A summary of “War and Peace” in chapters and parts will help the reader quickly get acquainted with Tolstoy’s wonderful work. The work begins with a description of the event, which was organized in July in 1805. At this time in St. Petersburg, a socialite close to the Empress, Anna Scherer, decided to organize an evening in her salon. She invited all the intelligentsia of the city for the evening. And her first guest was Prince Vasily Kuragin. He arrived in his full dress uniform, looking all “important and official.” The conversation between the maid of honor and the guest is mainly in French.
From the conversation it becomes clear that the prince has two sons, Hippolyte and Anatole, and a daughter, Helen. He is not proud of his children and calls them his cross, “a burden of existence.” He even considers his sons to be fools, and besides, Anatole costs him a lot, “40,000 a year.” At the end of the first section of the first part, society lady Anna Scherer invites the prince to marry his son. She chose Marya Bolkonskaya, whose father is very rich, as a candidate for Anatole. The prince liked the proposal: “Arrange this matter for me and I will be yours forever,” Prince Kuragin answered the maid of honor.
Chapter two
Meanwhile, guests gradually begin to arrive. Helen arrived - Kuragin's daughter, who was considered the most charming woman in the city, her brother Ippolit, Bolkonsky's pregnant wife Liza, who no longer goes out often, but still appears for small evenings like this. She arrived with some sewing work.
Then the emigrant Viscount Mortemart, the Abbe Moriot and others arrived.
Anna brought each guest to her aunt for greeting, who told everyone about her health and the health of Her Majesty, but these conversations were of no interest to anyone, so everyone was in a hurry to quickly move away from the aunt.
Pierre also arrived - the illegitimate son of Bezukhov, the richest count, who is now dying in his Moscow chambers. This young man stood out from the crowd of invitees. Anna Pavlovna Scherer considered him “a man of the lower hierarchy in her salon.” Outwardly, he is fat, massive, and wears glasses. It was his first time at such an evening, so the hostess is worried that he will not bring confusion into the conversation with his ardor.
Anna Pavlovna, like a good housewife, made sure that the conversations of the guests did not subside and that everyone was interested; she, like a butterfly, fluttered from one crowd to another, always appearing there. Where did the topics of conversation end?
Chapter Three
The hostess of the evening tries to make the atmosphere of the evening wonderful, skillfully “serving” the guests. All guests were divided into three groups. In one, a group of men gathered; among the guests from the second crowd, there was Helen, whom the author describes in detail, her thin figure, white shoulders, glossy hair, open chest and back. Pregnant Lisa also joined here. In the third group were Mortemar and Anna Pavlovna. Mortemart was going to tell everyone about the death of the Duke of Enghien, who died because of generosity at the hands of Napoleon. A group of guests led by Helen joined the conversation about Enghiensky.
While Mertemar tells the story of the Duke's death, Anna Pavlovna is attracted to the abbot and young Pierre, who were talking in a raised voice. To distract them, Scherer approaches them.
Chapter Four
The guests were joined by Lisa's husband, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. He is a handsome man, not tall. The prince was not very happy to be among those present, since he knew everyone and he was rather tired of them all. And most of all he was tired of his wife. Bolkonsky approached Anna Scherer and they began a conversation, from which we understand that he is going to war, and will send his wife to the village to her father. Then Bolkonsky notices Pierre - the only person he was truly happy with. Pierre asks for dinner with the Bolkonskys.
Helen and her father leave the evening. Passing by Pierre, Helen evokes unbridled admiration from the young man, so Andrei Bolkonsky asks Anna Pavlovna to teach Pierre a few lessons in politeness and teach him how to conduct conversations in society.
Chapter Five
Anna Pavlovna promises to take care of Pierre. Then the action moves on to the conversation between Princess Dubretskaya and the departing Vasily. The princess, poor, who had long ago lost all connections with the world, came specially for the evening to ask Vasily for her son, so that he would talk to the sovereign and Boris would be taken into the guard. After talking with Vasily, she made him promise that he would ask for his son, although he made this promise reluctantly, and only because Vasily understood that the princess would not just let him go.
Prince Vasily and his daughter leave.
A tired theme of politics unfolds between the other guests, with Pierre admiring the revolution and Napoleon's actions, despite the fact that the other guests are horrified by Bonaparte's actions. The guy cannot defend his opinion to the end, but Andrei Bolkonsky supports him. The discussion was defused by Hippolytus and as a result the evening ends with conversations about balls, performances and where they will see each other.
Chapter Six
The guests leave. The author describes Pierre's appearance. He is a taller than average man, with large hands, broad and fat, and also absent-minded. At the same time, he captivated with his good nature, simplicity, and modesty. Also, when parting, Anna Pavlovna manages to talk with Lisa about Anatole’s planned matchmaking with the princess.
After the evening, the Bolkonsky couple leaves home. Pierre also decided to go to them, accepting their invitation. In the Bolonskys' house, Andrei started a conversation with Pierre, wondering if he had decided to join the ranks of the warring forces. However, Pierre is not ready to fight against Napoleon, a man whom he considers great. Bolonsky himself goes to war, because “the life I lead is not for me.”
Chapter Seven
Lisa comes in to join the men and a small family quarrel unfolds over Bolonsky’s future departure to war. Lisa is against it, especially since Andrei occupies an excellent position here. However, her husband is persistent and is not going to refuse to participate in the war. Angry that Lisa caused a scandal in front of the guest, Andrei sends Lisa to the room.
Chapter Eight
The friends move to the dining room, where, over a frank conversation, Andrei advises Pierre never to rush into a wedding. It’s better to first achieve your goals and get married as an old man than to rush like he did. Yes, his Lisa is a wonderful woman, but he would give anything now to be free. He uses Napoleon as an example, who only having reached his heights committed himself to a woman.
Then their conversation turned to the life of Pierre, who was now free and who lived with the Kuragins. Andrei advised him not to contact Anatol Kuragin and not to visit them anymore.
Chapter Nine
Pierre left Andrei Bolonsky's house at about two in the morning, but went to the Kuragins, where Anatole was supposed to be hanging out with his friends. Pierre also joined them, although before this, Bolonsky promised not to contact the son of Vasily Kuragin anymore. There he found Anatoly and Dolokhov, who were famous revelers and rakes in St. Petersburg. They decided to end their evening with unusual entertainment.
Chapter Ten
Next, a summary of “War and Peace” Volume 1 takes us to Moscow. Vasily Kuragin put in a word for Bogdan, the son of Princess Drubetskaya, thereby fulfilling his promise. Drubetskaya came to her relatives in Rostov, where congratulations were being accepted in honor of the birthday of the Rostov mother and daughter. There is a conversation about the sick Bezukhov and about who he will leave an inheritance to. Pierre - beloved illegitimate son or Vasily Kuragin, who is the heir by wife. They also discuss Pierre, who contacted Anatole. Because of their recklessness, because of their joke with the bear, Pierre was exiled to Moscow, Dorokhov was demoted to soldier. His father put in a good word for Anatole, but he was also expelled from St. Petersburg.
Chapter Eleven
The Rostovs' daughter, Natasha, runs into the living room. She was 13 years old. Dark eyes, big mouth, ugly girl, but very lively. She was at an age when it was difficult to call her a child, but she was not yet a girl. Young people run in behind Natasha: Boris is the son of Anna Drubetskaya, Nikolai is the son of a count. Both are beautiful, but they don't look alike. Sonya ran in with them - a thin, not tall brunette with long eyelashes and a thick braid. Behind her, Petrusha, the Rostovs’ youngest son, appeared at the door. They all laugh and burst into laughter. Then Boris tells the story of the Mimi doll, which he knew when he was young, without cracks and with a whole nose. After which Natasha runs out of the room, followed by Boris.
Chapter Twelve
Of the young people, Nikolai and Sonya remain in the living room, who are also eager to escape. Here was Julie, the daughter of Karagina, and Vera, the eldest daughter of the countess. In a conversation between adults, the count is indignant at Nikolai, who decided to leave the university to go to war. Again, Napoleon was also mentioned in the conversation.
