unreasonable husband. Now Hélène has taken up residence in have three times betrayed them, and that the war is not going
Petersburg and is entertaining people—including single well. He makes fun of two generals who are so busy fighting
bachelors like Boris. The narrator says [he] made friends and each other for a predominant position that they neglect
sought acquaintances only with people who were above him fighting Napoleon. The troops lack supplies and have been
and therefore could be of use to him. Thus he eagerly attends plundering the countryside as a result. Andrei is angry with
Anna Pavlovna's soirée and accepts Hélène's invitation, and himself that, upon reading this letter, he feels excited to hear
the narrator implies that his relations with Hélène go beyond about the war. After baby Nikolai's fever breaks and he is out
the bounds of propriety. of danger, Andrei thinks, "this is the one thing left to me now."
Hélène is a typical corrupt woman of the aristocratic class. She In the same time period, Pierre is visiting Kiev. He calls his
marries only for wealth and treats her husband with scorn and stewards together because he wants to free the serfs and
disrespect, even as she enters into liaisons with other men. build schools and hospitals in each village (Chapter 10). But
She has a voracious sexual appetite, and Tolstoy was unusual Pierre has neither the expertise nor the will to understand how
for his time in imagining a hypersexual woman. She and his land is managed. Thus the chief steward successfully
Anatole are alike, in fact, except in gender. Their father Vassily pretends to do what Pierre asks and continues to rob him while
has no objections to their behavior, except in how it affects his exploiting the peasants. After he leaves Kiev in the spring,
pocketbook and social status. The depravity of the Kuragins is Pierre stops to visit his best friend, Andrei (Chapter 11). Pierre
the result of corruption brought by Western, and particularly shares his new idealism and desire to live for others. Andrei, on
French, influences, in Tolstoy's view. The behavior of the the other hand, says that he tried to live for others in his quest
Kuragins also shows how the aristocratic class, with unlimited for glory, but now he is at peace, living only for himself. The
money and power and few people to whom it needs to answer, friends continue their conversation (Chapter 12), and Pierre
sinks to its lowest common denominator when it does not have tells Andrei, "we must believe ... that we do not live only today
ideals or a vision to guide it. The Kuragins have everything, but on this scrap of earth, but have lived and will live eternally
they lack love, and without love there is no redemption. there, in the all," as he points toward the sky. Something
awakens again in Andrei, the narrator says, as a result of
Pierre's words, and he feels the same joy he felt on the
battlefield when he looked at the "high, eternal sky."

In Chapters 13–14 Prince Andrei and Pierre visit Bald Hills and free the serfs, the peasant slaves attached to the land of
find Princess Marya with her "people of God," wandering aristocrats. Pierre knows that serfs are worked too hard and
Russian mendicants who practice an austere version of are not provided with education or medical care. He wants to
orthodox Christianity. When Pierre departs Bald Hills, he feels help mankind, but he also wants to live an easy life. His
appreciation for "the strength and charm of his friendship with commitment to change the status quo is not strong enough for
Prince Andrei," which also includes the Prince's family circle. him to discipline himself so that he can manage his own
estates, which are currently in the hands of corrupt overseers.
So Pierre settles for the appearance of reform. Tolstoy seems
Analysis to be suggesting that even moments of great spiritual
enlightenment require commitment and follow-through: Andrei
Andrei chooses to move to Bogucharovo to separate himself has learned to value family above glory but still must fight his
from the painful memories of his wife's death and also to put inherent attraction to the excitement of battle, and Pierre
some distance between himself and his overbearing father. wishes to do good but is not responsible enough to make sure
Russia is still at war with France and is now fighting in Prussia, it is being done. Nonetheless he brings his gospel of service to
which is why it is necessary to organize countryside militias Andrei, and although his friend argues with him, he is actually
and conscript (draft) a certain number of serfs. The tsar has moved by Pierre's words, which partially nudge him out of his
called Prince Nikolai out of retirement to help with this task, cynicism, and, Tolstoy implies, will mark a new beginning for
and Andrei, who is expected to serve in some capacity, helps him: "something long asleep, something that was best in him,
his father with recruitment. Andrei is deeply disillusioned by his suddenly awakened joyful and young in his soul."
experiences of war because he has witnessed how it is
chaotic, random, mostly mismanaged, and riddled with
corruption. Vol. 2, Part 2, Chapters 15–21
The letter Andrei receives from Bilibin describes the ugly face
of war: the pettiness of the commanders who put men's lives at
risk for their own self-aggrandizement; the ways in which the Summary
troops are neglected; the pillaging that soldiers inflict on
civilian populations. During wartime it was customary for In Chapter 15 Nikolai Rostov has "come home" to the regiment
troops to be billeted by the local population, and civilians were and realizes how it is "as unchangingly dear and precious as
expected to partially support them, especially when fighting his parental home." His Pavlogradsky regiment has participated
men were away from supply lines. But the mayhem that Bilibin in some skirmishes and is now camped near an empty German
describes far exceeds the norm. Andrei also is affected by the village and has "lost nearly half of its men to famine and
spiritual realization on the battlefield that penetrated him to the disease." The soldiers are reduced to eating a wild root that
core—an apprehension of the futility of man's ambition against makes them sick because there is very little food left. They live
the background of the immensity of life. But this new in temporary camps made of earth and tree branches (Chapter
knowledge is incomplete because it has left him 16). Denisov, the captain of the Rostov's squadron, learns there
brokenhearted. Nevertheless when he gets the letter from are supply wagons in the vicinity; tired of seeing his men go
Bilibin, against his will he feels the old excitement for the war hungry, he seizes them. Denisov later tries to sign for the
returning, even as he reads about mismanagement, chaos, and supplies but is accused of robbery; when he sees the
abuse. But his path lies in another direction. Sorry to have quartermaster, who happens to be Telyanin, the officer who
treated his wife badly, Andrei recommits to his family and previously stole money from him, he begins beating him. After
believes that the care of his son is the most important thing he the captain gets a notice that he will be court martialed, he
can do. gives himself a reprieve from his legal troubles by going to the
hospital for a flesh wound received on a reconnaissance
Pierre has also undergone a transformation, albeit a superficial mission.
one. He feels newly baptized in his embrace of the Masons. He
takes very much to heart the admonishments of Bazdeev to The regiment does not participate in the Battle of Friedland in
practice an active form of Christianity. This is why he wishes to June 1807, which the Russians lose, but after a truce is

declared Nikolai gets permission to visit his friend and captain romantic partners, or the love between family members, but it
at the hospital (Chapter 17). When he arrives (Chapters 17–18) is just as enduring and powerful. Moreover Rostov's
he finds appalling conditions: the stench of rotting flesh on attachment to his regiment and enjoyment of military life make
living men is overwhelming, and he is warned that he might get it difficult for him to come to terms with the evils of war.
typhus. Ordinary soldiers don't even have beds and lie on the
floor on top of straw and overcoats. He finds Denison in a Nikolai's regiment is literally starving, but the men keep up their
room with other officers and learns he has been asked by the spirits and make the best of it and use camaraderie to keep
auditor to sign a petition asking for mercy from the tsar. themselves strong. Denisov loves his men, and he cannot stand
Denison believes his actions on behalf of his men were by and watch them continue to starve, so he risks himself by
justified, but he signs the petition and gives it to Nikolai to seizing the wagons earmarked for the infantry. Although he is
deliver. morally right to take the food to feed his men, he is

administratively wrong, and he puts himself in further jeopardy
In Chapter 19 Nikolai sets off for Tilsit with Denisov's petition, by beating the quartermaster. When Nikolai comes to see him,
where the tsar will be signing a peace treaty with Napoleon he gets off his high horse and agrees to beg for mercy, partly
now that he has defeated the Prussians. He meets Boris at because he loves Rostov and is swayed by his concern.
Tilsit and asks him for help, but Drubetskoy puts him off. He Denisov's actions show how an individual has no chance to
runs into a former commander of his division, who agrees to vindicate himself within a hidebound and amoral system of
deliver Denisov's petition, then watches Alexander turn him authority.
down, saying that "the law is stronger than I." Before he leaves
Tilsit, Nikolai attends a banquet hosted by one of the Russian When Nikolai attempts to help his friend by personally bringing
battalions and finds himself thinking about the "self-satisfied his petition to the emperor, he is also brought up short by
Bonaparte with his white little hand, who was now an emperor, authority and protocol. The tsar hypocritically claims he can do
whom the emperor Alexander liked and respected. Why, then, nothing for Denisov because he (the emperor) is not above the
those torn-off arms and legs, those dead people?" He thinks of law. Of course he is very much above the law and can bypass
the suffering he saw at the hospital and of Denisov's any kind of protocol, but he chooses not to. On his part Nikolai
predicament, and he finds himself having "strange thoughts is still in love with his emperor, and when he sees him parlaying
that ... made him frightened." When one of the officers says he with Napoleon, he is offended that Napoleon treats Alexander
finds looking at the French offensive, Nikolai quarrels with him, like an equal. Suddenly the two emperors are friends, and for a
saying it is not his place to judge the sovereign. soldier who has been fighting the French as an enemy, it is
hard to watch Bonaparte take the glove off his "small white
hand" to gift Alexander with a French medal.
Analysis At the banquet Nikolai begins thinking about the terrible
sacrifices that have been made, which he cannot square with
Unlike Andrei or Pierre, Nikolai Rostov is strictly a man of
the sudden embrace of the enemy. He has just seen the
action and does not naturally ponder the meaning of life nor
appalling conditions of the military "hospital," where men are
parse his own motives or those of others. Though
literally rotting away without medicine or medical attention. The
conventional, he is deeply moral, and in these chapters he is
politics of war, which allow allegiances to change at a
forced to consider more closely the ethics of his superiors and
moment's notice, are hard to reconcile with the feelings of
the casualties of war.
enmity Russian soldiers feel toward an army that has betrayed
Nikolai likes the army precisely because it removes the and killed so many of them. When another officer expresses a
ambiguity of civilian life. At the same time, the squadron is thought that he himself is feeling, he attacks him verbally
another family, and he has closely bonded with his fellow because the man's comments remind him of his own doubts.
officers. The love among soldiers is a necessary glue that He feels his own moral sensibilities warring with the choices
keeps the army together, and it is only because of this that have been made by the sovereign and the state, and,
immediate love for his comrades that a soldier is able to ultimately, he takes refuge in his obedience as a soldier, saying,
endure the hardships of war and perform heroic acts of "We're told to die—and we die. If we're punished, it means
bravery. This is a different sort of love than the love between we're guilty; it's not for us to judge." It is unclear whether this is

a moment of cowardice—after all, he has just seen his good sensing the largeness of her spirit and her love of life. Natasha
friend punished for doing the right thing—or simply realism and takes Andrei out of himself and reignites his desire to be
resignation. known and to be of service in a larger sphere. He is already a
little bit in love with her.
Vol. 2, Part 3, Chapters 1–6 When he goes to Petersburg, Andrei is liked better because his
previous severity of manner has softened, and he is a rich and
eligible bachelor. Even though he is out of favor with the tsar,
he is still a "gentleman of the chamber" and has some standing,
Summary which is why the minister of war agrees to see him. Andrei's
freeing of his serfs puts him in the reformist camp, which is
In 1809 Napoleon again declares war on Austria, but this time
why the brilliant and influential Speransky takes an interest in
the Russians provide minor support to the French. Andrei has
him and taps him for his project to reorganize civil law.
been living in Bogucharovo for about two years and, because
he is more savvy and worldly than his friend, is actually making
the reforms that Pierre just talked about, including freeing his
serfs (Chapter 1). As a trustee for his son's estates, he travels
to Otradnoe (near Moscow) on business in the spring to see
the marshal, who happens to be Count Rostov. He notices
Natasha with a group of girls as he comes up the drive; she Summary
runs toward his carriage and then runs away laughing (Chapter
2). Since he has to stay overnight, he hears Natasha singing Chapter 7 begins with a flashback to 1808, when Pierre
and then speaking in the room above him, and "[i]n his soul inadvertently becomes the leading Mason in Petersburg. This
there suddenly arose such an unexpected tangle of youthful happens because he begins organizing member events, setting
thoughts and hopes, contradictory to his whole life." up charities, and donating a lot of money to the group.
Nonetheless he is still overeating, drinking, and carousing. He
Prince Andrei decides that life isn't over at 31, and it is time to grows disillusioned by his own behavior as well as that of
reenter the world in a more active capacity, so that he might be fellow Masons—rich men who default on their pledges for
known by others and do more practical good (Chapter 3). He charity and new members who join only to connect with the
goes to Petersburg in August, hoping to get a hearing for his rich and powerful. What he had hoped would be an
ideas about how to reform the military (Chapter 4). While the uncorrupted, spiritually rewarding path turns out to be as filled
tsar gives Andrei the cold shoulder because he stopped with ambition and greed. Pierre decides to go abroad to
serving, he is well received by everyone. There is some receive a deeper initiation. When he returns to Petersburg in
romance attached to him as well, as someone who seems to the summer of 1809, he gives a speech to his brother Masons
have come back from the dead and because he is a widower that has political overtones but is poorly received.
with a young child. Andrei is appointed as a member of the Reprimanded by the grandmaster, Pierre is disheartened.
commission on military regulations, but more importantly, he is
recruited by Speransky, the secretary of state and chief In Chapter 8 Pierre receives a letter from his wife saying she
counselor of Alexander, to help rewrite the civil code (Chapters would like to reconcile. Pierre gets additional pressure from the
5–6). Masons as well as his in-laws to soften his stance toward

Hélène, and he moves back in with his wife. Wishing to live by
the precepts of his philosophy, he resolves to put the past
Analysis behind him.
When Hélène was abroad, she made a wide acquaintance

After the Russians make peace with the French, they are
among the aristocracy, especially the French (Chapter 9).
forced to be their allies. Andrei has stayed out of the limelight
Upon her return to Petersburg, she begins her own salon and
but feels called to return to public life after he meets Natasha.
receives men from the French embassy as well as other
He is deeply affected by the little contact he has with her,
intellectuals. To protect himself Pierre does not resume sexual

relations with his wife and chooses not to suspect her of Pierre, on the other hand, is genuinely wrestling with his
misconduct. He still thinks she is stupid and is surprised when demons of lust, anger, hatred, and pride. But the community of
people at her soirées and dinners refer to her as charming and Masons is merely a pretense of a community and cannot
witty as well as beautiful. Meanwhile most people think Pierre support anyone who genuinely wants to do spiritual work. Thus
is the "ridiculous husband of a famous wife." Pierre will eventually learn that they cannot help him and that
he has to follow his own path. Only through suffering is
On the advice of his spiritual teacher, Bazdeev, whom he visits transformation possible: this theme is demonstrated in the
in Moscow, Pierre begins writing in a diary as part of his work difficulties and hardships the characters go through, which
to perfect his character. Chapter 10 includes several of his allow them to learn, grow, and change. For Pierre the Masons
entries, which reveal how he tries to overcome his vices. For are a stretch of highway on his road, and he will eventually
example, he has helped Boris gain admittance into the Masons, move beyond them.
but he fights against his feelings of hatred toward Drubetskoy.
Pierre prays for help to "tear off the dogs—my passions."

Analysis
Pierre expects the Masons to be his spiritual and moral anchor Summary
in the world, but membership in the brotherhood cannot curb
his prodigious appetites. He is disgusted by his own behaviors After spending two years in the country, the Rostovs come to
as well as the hypocrisy of the Masons. He is critical of Petersburg because the family is having financial difficulties,
members like Boris Drubetskoy, who join simply as a way of and the elder Count Rostov hopes to get a government
getting ahead in society or the government. Pierre doesn't position in the capital. Berg proposes to Vera (Chapter 11) and
question the tenets of Masonry; rather, he thinks that perhaps marries her after the count provides part of her dowry. In 1809
the Russians have taken a wrong path, which is why he goes Natasha is 16, and Boris begins visiting the Rostovs again
abroad for further initiation. His message to the brothers when (Chapter 12). He has not seen Natasha in close to four years.
he returns is that the goals of Christianity as interpreted by the Despite his desire to put to rest the old romance, he finds
Masons must be accomplished as part of a political process, himself drawn to Natasha. In Chapter 13 the countess tells
and of course, the last thing the Russian Masons want is a Natasha that she must stop encouraging Boris because she
change in the status quo. cannot marry him and she doesn't love him anyway. The
countess speaks to Boris the next day, and he stops visiting.
Despite his dissatisfaction with the Masons, Pierre continues
with them and works harder to change, first by agreeing to a Chapter 14 opens with the Rostovs preparing for a grand New
reconciliation with his wife as an act of Christian forgiveness, Year's Eve ball to usher in 1810. The ball will be attended by
and second by recording his actions and his feelings so that he Tsar Alexander and the diplomatic corps and is the first such
can "keep watch" over himself. Pierre records his hatred of event for Natasha and Sonya. Everyone is in attendance,
Boris, based on Drubetskoy's close friendship with his wife and including the Bezhukovs and Prince Andrei (Chapter 15). When
insincerity in becoming a Mason. Pierre uses the journal to see Tsar Alexander comes in, everyone makes way (Chapter 16).
his character flaws more clearly and to pray for self-perfection. As the dancing begins, Natasha fears she will be left without a
But Pierre still follows the directions and dictates of others, partner because no one knows her in Petersburg. However
rather than creating his own path. He allows himself to be Pierre suggests to Andrei that he ask Natasha to dance. The
quashed when his criticisms of the Masons are badly received, two dance well together, and Andrei feels delight in Natasha's
and he moves back in with his wife even though he does not freshness and loveliness. After Natasha is seen with Andrei,
love her. she has a continuous stream of partners (Chapter 17). When
Andrei dances with Natasha again, he reminds her of their first
His mentor Bazdeev is a rarity among the Masons, and most of meeting in the country and confesses that he overheard her
them have simply brought their aristocratic hunger for power when she couldn't fall asleep because of her admiration of the
and influence into what is supposed to be a spiritual enterprise. night. At the end of the evening, Count Rostov invites Prince

Andrei to his house in Petersburg. daughter, he focuses on their generosity and kindness. Andrei
has a passionate heart, but he has put it on ice. The prince's
In Chapter 18 Andrei has been invited to dinner at Speransky's. dream of glory was shattered in the face of the realities of war,
When the prince arrives, he is surprised to find that the man he and fate deprived him of a chance to repair his relationship
admired so much now seems unattractive. Speransky and his with "the little princess" who died in childbirth. To a large
friends are disparaging various people in government service degree Andrei was simply marking time—putting one foot in
for everyone's amusement. After Andrei gets home, he thinks front of the other—until he became aware of Natasha. Her
about the work he has been doing for the past four months fearlessness in embracing life has a profound effect on people
and judges it a waste of time. In Chapter 19 Andrei visits the around her, and Andrei is swept into the river of passion that
Rostovs, and he finds the family to be "wonderful, simple, and defines her. Andrei feels like weeping when he hears Natasha's
kind people." He continues to be enchanted by Natasha, and singing because it brings to the surface of his consciousness
he feels like weeping when he hears her sing. When he returns "the terrible opposition between something infinitely great and
home, he is not yet aware that he is in love, only that he now indefinable that was in him, and something narrow and fleshly
believes in the possibility of happiness. that he himself, and even she, was." Natasha is the closest
thing to the life force itself in a human body, which is why
everyone, especially men, are drawn to her. Being with her is
Analysis like sitting next to a hearth that warms the heart.
Count Rostov is a provincial by the measure of Petersburg

society and is unlikely to get a government post to relieve the
family's cash flow problem. The Rostovs are able to settle their
daughter Vera with Berg after the count scrapes together a
portion of the dowry and gives a promissory note for the rest.
The Rostovs are happy to marry Vera to Berg, even though he Summary
is not a great match with regard to rank, because they can't
afford to be choosy. Their finances are in an impossible In Chapter 20 Berg and Vera have their first dinner party to
disarray, so Vera has a small dowry. Besides she is getting to which they invite Boris, the Rostovs, and Andrei, along with
the point where she will be beyond a marriageable age (she's some other friends. When Prince Andrei arrives, Pierre notices
24). And Berg has loved Vera for a long time. Nonetheless the the electricity between his friend and Natasha, feeling joy and
family feels "ashamed that they loved Vera so little and were bitterness at the same time. As Pierre approaches Andrei and
now so eager to get her off their hands." Vera, he overhears Vera, trying to sound worldly and
sophisticated, tell the prince about Natasha's childhood love
Boris has intentions of marrying a rich girl and first comes to for Boris—implying that Natasha does not have the virtue of
the Rostovs to make it clear that he cannot be held to a loyalty (Chapter 21). In Chapter 22 Andrei returns to the
childhood promise. Instead he finds himself dallying with Rostovs, and Natasha is both thrilled and frightened by his
Natasha, who enchants all the men who cross her path. Both courtship. When he leaves for the evening, he goes to Pierre's
Vera and Natasha are beautiful, but Vera is stiff, bourgeois, and house to tell his friend he is in love. Meanwhile Pierre has been
artificial, while Natasha is open, spontaneous, and full of life. thinking about his own miserable life, in which he is more and
For everyone's sake the countess discourages him so they can more burdened by social obligations as his wife moves into
both get on with their lives. Natasha moves easily past Boris, higher circles of influence. He also compares his unhappy
looking forward to her first ball. When Andrei dances with her, relationship with his wife to his best friend's relationship with
he once again appreciates her liveliness, something he lacks. Natasha. But when Andrei arrives and unburdens himself,
There is nothing pretentious or calculated about Natasha, and Pierre encourages him not to think twice about marrying and
Andrei, who hates the shallow side of society, is particularly reassures his friend that Natasha loves him.
drawn to her for that reason.
Prince Andrei feels he needs his father's consent to marry, and
When Andrei first met the Rostovs in the country, he found although Prince Nikolai doesn't make a fuss, he is not happy
them annoying, but now that he is in love with the Rostov (Chapter 23). He raises the objection of their age difference

