1. About the first volume
2. Summary of parts and chapters
3. Results of the first volume
About the first volume War and Peace
In the first volume, the reader is introduced to the main characters: Pierre Bezukhov, Andrei Bolkonsky, the Rostov family, and Princess Mary. The reader is also given a description of the first military operations with France and a description of historical figures: Kutuzov, Bagration, Emperor Alexander the First, Napoleon.
The first part describes the Petersburg society and talks about the attitude of civilians towards the war. All the main characters are also brought to the stage of action and important, for the subsequent plot, such events occur: the acquaintance of Pierre and Natasha, the departure of Prince Andrei to the war, Bezukhov's inheritance.
The second part describes the hostilities that took place in Austria: the defeat of Mack, the unification of the Russian and Austrian troops, the capture of Vienna by the French and the heroic behavior of Bagration's vanguard.
The third part tells at the same time about the life of ordinary people, who also have important events for them and military operations, or rather, the battle of Austerlitz. This is done so that the reader understands that war and peace can be not only in the military sense, but also the struggle taking place in society itself.
Summary of Tolstoy War and peace 1 volume in parts and chapters
Part 1
Chapter 1
It was 1805. The action of the novel begins in the house of the maid of honor Anna Pavlovna Sherer. Prince Vasily came to visit her. They talk about the war, discuss secular news and the prince's children - two sons and a daughter. His daughter and eldest son are beautiful, well-mannered and liked by everyone without exception. And the youngest son, Anatole, except for his handsome appearance, no longer has any positive qualities. The prince is worried that he leads an idle life and spends a lot of money. Anna Pavlovna offers to marry Anatole and the daughter of Prince Bolkonsky, Princess Marya. Prince Vasily approves of this idea.
Chapter 2
At the evening, a secular society gathered at the maid of honor: Prince Vasily with his daughter Helen, his eldest son Ippolit with a friend, the pregnant Princess Bolkonskaya (wife of Marya Bolkonskaya's brother), Abbot Morio and others. A new face appears in society - Pierre Bezukhov, the illegitimate son of Catherine's nobleman. The hostess does not like this young man because she fears that he will begin to express his thoughts aloud, which contradicted the views of others. For Pierre, who had arrived from abroad, this was the first soiree in Russia, and therefore, knowing that he was in an intelligent society, he tried to listen carefully to the conversations of the guests.
Chapter 3
All Scherer's guests were divided into circles according to their interests and discussed the thoughts that were of interest to them. The viscount came for the evening, whom the hostess presented in the most favorable light. The guest began to entertain listeners with funny stories about political figures. Anna Pavlovna tried to keep an eye on all the guests so that their conversation would not become too serious. In the midst of the viscount's conversation, she notices that Bezukhov is talking animatedly about something with the abbot. Hurrying over to them and changing the conversation to the topic of climate, the maid of honor joined them in the general circle.
Chapter 4
At this time, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, Lisa's husband, enters the living room. He was a handsome young man, but from his appearance one could guess that everyone present at the evening bored him, and especially his wife. It turns out that he is going to war with the French as Kutuzov's adjutant. For Prince Andrei, the presence of Pierre is a pleasant surprise. Prince Vasily and his beautiful daughter are about to leave society. In parting, he asks Anna Pavlovna to help Pierre get comfortable in society.
Chapter 5
The old princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya appeals to Prince Vasily with a request: she asks to transfer her son Boris to the guards regiment. At this time, a dispute about Napoleon flares up between Bezukhov, Bolkonsky and the viscount. Pierre, having enlisted the support of the prince, considers Bonaparte a hero. Prince Hippolyte ends the dispute with his anecdote, which he failed to tell in such a way that the listeners would understand him.
Chapter 6
The guests began to leave. Anna Pavlovna said goodbye to Bezukhov, then to Lisa Bolkonskaya, asking her to talk about the matchmaking between Anatole and Princess Marya. Hippolyte helped the little princess, whom he liked, to get ready. Prince Bolkonsky hurried his wife and invited Pierre to come to them. In the Bolkonskys' house, sitting in the prince's office, Andrei and Bezukhov began to discuss what the latter intended to do, and the conversation turned to a military topic. It turns out that the prince does not like the life he is now leading and this is one of the reasons why he is going to war.