Chapter Thirteen
Running out of the living room, Natasha hides in the flower room; Boris runs in and immediately leaves. Before he could leave, Sonya came in, then Nikolai. Natasha witnesses a conversation between young people and their kiss. Then they leave and Natasha also goes in search of Boris. When she found him, she again brought him to the flower shop, where Natasha kisses Boris, after which he confessed his love to her and they agreed that as soon as Natasha was 16 years old, they would get married.
Chapter fourteen
Sonya and Nikolai, Natasha and Boris settled down in the sofa. They cooed to each other, and Vera caught them in this activity, who was angry at the picture she saw. There is a quarrel between Natasha and Vera. The couples go to the nursery. Next, the conversation moves to the living room, where the countess and Anna Mikhailovna are talking about money, about how difficult it is now for Drubetskaya, who needs to outfit Boris and needs 500 rubles for this, and she only has 25. Anna Mikhailovna really hopes that her Borenka will receive something from the sick Count Bezukhov, who is her son’s godfather. Then the princess takes Boris and they go to visit Bezukhova.
Chapter fifteen
On the way to the Count, Dubritskaya asks her son to be lenient. After all, his future fate depends on Bezukhov and it is very important that Boris’s name be in the will. In the Count's house, Dubritskaya meets Vasily Kuragin, who was leaving the patient's room with the doctor. Someone, but Princess Vasily was not happy to see and wanted her to leave quickly. But Anna Mikhailovna remained. Boris goes to Pierre to convey an invitation to dinner with the Rostovs.
Chapter sixteen
And Pierre was indeed expelled from St. Petersburg for rowdy behavior and now lives with his father. True, he is not very welcome here, and especially Bezukhov’s eldest niece. Soon Vasily arrives and settles in one of the rooms in the count’s house. He told Pierre not to disturb Bezukhov and not to behave badly, as in St. Petersburg. When Boris came into Pierre's room, he found him playing a boyish game. Pierre imagined himself as Napoleon in battle. Pierre does not recognize Boris, and when Boris introduced himself, pictures from his childhood began to emerge in his memory. In a conversation with Pierre, Boris says that he and his mother do not need any of the count’s wealth, for which Pierre respects Boris and he wanted to continue to be friends with him. Boris conveys an invitation to the Rostovs and they leave with their mother.
Chapter Seventeen
When Dubritskaya went to Count Bezukhoy, Countess Rostova was very saddened by her situation and decided to help her friend. She asks her husband for 500 rubles, and he gives it to her, without asking what it is for. Upon the arrival of the princess, the countess gives her friend the money and they, hugging each other, begin to cry about the past days and the fact that their friendship is still so strong. These were tears of happiness.
Chapter Eighteen
The bulk of the guests have already gathered at the Rostov house for a festive dinner, but everyone is waiting for Natasha’s godmother, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova. She was a straightforward woman, whom everyone in society feared and called a terrible dragon. At this time, the men settled down in the office and talked about the war. Here Countess Rostova's cousin, Shinshin, argued with the guards officer Berg about where it was better and more profitable to serve. The men then join the rest of the guests.
Pierre also arrived, feeling embarrassed, it was somehow awkward for him to be here. When Akhrosimova arrived, everyone sat down at the table.
Chapter nineteen
During the meal the conversation was about the war. Opinions were divided. Half of the guests were for the war, the other did not agree with it. Nikolai, the son of Rostov, considered himself to be among the first. Children found adult conversations boring, so they had their own pranks. Natasha argues with her brother and, in order not to lose, asks across the table what kind of cake there will be today. This prank was received well and with admiration by everyone.
Chapter Twenty
The holiday is in full swing. The adults went to play a game, the youth gathered around the harp to sing. Natasha does not find Sonya and goes out to look for her. When she found her, Sonya was all in tears. She cried because Nikolai was going to fight, and then Vera said that Sonya was not a match for Nikolenka, because she was his cousin. However, Natasha calms her friend down and they return to the hall. There Natasha invites Pierre to dance. She is glad that she is dancing with a big man, and also with a foreigner. The youth were also joined by adults who showed how to rock and dance.
Chapter twenty one
While the Rostovs are celebrating, everyone in Count Bezukhov’s house is already preparing for the funeral, since the Count had his sixth attack, so no one is thinking about the fact that he will survive. Prince Vasily went to Princess Katish to find out from her about the will, since the prince was very worried that his entire fortune would go to Pierre. Having entered into a conspiracy with Vasily and rallied with Vasily against Pierre, Katish says that the will is under the patient’s pillow.
Chapter twenty two
At this time, Pierre and Princess Drubetskaya are going back to Count Bezukhoy. Anna Mikhailovna takes Pierre to the count’s chambers, because the father wanted to see his son. While Pierre waits at the entrance, everyone present looks at him with interest. Vasily looks at Pierre with fear. Everyone is invited into the patient’s room.
Chapter twenty three
Unction was held in the room, during which Vasily and the count’s eldest niece pulled out a briefcase with papers. When the count was carried back to the bed, Pierre went up to his father and said goodbye. He was unable to hold back the tears that flowed from his eyes. Pierre leaves the dying man's room.
Chapter twenty-four
When Pierre and Drubetskaya went out to the reception rooms, Anna Mikhailovna noticed Vasily and Katish standing to the side. At that moment, Katish carefully hides something, and this something turned out to be a briefcase with all the documents, including the will. A struggle for the briefcase ensued between Katish and the princess. Drubetskaya managed to take the briefcase. The Count dies. In the morning, Princess Drubetskaya comes to Pierre and asks him not to forget about him and Boris, because his father once promised to take care of them. Then Drubetskaya returns to the Rostovs, where she describes in detail the events that took place.
Chapter twenty-five
The action moves to Bald Mountains, where the elder Bolkonsky’s estate is located. It was here that Nikolai Andreevich was exiled by Pavel at one time, and who now lives there with his daughter Marya, without going out into the world. He likes village life better. At the estate they are waiting for the arrival of Andrei (Marya’s brother) and his wife. Marya receives a letter from a friend, where she informs about the intentions of Prince Vasily and Anna Ferer to marry Anatole, Vasily’s son, to Marya. The letter also describes Moscow life, the death of Bezukhov, and his inheritance, which went to Pierre. Now Pierre is the richest and most eligible bachelor. The letter also talks about eternal conversations about war. Marya writes a response.
Chapter twenty-six
Andrei and his pregnant wife Lisa Bolkonsky come to the estate. Meeting of Lisa, Andrey and Marya. Andrei confirms his intentions to go to war. Andrei visits his father and talks about the military campaign against Napoleon. Bolkonsky listened without pleasure, since he did not support the war and did not approve of Russia’s desire to join it.
Chapter twenty seven
At dinner, the old prince started a conversation with Lisa, asking questions about her relatives and friends, after which the conversation again turned to military topics. Dispute between son and father over Napoleon and Suvorov. Father, as always, calls Napoleon insignificant, but Andrei considers him a great commander. Everyone remained to their own opinion.
Chapter twenty-eight
Andrei is preparing to leave for war. My sister came to say goodbye. In the conversation, she asks to understand the mood of Lisa, a society lady who will now have to live in the village. At parting, the sister puts on Andrey an image that is supposed to protect him. Then Andrei goes to his father to talk face to face. Andrey asks to take care of Lisa and her unborn child. In the event of his death, Andrei asks that his child live and be raised in the village. Prince Bolkonsky gives a letter for Kutuzov, and also instructs his son, of whom he is proud. The father promises to do everything for Lisa.
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The first volume of the novel “War and Peace” describes the events of 1805. In it, Tolstoy sets the coordinate system of the entire work through the opposition of military and peaceful life. The first part of the volume includes descriptions of the heroes’ lives in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Bald Mountains. The second is military operations in Austria and the Battle of Shengraben. The third part is divided into “peaceful” and, following them, “military” chapters, ending with the central and most striking episode of the entire volume - the Battle of Austerlitz.
To get acquainted with the key events of the work, we recommend reading online a summary of volume 1 of “War and Peace” in parts and chapters.
Important quotes are highlighted in grey; this will help you better understand the essence of the first volume of the novel.
Average page reading time: 12 minutes.