and then requests that Andrei go abroad for a year to improve Andrei's need to get his father's permission to marry highlights
his health before marrying. Three weeks later Andrei returns to the dysfunctional aspect of the Bolkonsky family. The prince is
Petersburg and asks for Natasha's hand. The Rostov parents 31; he has his own estate, is himself a father, and has been to
accept, and Andrei explains his father's conditions, which they war. Yet Prince Nikolai still has a powerful influence on his son.
also agree to, as does Natasha. The engagement is kept a The older prince does not want his son to remarry because it
secret (Chapter 24), and Andrei says that although he will upset the family dynamics, and his grandson will likely live
considers himself bound to his promise, he does not bind with Andrei's new wife. Further the Rostovs have no money, so
Natasha during their period of separation. Andrei has told the match is not financially advantageous. Andrei's sister has a
Pierre about the engagement and advises Natasha to go to him similar view. But rather than confront his son directly, Prince
for advice or help if she is in need while Andrei is gone. Nikolai asks him to wait a year. No doubt he is hoping that the
Natasha is stricken when her fiancé leaves, but after two engagement will fizzle out, since it was usual for an
weeks recovers and resumes her life. engagement to be followed quickly (within a month or two) by
a marriage. Prince Nikolai begins flirting with his daughter's
Back at Bald Hills, Prince Nikolai's health deteriorates after his lady's companion to get even with his son, which is not exactly
son leaves (Chapter 25). He abuses his daughter even more logical. Prince Nikolai was always eccentric, but now he is
than usual, attacking her where it hurts the most—in her showing signs of dementia.
rearing of her nephew and her religious beliefs. Marya is also
unhappy about the prospect of a second marriage for Andrei, Pierre is in the odd position of having introduced his best friend
and she writes to her friend Julie that Natasha is an unsuitable to the woman Pierre actually loves (something that has been
match. By the summer Prince Andrei writes to his sister from implied throughout the novel). Of course Pierre is married,
Switzerland to inform her about the engagement and share which puts any idea of Natasha entirely off limits, but the
with her how much he is in love (Chapter 26). When Prince newfound happiness of his previously jaded friend makes him
Nikolai reads the letter, he becomes infuriated and says that he feel gloomy and depressed. He loves both of them and wishes
might want to marry Mlle Bourienne, and he begins paying for their happiness, and he is made uncomfortable by the fact
more attention to her. Marya secretly dreams of becoming a that their happiness increases his unhappiness. Pierre and
wanderer, like the holy men and women who visit her. She even Andrei have been friends since childhood, and he tells Sonya
has an outfit prepared for when she leaves, but she finds that and Natasha that he "has a heart of gold," and indeed he does.
she loves her family more than she loves God. Despite his feelings of envy, Pierre encourages Andrei to marry
and insists Natasha is in love with him.
Analysis Natasha is heartbroken to lose Andrei for a year. The last thing
she says to him is, "Don't leave!" and he wonders "whether he
At Boris and Vera's dinner party, the artificial Vera, hosting her ought indeed to stay ... which he remembered long afterwards."
first dinner party as a married woman, wants to be sure she There is something about Andrei that frightens Natasha. She
does everything right—which includes bringing feelings into the tells herself she has loved him since she first saw him at her
conversation. As it turns out, she puts her sister in a bad light in family's country estate and that their coupling was ordained by
the eyes of her fiancé. Vera's unacknowledged dislike of fate. Yet she seems to have a presentiment of danger. Natasha
Natasha may be partially responsible for the comment, or she and Andrei are not well matched in the sense that their natures
may be jealous of the sister everyone loves. She asks Prince are so different. He is already tired of life, given his natural
Andrei, "Can she, like other women (Vera means herself) fall in tendency to brood and the damage that has been done to his
love with a man once and remain faithful to him forever?" spirit by the war. He feels in one part of his soul that ordinary
Vera's remark foreshadows what happens later when Natasha life is meaningless, but he doesn't have the spiritual capacity
breaks Andrei's heart. Vera may be pretentious and clumsy, but for wise detachment, so he often feels simply disengaged and
she is right in highlighting that there is an aspect of disloyalty in empty. She, on the other hand, is young, fresh, and completely
Natasha's nature, which is connected to her ability to live in the engaged with life, and she finds every moment meaningful
moment and allow herself to run away with her passions. She without having to look further afield for a larger pattern or
will learn how to direct her prodigious energies, but not before purpose. Natasha has the capacity to heal Andrei, but the
she does some damage. passion that has been inspired between them needs to be

stoked, and a year of separation will not help keep the flame knows how to do seemingly by instinct. When a droshky (an
alive. open carriage) comes for the Rostovs, they leave for home,
with both Nikolai and Natasha thinking about how much they
care about each other.
Analysis
Summary Nikolai is finally pulled home by his mother's desperate call for
help. The elder Count Rostov has been mismanaging his
Nikolai Rostov has been living the good life in the military since
money and estates for years. Quite likely he is being cheated
the peace with France and puts off a visit home for as long as
by Mitenka, but neither he nor his son understands enough
possible because it means facing the "deep water of life again,"
about business or accounting to know for sure. For example,
with all of its chaos, difficulties, and unresolved issues
Nikolai berates the steward for not writing down 700 rubles
(including Nikolai's unresolved promise to his cousin Sonya).
when in fact he had—Nikolai just didn't understand how to read
This is typical of Nikolai, who is uncomfortable thinking too
the balance sheet. The count and his wife have been overly
deeply and who prefers to live in the moment.
generous to their friends and acquaintances for years, loaning
He finally goes on an extended leave in the spring of 1810, money and hosting sumptuous dinners and parties, and now
when his mother writes to him that the family will soon lose all the consequences of their unchecked largesse is coming home
its property if someone doesn't take things in hand (Chapter 1). to roost. The Rostovs are an example of many Russian
People continue to take advantage of the count, and he is too aristocrats who were irresponsible in handling money and
trusting of their estate manager, Mitenka, she says. Nikolai power. Rather than bother to learn enough about how their
returns to the family's country estate in Otradnoe, not far from estates were managed or accounts kept, they left these
Petersburg. He is unhappy about Natasha's long engagement important duties to estate managers who, more often than not,
and feels something is wrong, and he learns his mother is also robbed them while they attended to their pleasures. Like Pierre
worried about the projected marriage. In Chapter 2 Nikolai the Rostovs are good people and occupy a prominent social
attempts to help by visiting the estate manager, Mitenka, position, but they are undisciplined and too used to a life of
abusing and firing him for cheating the family, but he doesn't luxury. Nikolai is no better, but at least he is good at his job in
know anything about accounting. Mitenka is hired back by the the military, and he immediately admits to his father that he is
elder count, and things go back to normal. not competent enough to straighten out the family's finances.
Tolstoy, a member of the entitled class, understood the evils of
Chapters 3–6 take place in September and describe a wolf the social class system, but he did not reject it wholesale until
hunt that several Rostov family members participate in: Nikolai, much later in his life.
his father, Natasha, and Petya—the youngest child, although
the latter two are only observers. The Rostovs join forces, first Both Nikolai and his mother are concerned about the terms of
with a relative who lives nearby, and then with Ilagin, a local Natasha's engagement and the imminent marriage. Nikolai
landowner. The narrator describes in great detail the feels his sister's fate has not yet been decided, and his intuition
excitement of the hunt and how the lead dogs take down their and his mother's doubts foreshadow the rupture of Natasha's
prey (including a wolf, fox, and rabbit). The hunters command relationship with Prince Andrei.
the dogs, watch the combat, and root for their own animals. In
Tolstoy provides a short interlude from the major story in the
Chapter 7 Nikolai, Natasha, and Petya are so far away from
hunting chapters, in which he vividly portrays how a dog pack
home that they accept the invitation of their uncle, Mikhail
of 50 or more animals chases down its prey in a gruesome
Nikanorytch. The Rostovs are served delicious country food by
spectacle. The hunt is another kind of war, in which the dogs
a barefoot housekeeper who seems to be on intimate terms
are the soldiers and their handlers are the generals. The
with their uncle. After dinner the group listens to balalaika
Russian aristocrats take their hunting very much to heart, and
music played by the coachman. Soon the uncle joins in, playing
it is very important whose dog makes the kill. Although the
a guitar, and Natasha joins him in a folk dance, which she
violent hunting scenes may be uncomfortable for the modern

reader, the hunt represents a joyful experience, an The mummers are servants in costume who treat the Rostovs
authentically Russian tradition that brings family and neighbors to holiday songs, dances, and games. Soon all the young
together. people dress up and join the mummers, and Nikolai suggests
that they take the troikas (sleighs) with some of the servants
The Rostovs' visit to their uncle's house is an opportunity to and go out. The party visits a widow and her children, and
create a charming scene of the "real Russia," complete with when they arrive, Natasha helps the young people dress up
lower-class participants—the housekeeper and the (Chapter 11) and join the merriment. Sonya and Nikolai contrive
coachman—who represent the "salt of the earth." The balalaika a moment alone outdoors. Nikolai suddenly notices how pretty
is a traditional Russian stringed instrument. Natasha is Sonya is in her cork mustache and dress-up. The two of them
enchanted with the music of the coachman and is able to kiss, and Natasha arranges for Sonya and Nikolai to ride back
dance in the folk manner. The narrator comments, "Where ... together in the same sleigh (Chapter 12). Nikolai tells Natasha
had this little countess, brought up by an émigré he has made up his mind about Sonya, and she is glad to finally
Frenchwoman, sucked this spirit in from the Russian air she hear it.
breathed, where had she gotten these ways?" Clearly Natasha
is nothing less than the embodiment of the Russian soul and When the girls go to their room that evening, the servants have
the archetype of the Russian woman in this moment. Laura prepared mirrors and a candle for a last holiday game of
Olsen argues that Natasha is symbolic of an aesthetic value for fortune telling. Natasha wants to see Andrei but cannot bring
the author, and she transmits a force that is "perceived and herself to try. Sonya pretends to see him lying down in a happy
visualized" by male characters in the story. In this sense she is mood, and then to see something blue and red. After
a muse, says Olson. Natasha balances the force of rationality Christmas Nikolai tells his mother that he has decided to marry
with the exuberant instinct needed to create art. On a more Sonya (Chapter 13). His mother tells him she will never accept
mundane level, Natasha calls to the life instinct in the other, Sonya as her daughter-in-law and calls her an "intriguer." When
which is why she is so alluring. Nikolai and the countess begin arguing, Natasha intervenes.
Nikolai leaves for his regiment in January of 1811 with the
intention of resigning and coming home to marry.
Analysis
Summary Things are going from bad to worse for the Rostovs, and
although the countess does not want her son to sacrifice
Count Rostov resigns his position as marshal of the nobility,
himself for the family, she also wants to save her family from
which saves him a little money, but otherwise the Rostovs do
financial ruin. Her answer to Nikolai is, therefore, somewhat
not change their lavish lifestyle (Chapter 8). Countess Rostov
disingenuous, since his happiness may not be her primary
decides that the solution to the family's financial woes is for
concern. Natasha continues to pine for Andrei, and when her
Nikolai to marry a rich woman, and she has in mind Marya's
mother presses her to sing, the narrator says that "for a long
friend Julie Karagin, an heiress now that her last brother has
time before and a long time after she did not sing as she sang
died. Nikolai asks his mother if he is permitted to love a
that evening." The family is spellbound, and the old countess
dowerless girl, and she answers that she wants his happiness.
wells up in tears, saying, "I'm so afraid for her, so afraid!"
News comes from Andrei, who has been delayed in Rome
Natasha's voice has the power to call forth a wide range of
because his wound has opened; he will return after the New
emotions and intuitions in the listener, and thus her mother
Year. Christmas finds Natasha depressed, and she tells her
knows her daughter will experience some heartache. Perhaps
mother she wants Andrei "now, this minute" (Chapter 9).
Natasha herself knows it as well—that her period of carefree
Natasha shares her dissatisfaction with Nikolai, and they begin
happiness is coming to an end. That melancholy knowledge
philosophizing about the power of memory (Chapter 10).
gives her singing particular power.
Natasha then sings for her mother with great power and
emotion but is interrupted by Petya announcing that the The sadness is lifted when the mummers arrive. It was
mummers have arrived. customary for people to dress up during the holiday season

and participate in games and pranks, and the young people get anxiety of existence.
a reprieve from their cares when they join some of the servants
on a yuletide call to a neighbor's house. The girls are dressed In Chapter 2 Prince Nikolai and Princess Marya come to
up like men, and both are sporting mustaches. There are two Moscow. The old prince's senility is becoming worse, and he
ways to interpret Nikolai's behavior. Perhaps his buried feelings steps up his provocative behavior with Mlle Bourienne and his
for Sonya are awakened because she suddenly looks different, abuse of Marya. Some people finally come over for dinner
and he sees the beautiful girl that he fell in love with in younger (Chapter 3), including Pierre and Boris, and the talk turns to
days. As a dependent relative, Sonya has a subordinate place Napoleon and the tsar's recent denunciation of his land grab in
in the family, and everyone takes her for granted. Because she northern Germany. In Chapter 4 Pierre speaks to Marya after
is so good natured and compliant, people hardly see her. But dinner and brings to her attention that Boris is courting her,
the dress-up has the effect of bringing her into focus. Or it although he is also courting her friend Julie. Marya is too
could be that Nikolai unconsciously considers Sonya to be distracted to notice what is going on, and she tells Pierre, "Ah,
another sister, and it is only when she dresses up and seems my God, Count, there are moments when I'd marry anybody!"
unfamiliar that he is attracted to her. Marya then asks Pierre about Natasha, and he senses that the
princess is ill disposed toward her.
When the girls get home, they play another game that was
customary during the holiday season. A woman who wanted to Boris has come to Moscow to find a rich bride (Chapter 5).
see her future spouse would set up three mirrors with a candle While he prefers Marya, his efforts to court her seem fruitless,
in front of the main mirror to create a tunnel of successive so he turns to Julie even though he doesn't like her much,
images. The woman would then stare into the mirror until she pretending to have a sensitive, melancholy soul because this
saw something; if she saw a coffin, that was a bad omen. pretense is fashionable. Nonetheless he finally brings himself
Sonya sees neither a man nor a coffin, neither Andrei nor to propose, telling himself he can always arrange not to see
Nikolai, but to appease her cousin she pretends to see Andrei. her much. The elder Count Rostov comes to Moscow with his
The author provides additional foreshadowing here, when daughter and Sonya at the end of January (Chapter 6), since
Sonya sees Andrei lying down and then something blue and Prince Andrei is expected home soon and Natasha has to buy
red (because Natasha has associated Pierre with blue and red her trousseau (wedding clothes). The Rostovs stay with their
when free-associating to her mother some chapters earlier (in old friend, the outspoken Marya Dmitrievna. She tells Natasha
Vol. 2, Part 3, Chapter 13). she is well acquainted with Marya, who has asked her to help
them get together. She advises Natasha and her father to pay
a visit to the Bolkonskys now that they are in town.

Analysis
Summary Pierre experiences another spiritual crisis when his mentor
dies and Andrei becomes engaged. While he is happy for his
Prince Andrei's engagement, together with the death of his friend, he feels even more bereft in his sham marriage. In
mentor, Bazdeev, precipitates a crisis of conscience, and addition he has lost his spiritual anchor. While it may seem
Pierre sees his current life as vile. He stops writing in the diary, contradictory that he goes on another round of binges, it
avoids the Masons, and begins drinking and carousing. To makes sense because Pierre uses food, liquor, and sex to
avoid disgracing his wife, he moves back to Moscow. When he tranquilize his unhappiness. He knows he can no longer stay
arrives he feels entirely at home, and he begins extravagantly with Hélène, because to live with her is the height of hypocrisy
spending money on entertainment and philanthropy. To his and it keeps him immersed in his bad lifestyle.
disgust he has become a "retired gentleman-in-waiting."
Philosophical questions still haunt Pierre, and he begins to Nonetheless when he goes to Moscow, he doesn't do much
brood about the hypocrisy that pervades every sphere of life. better on his own. Yet even in the midst of his debauchery, he
Pierre does a lot of reading and drinking and realizes that realizes an important psychological truth: that each human
everyone has their own way of distracting themselves from the being is like a soldier under fire who individually finds a way to

live more easily with danger. "[P]eople seemed to be saving time, she is flattered by his attention. When her party leaves,
themselves from life: some with ambition, some with cards, Anatole hands her into the carriage, pressing Natasha's arm.
some with drafting laws, some with women, some with Later she feels like she has done something indecent and feels
playthings, some with horses, some with politics, some with shame when she thinks about Andrei.
hunting, some with wine, some with affairs of state ... Only not
to see it, that dreadful it!" That "it" will be called by later The younger Kuragin has been sent by his father, Vassily, to
philosophers the anxiety of existence, or existential dread. Moscow to find a rich bride, and he is staying with Pierre
Human beings are both blessed and cursed with self- (Chapter 11). What Vassily doesn't know is that Anatole was
consciousness, so they know every moment of the day that forced to marry the daughter of a landowner when his
one day they will die. What is it all for? They ask. Pierre wants regiment was stationed in Poland. Dolokhov is also in town and
to know the meaning of life—it's purpose—but he has yet to has taken up with Anatole again. In Chapter 12 Natasha is
find it. worried that she has "broken faith with Prince Andrei." While
she is with the dressmaker, Hélène stops by and invites her to
In the Bolkonsky family, things are getting worse, and the a soirée. Anatole has asked his sister to help him seduce
description of Prince Nikolai's increasing senility is an accurate Natasha, to which she readily agrees because it amuses her.
portrayal of a man gradually descending into mental chaos. At the soirée Natasha is again flattered by the attention from
Marya continues to make allowances for her father, although both Kuragins and worried about the "absence of moral
she dreams of escaping her abusive situation through barriers" she feels between herself and Anatole (Chapter 13).
marriage. But since Marya is too preoccupied to actually think He dances with her and declares that he loves her. Natasha
of how she might improve her marital prospects, she loses her tells him she is engaged; she is frightened but doesn't know
chance with Boris, which is probably a good thing. Once again what to do. When she goes into the sitting room to fix her
the reader sees how Boris will do anything to get ahead and dress, Hélène follows her and then Anatole comes in. Hélène
possesses not a shred of integrity. Julie is plain as well as leaves them alone for a few minutes, and he kisses Natasha.
pretentious, but he overcomes his aversion to her for the sake When Natasha gets home, she is tormented by her new
of her money and estates. feelings and doesn't know whether she loves Anatole or
Andrei. The next day Natasha gets a letter of apology from
Marya, who wants to meet with her again (Chapter 14). She
Vol. 2, Part 5, Chapters 7–14 also gets a letter from Anatole, actually written by Dolokhov,
pledging his undying love and a proposal that she run away
with him.
Summary
When the count and Natasha call on the Bolkonskys (Chapter
Analysis
7), Princess Marya receives them awkwardly while her father
Natasha is treated abominably by the Bolkonskys, partly
pretends to be indisposed. Out of fear of meeting the prince,
because Marya has not processed her feelings of jealousy
Count Rostov leaves his daughter and goes to call on another
about her brother's engagement. When Marya receives
friend. Natasha adopts a casual tone in response to the
Natasha, she is ill at ease and bordering on coldness,
princess's awkwardness, and then Prince Nikolai comes out in
supposedly because she is worried about her father acting out
his dressing gown and rudely departs. The two women pass an
in front of Andrei's fiancée . But she is most uncomfortable
uncomfortable half hour together and never speak of Andrei.
about the fact that this usurper wants to take her brother and
Natasha is distraught when she gets home. In Chapter 8 Marya
nephew away from her—she who has so little love in her life.
Dmitrievna takes Natasha and Sonya to the opera, and they
When she sees how beautiful and vibrant Natasha is, she also
attract a lot of attention. Also at the opera are Hélène and her
becomes jealous on her own behalf—comparing her own drab
rapacious brother Anatole, who begins eyeing Natasha. Hélène
life and appearance with that of the interloper. Natasha's
contrives for Natasha to meet her brother during the
father is no help at all because he runs away from the situation
intermission (Chapters 9–10). Anatole boldly and suggestively
rather than risk an uncomfortable or abusive encounter with
looks at Natasha, and she feels uncomfortable. At the same
the demented Prince Nikolai. And true to form, the prince

comes in and puts the icing on the insult.