Chapter 7
The prince's wife enters the office. Upon learning that they are discussing her husband's departure for the war, Lisa begins to say that she does not understand the reasons why he wants to leave her alone and send her to a village where she has no friends and will not be able to attend secular evenings. The husband asks her to calm down, and the princess, wishing them good night, leaves.
Chapter 8
After dinner, Andrei confesses to a friend that he is unhappy in marriage and advises him to marry as late as possible. It turns out that young people have known each other for a long time and are friends. Bezukhov admires Bolkonsky's willpower and lack of dreaminess in him. The prince asks him to stop being in the company of Anatole Kuragin, the youngest son of Prince Vasily, in whose house Pierre lives, because he is a very frivolous young man. The young man gives the floor to his friend.
Chapter 9
Pierre, having left late at night from the Bolkonskys, despite the promise made to the prince, decides to go to Anatole. He gathered a large company in which everyone drank and ate a lot. Bezukhov, who arrived, was forced to drink too. A certain Dolokhov, on a dare, drinks a whole bottle of alcohol, standing on a ledge of the wall outside the window. Deciding to continue the festivities, the whole company is going to go to someone, taking with them a bear that was in the room.
Chapter 10
Some time passes. Prince Vasily Kuragin complied with the request of Drubetskaya and her son Boris was transferred to the guards of the Semyonovsky regiment. The princess comes to her relatives Rostov. The Rostovs are a big family: Count Ilya, his wife Natalya, their children - Nikolai, Natasha, Vera, Petya and an orphaned niece Sonya. The Countess and her daughter Natasha have a birthday. There are many guests who are very tired of the princess. Tired of the visitors, she decides to receive the last guest - Princess Karagina with her daughter.
The guest talks about the latest St. Petersburg gossip, as well as about the drunken trick of Anatole Kuragin, Dolokhov and Pierre Bezukhov. This trick amused Count Rostov and the rest of the listeners too.
Chapter 11
At this time, the younger generation runs into the room: Natasha Rostova, who was 13 years old, her brother Nikolai, a student, the youngest, Petya Rostov, Sonya, 15 years old and Boris Drubetskoy, a young officer. All of them were animated by a funny game with Natasha's doll, Mimi. Nikolai and Boris are best friends. True, Drubetskoy is more sociable than his friend. Boris goes to prepare the carriage for his departure with his mother.
Chapter 12
This chapter deals with the relationship of children. Nikolai Rostov and Sonya are in love with each other, as are Natasha and Boris. Sonya was jealous of Nikolai for the Rostova Jury, with whom he spoke nicely only out of politeness. A brief description is given of the eldest daughter of the Rostovs, Vera, who was disliked and misunderstood in the family, although she was not stupid. After sitting a little longer, the guests leave.
Chapter 13
Nikolai finds Sonya offended by him and asks her forgiveness. The girl forgives the young man and they kiss. Seeing this, Natasha calls Boris and kisses him too. Drubetskoy promises to ask for her hand in 4 years. Natasha is happy.
Chapter 14
Vera was disliked by everyone in the family, even her brothers and sisters. When the countess asked her to go to the children, the girl saw that they were in pairs. She did not understand their childhood love and spoke down to them. Natasha says that they know that she is in love with Officer Berg. And the couples offended by her go to the nursery.
Countess Rostov and Princess Drubetskaya are talking. Natalya Rostova praises her friend for taking care of her son. Anna Mikhailovna is worried that she will not have enough money to equip Boris, and therefore she decides to go with him to his godfather, Count Bezukhov, who was dying. She hopes that he will bequeath something to the young man. Count Rostov, having learned where they were going, asked to pass an invitation to dinner to the illegitimate son of the count, Pierre Bezukhov.
Chapter 15
Drubetskaya and her son went to Count Bezukhov. She asks Boris to be attentive to the godfather. Although the young man does not like such pretense, for the sake of his mother he agrees. At Count Bezukhov, they meet Prince Vasily, who is his relative. Anna Mikhailovna thanks Kuragin for his assistance and asks about the count's well-being. She sends Boris to Pierre to convey an invitation from the Rostovs.