Part 1
Chapter 1
The events of the first part of the first volume of “War and Peace” take place in 1805 in St. Petersburg. The maid of honor and close associate of Empress Maria Feodorovna Anna Pavlovna Scherer, despite her flu, receives guests. One of the first guests she meets is Prince Vasily Kuragin. Their conversation gradually moves from discussing the horrific actions of the Antichrist-Napoleon and secular gossip to intimate topics. Anna Pavlovna tells the prince that it would be nice to marry his son Anatoly, a “restless fool.” The woman immediately suggests a suitable candidate - her relative Princess Bolkonskaya, who lives with her stingy but rich father.
Chapter 2
Many prominent people of St. Petersburg come to see Sherer: Prince Vasily Kuragin, his daughter, the beautiful Helen, known as the most charming woman in St. Petersburg, his son Ippolit, Prince Bolkonsky's wife - the pregnant young princess Lisa, and others.
Pierre Bezukhov also appears - “a massive, fat young man with a cropped head and glasses” with an observant, intelligent and natural look. Pierre was the illegitimate son of Count Bezukhy, who was dying in Moscow. The young man had recently returned from abroad and was in society for the first time.
Chapter 3
Anna Pavlovna carefully monitors the atmosphere of the evening, which reveals in her a woman who knows how to behave in society, skillfully “serving” rare guests to more frequent visitors as “something supernaturally refined.” The author describes in detail the charm of Helen, emphasizing the whiteness of her full shoulders and external beauty, devoid of coquetry.
Chapter 4
Andrei Bolkonsky, the husband of Princess Lisa, enters the living room. Anna Pavlovna immediately asks him about his intention to go to war, specifying where his wife will be at this time. Andrei replied that he was going to send her to the village to her father.
Bolkonsky is glad to see Pierre, informing the young man that he can come to visit them whenever he wants, without asking about it in advance.
Prince Vasily and Helen are getting ready to leave. Pierre does not hide his admiration for the girl passing by him, so the prince asks Anna Pavlovna to teach the young man how to behave in society.
Chapter 5
At the exit, an elderly lady approached Prince Vasily - Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya, who had previously been sitting with the maid of honor's aunt. The woman, trying to use her former charm, asks the man to place her son Boris in the guard.
During a conversation about politics, Pierre speaks out about the revolution as a great cause, going against the other guests who consider Napoleon's actions horrific. The young man could not fully defend his opinion, but Andrei Bolkonsky supported him.
Chapters 6-9
Pierre at the Bolkonskys. Andrei invites Pierre, who is undecided in his career, to try himself in military service, but Pierre considers the war against Napoleon, the greatest man, an unwise thing. Pierre asks why Bolkonsky is going to war, to which he replies: “I am going because this life that I lead here, this life is not for me!” .
In a frank conversation, Andrei tells Pierre to never marry until he finally knows his future wife: “Otherwise everything that is good and lofty in you will be lost. Everything will be spent on little things.” He really regrets that he got married, although Lisa is a wonderful woman. Bolkonsky believes that Napoleon's meteoric rise happened only due to the fact that Napoleon was not tied to a woman. Pierre is struck by what Andrei said, because the prince is for him a kind of prototype of the ideal.
After leaving Andrei, Pierre goes on a spree to the Kuragins.
Chapters 10-13
Moscow. The Rostovs celebrate the name day of their mother and youngest daughter - two Natalias. Women gossip about Count Bezukhov's illness and the behavior of his son Pierre. The young man got involved in bad company: his last revelry led to Pierre being expelled from St. Petersburg to Moscow. The women are wondering who will become the heir to Bezukhov's wealth: Pierre or the direct heir of the count - Prince Vasily.
The old Count of Rostov says that Nikolai, their eldest son, is going to leave the university and his parents, deciding to go to war with a friend. Nikolai replies that he really feels drawn to military service.
Natasha (“a dark-eyed, big-mouthed, ugly, but lively girl, with her childish open shoulders”), having accidentally seen the kiss of Sonya (the Count’s niece) and Nikolai, calls Boris (Drubetskaya’s son) and kisses him herself. Boris confesses his love to the girl, and they agree on a wedding when she turns 16.
Chapters 14-15
Vera, seeing Sonya and Nikolai and Natasha and Boris cooing, scolds him that it is bad to run after a young man and tries to offend young people in every possible way. This upsets everyone and they leave, but Vera remains satisfied.
Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya tells Rostova that Prince Vasily got her son into the guards, but she doesn’t even have money for uniforms for her son. Drubetskaya hopes only for the mercy of Boris’s godfather, Count Kirill Vladimirovich Bezukhov, and decides to hang him right now. Anna Mikhailovna asks her son to “be as nice as you know how to be” towards the count, but he believes that this will be like humiliation.
Chapter 16
Pierre was expelled from St. Petersburg for disorderly conduct - he, Kuragin and Dolokhov, taking the bear, went to the actresses, and when the policeman appeared to calm them down, the young man participated in tying the policeman with the bear. Pierre has been living in his father’s house in Moscow for several days, not fully understanding why he is there and how serious Bezukhov’s condition is. All three princesses (Bezukhov's nieces) are not happy about Pierre's arrival. Prince Vasily, who soon arrived at the count’s, warns Pierre that if he behaves here as badly as in St. Petersburg, he will end very badly.
Getting ready to convey an invitation from the Rostovs to the name day, Boris comes to Pierre and finds him doing a childish activity: a young man with a sword introduces himself as Napoleon. Pierre does not immediately recognize Boris, mistakenly mistaking him for the Rostovs' son. During the conversation, Boris assures him that he does not lay claim (although he is the godson of old Bezukhov) to the count’s wealth and is even ready to refuse a possible inheritance. Pierre considers Boris an amazing person and hopes that they will get to know each other better.
Chapter 17
Rostova, upset by her friend’s problems, asked her husband for 500 rubles and, when Anna Mikhailovna returned, gave her the money.
Chapters 18-20
Holiday at the Rostovs. While they are waiting for Natasha's godmother, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, a sharp and straightforward woman, in Rostov's office, Countess Shinshin's cousin and the selfish guards officer Berg argue about the advantages and benefits of serving in the cavalry over the infantry. Shinshin makes fun of Berg.
Pierre arrived just before dinner, feels awkward, sits in the middle of the living room, preventing the guests from walking, is embarrassed and cannot carry on a conversation, constantly seeming to be looking for someone in the crowd. At this time, everyone is assessing how such a bumpkin could participate in the bear business that the gossips were gossiping about.
Over dinner, the men talked about the war with Napoleon and the manifesto that declared this war. The colonel claims that only through war can the security of the empire be preserved, Shinshin does not agree, then the colonel turns to Nikolai Rostov for support. The young man agrees with the opinion that “Russians must die or win,” but he understands the awkwardness of his remark.
Chapters 21-24
Count Bezukhov suffered a sixth stroke, after which the doctors announced that there was no longer any hope of recovery - most likely, the patient would die at night. Preparations began for unction (one of the seven sacraments that grants forgiveness of sins if the patient is no longer able to confess).
Prince Vasily learns from Princess Ekaterina Semyonovna that the letter in which the count asks to adopt Pierre is in the mosaic briefcase under the count's pillow.
Pierre and Anna Mikhailovna arrive at Bezukhov’s house. Heading to the dying man’s room, Pierre does not understand why he is going there and whether he should show up in his father’s chambers at all. During the unction, Counts Vasily and Catherine quietly take away the briefcase with papers. Seeing the dying Bezukhov, Pierre finally realized how close his father was to death.
In the reception room, Anna Mikhailovna notices that the princess is hiding something and is trying to take the briefcase from Catherine. At the height of the quarrel, the middle princess reported that the count had died. Everyone is saddened by Bezukhov's death. The next morning, Anna Mikhailovna tells Pierre that his father promised to help Boris and she hopes that the count’s will will be carried out.
Chapters 25-28
The estate of Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky, a strict man who considered “idleness and superstition” to be the main human vices, was located in Bald Mountains. He raised his daughter Marya himself and was demanding and harsh with everyone around him, so everyone was afraid of him and obeyed him.
Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife Lisa come to the estate to visit Nikolai Bolkonsky. Andrei, telling his father about the upcoming military campaign, is met with obvious discontent in response. The elder Bolkonsky is against Russia's desire to participate in the war. He believes that Bonaparte is “an insignificant Frenchman who was successful only because there were no longer Potemkins and Suvorovs.” Andrei does not agree with his father, because Napoleon is his ideal. Angry at his son’s stubbornness, the old prince shouts at him to go to his Bonaparte.