Summary
Marya and Natasha should be natural allies; they both love the
same man, and the open-hearted Natasha can come into Sonya reads Anatole's letter—which Dolokhov has actually
Marya's life as a true friend—something she has not yet written—and confronts Natasha (Chapter 15), who says she is
experienced with another woman. But Marya has been living hopelessly in love with Anatole. Sonya tries to talk Natasha out
with scarcity for too long and doesn't recognize abundance of her feelings but realizes she is planning to elope and
when she sees it, which is why she is afraid that Natasha will secretly vows to stop her. Anatole and Dolokhov plan the
subtract from her life rather than add to it. On Natasha's part, elopement (Chapters 16–17), but when they come to abduct
she is feeling insecure because the family has made no Natasha, Anatole is met in the yard by an enormous footman.
overture toward her, and Andrei has been gone for a long time. He escapes and they drive off. In Chapter 18 the reader learns
Natasha is feeling especially defensive, and the disastrous visit that Sonya has confided in Marya Dmitrievna, who has foiled
pricks her pride. No doubt the bad reception Natasha receives the elopement. She harshly chastises Natasha and tells her
from her future in-laws lays the groundwork for her seduction they must keep it from the count, but Natasha is angry rather
by Anatole. She feels rejected, her ego has been bruised, and than mortified.
Anatole and Hélène flatter her.
Pierre has been out of town and comes home to a letter from
The depth of the depravity of the Kuragin siblings is Marya Dmitrievna asking him to call (Chapter 19). She tells him
demonstrated in their behavior toward Natasha. Both masters what has transpired, informing him that Natasha has broken
of seduction, they double-team the innocent Natasha. She her engagement with Andrei without telling her parents. Pierre,
immediately knows something is wrong because she feels who knows of Anatole's marriage, shares the information, and
sullied after her first contact with Anatole. But Hélène is Marya Dmitrievna asks him to order his brother-in-law to leave
beautiful and widely admired, and Natasha is lulled into Moscow because she is afraid a duel will ensue. Natasha is
ignoring her instincts by the older woman's encouragement given the news about Anatole. In Chapter 20 Pierre roughly
and flattery. Early on Natasha fears she has betrayed her confronts Anatole and tells him to get out of town. Then he
fiancé, and perhaps her feelings of guilt fuel her willingness to goes back to Marya Dmitrievna's (Chapter 21) and learns that
be sucked in by Anatole since she feels she has already fallen. Natasha has taken some arsenic but told Sonya in time. While
She has no one to talk to about the new sexual feelings Natasha recovers, Pierre does damage control with regard to
Anatole has stirred in her. The countess, her usual confidante, Natasha's reputation around town.
is sick at home and has not come to Moscow. As Anatole
Prince Andrei has returned and received the bad news from his
continues to fuel the seduction and ignite sexual desire in
family. When Pierre sees his friend in private, Andrei covers up
Natasha, she begins to believe that she is actually in love with
his pain with sarcasm and spite, saying that he cannot forgive a
him—confusing sex with love. Thus when he proposes the
"fallen woman" but that he wishes his ex-fiancée well. Pierre
elopement, she is ready to throw away the constant love she
delivers Natasha's letters and portrait from Andrei to the
has with Andrei for what is nothing more than a momentary
Rostovs (Chapter 22). Natasha is very ill, but she sees Pierre
sexual passion for Anatole. Here is where Natasha's
and tells him to ask Prince Andrei to forgive her. Natasha is
passionate and spontaneous nature turns out to be a liability.
ashamed and in despair, saying her life is over. He responds
Natasha has not learned that feelings are often fleeting, and it
that "If I were not I, but the handsomest, brightest, and best
may be best to sometimes ignore them rather than follow
man in the world, and I was free, I would go on my knees this
them.
minute and ask for your hand and your love." When Pierre
leaves, he feels happy recalling Natasha's tears of gratitude
and tenderness after he made that declaration, and, looking up,
Vol. 2, Part 5, Chapters 15–22 he sees a large, bright comet.

still thinks she is in love with Anatole. Beyond feeling betrayed

Analysis and disgraced by him, she feels genuine remorse for what she
has done to Andrei. Pierre's soothing words of love to Natasha
Sonya proves her loyalty to the Rostov family by preventing
help her, but they also help him because, although he doesn't
Natasha from ruining herself. Marya Dmitrievna is also a true
frame them as a declaration of love, they still make him feel
friend. She knows Natasha well, since she was a child, and
more free. He has kept these thoughts to himself for a long
understands that she has let her passions run away with her.
time.
She hopes to cover up the worst of Natasha's disgrace, and
once she finds out that Anatole is married, to prevent the very Andrei has, until now, been more enlightened and wiser about
real possibility of a duel—with Andrei challenging Anatole. the world than Pierre, but in this instance he is blinded by his
Pierre naturally steps up to help. He loves Andrei dearly, and he hurt and his conventional regard for the world's opinion. Pierre,
also loves Natasha, although he mostly has been hiding that who is less worldly but more forgiving and purer of heart, is
fact—mostly from himself. Natasha's aborted suicide attempt able to look past Natasha's mistake and see her for the
shows how much she is suffering, and Pierre arrives like a fundamentally worthy person she is. Of course she hasn't
chivalrous knight. He confesses his love for her in a broken his heart—so it is natural for Andrei to be less forgiving.
roundabout way for one purpose only—to restore her self-
esteem and to give her hope that she is still worthy of love and
that her bad feelings will pass.
Prince Andrei's family is only too happy to deliver the bad news
to him. Their response highlights the dysfunction in the
Bolkonsky clan and the way the three of them are Summary
enmeshed—a term referring to the way family members violate
each other's psychological boundaries. While members of a In Chapter 1 Tolstoy inserts the first of several sidebars of
Russian family of the era would not expect to have the historical and philosophical commentary. He begins by saying
autonomy of modern people, Prince Nikolai's possessiveness that on June 12, 1812, "the forces of western Europe crossed
and control of his children are extreme when compared to the borders of Russia, and war began—that is, an event took
other families in the novel, and the degree of negativity that the place contrary to human reason and to the whole of human
prince and Marya feel about Andrei's marriage to Natasha is nature." He lists any number of reasons that various parties
based in their need to maintain the status quo. Clearly they claimed the war started, but in reality countless circumstances
don't want an outsider to come in to change the family added up to produce the war that took place, and all the
dynamics, especially with regard to Andrei's son, who currently participants were caught up in history, the "unconscious,
lives with Marya and the prince. Neither of them want Andrei to swarmlike life of mankind."
leave the family system and start another family, which is why
Chapter 2 recounts that Napoleon broke the peace treaty of
they are practically gleeful about his broken engagement. Of
Tilsit and began his invasion of Russia by crossing the Niemen
course this does not mean they don't love one another,
River into territory controlled by the Russians. Alexander and
because they do. Marya tells Pierre her brother is not taking
his advisers are in Vilno (Lithuania) attempting to prepare for
the news too badly, which likely means that she either doesn't
the war (Chapter 3), but Alexander attends a ball on the day
know her brother very well or simply wants to believe he is OK
Napoleon breaches the border. The next day the Russian
because it is too painful to contemplate his suffering.
emperor sends a letter through his emissary Balashov, leaving
When Pierre speaks to Andrei alone, he is angered by his Napoleon room to negotiate a peaceful resolution to their
friend's compassion, no doubt thinking about how the last time disagreements. Alexander's emissary is treated with
he saw Pierre he had poured out his heart about his love for disrespect by the French (Chapters 4–5). When Napoleon
Natasha. "I deeply regret her illness," he tells Pierre. "He finally gives him an audience (Chapter 6), he berates Balashov,
grinned coldly, spitefully, unpleasantly, like his father," the insults the Russian army and the emperor, and accuses
narrator comments. When Pierre returns to the Rostovs, he Alexander of breaking the treaty because Russia has been
understands how humiliated and debased Natasha feels. She trading with Great Britain. He also brags about his troop

strength. The next day Napoleon invites Balashov to dinner because it agreed with any notion of what was good and bad,
(Chapter 7), and the French emperor engages in more but because he did it."
posturing, sending Balashov back with a letter that seals
Napoleon's decision to begin a war.
Analysis
Beginning in Vol. 3, Tolstoy adds long nonfiction glosses to
Summary
some parts of the story. This is why War and Peace is a mixed-
In Chapter 8 Prince Andrei leaves Moscow for Petersburg. He
genre work that defies conventional expectations for a novel. It
is looking for Anatole and plans to provoke a quarrel with him
combines fiction with historical analysis and philosophical
and kill him in a duel. Although Andrei misses Kuragin, he runs
speculation; uses different types of omniscient narration; has
into General Kutuzov, who wants him to join him in Turkey.
more than one hero or protagonist; and does without a strong
Kutuzov has been appointed commander-in-chief of the army
story arc. For this reason some early critics said it was a
in Moldavia. Andrei immediately agrees, since Anatole has
failure, although the novel would soon earn its well-deserved
gone to Turkey, but he misses him again. Natasha's betrayal
place in the pantheon of world literature.
takes a toll on Andrei, and life feels like a burden to him. When
The first nonfiction segment appearing in Chapter 1 is a strong war breaks out, he asks Kutuzov for a transfer to the Western
condemnation of war and an argument countering the idea that Army. Andrei first stops at Bald Hills and sees that Mlle
individuals shape history. While human beings have some Bourienne is coming between father and daughter, and when
control over personal aspects of their lives, they are mostly at Andrei speaks to Prince Nikolai about it, he gets angry and
the mercy of external circumstances—the "swarmlike life of they part on bad terms.
mankind." He will develop these themes in subsequent glosses

Andrei arrives at general headquarters in June (Chapter 9).
in the novel, as well as in a long essay at the end of his
The army has been divided into three parts, with three
magnum opus.
commanders. The narrator describes several "parties" of
Tolstoy was among the first to imagine historical figures as people who have conflicting ideas about how to fight the
characters and put them alongside purely fictional characters French and disparate agendas regarding the upcoming war.
in novel form. This novel has included several historical

In Chapters 10–11 Alexander asks to see Andrei and then
characters so far: Tsar Alexander and Napoleon, Kutuzov,
invites him to sit in on an advisory council meeting. Numerous
Bagration, and many others. However in Chapters 2–7, the
generals are arguing heatedly about strategy, and the debate
author creates extended scenes in which Napoleon is a
deteriorates into shouting and name-calling. Andrei begins
primary character. Napoleon is no romantic hero in War and
having his old thoughts—that there can be no such thing as
Peace, and one purpose of the novel is to challenge the trend
military science when there are so many unknown variables
to lionize him as a world mover. Not only does Tolstoy beg to
and conditions are constantly changing. The next day
differ when it comes to Napoleon's genius; he also sees him as
Alexander asks him where he wants to serve, and Andrei
a pernicious example of a careerist with no moral grounding,
requests a return to the army, closing the door to a career at
which ultimately makes all of his pursuits meaningless. Since
court.
Napoleon is a narcissist who always needs an audience, his
exploits are tainted with corruption. In extended scenes with In another part of the front, Nikolai Rostov receives a letter
Bonaparte in action, the reader sees him lie, brag, throw a from his parents about Natasha's broken engagement and
temper tantrum, and unnecessarily abuse power. Balashov is another plea that he resign from service (Chapter 12). Nikolai
surprised that Napoleon calls him back the next day to have has no intention of coming home now that war has broken out.
dinner, expecting him to be embarrassed about his initial He has been promoted to captain and his regiment moved to
outburst. But then Balashov realizes that "Napoleon's Poland. The troops, including Nikolai's hussar regiment,
longstanding conviction that the possibility of mistakes did not retreated from Vilno and have not yet seen action (Chapters
exist for him, and to his mind everything he did was good, not 12–13). Nikolai and his squadron are camped in a rye field,

awaiting orders. fighting against the invaders of his country. Thus he is

assigned to lead his own fighting regiment. For Andrei joining
In Chapter 14 the men march, and the battle-hardened Nikolai the military again is a symptom of moral defeat: while his love
no longer feels fear because "he had learned to control his soul for Natasha awakened the desire to offer his ideas to help the
in the face of danger." The uhlans (cavalry with lances) are world, her loss triggers his disillusionment with political action.
ordered to attack the French, and the hussars to cover the As a result he has no desire to participate in courtly or political
battery (Chapter 15). Soon the French dragoons (armed life, but his lifelong sense of duty spurs him to offer his
cavalry) are chasing the uhlans, and Nikolai sees an services to his country in its time of greatest need.
opportunity to charge, doing so almost instinctively, with his
men following him. The French begin running away, and he As he has done before, Tolstoy juxtaposes Andrei's
runs down a French officer. When he cuts his arm and falls off experiences and realizations with Nikolai Rostov's. Nikolai had
his horse, he sees an enemy soldier at close range, seeing his intended to leave the military and marry, but now it is not
fear and "simple, homelike face." The man surrenders, and the possible for him to abandon his military brothers. Moreover as
hussars take him and others prisoners. Suddenly Nikolai feels a dedicated soldier he must defend "the fatherland." Chapter
confused and thinks, "So that's all there is to so-called 15 describes Nikolai leading a brave charge against the French
heroism? ... And what harm had he done, with his dimple and that earns him another promotion. But just as he was forced to
his light blue eyes?" After this action, Nikolai is promoted again face some uncomfortable questions earlier when he could not
and given his own battalion. help his friend Denisov with a petition to Alexander, he is again
thrown off balance when he sees his enemy up close and
personal. The Frenchman he captures is only a frightened
Analysis young man, with his own hopes and dreams and backstory.
Nikolai cannot help thinking that, from one perspective, no
Andrei attempts to hide how deeply he has been affected by good reason exists to harm him. In this scene Tolstoy reminds
Natasha's betrayal, but it is evident in the way he attempts to the reader that, in the final analysis, real flesh-and-blood men
hunt down Anatole. His strong sense of honor, however, are the instruments of war, which is why war is immoral—it kills
requires that he provoke him first, so that his punishment people.
cannot be tied to the Rostovs. Although he is sidetracked by
the war, Andrei has every intention of eventually evening the
score with Kuragin. Vol. 3, Part 1, Chapters 16–23
Andrei once again feels dead inside but, driven by duty and a
need to occupy his mind, he rejoins the military. Mentally and
spiritually he is very far away from his earlier apprehensions Summary
about the infinite sky, which has metaphorically turned into "a
low, definite, oppressive vault, in which everything was clear In Moscow Natasha continues to be ill. The countess arrives
and nothing was eternal or mysterious." When he gets an with the rest of the family, and the Rostovs move to their own
opportunity to hear the leaders of Russia's military arguing house and stay through the summer (Chapter 16). Natasha
about strategy, he is struck by their naïveté in thinking there is finds comfort in Pierre's visits and the tenderness he shows
such a thing as military genius that can determine the best her (Chapter 17). She also finds comfort in religion and begins
course of action. Andrei's feelings about military science mirror going to church. Rumors of war spread through Moscow, and
the book's larger philosophical argument about how there are in Natasha's new state of spiritual openness she can pray for
too many complicated variables and individual actions in any forgiveness, peace, and happiness for herself and others but
situation to accurately determine what has happened. cannot pray for the destruction of Russia's enemies (Chapter
18).
Despite his understanding that it is not possible to organize the
chaos of war, he is ready to participate at the front and does In Chapter 19 Pierre attempts to apply the esoteric side of
not mind losing favor at court. Andrei has nothing left to lose Masonry to an understanding of Napoleon and the impending
except his life, which he is more than willing to put at risk in war, using numerology to connect his name and Napoleon's,

although he cannot do so except by distorting his real name to state and cannot bring herself to pray for such destruction,
make the numbers work. Secretly he thinks he has some which is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.
important role to play in defeating Napoleon. For this reason,
and also because Masons are pacifists, he doesn't sign up for Moscow is in a patriotic fervor, and the Rostovs, meant to
service. In Chapter 20 Sonya reads a proclamation from the exemplify the best kind of Russian family, are swept up in the
tsar that calls for unity and solidarity in the upcoming fight tsar's call for help to defend the fatherland. While both parents
against the invader. The youngest Rostov, Petya, is now 15 and fear for the safety of their youngest child, who is still a boy, the
at university but wants to join the hussars. Pierre is visiting with count goes from forbidding him to serve, to thinking he might
the Rostovs and disappoints Natasha by getting up to leave. serve safely, to allowing him to sign up for the hussars. Tolstoy
He is having difficulty containing his feelings for her; hence, he attributes the Russian soul (bravery, tenacity, endurance,
decides to stop visiting the house. sacrifice), love of homeland, and ability to withstand hardship
as key factors in the defeat of Napoleon, and those traits are
In Chapter 21 Petya broods because his parents will not give evident in the Rostov response to the war.
him permission to join the army. The tsar comes to town,
further fueling people's patriotic ardor, and the count thinks
about how he could arrange to allow Petya to serve in the army Vol. 3, Part 2, Chapters 1–5
away from danger. Chapters 22–23 describe a meeting of
Moscow's aristocracy and merchants who gather to discuss
the war effort. When the emperor arrives, many pledge both
Summary
money and soldiers (serfs), and Count Rostov agrees to allow
Petya to sign up.
While the participants in war think they are exercising free will,
they are actually the instruments of history (Chapter 1). Drilling
further down, it becomes clear that the French army was
Analysis defeated because they marched into Russia late in the year
and were not prepared for winter. On the Russian side, the
Natasha, who before Anatole was an embodiment of human
people felt deep hatred for an enemy and thus burned their
vitality, shows signs of physical illness because she is
towns behind them rather than give them to the French. While
psychologically and spiritually ill. She feels worthless because
in hindsight historians say the Russians lured the French
of what she has done, and Pierre's continued acceptance and
further into Russia, in fact they did not, and Napoleon was not
affection is instrumental in the return of her confidence. Thus
aware of the danger of "extending his line." In addition two
she begins to recover. Pierre never brings up what he said to
generals who disliked each other, de Tolly and Bagration, delay
her earlier on—that he would marry her if he were a different
in uniting their armies, and their quarrel resulted in a defeat at
person in different circumstances—and he is the soul of
Smolensk.
discretion in his treatment of Natasha. Nonetheless his
proximity to her fuels his feelings, and he can no longer In Bald Hills Prince Nikolai has taken his son's advice and
suppress his love. That is why he finds it necessary to backed away from Mlle Bourienne after Prince Andrei sends
physically put some distance between them. The romantic love him an apology (Chapter 2). On August 1 Andrei sends his
between a man and a woman in Tolstoy's fiction always has a father another letter advising him to go to Moscow, since the
strong sexual component, and he was not shy about portraying war theater is advancing directly toward Smolensk, near Bald
sexual love as something that is grounded in the body, even Hills. Because of Prince Nikolai's senility, he confuses the
when it has spiritual and intellectual components. current war with previous ones and doesn't understand the
danger. In Chapter 3 he sends his steward, Alpatych, to
Tolstoy uses Natasha's embrace of religion as a way to show
Smolensk for supplies, and later in the night he has a moment
the difference between true spirituality and religious hypocrisy.
of clarity and realizes the importance of his son's letter.
Since Natasha is spending a lot of time in church, she hears
the denunciation of Russia's enemies and prayers to God to The tutor Dessales writes a letter to the governor of the
crush them. The priest references similar calls for help that can province asking for more information (Chapter 4) and gives the
be found in the Bible. But Natasha is in a heightened spiritual letter to Alpatych. When the steward arrives in Smolensk, the

governor is not sure what to tell him, since a communication becomes the central focus of the narrative.
from General Barclay de Tolly says the army will defend the
town. By the time Alpatych is ready to leave, the French are Tolstoy skillfully and realistically depicts Prince Nikolai's
bombing the town, the evacuation is in full swing, and people struggle with senility: he has episodes of clarity, for example,
are setting fire to their property. Alpatych runs into Prince when he understands that the French are very near, even
Andrei, who sends another note to his family, telling them to though previously he mixes up two campaigns and thinks they
leave immediately. are far away.
The Russian troops continue to retreat from Smolensk The chaos that Alpatych witnesses is a reflection of the
(Chapter 5). On August 10 Prince Andrei's regiment is general chaos of war, along with the additional confusion
retreating on the road near Bald Hills, and he stops by his created because the two generals are warring with each other.
home to see it again. Alpatych has remained behind, and Marya The governor is confused about what to tell Alpatych about the
and the old prince are at Bogucharovo, although Andrei thinks current situation because it is in flux, and he has received a
everyone went to Moscow. When he returns to the road, he letter from de Tolly that seems to contradict what he sees
sees his men bathing naked in a muddy pond and feels before his eyes. Even as Alpatych gathers his purchases, the
"revulsion and horror incomprehensible to himself." French begin bombarding the town. By now Alpatych has all
the information he needs for the Bolkonsky family.
The chapter ends with a letter written to the tsar's chief
counselor by General Bagration, which says that his men Andrei's decision to stop by Bald Hills is inspired by a desire to
fought valiantly to defend Smolensk but that de Tolly ordered a take a last look at his family home before it is likely destroyed
retreat. Bagration says the army needs one commander-in- in the wake of the troops. When he comes back to the road
chief. and sees the men bathing in the pond, he is repulsed by their
bodies because it reminds him that those bodies might soon be
dead bodies, and the thought crosses his mind that the body is
Analysis "chair à canon" (cannon fodder). Thoughts of death are never
far from Andrei's mind, and he has a continuing awareness of
The narrator frames the battle at Smolensk by reiterating what the futility of war and indeed, all human effort.
he has said about the forces of history, which operate
independently of people's wills. At the same time, he notes that
the French did not consider the Russian winter in their Vol. 3, Part 2, Chapters 6–14
calculations, nor the willingness of the Russians to sacrifice
their towns, depriving the French of supply sources. Finally he
references the argument between two warring Russian Summary
generals. Bagration hates de Tolly, who is considered a
"German" (foreigner), and he bristles in submitting to his In Chapter 6 the narrator observes that some things in life
command. This is the reason he delays uniting with his army. In remain the same, even as the world changes. Such is the case
fact de Tolly was Russian, born in territory under Russian with the Petersburg salons, particularly Anna Pavlovna's and
control (modern-day Lithuania). On de Tolly's side, he is Hélène Bezukhov's. The salons differ somewhat in their
indecisive in his actions because he knows he is not entirely political outlook, with Anna Pavlovna's being strongly anti-
trusted. Napoleon and anti-French, while Hélène's people admire
Napoleon and have regret about the rupture with France. An
When Andrei tells his father to leave, he does so because Bald
important topic of conversation in the salons in August is a
Hills is about 40 miles from Smolensk and not far from the
change in leadership; even though Alexander doesn't like him,
Moscow road. Moscow is about 230 miles—a safe distance,
Kutuzov is once again put in charge of the army by a war
although the French will eventually reach Moscow. As the
committee.
French penetrate further into Russia, war, which at the
beginning of the novel was more a topic of theoretical The troops under Kutuzov continue to retreat, even as the
discussion for most aristocrats than a fact of everyday life, French make repeated efforts to engage them in battle