Chapter 16
Pierre Bezukhov did not immediately recognize Boris. He decided that it was Ilya Rostov, as it turned out later, he got everything mixed up: after all, his son's name was Nikolai. Young Drubetskoy tells Bezukhov that he does not need his father's money, and Pierre liked him even more from this statement. He promised that he would come to the Rostovs in order to get to know Boris better. The princess did not manage to talk to the count, because he does not recognize anyone. She hopes that he will mention them in the will and for this she is going to come again.
Chapter 17
Countess Rostova was worried that her friend of her youth had to beg for money. She asks her husband to give her 500 rubles. Count Rostov, seeing how upset she is, instructs his servant Mitenka, who was in charge of all his affairs, to bring 700 rubles. When Anna Mikhailovna returns and says that she did not manage to talk to Count Bezukhov, Natalya Rostova asks her to accept these 700 rubles. Embracing, both friends cry tears of joy.
Chapter 18
The guests begin to arrive for the celebration. Before the meal, the society was divided into two parts: the men's, which talked in the count's office, and the women's, which was located in the living room. In the men's society, the conversation turned to a military topic, in particular, about the manifesto. Officer Berg, with whom Vera was in love, boasted of his promotion.
Pierre Bezukhov arrived later and Countess Rostova and Princess Drubetskaya tried to start a conversation with him. But because of his shyness, he answered them in monosyllables. The godmother of Natasha Rostova, Princess Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, arrives, whom everyone feared and respected for her frankness and rude manners. She gave the little birthday girl earrings and scolded Pierre for his scandalous trick.
At the table, the guests were also divided into male and female parts. Sonya was jealous of Nikolai Rostov for Julie Karagina. Berg spoke of his love to Vera, Boris called those sitting at the table to Pierre, and exchanged glances with Natasha. Pierre, for the most part, ate and drank a lot.
Chapter 19
A dispute about Bonaparte flares up at the table, Shinshin, a relative of the countess, and the colonel argued loudest of all. Their argument is interrupted by young Natasha's question about what kind of cake will be served. But no one was angry with the girl for this trick.
Chapter 20
The dancing began. In the break between them, Natasha reassured Sonya, who was jealous of Nikolai for Julie and was worried that Vera would tell the countess everything. Young Rostova reassured the girl and said that Pierre was very funny. Then the girl invited him to dance. After dancing, the youth began to sing, and after singing, the count began to dance with Princess Akhrosimova, whose dance delighted the guests.
Chapter 21
Count Bezukhov is getting worse. According to the doctor's forecast, he could die any day. Prince Vasily begins to worry about his share of the inheritance and decides to consult with one of the Count's direct heirs, Princess Ekaterina Mamontova. It becomes known that Bezukhov wrote a petition to the sovereign that Pierre be recognized as his legitimate son. If this turned out to be true, then the entire inheritance went to him. Mamontova tells the prince where all the count's documents lie and accuses Drubetskaya of inciting Bezukhov against the Mamontov sisters.
Chapter 22
Anna Mikhailovna, together with Pierre, comes to his father. Passing by the apartments of the princesses, they see that Vasily Kuragin and Princess Mamontova are greatly alarmed by something. Drubetskaya tells Bezukhov not to worry about anything, that she will respect his interests. Pierre does not understand anything, but decides to obey her.
Chapter 23
Unction of Count Bezukhov began. All the relatives, the count's servants, gathered. After the end of the ceremony, Drubetskaya brought Pierre to her father so that they could say goodbye. The young man was horrified by the state in which his father was and was very sad about it. When Bezukhov Sr. fell asleep, Anna Mikhailovna and Pierre left the count's chambers.
Chapter 24
A scandal flares up, in which Princess Katerina Mamontova, Princess Drubetskaya and Prince Vasily take part. Anna Mikhailovna is trying to take the briefcase from the princess, which contains all the count's papers. In the midst of the struggle, they are informed that the Count has died. Princess Katerina is angry with Pierre because she understands that he will get the entire inheritance. Prince Vasily suddenly realizes that he has already become old and is crying. Pierre spends the night by his father's bed in distress. Princess Drubetskaya returns to the Rostovs and tells all the details of what happened.