Andrey is getting ready to leave. The man is tormented by mixed feelings. Marya, Andrei’s sister, asks her brother to put on “an old icon of the savior with a black face in a silver robe on a finely made silver chain” and blesses him with the image.
Andrei asks the old prince to take care of his wife Lisa. Nikolai Andreevich, although he seems strict, betrays the letter of recommendation to Kutuzov. At the same time, saying goodbye to his son, he gets upset. Having said a cold goodbye to Lisa, Andrei leaves.
Part 2
Chapter 1
The beginning of the second part of the first volume dates back to the fall of 1805, Russian troops are located at the Braunau fortress, where the main apartment of Commander-in-Chief Kutuzov is located. A member of the Gofkriegsrat (court military council of Austria) from Vienna comes to Kutuzov with a demand to join the Russian army with Austrian troops led by Ferdinand and Mack. Kutuzov considers such a formation unprofitable for the Russian army, which is in a deplorable state after the campaign to Braunau.
Kutuzov orders the soldiers to be prepared for inspection in field uniform. During the long campaign, the soldiers were pretty worn out, their shoes were broken. One of the soldiers was dressed in a different overcoat from everyone else - it was Dolokhov, demoted (for the story with the bear). The general shouts at the man to immediately change his clothes, but Dolokhov replies that “he is obliged to follow orders, but is not obliged to endure insults.” The general has to ask him to change his clothes.
Chapters 2-7
News arrives of the defeat of the Austrian army (an ally of the Russian Empire) led by General Mack. Having learned about this, Bolkonsky is involuntarily glad that the arrogant Austrians have been put to shame and he will soon be able to prove himself in battle.
Nikolai Rostov, a cadet of the hussar regiment, serves in the Pavlograd regiment, living with a German peasant (a nice man whom they always happily greet for no particular reason) with squadron commander Vaska Denisov. One day Denisov’s money disappears. Rostov finds out that the thief turned out to be Lieutenant Telyanin and exposes him in front of other officers. This leads to a quarrel between Nikolai and the regimental commander. The officers advise Rostov to apologize, because otherwise the honor of the regiment will suffer. Nikolai understands everything, however, like a boy, he cannot, and Telyanin is expelled from the regiment.
Chapters 8-9
“Kutuzov retreated to Vienna, destroying behind him bridges on the rivers Inn (in Braunau) and Traun (in Linz). On October 23, Russian troops crossed the Enns River." The French begin shelling the bridge, and the commander of the rearguard (the rear part of the army) orders the bridge to be burned. Rostov, looking at the burning bridge, thinks about life: “And the fear of death and stretchers, and the love of the sun and life - everything merged into one painful and disturbing impression.”
Kutuzov's army moves to the left bank of the Danube, making the river a natural barrier to the French.
Chapters 10-13
Andrei Bolkonsky stays in Brünn with a diplomat friend, Bilibin, who introduces him to other Russian diplomats - “his” circle.
Bolkonsky returns back to the army. The troops are retreating chaotically and hastily, wagons are scattered along the road, and officers are driving aimlessly along the road. Watching this disorganized action, Bolkonsky thinks: “Here it is, a dear, Orthodox army.” He is annoyed that everything around him is so different from his dreams of the great feat that he must accomplish.
There is anxiety and anxiety at the commander-in-chief's headquarters, since it is not clear whether to retreat or fight. Kutuzov sends Bagration and a detachment to Krems to delay the advance of the French troops.
Chapters 14-16
Kutuzov receives news that the position of the Russian army is hopeless and sends Bagration with a four-thousand-strong vanguard to Gollabrunn to hold the French between Vienna and Znaim. He himself sends an army to Znaim.
French Marshal Murat offers Kutuzov a truce. The commander-in-chief agrees, because this is a chance to save the Russian army by advancing troops to Znaim during the truce. However, Napoleon reveals Kutuzov's plans and orders the truce to be broken. Bonaparte goes to Bagration's army to defeat him and the entire Russian army.
Having insisted on his transfer to Bagration’s detachment, Prince Andrei appears to the commander-in-chief. Inspecting the troops, Bolkonsky notices that the farther from the border with the French, the more relaxed the soldiers are. The prince makes a sketch of the layout of the Russian and French troops.
Chapters 17-19
Battle of Shengraben. Bolkonsky feels a special revival, which was also read on the faces of the soldiers and officers: “It has begun! Here it is! Scary and fun! " .
Bagration is on the right flank. A close battle begins, the first wounded. Bagration, wanting to raise the morale of the soldiers, dismounting from his horse, himself leads them into the attack.
Rostov, being at the front, was glad that he would now find himself in battle, but almost immediately his horse was killed. Once on the ground, he cannot shoot the Frenchman and simply throws his pistol at the enemy. Wounded in the arm, Nikolai Rostov ran to the bushes “not with the feeling of doubt and struggle with which he went to the Ensky Bridge, he ran, but with the feeling of a hare running away from dogs. One inseparable feeling of fear for his young, happy life controlled his entire being.”
Chapters 20-21
Russian infantry is taken by surprise by the French in the forest. The regimental commander futilely tries to stop the soldiers scattering in different directions. Suddenly the French are pushed back by Timokhin's company, which turned out to be unnoticed by the enemy.
Captain Tushin (“a small, stooped officer” with an unheroic appearance), leading the army on the front flank, is ordered to retreat immediately. His superiors and adjutants reproach him, although the officer showed himself to be a brave and reasonable commander.
On the way, they pick up the wounded, including Nikolai Rostov. Lying on the cart, “he looked at the snowflakes fluttering over the fire and remembered the Russian winter with a warm, bright house and caring family.” “And why did I come here!” - he thought.
Part 3
Chapter 1
In the third part of the first volume, Pierre receives his father's inheritance. Prince Vasily is going to marry Pierre to his daughter Helen, since he considers this marriage beneficial, first of all, for himself, because the young man is now very rich. The prince arranges for Pierre to become a chamberlain and insists that the young man go with him to St. Petersburg. Pierre stops with the Kuragins. Society, relatives and acquaintances completely changed their attitude towards Pierre after he received the count's inheritance; now everyone found his words and actions sweet.
At Scherrer's evening, Pierre and Helene are left alone, talking. The young man is fascinated by the marble beauty and lovely body of the girl. Returning home, Bezukhov thinks about Helen for a long time, dreaming “how she will be his wife, how she can love him,” although his thoughts are ambiguous: “But she is stupid, I myself said that she is stupid. There is something disgusting in the feeling that she aroused in me, something forbidden.”
Chapter 2
Despite his decision to leave the Kuragins, Pierre lives with them for a long time. In the “society” young people are increasingly being associated as future spouses.
On Helen's name day they are left alone. Pierre is very nervous, however, having pulled himself together, he confesses his love to the girl. A month and a half later, the newlyweds got married and moved into the newly “decorated” Bezukhovs’ house.
Chapters 3-5
Prince Vasily and his son Anatoly come to Bald Mountains. Old Bolkonsky does not like Vasily, so he is not happy with guests. Marya, getting ready to meet Anatole, is very worried, fearing that she will not like him, but Lisa calms her down.
Marya is fascinated by Anatole's beauty and masculinity. The man does not think about the girl at all; he is more interested in the pretty French companion Bourien. It is very difficult for the old prince to give permission for the wedding, because for him parting with Marya is unthinkable, but he still questions Anatole, studying him.
After the evening, Marya thinks about Anatole, but upon learning that Burien is in love with Anatole, she refuses to marry him. “My calling is different,” thought Marya, “My calling is to be happy with another happiness, the happiness of love and self-sacrifice.”
Chapters 6-7
Nikolai Rostov comes to Boris Drubetsky in the guards camp, located nearby, for money and letters from his relatives. The friends are very happy to see each other and discuss military affairs. Nikolai, greatly embellishing, tells how he took part in the battle and was wounded. Andrei Bolkonsky joins them, Nikolai says in front of him that the staff, sitting in the rear, “receive awards without doing anything.” Andrey correctly reins in his agility. On the way back, Nikolai is tormented by mixed feelings towards Bolkonsky.