(Chapter 7). Prince Nikolai and Marya have gone to

Bogucharovo after the old man has a stroke (Chapter 8). He
Analysis
initially refused to leave Bald Hills and criticized Marya for
Hélène's salon is sympathetic to the French since she made
staying behind with him. When the French approach
connections among the French aristocracy when she was
Bogucharovo, Marya again makes preparations to leave with
abroad during her first separation from Pierre. In addition the
her father. As she keeps vigil in the room next to him, she
Russian aristocracy had been following the French for at least
thinks about how scared she is to lose him and how much he
a century, so some of them are still hoping that the Russians
loves her, since she does have fond memories. At the same
and the French can be reconciled. And, of course, Hélène and
time she thinks about how free she will be when he dies,
her followers represent the "Frenchified" Russians who have
although she is horrified by this thought. The next day the
embraced continental culture and scorned their native roots.
prince has a lucid period and asks for Marya. Although she
didn't know it, he'd been calling her all night. He then says Prince Nikolai gets Andrei's second message to evacuate, but
tearfully, "Thank you ... daughter, dear friend ... for everything, he doesn't want to, and even though he orders his daughter to
everything ... forgive me." Not long afterward, the prince has leave, she does an unusual thing by disobeying him and staying
another stroke and dies, and his wake and burial further delay behind. It is a good thing she does because when he has a
the household's departure. stroke, she is there to help him and takes him to Andrei's
estate. The abuse he pours on Marya's head is partially caused
After the burial Marya is prevented from leaving by the
by his dementia and partially a result of their extreme
Bogucharovo peasants, who have determined that everyone
interdependence. The old prince takes out his frustration about
must remain in place and, thus, hold her hostage (Chapters
losing his faculties and the ability to control things on Marya.
9–12). These peasants have been in discussion with the
Like many people the prince is cruelest to the people whom he
French, who promise to pay for supplies. Marya is horrified by
loves the most, and the dementia is exacerbating his cruel
the idea that she would welcome the French. She addresses
behavior. On her side Marya is tortured by her own longings to
the peasants and invites them to come with her to Moscow,
be free of him, and she feels terribly guilty about them. But it is
but they would rather throw their lot in with the French, who
quite natural for people to have such feelings when they have
have started distributing counterfeit rubles. After the peasants
been taking care of a sick person for a long time, especially if
turn her down, Marya spends the night thinking about her
the ill individual is abusive.
father and how he had called her "dear heart" on the day he
died. Marya is reluctant to go into her father's room because he told
her to stay away, so it is tragic that he was calling for her at the
On August 17 Nikolai Rostov is out for a ride and happens upon
end. He wishes to make things right between them and
the estate, since his regiment is camped near Bogucharovo
verbalize his true feelings, and before he dies he lets her know
(Chapter 13). Alpatych and two servants come out to meet him
how much he loves her. Marya already knows this, but it is
and ask for his help, inviting him back to the manor on Marya's
something she needs to hear and the words are healing.
behalf. When Nikolai gets there and learns that the peasants
Oftentimes it is easier to forgive cruel and abusive behavior
are in rebellion, he immediately demands to speak to them and
from a parent or a sibling than from a spouse, perhaps
the headman Dron, whom he intimidates sufficiently so that the
because those bonds are harder to dissolve than the ones
peasants bring the carts and load the household's belongings
made through romantic coupling, before a new family is
(Chapter 14). Both Marya and Nikolai make a favorable
created.
impression on each other. Later Marya thinks she may be in
love, and it crosses Rostov's mind that she would be a perfect The peasants at Andrei's estate are more independent than
match for him, although he also thinks about his promise to the average serf, especially since Andrei's reforms. Of course
Sonya. the French want the peasants to stay because they need food
and quarters. They lie to the peasants about paying for what
they need, since Napoleon is in the habit of distributing false
currency to local populations; the narrator notes that one of
the peasants brought fake hundred ruble notes back from the
French. But the rebellion of the peasants points to something

important: wars are fought primarily for the benefit of the order for the members of his household to leave for
wealthy and the powerful, and they have the greatest stake in Petersburg, gives his steward permission to sell one of the
the outcome. The peasants on Andrei's estate do not have a estates to finance his regiment, and decides to join the troops
strong reason to side with their countrymen. They have less of stationed in Mozhaisk, not far from Moscow. He feels the great
a slave mentality than the average serf, and there is not a lot of happiness that at times accompanies self–sacrifice.
benefit for them in acting patriotically. Many peasants,
however, had no choice but to fight in the war, since they were
sent by their masters as foot soldiers. Analysis
The fact that Nikolai comes to Marya's rescue, as Pierre came Kutuzov has fond feelings for Andrei that began with his
to Natasha's rescue, is a perfect foundation for an attachment friendship with Andrei's father and grew as he witnessed the
on both sides. Moreover Marya is exactly the kind of heiress young man's intelligence and bravery in the Russians' last
who will satisfy Nikolai's mother. But while Marya feels free to encounter with the French. However he respects his decision
entertain her feelings about Nikolai, he stops himself, to stay with his regiment, since he needs good men in the field.
remembering his pledge to Sonya. Kutuzov is being urged on all sides to prepare for an
engagement with the French, but his strategy is to conserve
his troops and use time and circumstance to his advantage.
In Moscow things are becoming chaotic, and since the
governor wants people to stay in the city, he tells them that
Napoleon will never reach Moscow, which is clearly untrue.
Summary Julie Drubetskoy, the former Julie Karagin and Marya's so-
called best friend, is revealed to be a shallow and catty woman.
General Kutuzov has ordered Prince Andrei to report to
First she brings up the Rostovs, alluding to Natasha's aborted
headquarters (Chapter 15). Kutuzov and Andrei talk about
elopement and her break with Prince Andrei, implying that
Prince Nikolai's passing, and the general says he'd like Andrei
Natasha is shallow and frivolous. Pierre shuts her down for that
to serve again as his adjutant (Chapter 16). Andrei respectfully
reason, but mostly because he continues to use "plausible
declines, saying he would rather stay in the field with his men.
deniability" to protect Natasha's reputation. Julie also makes a
When the two men discuss the retreat, Andrei asks the general
snide remark about Marya. No doubt Marya confided in her
if the troops won't have to accept battle. Kutuzov responds,
friend about what happened at Bogucharovo and perhaps told
"We'll have to if everybody wants it ... And yet ... there's nothing
Julie she had an attraction to Nikolai; now Julie is turning that
stronger than those two warriors, patience and time."
information into a conversation tidbit at her farewell party.
As the French get closer to Moscow, the military governor of
The reader must now realize that Julie was never a true friend
the city, Rastopchin, issues briefs to the populace in the form
to Marya and, like Mlle Bourienne, had little respect for her.
of posters, which actually contain no reliable information
Marya has alienated Natasha, the one person in the novel with
(Chapter 17). People are beginning to leave the city. At a
whom she might have had a genuine friendship. Just as Anna
farewell dinner party at Julie Drubetskoy's, the hostess asks
Mikhailovna (the mother of Boris) distanced herself from the
Pierre why the Rostovs haven't left for the country. She makes
Rostovs once her son began to rise in the social world and
a snide remark about how easily some people "get over things,"
advance in his career, so Julie has distanced herself from
and Pierre quickly shuts down this conversation thread alluding
Marya now that she is rich and married. Marya's fair-weather
to Natasha. He says the Rostovs are waiting to see Petya, who
friends are an all-too-common experience for girls and women,
has been transferred to Pierre's regiment. Julie tells Pierre
especially when society values the bonds between men and
she's seen Marya and speaks with jocularity about the
men and between men and women but not between women
encounter between Marya and Nikolai Rostov, calling it a
and women. Such is the case in the patriarchal society of War
"romance." When Pierre gets home, he looks at Rastopchin's
and Peace. Sonya and Natasha have a sisterly bond, but it
propaganda posters, trying to discern the truth underneath the
diminishes after Natasha gets married and Sonya stays behind
lies so he can figure out what to do (Chapter 18). He gives the
in Nikolai's household. Natasha and Marya will eventually bond,

connected by their love for the same man. troops and fortifications (Chapter 23).
Pierre has yet to find his role in the new war. Although he has On the eve of battle, Prince Andrei is thinking about the three
donated a lot of money to the war effort—by equipping a griefs of his life—the loss of Natasha, the loss of his father, and
regiment—he still feels the need to do more. Thus once his the French invasion of Russia—and feeling bitter that
household evacuates, he decides to go to the army, although everything human beings treasure is ultimately snatched from
he is not entirely certain what he will do once he gets there. He them (Chapter 24). Suddenly the prince hears voices, and
is still waiting for a breakthrough of some kind, and the war Pierre is brought into his shed. He is not thrilled to see him but
offers the possibility, not only of a change of venue but a invites him to tea, along with Andrei's officers (Chapter 25).
change of perspective.
When Pierre asks him what he thinks of Kutuzov and de Tolly,
Andrei praises the former and disparages the latter for
Vol. 3, Part 2, Chapters 19–25 retreating from Smolensk and not understanding the
determination of the troops who were fighting for their own
soil. He also tells Pierre that he thinks prisoners should not be
taken in war but executed. If people played less at war, he
Summary says, it would be less cruel; furthermore, people would fight
fewer wars if more were at stake. He speaks eloquently about
In Chapter 19 the narrator speculates on why Napoleon
the depravity of war, and then says to Pierre, "Ah, dear heart,
offered battle in late August at Shevardino and Borodino and
lately it's become hard for me to live." Finally he sends his
why Kutuzov accepted. After the second battle, Napoleon lost
friend away so he can get a good night's sleep before the
a quarter of his army but continued to extend his troops farther
battle, but he is tortured by thoughts of the loss of Natasha
into Russia, even as his offers to negotiate were ignored. The
and the fact that Anatole is still alive.
narrator concludes that both generals were involuntary agents,
despite arguments made by historians after the fact about
their foresight and genius. The narrator goes on to correct
Analysis
errors made by historians about each army's respective
positions at the Shevardino battle, in which the Russians lost Tolstoy did a great deal of research when writing War and
control of the redoubt (fortification) and were forced to accept Peace and even went back to some of the battlefields. For this
battle at Borodino in "open, almost unfortified terrain with reason he is confident in correcting the mistakes of earlier
forces twice weaker than the French." historical accounts of the battle that preceded Borodino. He
explains that the Russians made several errors that cost them
Pierre arrives in Borodino with the intention of fighting, and he
the Shevardino redoubt, which is where they should have
watches the preparations for battle (Chapters 20–21) as well
staged their major battle against the French. As a result of that
as a church procession, in which people are carrying an icon
loss, they were forced into a much inferior strategic position
(image) of the Mother of God. When the crowd parts, he sees
when they fought the French again two days later. These
General Kutuzov come forward to pray before the icon.
events do not simply have consequence for the novel's
Pierre is spotted in the crowd by Boris Drubetskoy (Chapter characters: the chaos they undergo reflects the actual Russian
22). When Pierre says he wants to take part in the battle and experience, which War and Peace interprets and makes more
look over the army's position, Boris agrees to give him a tour. coherent.
Drubetskoy has attached himself to Bennigsen, the chief of
Pierre's mission to fight with the troops is amusing, pathetic,
staff, who dislikes the commander-in-chief. Kutuzov calls
darkly comic, and tragic by turns, from when he gets to the
Pierre over while Dolokhov, who has again been demoted, is
front in Chapter 20 to when he leaves with the wounded in
reporting his reconnaissance. Pierre declares his intentions to
Chapter 32. Earlier he tells Julie and her company that he is
give his service, and Kutuzov humors him and tells him to make
too fat to ride with the regiment he has raised and financed,
himself at home. Dolokhov then approaches Pierre and asks
but now he has come to the front on horseback. One of the
for his forgiveness for their past misunderstandings. After
first sights he encounters is General Kutuzov praying to the
Kutuzov leaves, Pierre stays with Bennigsen as he inspects the

Mother of God. Tolstoy inserts this important detail to show

that Kutuzov is another character who is a true Russian, as Vol. 3, Part 2, Chapters 26–32
opposed to the empty-headed and cold-hearted Gallic
Russians. Kutuzov does not have a big ego and can be called a
servant leader. He knows he is an instrument in the hands of Summary
God and the community, and he derives strength from his
connection with "the folk," who will never allow an invader to Chapter 26 switches the action to the French camp, where two
make himself at home on Russian soil. In his approach to his flatterers from Europe have come to present Napoleon with a
mission, therefore, Kutuzov exhibits the Russian soul. portrait of his son, "the king of Rome." The emperor is finishing
his morning preparation when they arrive; one valet is brushing
Pierre gets what seems to be a tourist's tour of the front. Here his body while another is perfuming him. After he admires the
is Boris, sucking up to Bennigsen, whom he no doubt thinks will portrait, he has it carried out in front of his tent, where his
be an important person in the future, when Kutuzov again falls troops see it and shout "Vive l'Empereur!" He surveys the
out of favor. Here is Dolokhov, attempting to curry favor with troops and fortifications, making final adjustments (Chapter
the general to make up for another bout of bad behavior. When 27). The narrator then stops to reject the notion that Napoleon
Pierre tells the general he wants to fight, he finds it amusing, did not win because he had a cold (Chapter 28–29). Rather
"looking at Pierre with his laughing, narrowing eye." Dolokhov world events depend on predestination and the collective wills
apologizes to Pierre, momentarily humbled in the face of his of the participants. The narrator goes on to delineate the
possible impending death, and Kutuzov leaves Pierre behind essence of Napoleon's battle instructions and why they could
for Bennigsen to babysit. not be carried out.
When Pierre stumbles upon Andrei, he is not happy to see his Pierre in the Russian camp awakens late to the sound of battle
old friend because he associates him with the painful past. and hurries out, climbing up on a barrow to admire the
Once Andrei begins talking, all his bitterness comes out. He panorama (Chapter 30). The narrator provides a detailed and
has nothing but scorn for de Tolly, since it is the view among lush description of the town and the river, the caissons
the officers that the Russians could have won at Smolensk and (ammunition chests), cannon, and soldiers. Watching the puffs
should not have retreated. General de Tolly is viewed as a non- of smoke, Pierre wants to be part of the action, so he follows
Russian by Andrei and others, accused of not understanding one of the generals down the hill, loses sight of him (Chapter
the depth of the Russians' feeling about the invasion of the 31), and stumbles upon the infantry.
fatherland. It may seem cruel that Andrei says that in war there
should be no prisoners, but he is thinking that perhaps if war As Pierre rides into the field of battle, soldiers yell at him to get
resulted in even more casualties, then countries would think out of the way. An adjutant comes to the rescue, taking Pierre
twice about going to war so easily. to the Raevsky barrow (fortification), where the Russians have
an artillery battery set up and where he will have a good view.
Later, when Andrei tries to sleep, he can't stop thinking about At first the soldiers are annoyed by Pierre's presence, but then
how he loved Natasha for her soul, while Anatole wanted to they get used to him. Cannonballs are hitting the ramparts and
use her as a plaything. He is still infuriated by the fact that killing artillerists, but the men keep firing, and when a general
Anatole is "alive and cheerful." Andrei's spirit is broken, and his orders more ammunition, Pierre runs to get it with cannonballs
tragic words to Pierre, that it is hard for him to live, foreshadow flying overhead. As he gets to the caissons, a blast knocks him
his imminent death. This is the last meeting between the two unconscious, and when he regains consciousness he runs
friends, and an aura of melancholy hangs over their parting. back to the barrow, now taken by the French (Chapter 32). He
They have been like brothers, but they ultimately were unable runs down the battery as the Russians run up and retake it,
to help each other. Pierre thinks it will be the last time he sees and suddenly the carnage taking place penetrates his
his friend. awareness as he follows the stretchers carrying the wounded
off the battlefield.


The narrator's description of Napoleon before the battle is
dripping with contempt. Representatives from his empire have
arrived to flatter him with a portrait of his young son, whom
Summary
people call "the king of Rome." Napoleon's self-importance is
The narrator explains that the main action of the battle takes
revealed in the way he is pampered by his valets. Moreover the
place in a small area in which each side fires cannons, followed
narrator's description of him as hairy and fat makes him
by men charging, and most of the damage is inflicted by
repulsive. Napoleon's reaction to seeing his son's portrait is
cannonballs and bullets (Chapter 33). The French emperor is
described as artificial and staged; the general pretends to be a
too far away from the action to see what is going on, and
tender father full of feeling as he contemplates the portrait of
neither his nor his generals' instructions are carried out.
his heir.
Napoleon is surprised that his usual tactics are not stemming
Tolstoy laughs at the idea that Napoleon's army did poorly at the tide of "a continuous slaughter" in which his generals keep
Borodino because the general had a cold. A more likely reason calling for reinforcements (Chapter 34). By contrast the
is that it was the result of the sum total of the collective wills of narrator says in Chapter 35 that after many years of
the people participating in those events. From one perspective, experience, Kutuzov knew that a battle is won or lost
this gives a randomness to the outcome of this historical event. according to the spirit of the troops.
If Napoleon takes credit for what he does, he is merely

Prince Andrei's regiment is in the reserves, but even so they
deluded.
have already lost 200 men simply from standing and waiting to
Tolstoy deflates the glory of war in his portrayal of Pierre's go into battle (Chapter 36). A shell falls near Andrei, and when
darkly comic insistence on participating. When he goes down the adjutant yells for him to "Get down!" he hesitates, afraid of
to the barrow where he stood the day before, he is delighted appearing cowardly, and gets a wound in the abdomen as a
by the view. It is a beautiful day, and the village, the distant result. When the prince is brought to the medical tent, he
woods, and the movement of the troops along with the smoke experiences bliss in remembering his childhood (Chapter 37).
from the cannons appear like a painting to him. Seen from a Next to him is a sobbing man whose leg has been amputated,
distance, the war is beautiful. Pierre is almost hypnotized by and Andrei recognizes Anatole Kuragin. He cannot immediately
what he sees, which is now connected to a mental movie that remember his connection to Anatole but recalls Natasha at her
has been playing in his head since he first thought he would first ball and how much he loves her. When he turns to Anatole
have some important, heroic role to play in defeating the again, his entire memory returns, but all he can feel for him is
French emperor. Tolstoy is taking an opportunity to show how that same love and pity. Andrei weeps for everyone's errors.
people—even good people—get caught up in the glamour of

In Chapters 38 Napoleon surveys the battlefield "covered with
war. War engenders passion and a misguided sense of
corpses and the wounded." For a moment Napoleon feels
heroism. The ability to make meaning is of paramount
something like remorse. But the French emperor cannot
importance to a human being, after food and shelter, and when
renounce his actions. Tolstoy calls Napoleon "executioner of
war is imbued with a strong sense of meaning people are more
the peoples" and quotes from Napoleon's memoir to show how
than willing to lay down their lives.
proud he is that, of the "hundreds and thousands of men who
When Pierre gets caught among the infantry, he shows no fear; perished, there were fewer Frenchmen than Hessians and
neither does he get scared on the Raevsky battery. He begins Bavarians."
to come to his senses, however, after he leaves the battery for