Chapter 25
The reader is introduced to Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky, the father of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. He, along with his daughter Marya, lives in the estate, which is located in Bald Hills. Everyone knows him as a demanding and strict person, even in relation to his daughter. In his house, everyone lives according to the established routine, and the old prince himself teaches Marya.
The prince gives her a letter written by her friend, Julie Karagina. In the letter, the girl talks about the fact that in Moscow there is only talk about the upcoming war. Julie is so excited about this topic also because Nikolai Rostov, with whom she is in love, went as a volunteer. She also says that the heir to the entire fortune of Count Bezukhov was his son Pierre, who was recognized as legitimate. The girl does not like him and she writes that now everyone is trying to pass off their daughters for him. Also, a friend warns the princess that she is considered a profitable match for the son of Prince Vasily, Anatole. The letter ends with a request to convey the news about Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife.
Princess Marya writes a response letter in which she sympathizes with Pierre and does not agree with Julie's opinion of him. For Princess Bolkonskaya, the most important quality in his character is a kind heart. She says that she heard that Prince Vasily is going to come to them, and if her father decides that she needs to marry Anatole, then she will obey his will. About her brother, Bolkonskaya writes that they are soon expecting his arrival with his wife, but he himself will go to war.
The princess realizes that because of the letter, she starts her clavichord playing later than usual.
Chapter 26
Andrey Bolkonsky unexpectedly arrives with Lisa. Mademoiselle Bourien is very glad to see them. They take Princess Mary by surprise, who is very glad to see her brother and his wife. Liza and Marya hug and cry, then the little princess begins to tell the latest news from her life. Princess Mary asks Andrei when he is going to go to war and receives an answer that the next day. Brother and sister are very happy to see each other after parting, and, waiting for the father to wake up, Prince Andrei hurried to him.
Bolkonsky Sr., for the sake of his son's arrival, made an exception in his daily routine and allowed him to be present at his toilet. Prince Andrei was very glad to see his father and communicated with him in the same way as with Pierre. Nikolai Bolkonsky asks him to tell him about the latest military news, but he listens inattentively to his son. More and more inspired, Andrei passes on all the news to his father, who has already heard them. Having finished getting ready, he tells the young prince to go to the dining room.
Chapter 27
At dinner, all the household and the architect, Mikhail Ivanovich, who, for unknown reasons, were invited by the prince, gathered. Andrei, looking at the portrait of his father, expressed the opinion that even the most intelligent person has his weaknesses. Princess Mary did not support her brother - for her, her father always did everything right.
At dinner, Nikolai Bolkonsky talked with the little princess, who was afraid of him. In a conversation with her father-in-law, she retold a lot of secular gossip, which the old prince did not like. During conversations between father and son, a dispute arose over the assessment of Napoleon's actions. Prince Andrei considered him an excellent commander, Nikolai Andreevich was of a different opinion. He believed that the French ruler was simply lucky. Bolkonsky Jr. was surprised that although his father did not leave his village anywhere, he was well aware of the state of affairs in the states of Europe.
The dinner was over, and the father and son each had their own opinion. The princess, who did not take part in the dispute, confidentially told Marya that the prince was very smart and therefore she was afraid of him. For the young princess, her father was always kind.
Chapter 28
The next day, Andrei Bolkonsky is going to go. Princess Mary comes up to him to talk before leaving. She asks him not to be too strict with Lisa, to which her brother honestly admits to her that neither he nor his wife are happy in marriage. The princess was very religious and asked the prince to take a small icon with her. Andrei, realizing that it is very important for his sister, promises not to shoot him. He asks if it is hard for her to live with her father, to which Marya replies that she is happy with everything.
On the way to the old prince's office, he sees Mademoiselle Bourienne, whom he does not like. While saying goodbye to his father, Andrei asks to take care of his wife and son. The old prince promises to fulfill his request, gives him a letter of recommendation, and so that Andrei does not see his feelings, he hurries to leave. While saying goodbye to her husband, the princess faints. Prince Nikolai leaves only after the departure of his son and, seeing the princess without feelings, goes to his office.