Chapters 8-10
Emperors Franz and Alexander I review Austrian and Russian troops. Nikolai Rostov is in the forefront of the Russian army. Seeing Emperor Alexander passing by and greeting the army, the young man feels love, adoration and admiration for the sovereign. For his participation in the Battle of Shengraben, Nicholas was awarded the Cross of St. George and promoted to cornet.
The Russians won a victory in Wischau, capturing a French squadron. Rostov meets with the emperor again. Admired by the sovereign, Nicholas dreams of dying for him. Many people had similar moods before the Battle of Austerlitz.
Boris Drubetskoy goes to Bolkonsky in Olmutz. The young man witnesses how dependent his commanders are on the will of other, more important people in civilian clothes: “These are the people who decide the fate of nations,” Andrei tells him. “Boris was worried about the closeness to the highest power in which he felt at that moment. He recognized himself here in contact with those springs that guided all those enormous movements of the masses, of which in his regiment he felt like a small, submissive and insignificant “part.”
Chapters 11-12
The French envoy Savary conveys a proposal for a meeting between Alexander and Napoleon. The Emperor, refusing a personal meeting, sends Dolgoruky to Bonaparte. Returning, Dolgoruky says that after meeting with Bonaparte he was convinced: Napoleon fears a general battle most of all.
Discussion about the need to start the battle of Austerlitz. Kutuzov suggests waiting for now, but everyone is unhappy with this decision. After the discussion, Andrei asks Kutuzov’s opinion about the upcoming battle; the commander-in-chief believes that the Russians will face defeat.
Meeting of the military council. Weyrother was appointed as the overall commander of the future battle: “he was like a harnessed horse that ran away with the cart downhill. Whether he was carrying or being driven, he did not know”, “he looked pitiful, exhausted, confused and at the same time arrogant and proud.” Kutuzov falls asleep during the meeting. Weyrother reads the disposition (disposition of troops before the battle) of the Battle of Austerlitz. Langeron argues that the disposition is too complex and would be difficult to implement. Andrei wanted to express his plan, but Kutuzov, waking up, interrupts the meeting, saying that they will not change anything. At night, Bolkonsky thinks that he is ready to do anything for the sake of glory and must prove himself in battle: “Death, wounds, loss of family, nothing scares me.”
Chapters 13-17
The beginning of the Battle of Austerlitz. At 5 am the movement of Russian columns began. There was heavy fog and smoke from fires, behind which it was impossible to see those around us or the direction. There is chaos in the movement. Due to the shift of the Austrians to the right, there was great confusion.
Kutuzov becomes the head of the 4th column and leads it. The commander-in-chief is gloomy, as he immediately saw confusion in the movement of the army. Before the battle, the emperor asks Kutuzov why the battle has not yet begun, to which the old commander-in-chief replies: “That’s why I’m not starting, sir, because we are not at the parade and not in Tsaritsyn Meadow.” Before the start of the battle, Bolkonsky was firmly convinced that “today was the day of his Toulon.” Through the dissipating fog, the Russians see French troops much closer than expected, break the formation and flee from the enemy. Kutuzov orders them to stop and Prince Andrei, holding a banner in his hands, runs forward, leading the battalion.
On the right flank, commanded by Bagration, at 9 o’clock nothing has yet begun, so the commander sends Rostov to the commander-in-chief for orders to begin military operations, although he knows that this is pointless - the distance is too great. Rostov, advancing along the Russian front, does not believe that the enemy is already practically in their rear.
Near the village of Praca, Rostov finds only upset crowds of Russians. Beyond the village of Gostieradek, Rostov finally saw the sovereign, but did not dare to approach him. At this time, Captain Tol, seeing the pale Alexander, helps him cross the ditch, for which the emperor shakes his hand. Rostov regrets his indecisiveness and goes to Kutuzov’s headquarters.
At five o'clock in the Battle of Austerlitz, the Russians lost on all counts. The Russians are retreating. At the Augest dam they are overtaken by French artillery cannonade. The soldiers are trying to advance by walking over the dead. Dolokhov jumps from the dam onto the ice, others run after him, but the ice cannot stand it, everyone drowns.
Chapter 19
The wounded Bolkonsky lies on Pratsenskaya Mountain, bleeding and, without noticing it, quietly groaning, in the evening he falls into oblivion. Waking up from burning pain, he felt alive again, thinking about the high Austerlitz sky and the fact that “he knew nothing, nothing until now.”
Suddenly the tramp of approaching French is heard, among them Napoleon. Bonaparte praises his soldiers, looking at the dead and wounded. Seeing Bolkonsky, he says that his death is wonderful, while for Andrei all this did not matter: “His head was burning; he felt that he was emanating blood, and he saw above him the distant, high and eternal sky. He knew that it was Napoleon - his hero, but at that moment Napoleon seemed to him such a small, insignificant person in comparison with what was now happening between his soul and this high, endless sky with clouds running across it. Bonaparte notices that Bolkonsky is alive and orders him to be taken to the dressing station.
Vesta and other wounded men remain in the care of the local population. In his delirium, he sees quiet pictures of life and happiness in the Bald Mountains, which is destroyed by little Napoleon. The doctor claims that Bolkonsky’s delirium will end in death rather than recovery.
Results of the first volume
Even in a brief retelling of the first volume of War and Peace, the opposition between war and peace can be traced not only at the structural level of the novel, but also through events. Thus, the “peaceful” sections take place exclusively in Russia, the “military” ones - in Europe, while in the “peaceful” chapters we encounter the characters’ war among themselves (the struggle for Bezukhov’s inheritance), and in the “military” chapters – peace (friendly relations between a German peasant and Nicholas). The finale of the first volume is the Battle of Austerlitz - the defeat of not only the Russian-Austrian army, but also the end of the heroes’ faith in the highest idea of war.
Volume 1 test
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"War and Peace"
(Epic novel)
Retelling
Volume I
Part one
St. Petersburg 1805. A high-society evening with Anna Pavlovna Scherer, maid of honor and close associate of Empress Maria Feodorovna. Conversation during the entire reception is conducted exclusively in French. The tone is set by the hostess and the official Prince Vasily Kuragin, who was a significant person at court. This is a man who completely lived by the rules of the world, despising everyone and everything except his own person. Talk about Napoleon, this murderer and villain, his revolution. Anna Pavlovna's plan is to marry Vasily's youngest son, Anatole, a "restless" fool, to her relative, the rich princess Marya Bolkonskaya, who, according to rumors, was unhappy living with her father. Marya's father is the old Prince Bolkonsky, who is very rich and stingy.
Scherer's guests are the highest nobility of St. Petersburg. The daughter of Prince Vasily, the beautiful Helen, who was in a cipher and a ball gown, his son Ippolit. Little Princess Liza Bolkonskaya, who went only to small evenings due to her pregnancy. But, despite her position, the princess felt great in this society. A distinctive feature of Lisa is her upper lip, “with slightly blackened antennae,” which was short and therefore slightly covered her upper teeth, making the princess look like a squirrel. The emigrant is the French Viscount Mortemart, Abbot of Moriot. Ceremony of greeting the aunt of the hostess. Auntie, a small, useless and uninteresting old lady, politely greeted everyone who approached her and talked about the empress’s health. The guests, having performed the ritual, left the old woman with a feeling of deep relief, “so that they would never approach her the whole evening.” Appearance at the evening by Pierre Bezukhov. He was a massive, even fat young man, the illegitimate son of the famous Catherine’s nobleman, Count Bezukhov, who was now dying in Moscow. Pierre was different from everyone else in the living room, with an intelligent, timid, observant and natural look. According to people of high society, Pierre was a man who did not know how to live.
Comparison of an evening at Anna Pavlovna’s with the work of a spinning workshop, and Anna Pavlovna herself with the owner of this workshop, who, “having seated the workers in their places, walks around the establishment, noticing the immobility or the unusual, creaking, too loud sound of the spindle, hurriedly walks, holds back or lets it go in due course. Portrait of Helen: this is a beautiful woman in whom there is not even a trace of coquetry, she even “seemed to be ashamed of her beauty.” The portrait touch that is emphasized in Helen is her marble shoulders. Prince Vasily asks Anna Pavlovna to bring Pierre to reason by teaching him how to behave in social life.
Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubedkaya, an elderly lady who previously sat with her aunt, asks Prince Vasily to lobby the Tsar for the transfer of her son Boris to the guard.
Characteristics of Pierre Bezukhov. He was a clumsy, slightly taller, broad man with huge hands. He was absent-minded, but at the same time good-natured, simple and modest. He constantly smiled his smile, which seemed to say: “Opinions are opinions, and you see what a kind and nice fellow I am.”
Pierre at the Bolkonskys. Family scene between the little princess and Prince Andrei regarding his departure to war. Lisa does not want Prince Andrei to go to war; she believes that here he occupies an excellent position: he is his uncle’s adjutant. She invites him to arrange his career even better. Even in the family circle, the princess speaks in the capriciously playful tone in which she spoke in Anna Pavlovna’s living room. Dinner of Pierre Bezukhov with Prince Andrei. Andrei Bolkonsky's thoughts about himself, marriage and women of the world. Prince Andrei advises Pierre not to marry until old age, so as not to lose “what is good and lofty in you.” Marriage, in his opinion, is a vicious circle from which you cannot escape. And secular women are “selfishness, vanity, stupidity, insignificance in everything.”
Moscow. Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya in the Rostovs' house. Count and Countess of Rostov. The Countess is a woman of about forty-five, with an oriental complexion, who had twelve children. The Count is a man who loves and knows how to live, who spoke to all guests the same way and in Russian. Reception of congratulatory visits on the occasion of the name day at the Rostov two Natalias - mother and daughter. Visit of the Kuragin mother and daughter. A conversation about the main city news - the illness of old Count Bezukhov and his illegitimate son, who was expelled from St. Petersburg, about the fate of the huge inheritance that will remain after the death of old man Bezukhov. Pierre was sent to Moscow, and Dolokhov was demoted to the army for hooliganism. They brought a bear with them to the actresses. The police arrived to calm the angry young people. So they caught the policeman, tied him with his back to the bear and let him swim into the Moika. Pierre is now in Moscow, in his father's house. Count Kirill Vladimirovich had many illegitimate children, but Pierre was his favorite. Everyone is wondering who will get the inheritance: Pierre or Prince Vasily, who is the heir to the Bezukhov estate through his wife.
Chapter VIII.
The youth of the Rostov house: Natasha, Nikolai - a student, the eldest son of the count and countess, Petya - the youngest son, Sonya - the count's fifteen-year-old niece and Boris Drubetskoy - an officer, the son of Princess Anna Mikhailovna - in the living room. A group of young people led by Natasha Rostova runs in here. Natasha is ugly, with a big mouth, black eyes. She was at that age “when a girl is no longer a child, and a child is not yet a girl.” The story of the Mimi doll. Boris said that he knew this Mimi as a young girl, but in five years she grew old, and her head was cracked all over her skull. This story made all the young people laugh very much and, no longer able to contain their laughter, they ran away from the living room. Only Sonya and Nikolai remained here.
In the living room. Count's niece Sonya. She is a small, petite brunette, with long eyelashes and soft
glance. She has black braided hair and a yellowish skin tone. Her movements were soft, flexible, gentle, her habits were cunning, but restrained, which made her resemble a cat. In love with Nikolai. The count's conversation with his guest about Nicholas's entry into military service. Nikolai drops out of university, believing that he has a calling for military service, but his parents do not want to let him go. The conversation turns to education. The Count says that he and the Countess spoiled Natasha and did not forbid her anything. Therefore, the Countess adds, Natasha does not hide anything from her mother. Faith. This is the eldest daughter of the Rostovs, beautiful, intelligent, an excellent student, a magnificent voice, but for some reason she was always out of place.
Natasha Rostova hides in the flower shop, hoping to wait for Boris here, but witnesses a scene of jealousy between Sonya and Nikolai. Scene of jealousy: Sonya became jealous of Nikolai and Julie Karagina. Nikolai says that he only loves Sonya. Kiss from Nikolai and Sonya. Natasha calls Boris to the flower shop. Her offer to Boris to kiss the doll. Natasha kisses Boris. Talk about love between them. Boris says that he loves Natasha, and he will propose, but he must wait another four years. They agree that when Natasha turns 16, Boris will ask for her hand in marriage. Natasha is happy.
Couples in love in the sofa: Sonya with Nikolai and Natasha with Boris. Sonya sat close to Nikolai, who was copying out poems for her that he had written for the first time. Natasha and Boris were sitting by the window, talking, but fell silent when Vera entered. Quarrel with Vera. Vera, angry at the happiness of the young people, tries in every possible way to offend them, saying unpleasant things to Natasha. Natasha is offended, Vera remains satisfied and does not consider herself guilty. A conversation between two childhood friends: Countess Rostova complains of a disorder, Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya talks about her son’s placement in the guard and complains about her financial circumstances.
government - she has nothing to outfit Boris with. The princess needed 500 rubles for this, and she had only 25. Her hopes were for the inheritance of Count Bezukhov, since Boris is his godson. Anna Mikhailovna is going to go to Bezukhov, Rostova tells her to invite Pierre to the name day.
Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya and her son Boris go to visit the sick Count Bezukhov. On the way, Anna Mikhailovna tells her son to remember that his future fate depends on Count Bezukhov. Their meeting there with Prince Vasily Kuragin. Prince Vasily Sergeevich is not at all happy to see Count Drubetskaya in the house, since “he was afraid to find in her a rival in the will of Count Bezukhov,” and wants her to leave as soon as possible. But Anna Mikhailovna, thanks to her skill, remains in the house. In the count's house, everyone expects only the worst; the count is getting worse every hour. Anna Mikhailovna decides to go after the patient. Boris Drubetskaya sends to visit Pierre.
Chapter XIII.
Pierre Bezukhov arrived in Moscow a few days ago and, as he always did, stayed at his father’s house. His arrival is met with hostility by the princesses, of whom there were three. The older sister, “a clean, long-waisted, strict girl,” is especially unfriendly towards Pierre. Boris Drubetsky's visit to Pierre's room, conversation and explanation between them. Pierre last saw Boris as a fourteen-year-old boy, and therefore does not immediately recognize him. Boris invites Pierre to the Rostovs' name day. In addition, Boris assures Pierre that neither he nor his mother have any interest in Count Bezukhov's inheritance. At least he, Boris, will not even accept anything if Kirill Vladimirovich leaves him anything. Pierre is flattered by such an ardent statement from this sweet, smart and firm, in Pierre’s opinion, young man. He is going to get to know Boris better. The return of the Drubetsky mother and son to the Rostovs, their conversation about the will of Count Bezukhov. Boris doubts that Count Bezu-
Hov will leave something for them. Anna Mikhailovna only exclaims in response: “How bad he is!”
Countess Rostova asks her husband for 500 rubles. The Count does not ask her why such money is needed, he gives her the required amount. Upon returning, Drubetskoy gives them to Boris for uniforms. Tears from both. They cried that they were friends, that their youth was gone, that they were now busy with such a base subject as money.
At the Rostovs' before the birthday dinner. Waiting for Natasha’s godmother, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, a lady “famous not for wealth or honors, but for directness of mind and frank simplicity of communication.” At this time, in Rostov’s office there was a conversation about the war. Shinshin's conversation with Berg in the count's office. Shinshin is an old bachelor, a civilian, with a wrinkled, bilious and shaved thin face. Berg is a fresh, pink Guards officer, “immaculately washed, buttoned and combed.” This young man's conversation always concerned only him or something related to him. In other cases, he was silent, preferring to listen. Berg proves to Shinshin the benefits of serving in the infantry. After all, only there you can make a fortune for yourself, and even send money to your parents. Pierre Bezukhov in the Rostovs' living room. He arrived just before dinner and felt awkward at the Rostovs. They try to get him to talk, but from embarrassment he cannot utter a word. Arrival of Akhrosimova. She gives Natasha yakhont earrings. The guests go to the table. At the table they are placed on two sides. At one end are the Countess, Anna Mikhailovna and other guests. And on the other - the count with his guests. Pierre continues to feel awkward at dinner and eats and drinks a lot. Dinner.