In Chapter 39 Tolstoy further describes the blood-soaked field
the last time and begins to actually see the dead and wounded.
of action as "[s]mall clouds gathered and rain began to sprinkle
They do not make a pretty picture. This is the real fruit of
on the dead, the wounded, the frightened, and on the
war—a harvest of bodies.
exhausted, and on the doubtful men. It was as if it were saying:
'Enough, enough, men. Stop now ... Come to your senses.'" The
Battle of Borodino is a military victory for the French, but for

the Russians it is a moral victory, the narrator says, convincing prove that he is the epitome of both conscious and
the enemy of his own impotence. The battle results in the unconscious evil. Napoleon is portrayed as a mass
French march to Moscow and their eventual retreat down the murderer—an executioner of the peoples. He is proud that
same road, along with the destruction of their army. more people of other nationalities died than did Frenchmen. He
brags that the battlefield was magnificent—all those bodies.
Napoleon represents the worship of mayhem and death in a
Analysis leader who, in a bid for immortality, steps over countless
corpses, convinced that his glory is worth more than their lives,
Tolstoy contrasts the attitudes of the two generals—Napoleon whereas, as Tolstoy repeatedly shows, every person has a full
and Kutuzov—to show that one is a self-satisfied life of his own and an independent, meaningful existence.
megalomaniac, while the other is a servant-leader. Napoleon is
surprised that his usual tactics aren't working and is blindsided
by the mounting casualties. As Tolstoy has already pointed out Vol. 3, Part 3, Chapters 1–11
earlier, the tactics he is so proud of make no difference, since
none of his directions are followed once the war begins.
Kutuzov, on the other hand, knows that he is more like a guide
than a leader, and that the outcome of the war is determined
Summary
by the spirit of the people who actually fight it.
In Chapter 1 Tolstoy points out that historical analysis is always
Prince Andrei's misguided notion of heroism leads to what incomplete because it looks at a series of events apart from
turns out to be a mortal wound. When the shell hits the ground, the continuous flow of time and examines key individuals as
it doesn't explode immediately. Why doesn't he get down? How representing "the sum of all individual wills." More effective
could it be cowardly to avoid an exploding shell? While he would be to study the "infinitesimal elements that govern the
thinks about the shell, he remembers that he loves life, but then masses." In Chapter 2 Kutuzov sends word to Alexander of a
he remembers that the troops are watching him, and as a victory at Borodino, but as more reports come in, it becomes
leader of men he has to set an example by not flinching. But clear that the Russian army will not be able to finish off the
why die for no reason? Perhaps Andrei has come to the end of enemy in a new battle as the general planned, since half the
his rope, and with no way to dispel his dark thoughts, he army has been lost.
cannot help but walk toward death. Or perhaps in the end, he

Chapter 3 picks up the action after the Battle of Borodino. The
is still chasing a dream of glory in which he will be remembered
Russian troops have retreated to Fili. Two war councils take
for his brave action when a shell fell next to him.
place, at which several generals discuss strategy. At the first
Right before Andrei fell asleep the previous night, he thought council Kutuzov realizes he has already made the terrible but
of his hatred for Anatole and how he had still not avenged necessary decision to abandon Moscow. At the second council
himself. But being on the brink of death brings Andrei back to he hears out all the generals and then orders a retreat away
the wise place inside himself, where he knows that, in spite of from Moscow (Chapter 4).
its terrible pain and hardships, life is beautiful, and that the only
The narrator says that the abandonment and burning of
answer to the sufferings of life is to embrace them fully with
Moscow was just as inevitable as the army's retreat (Chapter
love and compassion. When he turns to see his nemesis
5). He notes that, beginning with Smolensk, the rich people left
suffering, Andrei is suffused with loving-kindness toward fellow
each place the enemy approached, while the poor people
beings, and he cannot help but love even his enemy Anatole.
stayed behind and set fire to the cities and towns. Similarly in
This is the Christianity that Marya has been trying to teach her
Moscow the rich left, having no intention of staying behind to
brother.
fraternize with the Frenchmen as people did in Vienna and
In the final chapters of Part 2, Tolstoy returns to the villainy of Berlin.
Napoleon, whom he imagines as momentarily experiencing

The war is far removed from the Petersburg salons. Hélène is
sorrow for the carnage he has set in motion. But the author
brooding over her love problem—two men vying for her
uses the famous French emperor's own words against him to
affections, while inconveniently married to Count Bezukhov

(Chapters 6–7). Hélène decides to become a Roman Catholic seeing the battle, even as he is being threatened by
and then wrangle a divorce from the Roman church by winning Rastopchin for possible disloyalty. Finally he is suffering
favor with the Jesuit priests. After Hélène converts, she writes because of his unrequited love for Natasha. Not surprisingly he
to Pierre asking him for a divorce so she can marry one of her throws up his hands and runs away. Pierre has come to the
admirers. end of his rope; he can no longer go on with his previous life,
which is empty of meaningful content. He needs a heroic
Meanwhile a dazed Pierre leaves the front with the intention of project. In subsequent chapters he will begin developing a
returning home (Chapter 8). When he gets back to his room it delusion that he has a mission from God to kill Napoleon.
is quite late, so he sleeps in his carriage, waking up with war
flashbacks and bad dreams (Chapter 9). On the way home, he Of course the war has not reached Petersburg, although the
is told that Anatole and Andrei are dead. As soon as he gets Petersburg salons continue to gossip about the war as well as
back to Moscow on August 30, he is called to the governor Hélène, whose shenanigans have taken center stage. She has
general's office (Chapter 10). While waiting he learns two suitors even though she is married, and she brazenly asks
Rastopchin is spreading the story that the army is coming to Pierre for a divorce, simply assuming that he will accede to her
defend Moscow. He has also jailed a young radical, demands. She wants to marry again, but it would be impossible
Vereshchagin. When Pierre is summoned, Rastopchin to get a divorce in the Russian Orthodox church in a way that
questions him about his membership in the Masons (Chapter would allow her to maintain her position in society, given that
11). When he finally gets home, Pierre reads the letter from his she commits adultery on a regular basis. Pierre is unlikely to
wife. The next morning several people are waiting to see him, take the entire burden of adultery on himself to give her a
but he slips out the back door. divorce—which is what she wants him to do, so that she can
then remarry in the Catholic Church, now that she is becoming
a Catholic. The priests who are finagling the situation for her
Analysis tell her that they will finesse the situation for her, and since she
is changing faiths, the second faith will not recognize the
Some of Tolstoy's ideas about history were much ahead of marriage that occurred in the church it doesn't recognize. The
their time. For example, the idea that context is everything in extent of Hélène's narcissism and sense of entitlement is
examining a historical event and that history books have been evident in the way she attempts to bend the rules of two
skewed because they are written by the winners are modern religions to get what she wants, as well as the way in which
ideas. Tolstoy's notion that history is distorted when it focuses she treats her husband—not like a man, but like a function who
only on identified leaders or great personages instead of ought to serve her purposes.
everyday people was also radical for its time, but this
perspective is reflected in the way historians now approach
the study of historical periods. His assertion that time is Vol. 3, Part 3, Chapters 12–23
continuous and that therefore it is not possible to take a slice
of time and provide an objective interpretation of it, is
something that no quantum physicist would argue with.
Summary
Tolstoy attempts to illustrate—perhaps somewhat
imperfectly—his ideas about history by using Kutuzov's The Rostovs are among the last aristocrats in the city because
decision to retreat as an example. Kutuzov cannot pinpoint the the countess is waiting to see Petya, who is being transferred
moment he realized he would have to retreat, and he keeps to Pierre's Moscow regiment (Chapter 12). He finally arrives,
wondering about it. As he will say later, he did not want to lose and the family also gets a letter from Nikolai mentioning
Moscow and the army, too. So he chose to save the army, Princess Marya. On August 31, as the Rostovs are packing, the
knowing that the French would ultimately be destroyed, since wounded begin arriving in Moscow. The Rostovs and other
their spirit and their physical army has already been broken by wealthy families invite them to stay in their houses (Chapter
Borodino. 13). The servants learn that one of the wounded officers is
Prince Andrei, and they quietly bring him in (Chapter 14).
Pierre suffers post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of People realize that Moscow is being abandoned, and carts are

at a premium (Chapter 15). The Rostovs have brought about 30 put in harm's way. The count is hoping he will be relatively safe
carts from their estates, and now the wounded are asking for in Pierre's regiment. The Rostovs' generosity toward Andrei as
carts but the countess objects. When Natasha finds out that well as the soldiers is also exemplary. The servants
the men need carts, she shames her mother into giving up immediately take Andrei in, knowing that's what the family
most of them (Chapter 16). The Rostovs end up leaving town would want. When the countess and Sonya realize he is in the
with many fewer possessions and with the wounded Prince house, they don't hesitate to add him to their caravan, despite
Andrei in a covered carriage, once the countess and Sonya are his estrangement from the family. They initially don't tell
told he is in the house (Chapter 17). On the way out of town, Natasha because they are afraid of how she will receive the
the Rostovs meet Pierre walking in a coachman's kaftan, and news and wish to protect her.
they say goodbye to him.
This is a family on the verge of bankruptcy, and now that a war
In Chapter 18 the narrator relates that Pierre has been holed is on and people want to get out of town, they can earn a small
up in Bazdeev's house for two days. After his meeting with fortune for their carts. Instead they freely give almost all of
Rastopchin, the death of Andrei, and the letter from his wife, them to the wounded soldiers. Of course Natasha is the
Pierre begins to crack. When he gets word that his mentor's impetus for this generosity, but she simply brings the countess
wife wants him to take Bazdeev's books, he has a good reason back to herself and her values in this time of crisis, when the
to leave home. Pierre finds only the servant and Bazdeev's mad countess cannot help but think first about her family.
brother at the house, and he decides to stay. He asks the
servant to help him get a kaftan and a pistol, since he plans to Pierre's deteriorating mental state is evidenced by his behavior,
stay in town and help defend the city. When he met the as he has Bazdeev's servant help him procure what is
Rostovs, he is on his way to get the pistol. essentially a disguise—a coachman's outfit—and a gun. First,
he knows better than anybody that the city cannot be
Chapter 19 returns to the war, with the Russian troops defended. Second, why does he need a disguise? Because he
retreating through Moscow while Napoleon gets ready to has a plan brewing in his brain, which comes to fruition in
descend on the city. It is September 2. The emperor is Chapter 27. But the disguise is also symbolic of his wish to turn
prepared to be merciful and is waiting for a committee of his back on his former life and enter into a new way of being as
officials to greet him. But his generals have learned that a different person. He finds comfort in staying in the home of
Moscow has been abandoned. When Napoleon arrives, only a Bazdeev and reading his books, which take him back to the
small percentage of the population is left, and the narrator days when he was still enamored with Masonic ideas and
compares the empty city to a queenless beehive (Chapter 20). thought they could help him lead a better life. These were the
days in which he still had hope of transformation.
Chapter 21 describes the retreating Russian troops, passing
through just before the French arrive and taking with them Tolstoy somewhat gleefully imagines Napoleon as he waits to
most of the remaining Muscovites and the wounded. A few descend on the city, thinking that he will show the Russians
servants are still at the Rostovs, and the housekeeper gives how it is done—i.e., act the part of the generous and
money to a young officer and relative who comes to the door benevolent conqueror. Moscow, the original capital of Russia
(Chapter 22). Riots are beginning to break out among the before it was moved to Petersburg, is a great prize. As has
remaining populace, and one mob is growing and demanding to happened before, he expects the city fathers to welcome him
see the governor general (Chapter 23). with open arms. Instead he finds an empty shell of a city—not
much to lord over after all. Tolstoy uses one of his magnificent
epic similes at the beginning of Chapter 20 to compare empty
Analysis Moscow to a beehive that has been abandoned: "The entrance
does not give out, as before, a spiritous fragrant smell of honey
The love in the Rostov family is exemplified by the family's and venom, no feeling of the warmth of fullness comes from it,
willingness to remain in danger until everyone can see Petya but the smell of honey is mingled with a smell of emptiness and
one more time. The countess is now beside herself because rot."
she has two sons in the service. Petya is her youngest, and it is
especially painful for her to cope with the idea that he may be

people show him respect and deference. He has worked very

Vol. 3, Part 3, Chapters 24–29 hard, using his poster propaganda campaign to make people
think that the army will save Moscow, even long after it is
apparent that this is not going to happen. He has no remorse
Summary about lying to people to get what he wants. He is outraged that
Kutuzov is abandoning Moscow, less because he feels for the
In Chapter 24 Rastopchin is angry for being left out of the citizens, but more because it is his city, and he is losing his
decision-making loop by Kutuzov, who then adds insult to injury domain. When he gets the notice from Kutuzov about the
by asking for a police escort for the retreating troops who retreat, he spitefully relinquishes responsibility, making
must go through the city. The egotistical Rastopchin feels reckless decisions such as letting out all the prisoners and
marginalized, and once he learns he has no city left to govern, madmen who are incarcerated. When he feels some danger to
makes a lot of reckless decisions. In Chapter 25 a gang of himself because the mob has come to him for an accounting,
people (the mob in Chapter 23) demands to see him, claiming he doesn't think twice about throwing an innocent
they have orders from him to fight the French. To divert the victim—somebody who may or may not even be guilty of
angry crowd's attention, Rastopchin brings Vereshchagin out, sedition—into the hungry maw of their rage.
saying he is responsible for the fall of Moscow and directs
them to beat him. The crowd essentially tears Vereshchagin Tolstoy also addresses the historical speculation about who
apart and kills him. burned Moscow. Was it the French or the Russians? Certainly
the Russians had begun using a "scorched earth" policy as
When the French arrive, they are tired and hungry and set up they retreated. And it was not uncommon for enemy armies to
headquarters in the Kremlin (Chapter 26). The commander destroy the cities they conquered. But what is more likely is
forbids the soldiers to loot or perpetrate violence. Nonetheless that the city burned inadvertently, as a result of the combined
they loot, tempted by the riches of the empty city. The narrator actions of the French and the Russians.
speculates that Moscow is eventually burned down because
property owners had left their wooden structures behind, and Pierre experiences a temporary psychosis—a departure from
with no one there to care for them except for a careless, reality—in which he thinks he is destined to kill Napoleon. This
occupying army, it was inevitable that the city would be has been brought on by his war trauma, his feelings about
destroyed. Natasha, and his sadness as well as his isolation. It also makes
him momentarily like Andrei, who earlier in the novel wanted to
Pierre is still in Bazdeev's house and tottering on the edge of a play a major part on the stage of world history and who forgot
mental breakdown (Chapter 27). He returns to his earlier for a long time to pay attention to his private life. His
thoughts about a mystical connection between his name and confession to the French soldier about his love for Natasha is
Bonaparte's and how he is destined to stop him. His original cathartic, allowing him to feel better and to see more clearly
idea of defending the city has morphed into a plan to rather than diverting his feelings into an unrealistic fantasy of
assassinate Napoleon. As the French occupy the city, an assassination. As is seen in Chapter 33, he becomes less
officer comes into Bazdeev's home (Chapter 28). Just then interested in killing Napoleon.
Bazdeev's mad brother comes out with the pistol and tries to
shoot him, and Pierre takes the gun away, saving the officer's
life. Pierre then attempts to leave, but the officer asks him to Vol. 3, Part 3, Chapters 30–34
stay and the two of them become friends (Chapter 29). They
have dinner and talk about women, and Pierre confesses a
long-standing love for Natasha.
Summary
The Rostov train, which includes some of the wounded, has
Analysis stopped about 13 miles from Moscow (Chapter 30). On
September 2 they see from a distance the first fires of
Rastopchin is the worst kind of leader: a man who goes into
Moscow burning. Sonya has now told Natasha that Andrei is
politics or government simply to feel like a "big shot" and have

traveling with them (Chapter 31). In the middle of the night, she knows there is no use arguing with Natasha about becoming
sneaks into Andrei's room to see him. When he sees her "he Andrei's nurse. Further she also understands that nursing
smiled and gave her his hand." Andrei has been in and out of Andrei is the best medicine for her daughter, even if it means
consciousness, but his realization of a divine love that suffering the pain of holding him as he dies. This suffering that
pervades everything remains (Chapter 32). When he wakes up Natasha will undergo will also trigger a radical change in her,
she is beside him, asking for forgiveness, and he declares that demonstrating one of the major themes of the novel, that
he loves her "more, better, than before." From then on she suffering leads to transformation.
remains at Andrei's side, and the countess does not interfere,
even when Andrei's doctor says it is likely he will "die in her Pierre is also undergoing a change. He is coming back to
daughter's arms during the journey." himself and gets past the idea of killing Napoleon. His bravery
and compassion are in evidence, first when he rescues the
Back in Moscow Pierre wakes up, half-heartedly remembers child who has been separated from her mother, and second
his intention to kill Napoleon, and quietly leaves Bazdeev's in when he interferes when the French soldier puts his hands on
his workman's disguise (Chapter 33). As Pierre surveys the the Armenian woman. As is usual when Pierre loses his temper,
burning city, he encounters a woman who asks him to help her it is difficult to stop him. Also in evidence in this scene is how
save her child. The girl was accidentally left behind by the the orderly French army is becoming an amoral occupying
family after they evacuated a burning house. Pierre goes back mob, as two soldiers openly steal from an old man and try to
to the fire and finds the child hiding under a bench, and he force themselves on his daughter. Thus Pierre will now have to
brings her to her mother. In Chapter 34 Pierre sees two French face a new chapter in his life as a prisoner of war.
soldiers stealing boots from an Armenian man and sexually
harassing his daughter, and he begins beating one of them.
Soon he is seized by the French, who find a dagger on him. Vol. 4, Part 1, Chapters 1–4
They immediately take him for an arsonist. When they ask him
who he is, Pierre refuses to give his name, and he is taken to
jail.
Summary
In addition to news about the war, Petersburg is talking about
Analysis the illness of Countess Bezukhov (Hélène), who is being
treated by an Italian doctor from whom she recently obtained
Sonya, ever the friend to her cousin Natasha, tells her that
an abortion (Chapter 1). But at Anna Pavlovna's salon, people
Andrei is among them. Natasha finally has a chance to beg for
say she is suffering from angina (severe chest pain). The
Andrei's forgiveness; moreover, she still loves him, so she is
Petersburg aristocrats have heard that the Russians were
compelled to see him. While Andrei is gravely ill and in and out
victorious at Borodino (Chapter 2). The next day Countess
of awareness, the spiritual exaltation that began on the
Bezukhov dies suddenly from angina, although people say she
battlefield is still with him. He has never stopped loving
deliberately took an overdose of medicine because one of her
Natasha, but now he understands her better because of his
lovers was jealous and her husband wouldn't give her a
greater compassion. Once one person understands another
divorce.
and can put themselves in the other's place, it becomes
difficult to remain judgmental. The upheaval of their lives, A few days later Petersburg learns about the occupation of
caused by the war and their distance from an aristocratic Moscow. Several days later Kutuzov sends a messenger to
society that continually engages in deception and hypocritical Tsar Alexander. He explains that Kutuzov chose the lesser of
judgment, allows both of them to see the other more clearly. two evils in abandoning Moscow, because if he had tried to
The close presence of war puts things in perspective, and false defend the city, he would have lost it and his army, too
pride is dwarfed before the enormity of death and destruction. (Chapter 3). The sovereign learns the troops are in good spirits
Moreover the love that Andrei feels for Natasha is much larger and only fear he will negotiate with Napoleon. Alexander sends
than his previous feelings of bitterness and betrayal. back the message that he will fight Napoleon to the last man.
The countess understands her daughter perfectly, and she In Chapter 4 Tolstoy debunks historical accounts that make

much of widespread patriotism during 1812, asserting that

most people paid no attention to the war. Moreover those most Vol. 4, Part 1, Chapters 5–8
intimately involved in the defense of Russia said little and
simply soldiered on. Nikolai Rostov, for example, has been sent
to Voronezh to buy new horses for his division. When Nikolai Summary
visits the governor, he promises him horses and other
assistance and then invites him for a social evening. Nikolai is At the governor's party, Princess Marya's wealthy aunt, Mrs.
the star of the event—a handsome, brave, and eligible Malvintsev, asks to see Nikolai (Chapter 5). She lives in
bachelor—and enjoys himself by flirting with all the ladies. Voronezh and invites Nikolai to call at her house, where Marya
is currently staying. The governor's wife then asks Nikolai if he
would like her to arrange a match with Marya, and he agrees
Analysis but explains to her his predicament with Sonya. She
immediately tells him it is impossible for him to marry a
Hélène Bezukhov's life of debauchery is finally catching up with penniless girl, and Nikolai is relieved.
her. The Petersburg crowd knows that "the lovely countess's
illness came from the inconvenience of marrying two husbands The older women arrange a visit for Nikolai and Marya
at once, and that the Italian's treatment consisted in removing (Chapter 6). Since Marya is still in mourning for her father,
that inconvenience." The fact that Hélène is a leading light in there are no immediate expectations. Marya is nervous about
Petersburg society, despite the fact that she is unfaithful to her the visit, but when she sees Nikolai she is natural and
husband, keeps two lovers, and finally has an abortion, speaks charming. Although Marya is plain, she has "shining eyes," and
volumes about the people she associates with. For Tolstoy the her feelings for Nikolai bring out an unexpected, striking
city of Petersburg, with its salons, French aristocrats, court beauty in her. Nikolai sees her inner, spiritual beauty as well
intrigue, and petty gossip, is the epitome of continental and is struck by it, and he has the sense that she is "an utterly
decadence borrowed from the French. Moreover Hélène may special and extraordinary being."
have been one of the most prominent people in Petersburg, but