Part 2
Chapter 1
It was October, 1805. Kutuzov was offered to join his army with the army of Archduke Ferdinand and Mack. The Russian commander did not consider this idea successful, so he decided to review the detachment that arrived at the Braunau fortress to show that the Russian army was not yet ready.
Chapter 2
Kutuzov arrives to review the regiment, in whose retinue are Bolkonsky, Nesvitsky, Andrei's friend and cornet Zherkov, who turns out to be Dolokhov's old acquaintance. The demoted Dolokhov serves in the regiment under inspection, Bolkonsky reminds Kutuzov of him and the epaulettes are returned to him.
Chapter 3
Kutuzov tried to explain to the Austrian general that the Austrian soldiers could cope without the help of the Russians. He asks Prince Bolkonsky to draw up a paper describing the reasons why the Russian army cannot move forward. Andrei Bolkonsky changed while in the army: he became lively and showed great promise for a military career. At this time, the famous Mack comes to the Russian commander-in-chief, who confirms the rumors about the defeat of the Austrian army. It becomes obvious that clashes between the Russians and the French cannot be avoided. Prince Andrei, realizing the seriousness of the situation, is in joyful excitement that he will be able to take part in hostilities.
Chapter 4
Nikolai Rostov ended up in the Pavlograd Hussar Regiment, in which he serves as a cadet. The young man lives in an apartment with captain Denisov. This chapter tells how Warmaster Telyatin stole the captain's purse, but Rostov convicted him of this, but, condemning him morally, left him money.
Chapter 5
At Denisov's apartment, in a conversation between officers, Rostov talks about Telyanin and the regimental commander reprimands him. Nikolai wants to get satisfaction for the insult inflicted on him, but the staff captain and Denisov convince the young man that he is wrong and Rostov apologizes. At this time, Zherkov comes to them and informs them of the news of the defeat of the Austrian army and tells them to prepare for the offensive.
Chapters 6 - 7
Kutuzov retreated to Vienna, ordering to destroy the bridges behind the army. Nesvitsky was sent to the commander in chief. After a short rest, he goes to the crossing to hurry the lagging behind, and to follow the destruction of the bridge. The shelling of the crossing begins. At this time, Denisov appears and demands that they let him pass with his squadron.
Chapter 8
There was a stampede on the bridge. Nesvitsky mixed up the order, but Zherkov, who arrived, handed over the necessary instructions to the colonel. The two officers were watching the action away from the shots. Denisov's squadron was supposed to set fire to the bridge. During the buckshot, the first wounded appeared. Nikolai Rostov tried to be courageous, but then he was among those soldiers who ran after the hussars. After that, the young man began to consider himself a coward. The Russians were able to set fire to the bridge before the French.
Chapter 9
On October 28, Kutuzov crossed with his army to the left bank of the Danube, and on the 30th defeated Mortier's division. And even though this victory was overshadowed by the loss of soldiers, the wounded, it raised the morale of the troops. Rumors began to circulate in the army about the retreat of Bonaparte. Prince Andrei participated in hostilities and coped with all the affairs that Kutuzov entrusted to him. The commander-in-chief sent him with the news of this victory to the Austrian court.
Chapter 10
Prince Bolkonsky stopped at his Russian diplomat friend Bilibin and tells him about the cool reception. Bilibin replies that there is nothing surprising, because this is a victory for the Russian army, and not for the Austrian. Prince Andrei becomes aware that Vienna has been taken by the French and that the majority believes that this campaign has been lost. Bolkonsky fell asleep, thinking about the reception awaiting him from the emperor.
Chapters 11-12
In the company of Bilibin, Prince Andrei met Ippolit Kuragin, whom he had once been jealous of his wife. Bilibin promises to show Bolkonsky all the delights of Brunn. The prince tells the emperor all the details of the battle and he is awarded the Order of Maria Theresa 3rd degree. Returning to the diplomat, he sees that he is collecting things and learns that the French have crossed the bridge in Vienna and will soon be on the banks of the Danube. Prince Andrei hurries to warn the Russian army.