Conversation over dinner about the manifesto and the war with Bonaparte. The colonel says that a manifesto declaring war was published in St. Petersburg, which he himself saw. Withered
There was a debate about whether Russia should enter the war. Opinions were divided for and against. Reply by Nikolai Rostov in support of the opinion that Russia should enter the war, that “Russians must die or win.” Natasha's prank. Natasha made a bet with her younger brother Petya that she would ask her mother across the table what kind of cake it would be. Her outburst was well received. Everyone laughed at the courage and dexterity of this little girl.
Chapter XVII.
Singing of youth. The guests returned to the living room and began asking Natasha and Nikolai to sing something. Natasha doesn't find Sonya in the living room. Sonya was in the corridor on a chest. Sonya's tears over her love for Nikolai and his poems written to her. Her explanations with Natasha. Sonya cried because Nikolai was leaving for the war, and also because Nikolai was her cousin and their marriage was impossible. That’s why Nikolai marries Julie Karagina. Natasha reassures Sonya, says that everything will be fine, because Nikolai is Sonya’s second cousin, and such marriages are allowed. Sonya calms down, she and Natasha return to the living room. Natasha, Boris, Sonya and Nikolai sing “The Key”. Dancing. Pierre invites Natasha to dance. She is proud and happy that she “danced with a big one, with someone who came from abroad.” Count Ilya Andreevich Rostov and Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova dance “Danila Kupora,” the count’s favorite dance. They dance in such a way that everyone stands fascinated by the simplicity and simplicity of Russian folk dance.
Chapter XVIII.
In the house of Count Bezukhov. The sixth blow struck the count. Preparation for unction. Conversations of those present. Everyone doubts that after the sixth blow the count will remain alive. The question again arises as to who will get all the property. Secret agreements between Prince Vasily and Princess Katish about concealing the count's will. The prince tells Katerina Semyonovna that now is the time to think about the future, that he, and she, and her sisters are the only heirs of Bezukhov. Prince Vasily is afraid of the will that the count wrote last winter and in which he leaves everything to Pierre. In addition, he recalls the letter that Kirill Vladimirovich wrote to the sovereign about the adoption of Pierre. And if this happens, Pierre, as a legitimate son, will receive everything. Then Prince Vasily directly invites the princess to find the will and letter and destroy them. The princess says that all the papers are kept by the count in a mosaic briefcase.
Return of Pierre Bezukhov home with Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya. The old count demanded that Pierre be called to him. But Pierre doubts whether he needs to appear at his father's. Anna Mikhailovna persuades him to go anyway, because it is his father and he is dying. Pierre in the waiting room of his dying father, who wished to see him. Treatment of those present. Prince Vasily looks at Pierre with some fear, the others who were in the living room look at Pierre with curiosity. Everyone points at him with their eyes, some with fear, some with servility. Pierre feels awkward and tries to behave correctly, as is customary in society. Everyone goes into the dying man's room.
Pierre is with his sick father. Count Bezukhov. The Count was lying on a long Voltaire chair. He had a gray mane of hair, a wide forehead, large wrinkles on his red-yellow face. Clergymen stood nearby. Everyone stood silently and prayed. Only Prince Vasily and the eldest princess slowly walked deeper into the room to the count’s high bed. Then they hide in the back room for a while, but then return to the patient again. Pierre notices all this, but does not attach any importance to their actions. Unction. The old count is carried onto the bed. The Count woke up for a minute, but then fell into oblivion again. Pierre cries and leaves the room.
Pierre and Anna Mikhailovna enter the reception room, where Prince Vasily Kuragin and Princess Katish are sitting and talking about something
talking. As soon as Pierre enters, the princess hides something. Anna Mikhailovna also notices that something is wrong here. There is a dispute and struggle over a briefcase with a will. Drubetskaya tries to take away the briefcase from the princess, which contains the will of the dying man. In his will, the Count leaves everything to Pierre. The eldest princess assures Drubetskaya that this is an old useless piece of paper, but she does not give up. By chance, the princess lets go of the briefcase, Anna Mikhailovna, picking it up, goes into the bedroom. Death of Bezukhov. The next morning, Anna Mikhailovna informs Pierre that his father most likely left everything to him and asks him not to forget about Boris. From her lips, all of Moscow learns about the actions of Prince Vasily and Princess Katish and about the grief-stricken Pierre.
Chapter XXII.
The Bolkonsky estate Bald Mountains. The old prince Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky is the general-in-chief, who was exiled to the village under Paul and now lived there constantly with his daughter Princess Marya. He was busy either writing memoirs, or higher mathematics, or working in the garden. The main thing in his life is order, and therefore the prince was harsh and demanding. He was short, “with small dry hands and gray drooping eyebrows,” had intelligent and young sparkling eyes, and always wore a powdered wig. He instilled fear in everyone, especially his daughter. His daughter is Princess Marya. This is a girl with a sickly, ugly face. Just as her father loved order, she did not like order.
Chapter XXIII.
Arrival of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife in Bald Mountains. Despite the arrival of his son, the old prince did not want to change his habits; he usually slept at this time. Their meeting with Princess Marya and her French companion Bourrienne. Burien seemed distraught with happiness, and Marya burst into tears when she saw her brother. Lisa chatted incessantly, but Princess Marya only silently and lovingly looked at Andrei. She was worried about the question of whether Prince Andrei was going to war. He gives a positive answer. Meeting the old
the prince and his son and their conversation about war and politics. The old prince allowed his son into his half while he was dressing. Prince Andrei comes there with that expression on his face that he only had when he was talking with Pierre. Andrei tells his father the plan for a military campaign against Napoleon. The old prince listens with obvious displeasure. He does not approve of either the war or Russia's desire to join it.
Chapter XXIV.
Lunch in Bald Mountains. During lunch, the old prince studies the little princess, asking her all sorts of questions. At first she seems embarrassed, but when the prince asks her about her family and friends, she perks up and begins to chatter incessantly. The prince, having formed an opinion about her, turns away from her, starting a conversation with others. The dispute between the old prince and his son about Suvorov and Bonaparte. According to the old prince, Napoleon is “an insignificant Frenchman who was successful only because there were no longer Potemkins and Suvorovs.” To which Andrei replies that Bonaparte is a great commander. During the dispute, no one changed their opinion. In the heat of the moment, the old prince shouts at Andrei to get back to his Bonaparte. After dinner, the little princess, looking fearfully at her husband’s father, says that she is afraid of him.
Prince Andrey's preparations for leaving for the army. Before leaving, Prince Andrei experiences mixed feelings: “was he afraid to go to war, was he sad to leave his wife - maybe both…” His farewell conversation with his sister. During the conversation, Andrei feels sorry for his sister, who is having a hard time with her father. But Princess Marya, who reveres her father, forbids him to speak like that. Marya asks Andrei to fulfill one of her requests: to wear “an old icon of the savior with a black face in a silver robe on a finely made silver chain.” Princess Marya blesses her brother with the image. Prince Andrei's farewell to his father, wife and sister. Prince Andrei asks his father to take care of his wife and her childbirth. The old prince gives his son a letter to Mikhail
Ila Illarionovich Kutuzov, in which he asks the latter to “use Prince Andrei in good places and not keep him as an adjutant for a long time.” The old prince tried to hold on, but his feelings took their toll and “something trembled in the lower part of the old prince’s face.” Andrei said goodbye to his wife coldly. Andrey's departure.
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Volume one
The novel War and Peace was begun by Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy in 1863. And this is truly a great work that reflects the immense greatness of the Russian soul. The first excerpt entitled “1805” appeared in the magazine “Russian Bulletin” in 1865, and the publication of the full version - three volumes of a brilliant work - was preceded by seven years of hard work “in a small room of a cramped house in Yasnaya Polyana.
The plot of the novel takes place at the beginning of the 19th century in St. Petersburg. The evening meal of the maid of honor Scherer was in progress; among those present were Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and Pierre Bezukhov. Among the many topics of conversation, one was about Napoleon. Of course, the guests had different opinions on this matter: some categorically did not accept his ideas, while others, on the contrary, admired the courage of the French military leader. (As a digression, it is worth noting that while describing the war in the novel as a fact, Lev Nikolaevich could not come to terms with the very right to its existence).