Voronezh gets the news about Borodino in mid-September,
they are nonetheless happy to judge her behavior and to
and Marya also learns her brother is wounded and prepares to
gossip about her behind her back. On the other hand, the
go look for him (Chapter 7). Before leaving Voronezh, Nikolai
Muscovites, who abandoned their city rather than suffer under
gets two letters from home. Sonya writes that the Rostovs
French rule and who sacrificed a great deal of wealth and
have lost most of their wealth and for that reason—together
peace of mind in a patriotic exodus, are exemplars of the
with his mother's wish that he marry Marya and his own recent
Russian soul. Without discussion or forethought, the
silence—she is releasing him from his promise. The countess
community of Muscovites with means collectively agrees not to
writes to him about the flight from Moscow and that Natasha
provide the French with the satisfaction of ruling over them or
and Sonya are caring for Andrei. Nikolai immediately shares
acceding to occupation by living with the enemy of their
the news with Marya, which brings them closer together.
beloved homeland. Petersburg is all form and no content, while
Moscow is form that reflects the people's content. It is not Sonya's letter was the result of troubles at home (Chapter 8).
surprising that Hélène kills herself, since it is impossible to The countess had been making Sonya's life difficult but finally
sustain hardship if a person cannot draw strength from an appealed to her conscience, asking her to give up Nikolai in
inner life. repayment for all the family had done for her. While Sonya is
used to sacrificing for the family, this is one sacrifice too many.
When Alexander hears that the army is in good spirits and
The family and Andrei are staying at a monastery, and Andrei
ready to keep fighting the French, he is gratified, sending back
seems to be getting better. Sonya then realizes that if Natasha
to Kutuzov the message that he has no intention of giving up
and Andrei marry, it will be impossible for Nikolai to marry
the fatherland to the French emperor: "Tell our brave men ...
Marya, since the Orthodox Russian church forbids marrying
that when I have no soldiers left, I will personally put myself at
one's in-law. For that reason she agrees to the countess's
the head of my dear nobility, of my good peasants, and will
request.
thus use every last resource of my empire."

town. He also gives the name of the French officer he helped

Analysis as proof. Pierre makes human contact with the Frenchman
when he looks into his eyes. He is then taken with the other
Nikolai has an opportunity to seriously pursue a match with
prisoners to be executed (Chapter 11). As he watches the men
Marya Bolkonsky when he comes to Voronezh. He confides in
before him get shot, he sees that they cannot believe what's
the governor general's wife that he is not entirely free to woo,
happening to them. He also sees that the men doing the
and she confirms what his mother has been saying all
shooting know themselves to be criminals. After the fifth
along—that it is impossible for him to marry Sonya and both of
execution, Pierre is separated from the group and left to wait in
them should be mature enough to understand that. Nikolai is
a ruined church (Chapter 12). He learns he has been pardoned
not a dishonorable man, but he has not been entirely honest
and is taken back to the barracks of the prisoners of war.
with Sonya, probably because he has also been lying to
Pierre is spiritually devastated, his faith in God and goodness
himself.
destroyed.
He has been reluctant to marry Sonya since the beginning of
In prison Pierre notices a little peasant man who asks him if
the novel. Even going back to the first chapters, he flirts with
he's seen a lot of misery and then tells him not to grieve. The
Julie Karagin at Natasha's name-day party and forgets about
peasant, whose name is Platon, gives him some potatoes. He
Sonya. Although she genuinely loves him—and not like a
has an odd habit of saying wise proverbs but when asked to
brother, as she once claimed—he doesn't love her romantically.
repeat them forgets what he said. Pierre learns that Platon
Rather he loves her more like a sister than anything else.
experienced some prosperity as a peasant but was convicted
Marya is a good match for him, not only because she is
of trespassing on someone's land and sent to serve in the
wealthy, but also because her intense inner life compliments
army. This turned out to be a blessing for his family because he
his externally oriented personality. His awe of her spiritual gifts
served in place of his married brother, who had children. Pierre
can serve to rein in his impulsivity and violence, and the fact
stays with the same prisoners for about a month (Chapter 13).
that he recognizes her merits shows that he has grown over
Later Platon is the one he remembers best as "the
the course of the novel, becoming more thoughtful and aware.
embodiment of everything Russian, kindly, and round." Pierre is
Nikolai's reluctance to marry Sonya is clearly evident in his
impressed that while Platon seems to have no personal
happiness when she releases him.
attachments or friendships, he loved "everything that life
For her part Sonya believes that she will be able to marry brought his way, especially other people."
Nikolai in the end because he will not be allowed to marry
Marya. Thus she feels generous enough to take a gamble and
release him from his promise. But it is a poor bet to make if Analysis
Nikolai does not want to marry her in the first place, which
seems to be the case. Sonya is deluding herself, and her love is Pierre's time as a prisoner of war is another leg on his spiritual
destined to remain unrequited. journey. At first he refuses to give anyone his name, thinking it
might make things worse for him. But this is unlikely, since the
French would be more likely to treat a nobleman with more
Vol. 4, Part 1, Chapters 9–13 mercy. Rather it seems as if he is symbolically jettisoning his
old identity, which began when he decided to stay in Moscow
and first donned the coachman's kaftan. When Pierre comes
before the Frenchman who will determine whether he lives or
Summary dies, he finally reveals his name and provides sufficient proof
that he is not a random arsonist or terrorist. It also helps that
Chapter 9 returns the reader to Moscow and to Pierre, who is
he makes eye contact with the man, in which they recognize
interrogated by the French and tried for arson. He answers all
one another's humanity. No doubt to teach him and the other
the questions truthfully but will not reveal who he is, which
prisoners a lesson, he is brought out to the field for execution
doesn't help his case. When he is questioned again, it is by a
and then pardoned at the last minute. But what he sees shakes
French officer known for his cruelty (Chapter 10). This time he
him to the core. He watches men murder other men in cold
tells his name and says he's a militia officer who never left
blood, and he sees how the condemned are surprised to die.

How does a person live in such a world? Natasha tells Marya that things with Andrei drastically changed
about two days ago.
When he gets back to prison and meets Platon, he is exposed
to an alternative way of coping with life. Platon is a peasant When Andrei wakes up, Marya feels chilled by his greeting,
who has been involuntarily drafted into the army for a minor which seems distant and cold (Chapter 15). Now she knows
offense—trespassing beyond the boundaries of the land he what Natasha means; her brother is moving away from the land
belongs to. It was not unusual for serfs to be sent to war of the living. In dying, Prince Andrei feels estranged from
involuntarily, and the militias that are raised in the novel use the earthly cares and experiences "a joyful and strange lightness
same system. An aristocrat could send his serfs to war, and a of being" (Chapter 16). Two days earlier he dreamed that death
district might be expected to provide a certain number of was behind a door, and he kept trying to close the door and
"souls" to fuel the war effort. Serfs drafted into the army were bolt it. But death pushed from the other side, "the two halves
required to serve 25 years during the time of the Napoleonic [of the door] open noiselessly," and death came in. Andrei
Wars, which was a lifetime in those days. If they did not die, woke up but realized he was awakening to death. The two
they usually never saw home or family again. women are with him when he dies shortly after, and they weep
together in an awareness of the mystery of death which they
Platon is middle–aged, and no doubt he was drafted a long have witnessed.
time ago. But he has learned to cope with his suffering through
love. Platon is a wise man who is not attached to anyone in
particular but who loves everybody and everything equally well. Analysis
He, too, is the embodiment of the Russian soul and practices
the highest form of Christianity. The fact that the exemplary In the past Marya was inclined to dislike Natasha, but at
Christian is an enslaved serf who is bound to the land Yaroslavl she immediately loves her because she sees how
highlights Tolstoy's view that the peasants had something much she loves Andrei. The two women come into a
important to teach the aristocrats about what it meant to be a communion of grief; their superficial dislike is not important
Russian. According to scholar Laura Olson, Platon is the enough in the face of their mutual love for Andrei and the
strongest portrait of "the folk" in War and Peace, and the gravity of death. The friendship that begins at Andrei's
"wandering lost, aristocratic hero finds his true path by way of deathbed develops into love and commitment between the two
this unself–conscious peasant." He will pull Pierre back from women and will be the basis for the new family that develops at
his emotional brink and help him learn a new way of being in the end of the novel and includes Pierre and Nikolai. For
the world. Tolstoy, women were the rock on which the family stood, and
his two heroines will develop into wives and mothers by the
end of the novel—their sacred calling, in Tolstoy's view. Their
Vol. 4, Part 1, Chapters 14–16 friendship will also take place within the circle of the family.
The prince has been seriously ill since he was taken off the
battlefield. When he first reunites with Natasha, he is joyful and
Summary seems to get back the spiritual vitality he lost when Natasha
betrayed him. Natasha inspires him to fight to live, and he
Princess Marya is on her way to the Rostovs in Yaroslavl to see
makes remarkable progress. But he runs out of physical vitality.
her brother in Chapter 14. She is happy because she knows
"Can it be that fate brought us together so strangely only so
that Nikolai loves her and she loves him, but she is also grieving
that I should die?" he thinks. "I love her more than anything in
for her brother whom she dearly loves. It is almost as if the love
the world. But what am I to do if I love her?" At this point he
for Nikolai Rostov gives her strength to cope with the illness of
realizes that the scales of life and death are not weighted in his
Andrei. When Marya meets the family, she feels awkward and
favor. Andrei thinks about death and how "love hinders death"
out of place, but when Natasha comes out to greet her, she
because "love is life." When he falls asleep, he has the dream
immediately feels at home. She recognizes immediately in
of death, which lets him know that his time is running out. Try
Natasha "a sincere companion in grief, and therefore her
as he might to bolt the door, death will have its way. After that
friend." Marya also realizes that her brother is mortally ill.
Andrei begins to let go of life, which is the state Marya finds

him in. The women who loved him witness Andrei separate of loot with them, which will turn out to be a liability when they
himself from life and then slip away. again try to engage the Russians.
Vol. 4, Part 2, Chapters 1–10 Analysis

Tolstoy's argument that events unfold from a totality of causes
is a rebuttal of the idea that any one person—a Napoleon, for
Summary example—is a world mover. The Russian strategy was part
luck, part necessity. The Russians actually retreat down the
Tolstoy begins his final volume with another nonfiction gloss
Ryazan road, move to the Tula road, and then go south to the
that returns to the idea that events unfold as the result of the
Kuluga road before reaching Tarutino, according to a footnote
totality of causes, which are inaccessible to the human mind
in the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation of the novel. The
(Chapter 1). But there are laws that govern events, and these
translators explain that the Russian army at Tarutino
laws may be examined. The narrator briefly examines the
prevented the French from gaining access to food in the
Russian retreat, which history called brilliant strategy, but
southern Russian provinces or to military supplies in cities like
actually was a combination of common sense and good
Tula. Meanwhile two regiments of Cossacks continued to
fortune—in that other events did not intervene to create
retreat down the Ryazan road, and they were followed by
additional problems. The "famous flanking march" was merely a
General Murat, who then lost sight of the larger army.
straight back movement and then toward the side where the
Russians could have access to provisions (Chapter 2). In the novel Tolstoy gives Kutuzov credit for understanding
According to Tolstoy, Kutuzov should be given credit not for that the French army would eventually self-destruct, and for
strategic genius, but rather for his understanding that the that reason he avoids engaging them as much as possible so
French "beast" had been mortally wounded and for keeping his as not to unnecessarily lose men. But at Tarutino he gives the
troops from fighting unnecessary battles. When a Cossack order to fight once the Russians spot the enemy because that
soldier out on patrol spots the left flank of General Murat's is what everyone expects. He knows it won't make that much
army, Kutuzov is forced to engage (Chapter 3). The Cossacks difference. Still it is a morale booster and puts the French on
fight the enemy a few days later at the Battle of Tarutino, but in the defensive.
their enthusiasm to take booty—cannons, horses, saddles, and
so forth—they do not pursue the French (Chapter 4–7). The Tolstoy makes fun of Napoleon when he explains that there
battle has the usual multiple elements of chaos, and Kutuzov were other things he could have done besides go back to his
delays the rest of his army so there is no further engagement. original position and then travel on a road with no access to
Nonetheless Tarutino puts the Russians on the offensive and supplies. The smart thing would have been to winter in
exposes the weakness of the French. Moscow, but things have gotten too chaotic in the city and the
disorder of his troops as well as the lack of supplies are good
Tolstoy turns to analyze Napoleon's actions after he takes reasons to leave. After Tarutino Napoleon makes one last
Moscow in Chapter 8. He could have easily wintered in the city attempt to pursue the enemy farther into Russia, but the army
and had access to supplies and clothing. Instead "Napoleon is hard to find. The narrator reiterates that Napoleon was not
the genius" ultimately ends up retreating up the same road he directing these events. Rather he "was like a child who, holding
originally traveled down (the Smolensk road), where there are the straps tied inside a carriage, fancies that he is driving it."
no supplies or supply lines, effectively annihilating his army. Tolstoy's vilification and mockery of Napoleon, in a book in
After Napoleon sends General Murat to find Kutuzov, he which the other characters are a mix of flaws and good
fortifies the Kremlin and draws up a plan to conquer Russia qualities, occasionally feels jarring. But Tolstoy was trying to
(Chapter 9). He attempts to restore order in the city without challenge the cultural perception of Napoleon as an almost
much success, as his troops continue looting (Chapter 10). The superhuman being; perhaps he could accomplish his purpose
army, "like a herd let loose, trampling underfoot the fodder that only by veering strongly in the opposite direction.
might save it from starvation, was falling apart and perishing
with every extra day it spent in Moscow." His army takes a lot

important for the French to keep control of the prisoners on

Vol. 4, Part 2, Chapters 11–14 the march, so there is no room for the previous camaraderie.
When Pierre tries to intervene on behalf of the sick prisoner,
his efforts are rebuffed. Once they are on the march, Pierre
Summary has to get used to an added layer of discomfort. But when they
stop and rest and he has time to collect his thoughts, he takes
Back in Moscow Pierre hears that the troops are departing refuge in the idea that freedom, like happiness, is a question of
(Chapter 11). He has lost some weight in jail, his clothes are one's state of mind, not one's material circumstances.
tattered, and his hair and beard are full of lice. Nevertheless he
is in good spirits. The narrator says that while Pierre has
looked for peace within himself in so many directions before Vol. 4, Part 2, Chapters 15–19
being captured, he now has found that peace as a result of
being exposed to death and privation and through his
friendship with Platon (Chapter 12). For the first time Pierre
appreciates the comforts and freedom he previously enjoyed
Summary
but took for granted, and he dreams of being free again. When
Once Napoleon is on the march in the beginning of October, he
the French break camp, they take the prisoners along with
sends an envoy to General Kutuzov with a second peace offer
them (Chapter 13). Pierre advocates for a sick prisoner, but the
that is quickly rejected (Chapter 15). Elements of the Russian
French corporal who was previously friendly now doesn't care,
army have turned into guerilla fighters, and Dokhturov's
saying, "He can walk." The animosity between the French and
partisans see a French division separated from the rest, which
the Russian prisoners increases, especially when the French
they could easily wipe out. He gets permission to attack, but
realize one prisoner has escaped (Chapter 14). Despite the
upon arriving at the place of battle learns that the entire
added hardship of the forced march, Pierre thinks, "They're
French army is now assembling there (Chapter 16). Dokhturov
holding me prisoner. Who, me? Me? Me—my immortal soul!"
sends an envoy to Kutuzov to find out what to do, and when
and he laughs.
Kutuzov learns that Napoleon is on the move, he is overjoyed
(Chapters 16–17). Now "Kutuzov's entire activity consists only
of restraining his troops, by power, cunning, and entreaties,
Analysis from useless attacks, maneuvers, and clashes with the
perishing enemy." At this point Napoleon's troops have begun
All his life Pierre has been dissatisfied. As a very rich aristocrat,
to desert. In one action Cossack guerillas happened upon the
he has had fine clothes, fine food, the best education, and
emperor's suite and could have captured him, except they
access to women, power, and influence. Still in his young life he
were too busy re-stealing the booty taken from Moscow.
has struggled to figure out what his occupation should be. Now
"Napoleon, with his forty-year-old's potbelly, feeling himself no
that choice has been taken away from him, he realizes how
longer as nimble and brave as before, understood that hint,"
precious it is. One thing he considers is that perhaps striving
the narrator says, and orders a retreat back to the Smolensk
for happiness is a useless effort. He recalls that Andrei once
road. With the French in retreat, various Russian commanders
told him that happiness is a negative, and now he agrees. "The
want to attack them (Chapter 19). Kutuzov continues trying to
absence of suffering, the satisfaction of one's needs, and the
hold them back to avoid unnecessary loss of Russian lives, but
resulting freedom to choose one's occupation, that is, one's
some of them attack anyway and thousands of men are lost.
way of life, now seemed to Pierre the highest and most
unquestionable human happiness," the narrator says.
When the French come to move the prisoners, Pierre again Analysis
experiences that "indifferent force that makes people kill their
own kind against their will, that force the effect of which he Tolstoy takes the opportunity in these chapters to praise some
had seen during the execution." The corporal who had unsung heroes who did not make it into most historical
befriended him now treats him like a stranger because he has accounts of this war. Dokhturov is one of them. He sends a
slipped back into the role of jailer and enemy. It will be reliable messenger to Kutuzov, and for once things go right:

the messenger insists on seeing the general; the people who drummer boy, but he doesn't know anything valuable (Chapter
receive the envoy understand the importance of his message; 5). Tikhon, Denison's scout, fails to come back with a French
and Kutuzov understands that the French are definitively informant (Chapter 6). Denisov then brings Petya back to
beaten. These chapters also show how the greed of the camp, and he learns the young man took part in the Battle of
soldiers on the Russian side prevents them from doing their Vyazma (Chapter 7). Petya is so happy to be among the
duty. Again the Cossacks loot the French when they come seasoned men, and he shares whatever he has, including a
upon Murat's army and fail to pursue the enemy, losing an five-pound bag of raisins. He timidly asks if the drummer boy
opportunity to capture Napoleon. The narrator also pokes fun can be given some food, and Denisov readily agrees.
at his nemesis, the potbellied Napoleon, who is looking less
and less like a world conqueror. Unlike Napoleon, Kutuzov is
not interested in glory. Unlike most of the other Russian Analysis
generals and commanders, he is not interested in revenge. He
is interested in getting the French off his soil and losing as few At the beginning of Part 3, Tolstoy shows how conventional
lives as possible in the process. The commander-in-chief has a historical ideas are turned on their head by what happened in
rare quality in a military leader—wisdom. Russia in 1812. While the Russians technically lost the Battle of
Borodino in August, the consequences that would normally
follow from such a defeat did not follow. Rather the 600,000-
Vol. 4, Part 3, Chapters 1–7 man army of Napoleon that entered Russia in midyear "ceased
to exist" by the end of the year. Moreover the Russians did not
use Napoleon's play book: the aristocracy and people in power
did not submit to his yoke, as had been done in other parts of
Summary Europe; the people willingly sacrificed their own livelihoods so
that Napoleon would not have access to supplies; and the
In Chapter 1 the narrator reflects on the conventional historical
soldiers attacked the French by stealth. The Cossacks are
view that military success determines the power of respective
mentioned several times in the novel, and these independent,
countries. In the war of 1812 between the French and the
fierce fighters from southern Russia and the Ukraine are a
Russians, the rule book did not apply. While the French won
natural match for the partisan actions of the military men in the
the Battle of Borodino, they lost the war because the Russians
regular army.
did not play by the book. While Napoleon wanted to fence,
Kutuzov and the Russian people took out a club: they The introduction of Petya back into the story once again
retreated, they burned their towns and their fields, and they illustrates the theme that war is an immoral, unnecessary
used guerilla warfare. Chapter 2 addresses partisan warfare. waste of life, and that people are deluded by notions of honor
The Russians in small groups inflicted additional damage on when it comes to killing their fellow beings. Petya, now 16,
the French as they retreated west. The partisan war began wants to prove himself among the men. He clings to Denisov,
when the French came into Smolensk (Chapter 3). However the friend of his elder brother, and when he gets back to camp,
the Cossacks and the peasants already had been killing he is eager to share all that he has with the brother
deserters and marauding enemy soldiers as a matter of soldiers—his raisins, for example. He thinks about the drummer
course. boy, and even though initially worried about looking foolish, he
asks if he can give him food. "Ah, what can I do for him?" he
Denisov and Dolokhov are among the early partisans, and in
thinks, as he opens the door for the boy. The drummer boy is
late October they have their eye on a French transport. As the
probably closer in age to Petya than the partisan fighters, and
partisans discuss the matter, a young officer and a Cossack
this interaction highlights Petya's youth and innocence, which
come down to meet them with a letter from a general who
is about to be spent on his childish desire for glory.
wants to join forces to attack the transport (Chapter 4). The
messenger turns out to be Petya Rostov, and Denisov greets
him warmly. Denisov is annoyed by the letter because he
doesn't want to share the booty, but he agrees that Petya can
stay with him. One of Denisov's men has captured a prisoner, a