Chapter 13
Prince Bolkonsky has difficulty finding the army and Kutuzov. Going to the commander-in-chief, he learns that orders for battle have been given. Kutuzov sends Bagration's vanguard to hold back the French and bids farewell to him with tears in his eyes. Bolkonsky asks to be in the vanguard of Bagration, but Kutuzov does not let him in.
Chapter 14
The French sought to cut off communication between the troops of Kutuzov and Russia. To prevent this, the vanguard was sent, led by Bagration. Murat decided that a small detachment was the entire Russian army, he proposed a truce for three days in order to wait for reinforcements from Vienna. For Kutuzov, this was the only opportunity to give Bagration's detachment a rest. Napoleon figured out the commander-in-chief's trick and wrote to Murat about it, and he himself went with his army.
Chapters 15-16
Kutuzov still allows Bolkonsky to go to Bagration. Arriving there, Andrei sees that everything is calm, because Murat has not yet received Bonaparte's letter. The prince meets Captain Tushin and takes a liking to him. Later, he meets the captain again, passing through the battery, who was busy drawing the position of the French troops in his notebook. At this time, a cannonball falls into the center of the booth set up by the soldiers.
Chapters 17-18
Murat, having learned that he was deceived, decided to rehabilitate himself in the eyes of Napoleon and destroy a small army before his arrival and opens fire. At this time, Bagration and Bolkonsky travel around the entire avant-garde. Tushin, without waiting for orders, decided to set fire to the village. Prince Bagration orders Zherkov to go to the left flank and say that they need to retreat. After some time, surrounded by gunpowder and smoke, Bagration shouted "Hurrah!" launched an attack, which was able to ensure the retreat of the right flank.
Chapter 19
Thanks to the actions of Tushin's battery, a retreat of the right flank is obtained - the French are distracted by a fire in Shengraben. Zherkov did not convey Bagration's order, because he became afraid. At this time, the commanders of the left and right flanks are arguing among themselves. The squadron, in which Rostov was, was surrounded by the French. After Denisov's command, the attack began. Near Nikolai, a horse was wounded and, falling to the ground, instead of shooting at the enemies, he threw a pistol at the Frenchman and ran. The Frenchman wounded him in the arm, but Rostov ran to the bushes, in which there were Russian arrows.
Chapter 20
The fight was not in our favor. But Timokhin's company was able to change everything, which suddenly attacked the French from behind the forest. Dolokhov served in the same company, who distinguished himself by capturing two French officers and, despite being wounded, remained at the front. The Tushino battery was remembered only when the cover left in the midst of the battle. However, thanks to the energetic leadership of Tushin, active firing was carried out from his battery, because of which the French decided that the main enemy forces were located there. Tushin, because of the awakened passion, did not immediately realize that he had been ordered to retreat several times. Only when Bolkonsky arrived and helped to take Tushin's guns away did the battery retreat. Then Andrew left.
Chapter 21
On the way, Tushin helps a young shell-shocked officer - it was Rostov. Upon arrival in the village, Bagration summons the captain. The prince asks Tushin why he left two guns, to which he replies that there were not enough people not to say that the cover left the battery in the midst of the battle. Bolkonsky rescues him, telling how everything was to Bagration. Tushin sincerely thanks Andrey. Meanwhile, Rostov starts delirium and fever. The next day, the remnant of Bagration's vanguard joins Kutuzov's army.
Part 3
Chapter 1
Prince Vasily becomes close to Pierre and, for the sake of profit, wants to marry him to his daughter. After receiving the inheritance, everyone in society suddenly began to treat him very well. Vasily Kuragin decides to move Bezukhov to Moscow. The young count inspires himself that he is in love with Helen, although she seems stupid to him.
Chapter 2
Pierre Bezukhov still cannot decide to propose to Helen Kuragina. After celebrating her name day, when all the guests have left, Prince Vasily helps Bezukhov to propose to his daughter. Helen accepts him and after some time they get married.