Andrei Bolkonsky decides to go to war. The dream of glory, such as Napoleon himself, haunts him. Lust for power, politics, philosophy - these were the main priorities of this hero at that time. The time will come when Bolkonsky will be disappointed in his idol, Napoleon, but for now Andrei cherishes his ambitious plans.
As for Pierre Bezukhov, his “clumsy image” is presented very vividly by Leo Tolstoy. At the sight of a fat man with big legs and tall stature entering the living room, the mistress of the house became worried. But Pierre himself quickly got used to the new environment. Here, where the St. Petersburg intelligentsia is present, the young man is comfortable: everything is a wonder to him, he expects intelligent conversations and is constantly trying to participate in the conversation. The young man perceives Napoleon and his revolutionary ideas positively.
Unfortunately, one of the incidents that occurred while Pierre was in the company of young people served as the reason for Pierre’s expulsion from St. Petersburg.
It is impossible to call Pierre Bezukhov a negative hero. On the contrary, this is one of Leo Tolstoy’s favorite characters: thirsty for truth, striving for justice, active and kind. We'll talk about his marriage to Natasha Rostova a little later, but for now the author turns the reader's gaze to Moscow, where a meal is being held in the house of Count Rostov on the occasion of his wife's name day. While the Rostovs continue to have fun and dance, in another rich house there is grief - Count Bezukhov dies. His relatives want to steal a folder with documents, which states that Pierre should become the direct heir to his father's fortune. This, according to distant relatives, is impossible to allow. Fortunately, the attempt to steal the will is prevented by Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya. Thus, Pierre becomes a count and marries Kuragin's daughter Helen.
In the house of Nikolai Bolkonsky, in Bald Mountains, life is varied: the owner either manages the garden, or writes notes, or works with Marya, his daughter. Son Andrei, leaving his pregnant wife in his father’s house, goes to fight.
As the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, Kutuzov is trying in every possible way to avoid the participation of his soldiers in the battle, because he is sure of their unpreparedness. In order to gain time, Bagration's detachment is sent towards, with the goal of negotiating a temporary truce with the French.
Unfortunately, the Russians are still forced to engage in battle with the French army. The heroes of the novel have different attitudes to this: Andrei is impatiently awaiting battle, dreaming of unprecedented exploits and glory, and Kutuzov, foreseeing defeat in advance, is not happy about the upcoming events.
On the day of his coronation, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered his troops to go to war against the Russian army. As a result of the battle, Andrei Bolkonsky is seriously wounded. Now he is no longer that self-confident young man thirsting for exploits. The prince for the first time draws attention to the high sky, to God. And his ambitious plans, as well as his adoration of Napoleon, now seem absurd and worthless.
Young Nikolai Rostov also takes part in the fighting. Being wounded in the arm, he cowardly flees from the French, but no one notices this, and Nicholas is undeservedly awarded the Cross of St. George. The hero, rejoicing over such a circumstance, boasts of his non-existent exploits to his comrades.
Volume two
Nikolai Rostov's arrival at his father's house with Denisov's friend Vasily became the beginning of a whole chain of events: Dolokhov offers to attend the duel with Pierre as a second, at the same time, making an offer to Sonya to become his wife, he is refused because the girl has feelings for Nikolai .
Before going back to the army, Nikolai loses a large sum to Dolokhov, but, thanks to his father, he gets out of a difficult situation and gives the money back. Dolokhov and Denisov also find themselves in the army environment.
Meanwhile, Prince Kuragin and his son appear in Bald Mountains. The father wants to marry Anatoly, and Marya seems to be the most profitable match for this. But the eldest Prince Bolkonsky is not delighted with this circumstance, because parting with his daughter is a burden to him. Maria almost accepts Kuragin’s proposal, but suddenly notices Anatole flirting with his companion, and this becomes the reason for the girl’s refusal.
The sudden appearance of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky on the estate comes as a complete surprise, because before this the family receives a message about his death. But the joy of the meeting is replaced by great grief: just that night Andrei’s wife Lisa died from childbirth.
Contrary to Vasily’s insistent demands, Pierre Bezukhov never wants to put up with his wife, who cheated on him with Dolokhov. He kicks his father-in-law out the door, and then goes to Kyiv, where he performs noble deeds: he gives freedom from serfdom to his peasants, promotes the organization of schools and shelters, and also fights for the abolition of corporal punishment. But, unfortunately, Pierre does not follow through with his good undertakings. Andrei Bolkonsky does not want to return to the war, for a while he became disillusioned with life, but a conversation with Pierre on the way to Bald Mountains prompts Prince Bolkonsky to reconsider his views and implement the reforms that his friend began.
Natasha Rostova goes to the ball for the first time, where Andrei Bolkonsky proposes to her. Although Andrei’s father agrees to such a marriage, he sets a condition: the wedding should take place only in a year. Young Bolkonsky goes abroad. And during this time, Natalya meets Anatoly Kuragin in the opera, who openly begins to seek the girl’s hand. Fortunately, her impending escape with her lover is prevented by Princess Marya and Sophia. Soon it becomes known from Pierre, who came to Natalya, that Anatole is married.
Volume three
The war with the French in 1812 became a new impetus for the resumption of service in the army of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. Nikolai Rostov receives an award - the Cross of St. George for the fact that, while serving in the Pavlograd Hussar Regiment, he takes one Frenchman prisoner.
Natalya Rostova, who lives with her family in Moscow, is sick. Fortunately, she is resurrected to life by services in the church, and especially the prayer “Let us pray to the Lord in peace.”
Petya Rostov, who, despite his father’s persuasion and insufficient age, is eager to join the army, nevertheless receives permission to do so from Count Rostov. But the count is thinking about how to ensure the safety of his young son.
Bolkonsky Sr. refuses to leave the estate where he lives with his daughter. The son’s persistent letters do not convince the prince, and although he sends his entire family to Moscow, including his grandson Nikolenka, he himself prefers to stay in Bald Mountains. Princess Marya does not want to leave her father, and this turns out to be very useful, because Bolkonsky soon suffers a stroke. The prince dies three weeks later, asking his daughter for forgiveness for all the insults caused.
Princess Marya, despite obstacles from the peasants who did not want to let the woman out of Bogucharovo, still leaves for Moscow thanks to Nikolai Rostov, who accidentally ended up on the estate.
In the Battle of Borodino, Prince Andrey is wounded a second time, but this wound, unlike the previous one, turns out to be fatal. Ironically, the meeting with Anatole, whom Andrei has long wanted to take revenge on, occurs under very sad circumstances: he sees him on the next bed at the dressing station. Doctors are going to amputate Anatoly's leg.
Pierre witnesses the terrible consequences of the battle, but cannot stand it and hastily leaves towards Mozhaisk.
Realizing that the army can no longer fight for Moscow, Kutuzov gives the order to retreat. The French enter the city, but it is completely devastated. Moscow is burning from fires.
Natalya Rostova takes care of the wounded Andrei. Pierre Bezukhov is eager to kill Napoleon, but the French lancers take him under arrest.
Volume four
The French have left Moscow, but Kutuzov does not want to lead the army while troops cross the state border. The Order of George, 1st class, is a worthy award for an outstanding commander who is a true patriot of his country.
L.N. Tolstoy
Name: War and Peace
Genre: Novel
Duration:
Part 1: 12min 37sec
Part 2: 12min 06sec
Part 3: 13min 01sec
Annotation:
War and Peace takes us back to Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia and gives us three of literature's most famous characters. Pierre Bezukhov is the illegitimate son of a certain count, who is fighting for his inheritance. Andrei Bolkonsky, who left his family to fight in the war with Napoleon. And Natasha Rostova, the beautiful young daughter of a nobleman who is plotting against the first two men.
Tolstoy incredibly well described characters from different walks of life - peasants and landowners, civilians and soldiers, and how they confront the problems of their era, history and culture. As the story progresses, the characters transcend their origins and become some of the most humanized figures in world literature.
There is a huge variety of characters, but they all act as if connected by the threads of fate. The novel relentlessly questions the ideas of free will, fate and providence. However, the marital relationship is portrayed truthfully and bitterly, as is the main theme against which it unfolds.
L.N. Tolstoy - War and Peace Part 1. Listen to the summary online:
L.N. Tolstoy - War and Peace Part 2. Listen to the summary online.