man who is unjustly convicted of murder and exonerated after

Vol. 4, Part 3, Chapters 8–15 many years, but who then dies before the pardon reaches him.
This time the story—in which the victim forgives the true
perpetrator and says that all are sinful and he is suffering for
Summary his own sins—makes a strong impression on Pierre, and he is
filled with joy. Later he sees Platon by a birch tree, with tears in
In Chapter 8 Dolokhov, whose reputation as a brave and cruel his eyes; Platon calls Pierre over, but Pierre pretends not to
fighter precedes him, comes into camp, and Petya tries to hide see him (Chapter 14). The prisoners begin to move, and the
that he is awestruck. Dolokhov asks Denisov for an update and sick Platon is shot. In Chapter 15 Pierre wakes up to gunshots,
then mocks him for letting prisoners go. Denisov asks him why and the prisoners are rescued by Dolokhov and Denisov.
he cannot send captured men to town under guard but he
simply "smirks" and says he has no time for "niceties."
Analysis
Dolokhov thinks they need more intelligence about the enemy,
so he means to disguise himself as a Frenchman and sneak Denisov and Dolokhov are a study in contrast in these
into their camp. He asks for a volunteer, and Petya begs to go chapters, and something very important happens that is easy
with him. Dolokhov and Petya ride into the French camp to miss: the brutality of war converts Denisov to Dolokhov's
(Chapter 9). Dolokhov, bold as brass, avoids giving the point of view. Thus Tolstoy returns to the theme of the
password and is soon questioning the French about how many immorality of war. Denisov is a moral man who believes that
men they have, how many battalions, and how many prisoners. even in war there should be some rules, which is the idea
The French are slightly suspicious, but the two of them pull off behind such modern institutions as the Geneva Conventions.
the ruse. They ride out of camp, and Dolokhov tells Petya to Since the partisans cannot house prisoners, Denisov sends
convey the message that "it's set for dawn." Petya is overcome them under guard, presumably to some place where they can
with love for this Russian hero and insists on kissing him, and be kept, and Dolokhov makes fun of him for doing so. The rules
Dolokhov laughs and then rides away. of war, as evidenced in the novel, are that prisoners are not
generally killed by the enemy—and may even be sent to a
Denisov is beside himself worrying about Petya and relieved
hospital—as Andrei was sent by the French in Austerlitz.
when he gets back to camp (Chapter 10). Petya is excited
about the next day and doesn't get much sleep. Before dawn For the most part, Dolokhov is a cruel and immoral man, albeit
Denisov and his party get ready to ride out (Chapter 11), and he a brave soldier and guerilla fighter. He sees no reason to
tells Petya, "listen to me and don't poke your nose anywhere." burden himself or Russia with unnecessary enemy prisoners,
After a signal is given, the Cossacks and hussars begin riding and he simply kills them, with no worry about tarnishing his
toward the enemy. Petya, hungry for action, rides toward the honor. That same ruthlessness paired with bravery is
gunfire at the manor house in the enemy camp. Shots are evidenced in his visit to the enemy camp pretending to be a
coming from the house, and Dolokhov tells his men to go Frenchman. Of course, this was something a Russian
around the back and wait for the infantry. Petya instead gallops aristocrat could do, since French was virtually their native
toward the shots, and Dolokhov and the Cossacks follow. The language. Dolokhov doesn't think twice about taking the green
French surrender, but not before Petya is shot dead. Denisov is Petya with him, while Denisov worries about him and is relieved
devastated, and this time he refuses to take prisoners. when he returns safely. When Petya, who is playing at war,
runs into the line of fire and is killed, Denisov is overcome with
Chapter 12 moves back in time slightly to October 22 and the
grief, because he loves Nikolai Rostov and, by extension, his
Russian prisoners of war. Platon has a bad fever and is
little brother. His grief turns to anger, and when Dolokhov
growing weaker, and Pierre distances himself from him. More
"walk[s] quickly to the prisoners surrounded by dismounted
than 100 prisoners have already died, and Pierre ignores the
Cossacks" and says, "We won't take any!" the narrator notes
fact that the prisoners who fall behind are shot. He finds
that "Denisov did not reply."
himself near Platon when the campfire is struck and asks
about his health (Chapter 13). Soon Platon launches into a Later, in Chapter 13, the Cossack with Dolokhov is counting the
parable he has told several times before about an innocent prisoners,"[g]oing on the second hundred," and he says, "Filez,

filez," meaning "step lively," as he meets their eyes with a gaze bad is only a recognition of one's own insignificance and
that flashed "a cruel gleam." Denisov is busy burying Petya, but immeasurable littleness," he says. Further, "there is no
he doesn't say anything, and he knows that Dolokhov plans to greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness, and truth."
execute all of them. Thus he gives his tacit consent. A world so
uprooted by war opens the door for even moral people to Some of the Russian people wonder why all of the French
commit terrible acts, and even more so for people with few were not captured by the end of the campaign of 1812
scruples. Commonly the few measures agreed upon by military (Chapter 19). Tolstoy notes such a feat would have been
leaders to make the process of killing somewhat regulated, impossible because of the disorder of the French army, and it
such as sparing the lives of soldiers who have surrendered, are was also unnecessary. In fact the Russian army acted "like a
ignored without consequence. Every war without exception whip on a running animal," as the remaining French made the
has its atrocities, which Tolstoy knew. long journey back to the Niemen River.
The cruel exigencies of war also tell on Pierre, who begins

ignoring his friend and spiritual mentor, Platon, because he Analysis
knows that soon the French will shoot him. Platon's story
buoys Pierre, since it is a reminder of how a wise man handles Tolstoy sees tragedy, not just in what happened to the
suffering (with both compassion and a lack of emotion). But Russians, but also in what happened to the French. While he
Pierre cannot show compassion to his friend. In his situation shows hatred for Napoleon, he feels compassion for the army.
the first priority is survival, and Platon is a liability. He avoids The men in Napoleon's army, who were a cross-section of
the suffering of interacting with his friend for the last time, by many nationalities, suffered great hardship in the Russian
pretending he doesn't see Platon calling him. Grief is Pierre's winter, and the narrator describes "men freezing or roasting to
enemy and can impact his ability to fight for survival; moreover death by campfires," even while the "emperor, kings, and dukes
Platon now represents death, which Pierre is trying to avoid. in fur coats [continued driving] in carriages filled with stolen
Therefore he puts aside compassion and doesn't think about goods." By Tolstoy's reckoning, the Grande Armée of Napoleon
what happens next. had been reduced to some 36,000 between Moscow and
Vyazma.
Vol. 4, Part 3, Chapters 16–19 The retreat and attack as the French withdraw from Russia
has the same chaotic aspects of war the narrator has been
describing up until now: sometimes the French accidentally run
into the Russians, while the Russian army has difficulty
Summary ascertaining where the enemy is most of the time, since they
had no cavalry patrols. Tolstoy criticizes the senselessness of
In Chapter 16 the narrator describes the defeat of the French the French campaign at this point in the war, pointing out how
in tragic terms. The French army "melted away and was ludicrous it is for historians to describe the army's strategy
annihilated." Their chaotic retreat and the equally chaotic when there was no strategy.
Russian attacks are described by the narrator as "a game of
blindman's buff, when two players are blindfolded and one Tolstoy also criticizes the Russian historians who parse
occasionally rings a little bell to let the catcher know where he Kutuzov's actions and find him coming up short. "[I]t was
is" (Chapter 17). In the end the leader of the Grande Armée senseless to waste our troops on the destruction of the French
abandoned his men. "Whoever could, also rode off," the army, which was being annihilated without any external causes
narrator says, "whoever could not surrendered or died." in such a progression, that ... [they brought] across the border
... one hundredth of the entire army."
In Chapter 18 Tolstoy reiterates that, despite the views of
historians, the character of the retreat was in no way
orchestrated by Napoleon. He criticizes historians for calling
Napoleon great, when he did so much harm: "[T]he recognition
of a greatness not measurable by the measure of good and

running after the French. Although Kutuzov tries to avoid it, the
Vol. 4, Part 4, Chapters 1–3 Russians fight the French for three days. Kutuzov is criticized
both by his generals and later historians for delaying the
engagement of his troops in battle and for letting Napoleon get
Summary away. Tolstoy decries the fact that Napoleon is lauded and
Kutuzov criticized, when Napoleon never showed any human
In Chapter 1, Natasha and Marya mourn Prince Andrei. They dignity while Kutuzov acted out of love for his country.
speak little but keep each other company, and they never
speak of the future, which seems like "an offense to his After Krasnoe the French keep running, and the Russians
memory." In Chapter 2 the family gets word of Petya's death, chase them to Berezina but cannot engage them (Chapter 10).
and the countess falls apart. The only one who can comfort her The generals are angry with Kutuzov again for not chasing the
is Natasha. In Chapter 3 Princess Marya postpones leaving. French past the Russian border, which would have been
Natasha is constantly at her mother's side, makes her eat and pointless. Kutuzov gets word that the emperor is displeased
drink, and talks to her to keep her from going mad. Marya and with his performance and will be arriving any day. He realizes
Natasha's friendship blossoms, and they become best friends, he is about to get fired again, so he moves the troops to Vilno
although their natures are very different. At the end of January and informally retires. Alexander scolds him for his military
1813, Marya and Natasha leave for Moscow. mistakes, but nonetheless bestows on him Russia's highest
honor, the Order of St. George, first degree (Chapter 11).
Kutuzov is eased out of command as the staff is reorganized,
Analysis and Alexander becomes commander-in-chief. Kutuzov dies
shortly after.
As is common with people who suffer a great grief, Natasha
and Marya cannot tolerate anyone not in their circle of sorrow.
Natasha is forced out of her isolation, however, by Petya's Analysis
death. One sorrow is temporarily displaced by two others—the
death of her brother and collapse of the countess. Natasha's Kutuzov's activity—the narrator doesn't call it a strategy—was
vitality is what saves her mother: "Natasha's love, persistent, never accidental or temporary, and was consistent throughout
patient, not as an explanation, not as a consolation, but as a the war. He knew "with all his Russian being ... what every
summons to life, enveloped the countess on all sides every Russian soldier felt," which was that the French were defeated.
second." In this passage Natasha is the life force itself, calling He is concerned about his troops, tired and without sufficient
her mother back as well as calling back her own self. When her supplies, marching unnecessarily and aimlessly. His objective is
mother's crisis passes, the narrator says, "under the seemingly to rid Russia of the French, not to gain glory. Therefore he has
impenetrable layer of silt that covered her soul, thin, tender no interest in the various strategies of the generals, especially
young needles of grass were already breaking through," "the non-Russian ones," who are looking for glory by racking up
because Natasha's life force cannot be suppressed another win or capturing an important enemy leader. In
indefinitely. Kutuzov's unwavering mission to protect Russia while sparing
the troops, Tolstoy means the reader to see the Russian soul in
all its glory. Kutuzov is the father of the fatherland.

Summary
The Russian army engages the French again at Krasnoe, after Summary
defeating them at Vyazma (Chapter 4–9). By the time the
Russians reach Krasnoe, their troop strength has dwindled On the day Pierre is liberated, he learns of Petya's death,
from 100,000 to 50,000, and the army is exhausted from Andrei's extended illness, and Hélène's death, and shortly after

falls ill for three months (Chapter 12). The inner freedom he
learned in captivity stays with him, and he is no longer Vol. 4, Part 4, Chapters 15–20
concerned about the purpose of life. "[T]his absence of
purpose gave him that full, joyful awareness of freedom which
at that time constituted his happiness." Moreover he now has a Summary
deep faith in God, because he feels the divinity's presence.
Pierre changes in other ways as well; for example, he does a At the end of January, Pierre comes to Moscow and settles in
lot less talking and much more listening (Chapter 13). He the part of his house that is not wrecked (Chapter 15). He soon
practices greater discernment in the distribution of his money, pays a visit to Marya, whose house survived the war (Chapter
knowing who deserves it and who doesn't. While he is 15). She is with a companion, whom he finally recognizes as
recovering, Moscow is also coming back to life (Chapter 14). Natasha. Pierre is excited to see her and loves her just as
By the fall of 1813, Moscow's population exceeds its population much as he ever did. Marya speaks at length about Andrei's
from the previous year, and the city is beginning to thrive. last days, and then Natasha joins in (Chapter 16). The three of
them have a late supper and talk well past midnight (Chapter
17). He tells them about Platon and what he learned from him,
Analysis and he speaks at length about his captivity. After Pierre leaves,
Natasha says, "He's become somehow clean, smooth,
As often happens, especially with a person with a robust fresh—as if from the bathhouse, you understand?—morally
constitution, Pierre gets sick after his crisis is over. Tolstoy from the bathhouse."
repeatedly uses illness—Natasha falls ill after the affair with
Anatole, for example, but she and Andrei are united again by When Pierre gets home, he cannot stop thinking about
his own lingering illness—as a way of marking major transitions Natasha (Chapter 18). He returns to Marya's house the next
in a character's life or perspective. The theme that suffering day and has a chance to speak to the princess alone and ask
leads to transformation is evident in the changes wrought in for her help. He tells her he has only ever loved Natasha and
this important character. Pierre has been on a spiritual journey, cannot imagine his life without her. As Pierre experiences a
and through captivity and privation he has learned that true deepening of joy in love (Chapter 19), Natasha confesses to
freedom is an internal feeling, not an external condition. Now Marya that she also loves him (Chapter 20).
that he actually has external freedom as well, that's an added

bonus. He realizes that there is no "purpose" of life, only the
meanings we assign to it.
Analysis
His faith now is not a superficial faith—a doctrine that he put on Love brings about redemption in War and Peace; this theme is
like a piece of clothing after first meeting with his Mason evident in the fate of Natasha and Pierre. Natasha is redeemed
mentor, Bazdeev. Rather this faith is based on experience. He by the love of three characters: Pierre, Andrei, and finally
also realizes that his seeking for a purpose was really just Marya. First, when she is at her lowest after falling for Anatole,
seeking God, so now he can stop looking. His enlarged spiritual Pierre gives her confidence by letting her know that he loves
perspective has created in him a compassionate listener, and her, no matter what she has done. Later, Andrei accepts her
the ability to listen brings out the best part of others. No longer forgiveness and loves her unconditionally. Finally, Marya grows
does Pierre need to give money to everybody because he to love Natasha.
wants to be "a good guy." Rather, with new spiritual awareness,
Natasha's wild impetuousness is refined in the crucible of love,
he can see where his money might do some good and where it
and she begins to mature in her ability to develop
will be wasted or could even do harm. Pierre's perspective
long–standing relationships outside of her family circle. This
echoes Tolstoy's own: Tolstoy was transitioning away from
suggests a fundamental change in her nature, and a
formal religion and toward a more personal relationship with
replacement of her spontaneity with long-lasting, more firmly
God and a life built on Christian principles.
established ideas and feelings. When Pierre sees her again, he
still loves her and she knows that immediately. At the same
time she immediately recognizes his transformation, saying

that he has somehow become "clean ... as if from the place. Third, it is not possible for human beings to know the
bathhouse." final purpose of history—and Tolstoy is implying that this is the
province of God.
Natasha has also undergone a transformation through
suffering, so she is now on the same level of spiritual maturity
as Pierre. Both women sense the change in him, which is why
they can finally speak at length about Andrei's death. While
Epilogue, Part 1, Chapters 5–16
Marya is taken aback by the feelings between Natasha and
Pierre, she has the spiritual maturity to understand what it
means. Love cannot be contained and is not subject to the
Summary
rules of scarcity. That Natasha loves Pierre does not preclude
Chapters 5–16 trace the fortunes of the main characters of the
her love for Andrei.
story, seven years later. Natasha and Pierre get married in
1813, and the elder count Rostov dies in the same year. Nikolai
Epilogue, Part 1, Chapters 1–4 is advised to renounce the Rostov inheritance, but instead he
takes on his father's debt. He borrows from Pierre and goes
into the civil service to pay down the debt, living with Sonya
and his mother in a small apartment. Natasha and Pierre are
Summary living in Petersburg and don't know the extent of his ruin.
The epilogue starts seven years after the war of 1812. The first In the winter of 1813, Marya comes to Moscow and visits the
four chapters are an extended essay on some of the ideas Rostovs, and Nikolai is haughty with her because he doesn't
about history that have already been covered: the role of want to appear like a fortune hunter. She finally breaks through
prominent figures in shaping history is highly exaggerated, and his reserve, and they marry in the fall of 1814 and move with his
the final purpose of history is not accessible to human beings. mother and Sonya to Bald Hills. Nikolai pays his debt and even
Tolstoy challenges the "great man" theory, in which history can buys back his father's estate in the country. He takes to
be understood in the light of how great men shaped what farming and deals fairly with the peasants, even while keeping
happened. With regard to the meaning of history, the author his thumb on the pulse of day-to-day affairs. Thus his estates
uses the example of Alexander to say that what people make money.
currently blame or praise him for today might be entirely
different from the view of people in a different time. Tolstoy Natasha and her children are on an extended visit at Bald Hills
also adds the idea that the more human beings know about the in December of 1820. Pierre is away longer than expected on
mundane purpose of things, the more inaccessible to them is business in Petersburg. Marya has three children, and Natasha
"the final purpose." For example, it is not possible to ultimately has four. Natasha is entirely devoted to her family. She expects
understand how Napoleon, "a man without convictions, without Pierre to give all of his time to her and the children, and in
customs, without traditions, without a name, not even a return she is "her husband's slave," attentive to his every need.
Frenchman," was able to rise to prominence or why he Young Nikolai, Andrei's son, is now 15, and he is especially fond
continues to be esteemed. of his uncle Bezukhov. The countess is past 60, and Sonya has
never married.
When Pierre comes home from Petersburg, he speaks about

Analysis what's going on in the capital. Alexander is now absorbed in
mysticism, and the government is falling apart. Pierre is
These four chapters that begin the epilogue can be seen as a
proposing a circle of independent thinkers of his class to form
preview of the final essay at the end of the novel. Tolstoy is
a society of government "helpers" for the common good.
preparing the reader by recapping a few of his major ideas:
Nikolai accuses Pierre of wanting to set up a secret society
first, individual figures do not shape history; that is just a story
opposing the government, telling him that if the government
that people tell to make sense of things that have happened.
orders him to take a squadron against him, he would have to
Second, the meaning of history changes according to time and
do that.