Chapter 3
Prince Vasily, together with Anatole, is going to Prince Bolkonsky. This news does not please the old prince, because he despised Prince Kuragin. On the day of their arrival, he was not in a good mood and everyone fell under his hot hand, even the little princess, who was very afraid of him. Mademoiselle Bourienne and Lisa are trying to put the princess in order, who was not very beautiful on the outside, but had an inner beauty. Princess Marya doubted whether she should agree to marry the unloved, but she was ashamed of such thoughts.
Chapters 4-5
The princess goes downstairs and meets the Kuragins. She tries to be nice to everyone, but her father starts making comments about her daughter's appearance, which upsets her. Sympathy arises between Anatole and Bourien. The next day, Prince Bolkonsky tells his daughter that she will have to decide for herself whether to marry Anatole or not. The princess promises to think. Leaving her father's office, she sees a Frenchwoman in Anatole's arms. She later reassures her and tells her that she is not angry. Marya informs her father and Prince Vasily that she will not marry Anatole. The princess decides that self-sacrifice is the meaning of her happiness.
Chapter 6
There was no news from Nikolai for a long time in the Rostovs' house. A letter arrives stating that he was wounded, but one should not fear for his life and he was promoted to officer. Soon the whole house knew about Nikolai and everyone began to write him a letter, which they were supposed to pass through Boris Drubetskoy.
Chapter 7
The letter reached Nicholas when the two emperors, Russian and Austrian, were to be reviewed. He needed to get to Boris, who had a letter. Boris served with Berg and the meeting of old friends was warm. They exchanged military stories, and at the moment when Rostov was talking about his injury, Bolkonsky entered, who was favorable to Boris. Nikolai and Andrei did not like each other and Rostov almost challenged him to a duel. But the prince was able to divert the conversation in a different direction and left.
Chapter 8
The next day, a review of the Russian and Austrian troops was held by the emperors. Nicholas was ready to die for the emperor, he was in such admiration that even Bolkonsky, who was in his retinue, did not spoil his mood. After the show, everyone was sure of victory.
Chapter 9
Boris decides to ask Prince Andrei for help in promotion. Bolkonsky promises to arrange for him to Prince Dolgoruky, but does not have time, so Drubetsky's advance is postponed. The next day they went on a campaign, and Boris remained in the Izmailovsky regiment until the battle of Austerlitz.
Chapters 10-11
The city of Vishau was occupied and a French squadron was taken prisoner. Rostov saw the sovereign and began to admire him even more. Emperor Alexander was very worried when he saw the wounded, which exalted him even more in the eyes of Nicholas. A French truce comes to the Russian emperor and offers a personal meeting with Napoleon. The emperor refuses and transfers the case to Dolgoruky. The French troops were retreating and everyone was in anticipation of a decisive battle. Bolkonsky had a plan for a flank battle, which he tried to tell Dolgoruky, but he advised him to show it to Kutuzov. At the military council, Kutuzov hears almost nothing about the plan, because the most important thing is to get enough sleep. Andrei begins to think about the fact that he can die during the battle and thinks about his life.
Chapters 12-17
These chapters are about combat. Napoleon moved the main forces to the Kutuzov column. Kutuzov himself was irritable because he did not like how the battle plan was being carried out. He ordered to retreat and only Prince Bolkonsky remained by his side. The French began to fire at the fleeing battery, they shot at Kutuzov. Bolkonsky picked up the fallen banner and, with a cry of "Hurrah," rushed to the battery, but fell from a blow to the head, and apart from the sky, he saw nothing else.
Chapter 18
Rostov is sent on an assignment to the commander-in-chief. On the way, he hears shots - these are Russians and Austrians shooting at each other. He is looking for Kutuzov, but he is told that he was killed. Rostov sees the sovereign, but understands that he is too tired and does not give him the order.
Chapter 19
The battle is lost. Napoleon drives up to the bleeding Bolkonsky and orders to take care of him. The prince ended up in the hospital, where they returned the icon of Princess Marya to him. He suffers from delirium and fever. He is among the hopelessly ill, who were left in the care of the inhabitants.
Results of the first volume
At the end of the first volume, it is told about how wealth changed the life of one of the main characters, Pierre Bezukhov, that, due to his inexperience, he connected his life with a woman whom he considered stupid. The character of Princess Marya is fully revealed, as not just a girl who grew up away from society, but as selfless and very kind towards others.