After everyone goes to bed, Nikolai finds his wife writing in her follows the romantic myth of the "fortunate fall." Natasha's
diary, and she shares it with him—a careful record of how she instinctiveness is tempered through suffering and redirected
is raising her children. Nikolai is impressed with her intelligence into rational, civilized pursuits. Natasha's original self is too full
and goodness, rejoicing that she is a part of him. Meanwhile of life, and it is only through a reduction in self that she can
Pierre and Natasha speak some more about his political enter into a partnership with Pierre and fulfill her role as a
concerns, and Natasha declares how much she loves her woman. No doubt Tolstoy loved his wild heroine and expects
husband. Young Nikolai downstairs awakens from a dream his readers to love her, too, but ultimately the author fits her
based on the political conversation he heard earlier. He dreams with the yoke of marriage—which for both men and women, in
of doing some important thing that will please both Pierre and Tolstoy's view—provides fulfillment and purpose, even as it
his father. circumscribes freedom.
At the end of the novel, Pierre represents a Russian liberal,

Analysis while Nikolai symbolizes the conservative faction. The seed of
War and Peace was in Tolstoy's idea to write about the
After seven years, the main characters have settled into family December uprising of 1825 (see Context), and readers can
life and are thriving. For Tolstoy nothing is more important than imagine that Pierre may go on to get involved with an
family, and he considers the family unit the basis for a civilized organization that seeks to move the country in a more liberal
society. That is why it is important for families to be as healthy direction. The Decembrists did not come to a good end, so
as possible. Both couples are compatible and sustain a good there is a sense of menace in the final pages of the novel, with
marriage. Marya is able to rein in Nikolai's violence. He has also a threat hanging over the idyllic family life of the main
learned from his father's mistakes: Nikolai takes on the protagonists. In that sense War and Peace is realistic until its
management of his own estates and is able to prosper, even last pages; real stories don't end "happily ever after."
after terrible financial misfortune. Nikolai gives to Marya the
one thing she has dreamed of, even as she tried to suppress
her longing for it—the love of a man and the chance to have Epilogue, Part 2, Chapters 1–12
her own family. Andrei's son seems to have much of his
father's idealistic and sensitive nature. He is the next
generation, and he dreams of making both his father and his Summary
Uncle Pierre proud. Sonya has been put in the background, and
the reader can only assume that she has made peace with her Modern history ought to take as its subject not the
fate. manifestations of power, but what is behind power (Chapter 1).
Once again Tolstoy objects to the idea that the great men of
Natasha fulfills her destiny in her marriage to Pierre. Although
history are prime movers, because it begs the question: what
the feminists among readers might be disappointed in how she
motivates or compels people to act (Chapter 2)? Different
ends up, for Tolstoy she is a fully realized Russian earth
types of historians have different answers, and none of them
mother who nurses her own children, serves her husband like a
are satisfactory.
faithful slave, and adores him like a god. But she has a contract
with him: he is also a slave of sorts, bound to the family body History is written about so-called world movers and does not
and soul. She expects him to spend all his time with the family include an account of all the people, every single one, taking
except when he is away on business and be a full participant. part in any particular event (Chapter 3). For that reason
The two of them have become one as the wedding vows say, historians can describe humanity's actions only by taking into
and the narrator says they know each other so well they can account the force that compels large numbers of people to
speak in shorthand. Their love seems destined to last and act—i.e., power. So how does a Napoleon compel 600,000
weather all storms. men to cross the Niemen River? Some may say that the
collective will invests him with that power (Chapter 4). But this
Some readers might feel that Natasha has lost some essential
theory does not hold up under scrutiny. It is not possible to
part of her nature in her "taming," through marriage and
prove that all the will of the people is transferred to a particular
motherhood. Laura Olson points out that Natasha's story

historical leader (Chapter 5). Therefore power is something laws of science destroyed religion. In fact the "law of necessity
people really do not understand. in history ... consolidates the ground on which state and church
institutions are built."
Since human beings are not God, they are bound by time and
participate in events and, thus, cannot stand outside of time
(Chapter 6). Therefore when an order is given, it must always Analysis
be related to orders that were previously given as well as
orders that will follow. The relationship between a person In the last part of the epilogue, Tolstoy pulls together all his
giving orders and the person who is taking orders is power. ideas about history and the causes of historical events—he
The person who gives the order necessarily does less work sees these ideas as the scaffolding for his magnum opus.
than the person who carries out the order (Chapter 7). Those There are strong correlations between the fully realized essay
who do not directly take part in the act create justifications for at the end of War and Peace and the series of glosses that
that act and absolve the culprits (those who cause the event) appear in the second part of the novel, beginning in Vol. 3, as
from moral responsibility. This explains how millions can well as with the "pre-essay" that begins the first epilogue. This
commit collective crimes—such as in war. It is now possible to essay capping off the novel is difficult to understand, and it
conclude that power is the relationship of one person to other may be tempting to simply disregard it as unnecessary to the
persons—in which the person in power expresses opinions, story. But for a deeper understanding of the author's view of
justifications, and so forth about the collective action, but his own work and its meaning, it is worthwhile to wrestle with
actually has little personal involvement in the action. Also, "the the final essay.
movement of peoples" is caused by "all the people taking part
in [an] event," with those taking the "greatest direct part" Tolstoy goes to great lengths to debunk the methods and
taking the least responsibility, and vice versa. views of the historians of his day, and some of his ideas line up
with modern historical thinking and current science. For
The next question to consider is free will (Chapter 8). Does it example, Tolstoy debunked the "great man" theory, which had
exist? If everyone could act as they pleased, history would a lot of currency in the 19th century. This theory held that great
have no rhyme or reason. Since people's actions are governed figures use their power, charisma, and their special gifts to
by law, there is no free will. Nonetheless people feel free, even shape history. Modern historians would agree with Tolstoy that
if it is an illusion. The external reality of necessity, which history is not fashioned only by great figures, but by all the
constrains people's actions, cannot be reconciled with their people, and current historians seek out the stories of ordinary
internal feeling that they are free, and in fact people would not people to understand historical events and pay more attention
be able to bear life if they did not feel they were free. to how the needs and desires of the masses influence which
leaders rise to power.
History must now solve the problem of free will versus
necessity (Chapter 9). The substance of history is not "the will Probably the most important idea to glean from the epilogue is
of man itself, but our notion of it." Every action appears as a that life is a push–pull between freedom and necessity.
mix of freedom and necessity. The less freedom people see in Certainly Tolstoy was ahead of his time in asserting that
an action and the more necessity, the less harshly they judge it. human beings have very little, if any, free will. Psychology,
People cannot imagine an act that is entirely free, nor one that neuroscience, and evolutionary biology have weighed in on this
is entirely determined (Chapter 10). Furthermore it is just as debate over the past century, decidedly on the side of
absurd to talk about one person's free will influencing historical necessity. However Tolstoy says two things about free will that
events as it would be to talk about a "free force moving the are contradictory: 1. Human beings have no free will, and 2.
heavenly bodies" (Chapter 11). Rather historians should try to Human beings have a tiny amount of free will. He recommends
discern historical laws while acknowledging that only "an that historians begin to discern the laws of history, which are
infinitely small quantity" of free will is operating in the mostly the laws of necessity. Why? Perhaps because if human
movement of history. Just as in science where people initially beings better understood these historical laws, they could
resist a new idea, the same is true in history (Chapter 12). prevent the worst of collective behavior—war, for example, or
Some people may think that acknowledging the laws of history genocide.
will destroy religion, but this is not the case any more than new

War and Peace Study Guide Quotes 73
But Tolstoy paints himself into a corner, to some degree, with After Andrei is hit in the head on the battlefield while charging
his clear–sighted views about free will. If the people in the enemy, he has a moment of enlightenment, realizing that
Tolstoy's novel—and real people anywhere—did not feel free, the petty struggles of human beings, up to and including war,
they could not bear living, as the author notes in his essay. In mean nothing against the backdrop of infinity, symbolically
the novel he describes people who have spiritual represented by the infinite sky. However this thought does not
apprehensions and moments of enlightenment, and a sense of depress him in his heightened spiritual state. Rather it gives
inner freedom is both necessary and integral to these him comfort to think that he can take refuge in silence and
experiences. Tolstoy does not deny the sense of inner tranquility.
freedom that people feel, but he seems to indicate it is an
illusion. Therefore the reader cannot help but ask: does Tolstoy
believe that spiritual apprehensions are real? It would seem "All people seemed to be such
that he does, and in his own life he pursued mystical
knowledge. But is it possible to reconcile his vision of spiritual soldiers, saving themselves from
perfection or enlightenment with his view of history? That is
life."
another question to ponder.
— Pierre, Vol. 2, Part 5, Chapter 1
g Quotes
Pierre becomes depressed after Andrei gets engaged and his
mentor dies. He thinks about how his life is dull and essentially
"I ... want glory ... want to be known meaningless. Then he compares life to a war, in which people
are just soldiers, trying to protect themselves from boredom
to people, want to be loved by and despair, by drinking, eating, gambling, having sex, engaging
in politics, and so forth. They distract themselves to avoid
them ... it's the only thing I want."
facing the triviality of their existence.
— Andrei, Vol. 1, Part 3, Chapter 12
"Millions of men, renouncing their

Prince Andrei has this thought after he is not able to give his
opinion about the strategy at the war council before the Battle human feelings ... had to go from
of Austerlitz. He has come back from Vienna thinking that he west to east to kill their own kind."
can play some crucial role in the campaign—that he can save
the army. He dreams of doing something extraordinary for the
— Narrator, Vol. 3, Part 1, Chapter 1
war effort and becoming a famous warrior, because he wants
people to remember him and love him. He also realizes that he
is willing to give up anything for glory, including his life. The narrator, who in this quote is synonymous with the author,
is commenting on the irrationality and immorality of war. The
war took place as a result of innumerable causes, and thus the
"Everything is empty, everything is war was inevitable. Just as people had, centuries ago, gone
from east to west to kill their own kind, they would be
a deception, except this infinite repeating history and going west to east. The inevitability of
war, however, doesn't make it any less horrifying.
sky ... there is nothing except
silence, tranquility."
"History ... the unconscious
— Andrei, Vol. 1, Part 3, Chapter 16
swarmlike life of mankind, uses

War and Peace Study Guide Quotes 74
but, like all dictators and tyrants, justified his actions by saying
every moment of a king's life ... for
he did mankind more good than harm.
its purposes."
— Narrator, Vol. 3, Part 1, Chapter 1 "The hardest and most blissful

thing is to love this life in one's
In this instance the narrator's ideas about history parallel those
of Tolstoy, who has begun explaining his ideas about history.
suffering."
He argues that history cannot be explained as the result of key
figures performing certain actions to change history. Tolstoy — Karataev, Vol. 4, Part 3, Chapter 15
says there is the personal life and the collective life, the life
people live as part of a society or group. As such, human
Platon Karataev, the wise peasant/foot soldier whom Pierre
beings, even the great, are at the service of history, which uses
meets in captivity, helps him see the world in a new way and
them as instruments.
experience a spiritual transformation. Nonetheless Pierre turns
his back on Karataev during the forced march with the French
because he knows that the old man will be shot for not keeping
"So that's ... so-called heroism? ... up. After Karataev dies, Pierre has a dream and remembers
what Karataev said—to love life despite the fact that so much
And what harm had he done, with
of it consists of suffering. If a person is able to do that, they will
his dimple and his light blue eyes?" also experience bliss, Karataev says. This is because once a
person becomes detached from suffering they can live in
— Nikolai, Vol. 3, Part 1, Chapter 15 freedom.
After Nikolai leads a charge, he captures an enemy soldier and

suddenly the young Frenchman doesn't seem like the "other,"
"Only a person who believes ...
but rather like himself, a human being who didn't do anything to God ... rules over us can endure
Nikolai that he should want to kill him. Nikolai momentarily
questions how killing a human being for an abstract cause can
such a loss as hers."
amount to something good—and even be heroic.
— Pierre, Vol. 4, Part 4, Chapter 16
"He, ... executioner of the peoples, Pierre gives another view of how to live with suffering when he
speaks to Natasha and Marya about the loss of Petya. For a
assured himself that the goal of
parent there is nothing worse than losing a child because of
his actions was the good of the the expectation that children will outlive their elders. Countess
Rostov is still sunk in grief, as are so many who have lost
peoples."
people to the war. Pierre says to the women that the only way
to bear such suffering is by believing in God and thinking God
— Narrator, Vol. 3, Part 2, Chapter 38 at least knows the meaning of human suffering since he rules
over all.
The narrator here is the equivalent of Tolstoy, who views
Napoleon with disgust and loathing as a man who, mostly
because of fortuitous circumstances, was in the position to "He's become somehow clean,
wield tremendous power. Napoleon was in some sense
responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of people
smooth, fresh—as if from the

War and Peace Study Guide Symbols 75
movements will result in the very personal deaths of hundreds

bathhouse ... morally from the
of thousands. Austerlitz was "a slow movement of the world-
bathhouse." historical hand on the clockface of human history," says
Tolstoy, to emphasize the mechanical aspect of war and to
— Natasha, Vol. 4, Part 4, Chapter 17 symbolize his idea that people's roles in historical movements
are inspired by necessity, not free will.
Natasha makes this comment to Marya after seeing Pierre

again after the war. Both of them are wiser because of the
grief they have been through, and Natasha can see that Pierre Oak Tree
is different and has gone through a spiritual transformation.
For this reason she says to her friend that he seems cleansed,
as if from a bathhouse. He is cleansed of his old ways of
The oak tree that Prince Andrei happens to notice in the birch
thinking and has a much better idea of how to live and what
woods as he is driving in his carriage is meant to symbolize
would constitute a good life.
himself. When he first sees the old, gigantic tree (Vol. 2, Part 3,
Chapter 1), it appears to him as unsymmetrical, "angry,
scornful, and ugly, amidst the smiling birches." The tree was
l Symbols different from its peers, the birches, and did not wish to submit
to the spring, he thought. But on his way back from the
Rostovs, after he has seen and heard Natasha, the tree
suddenly has been transformed, "spreading out a canopy of
Abandoned Beehive juicy, dark greenery, basked, barely swaying, in the rays of the
evening sun." Andrei feels renewed and ready to face life, and
his personification of the tree reflects this.
The empty city of Moscow that the French find is compared to

an abandoned beehive (Vol. 3, Part 3, Chapter 20). Just as
there is "no life in a queenless beehive," although it may seem
alive at first glance, so Moscow becomes lifeless. This long and
Comet of 1812
beautifully wrought simile symbolizes how Moscow has been
reduced to a mere husk, a shadow of itself left behind for the
conquerors who thought to seize the prized jewel of the East. The Comet of 1812 was a historical event, visible on Earth for
By refusing to allow the French to function with any kind of about 260 days, beginning in 1811. While some saw it as an
normalcy in Moscow, the Russians have poisoned the French omen marking the end of the world, for Pierre it symbolizes a
victory. new life for him that starts when he admits to himself that he
loves Natasha. The description of the comet, as Pierre looks up
with tears in his eyes, occurs after he tells Natasha "If I were
not I ... I would ... ask for your hand and your love."
Clock
The actions of the military are compared to a clock mechanism

m Themes
(Vol. 1, Part 3, Chapter 11) to show how once the movement of
the war begins—innumerable movements that cannot be taken
back once they are set in motion—the end result, the hour of
war, is inevitable. The end result of the movements of the parts
are incomprehensible to the parts. Nonetheless the impersonal

War and Peace Study Guide Themes 76
Horror of War Love
War's horrors are shown throughout the novel. Leo Tolstoy Salvation occurs through caring for fellow beings, but most
shows there is nothing glorious, honorable, or good about effective and transformative is unconditional love. Love is
hundreds of thousands of people slaughtering and maiming transformative in the novel, along with suffering. People can
one another on a battlefield. War is an irrational pursuit that redeem one another through forgiveness and love. This is most
human beings are forced to engage in through the mechanism clearly seen, first when Andrei is filled with love right after he is
of historical movement. Numerous scenes in the novel hit with a shell at Borodino. When he sees Anatole in the
describe, in graphic detail, the horror of war. The irrationality of medical tent, he cannot help but feel for this former enemy that
war is evident when the French and Russian soldiers are joking same universal love and compassion that suffuses his being.
with one another on the eve of the Battle of Schöngraben. When he grants Natasha forgiveness, she is also transformed,
Andrei's notions of glory are debunked after he is first injured and her love for him at the end of his life is also redemptive for
at Austerlitz and realizes that Napoleon is an insignificant, her. Through her experience with Andrei, Natasha moves from
petty man and that nothing can rival the immensity of the sky. an immature to a mature understanding of love.
Even Nikolai, the man of action and Russian patriot, questions
the purpose of war—first when he sees Napoleon with
Alexander at Tilsit and reflects on all the blood that was spilled
so that these two rulers can now shake hands, and then when Transformation through
he captures a French soldier and realizes that he has no
quarrel with him. Suffering
All the major characters in War and Peace are

Adversity and Growth transformed—radically changed—through suffering. Pierre
suffers through marriage, his duel with Dolokhov, his
disillusionment with the Masons, the loss of loved ones, and
People's purpose is to learn from their experiences and finally his imprisonment. He changes gradually. After being
hardships and grow in wisdom and understanding. Pierre, the disappointed by Hélène, he accepts that he will have to live
main character of the novel, takes both physical and with the mistake of his marriage and make the best of it, where
psychological journeys. From the beginning of the book, he is at first, he rejected her. When he becomes a prisoner of war,
searching for a meaningful way to live. He tries pursuing a Pierre accepts his suffering and learns that freedom is an
simply physical life—food, drink, and sex—but that doesn't internal rather than an external state. Certainly he is looking
satisfy him. He joins the Masons and attempts to advocate for forward to physical freedom and now appreciates all of the
larger reforms in society. But ultimately he sees them as comforts he previously took for granted. But at the same time
hypocritical. Finally he takes off his aristocratic clothing and he realizes that even in the worst of circumstances, one can
takes a spiritual journey while he is imprisoned, with a Russian choose happiness.
peasant as his guide. He realizes that looking for some method
or solution is pointless; rather, he learns that happiness Andrei is also transformed through suffering. After suffering
consists of living in the present and cultivating compassion for through the first war, he learns that war is not glorious but
others. destructive. He returns to the battlefield as a matter of duty.

After the first war he is softer and open to love—which is why
he can respond to Natasha. After the second war he is
transformed through his experience of universal love, which
affects his relations with Natasha. In the end physical suffering
leads to his transformation into a detached consciousness that

War and Peace Study Guide Glossary of Military Terms 77
can calmly "awaken" to his death. chasseurs: cavalrymen trained for quick maneuvers
Cossacks: Russians from the south and Ukraine who lived in

independent communities, somewhat apart from mainstream
Illusion of Free Will society, and who were known for their horsemanship and
fighting skills
Esaul: head of a group of Cossacks

In the nonfiction sections of the novel, Tolstoy develops the
theme that freedom is mostly an illusion and that people are field marshal: commander-in-chief of the army
compelled in their public lives to do what they do because of
fleches: earthen fortifications used on the army's flank
the movement of history. One of the major ideas that he
debunks is "the Great Man Theory," which proposes that gifted French dragoons: cavalrymen who were also trained as
and charismatic leaders guide the direction of history. Tolstoy infantrymen
says that these leaders are as much at the mercy of historical
movement as are everyday people. Historical movement is the hussar: cavalryman who carried a saber and pistols
sum total of the wills of all of the people, and the best human
beings can do is try to understand the laws that govern history infantry: foot soldiers
and acknowledge how little free will comes into play in the
quartermaster: officer in charge of clothing and food for the
collective actions of human beings.
troops
rampart: raised, protective barrier
b Glossary of Military redoubt: protective barrier, sometimes enclosed
regiment: military unit made up of several battalions

Terms
saber: cavalry sword with a slightly curved blade
War and Peace follows the military history of the French
squadron: cavalry troop bigger than a unit but smaller than a
invasion of Russia and the effects of Napoleon's rule on
regiment
Russian society. To create the realism the novel achieves, Leo
Tolstoy relied heavily on primary sources and his own sutler: someone, usually a civilian, providing supplies to the
experiences in the Crimean War. troops
adjutant: military officer who assists a senior officer, often a Uhlan: Prussian cavalryman
general, in administrative affairs
artillery: large guns that discharge cannonballs or other types

of missiles e Suggested Reading
barrow: mound made with earth or stones, often used in early Barnhart, Joe. "Tolstoy on Free Will." The Personalist Forum 11.1
wars to create a defensive position (1995): 33-54. Print.
battalion: group of troops composed of more than one Carden, Patricia. "Career in War and Peace." Ulbandus Review
company or unit 2.2 (1982): 23-38. Print.
battery: grouping of artillery equipment Katz, Michael R. "War and Peace in Our Time." New England
Review 29.4 (2008): 185-95. Print.
cavalry: armed soldiers riding on horses
Kaufman, Andrew D. Give War and Peace a Chance: Tolstoyan

War and Peace Study Guide Glossary of Military Terms 78
Wisdom for Troubled Times. New York: Simon, 2014. Print.
Olson, Laura J. "Russianness, Femininity, and Romantic

Aesthetics in War and Peace." The Russian Review 56.1 (1997):
515-31. Print.

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War and Peace

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increases significantly in the second half of the novel, and in

a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 4 ABOUT THE TITLE

l Symbols ...................................................................................................... 75 d In Context

b Glossary of Military Terms ................................................................ 77 Napoleon and the Napoleonic

French Revolution, the kings of Europe felt threatened by

captured, and the vast majority missing or dead. "Old Style."

The Decembrists The Westernization of Russia

of Russia and the evolving constitutional monarchies of the

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From Petersburg to Moscow Orthodox Russian Christianity

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revised edition in 1869 (second edition). In the third edition of

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Most of the fictional characters in War and Peace were based

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the "people of God," whom she feeds and communes with.

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Other Major Character

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Full Character List Anna

Anna Pavlovna (Annette) Scherer

Countess Natalya Ilyinichna Prince Bagration is a commander in

Balaga is the troika driver hired by

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Prince Boris (Borya, Borenka) Fyodor Ivanovich (Fedya) Dolokhov

Princess Katerina Semyonovna, most Dunyasha is a ladies' maid for

Count Ilya Andreevich or Andreich

Count Count Ostermann-​Tolstoy Ilagin is a wealthy landowner and the

Prince Ippolit Vassilievich (Hippolyte)

Davout is a French general known Julie Karagin is Marya's friend who

Vassily Dmitrich (Vaska) Denisov is Platon Karataev is a saintly foot

Dessales is Nikolenka's (Prince Karp is an insubordinate serf at

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General Mikhail Ilarionovich Kutuzov Mikhail Nikanorytch is uncle to the

Princess Elizaveta Karlovna, née Mortemart is a French nobleman

General Mack is the Austrian general Murat is a French general and

Makar Alexeich is the half-​mad and

Métivier is a French doctor in

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Count Pyotr Ilyich (Petya, Petrusha) Prince Vassily Sergeevich Kuragin is

General Raevsky's artillery battery

Ramballe is a French officer whose

Zherkov is a cowardly adjutant who,

Shinshin is Countess Rostov's cousin

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her up. Nikolai successfully intimidates the serfs, who then

Vol. 3 (1812) committing suicide after having an abortion.

Nikolai has been sent to Voronezh to re-equip his regiment

A battle takes place in Smolensk, and the Russians retreat. The

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temper. Natasha is a loving mother and wife, and Pierre is a

The Russian army fights more battles against French troops.

After liberation Pierre falls ill for a few months. When he

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8. Natasha's elopement with Anatole is foiled.

3. Andrei is wounded in Austerlitz.

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15. Pierre and Natasha marry; Nikolai and Marya marry.

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Nikolai and Boris prepare to leave for the front.

Pierre inherits a fortune.

Count Count Ostermann-Tolstoy Ilagin is a wealthy landowner and the

Makar Alexeich is the half-mad and