Other actors - Prince Bolkonsky, Nikolai Rostov and Boris Drubetskoy have changed. Once in the thick of military events, they begin to appreciate life itself and the Fatherland more. The description of the battles shows the reader how difficult it was to fight Napoleon, but nevertheless, the Russian soldiers fought selflessly for their Motherland.
In the first volume, the author shows that, despite the fact that there is a war, the life of civilians goes on as usual: they also make important decisions for their lives, like, for example, Princess Marya, who, refusing to marry Anatole, realized that her happiness is self-sacrifice. After all, regardless of whether there is a war or a peaceful life, people continue to love, worry, care and make choices in the issues that concern them, and there may be a rethinking of life values and the development of the characters' characters.
Russia, late 19th century. The action of the play takes place in the estate of a retired professor Serebryakov, married by a second marriage to 27-year-old Elena Andreevna. Sonya, a daughter from his first marriage, also lives with him.
Grandmother ordered her grandson Vitya to sort out all the potatoes on the street. The boy was cold sitting in the snow, and the only thing that warmed him now was the thought of new trousers that his grandmother had to sew for his birthday
I walked on wet and hard sand, collecting pebbles and various interesting things washed ashore by yesterday's storm. Examining the mountain of washed pebbles, I did not notice how someone approached from behind. A thin girl's voice brought me out of a thoughtful search.
"War and Peace"
(Epic novel)
retelling
Volume I
Part one
Petersburg, 1805. A high-society evening at Anna Pavlovna Scherer, maid of honor and close associate of Empress Maria Feodorovna. The conversation during the entire reception is conducted exclusively in French. The tone is set by the hostess and the bureaucratic prince Vasily Kuragin, who was a significant person at court. This is a person who lives completely according to the rules of the world, who despised 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 wealthy 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.
Sherer's guests are the highest nobility of St. Petersburg. The daughter of Prince Vasily, the beautiful Helen, who was in cipher and a ball gown, his son Ippolit. Little Princess Lisa Bolkonskaya, who traveled only for small evenings due to her pregnancy. But, despite her position, the princess felt fine in this society. A distinctive feature of Liza is the upper “with a slightly blackened mustache” sponge, which was short, and therefore slightly covered her upper teeth, which made the princess look like a squirrel. The emigrant is the French Viscount Mortemar, Abbe Moriot. The rite of greeting the aunt of the hostess. Auntie - a small, useless and uninteresting old woman - politely greeted everyone who approached her, spoke about the health of the Empress. The guests, having performed the rite, departed from the old woman with a feeling of deep relief, "so that the whole evening would never come up to her." Appearance at the evening of 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 distinguished from everyone in the living room by his 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 Anna Pavlovna’s evening with the work of a spinning workshop, and Anna Pavlovna herself with the owner of this workshop, who, “having put the workers in their places, walks around the establishment, noticing immobility or an unusual, creaking, too loud sound of the spindle, hurriedly walks, restrains or lets it go in the proper course. Portrait of Helen: this is a beautiful woman, in which there is no share of coquetry, she even "as if she was ashamed of her beauty." The portrait touch that is emphasized in Helen is her marble shoulders. Prince Vasily asks Anna Pavlovna to reason with Pierre, teaching him how to behave in secular life.
Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubedkaya, an elderly lady who used to sit with her aunt, asks Prince Vasily to petition the Tsar about transferring her son Boris to the guards.
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 with his smile, which, as it were, said: "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 about his departure for the war. Liza does not want Prince Andrei to go to war, she believes that he occupies an excellent position here: he is an adjutant to his uncle. She invites him to arrange his career even better. Even in the family circle, the princess speaks in a capriciously playful tone, with which she spoke in Anna Pavlovna's drawing room. Pierre Bezukhov's dinner with Prince Andrei. Andrey Bolkonsky's thoughts about himself, about 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 high in you." Marriage, in his opinion, is a vicious circle from which you can’t get out. And secular women - "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 type of face, who had twelve children. The count is a man who loves and knows how to live, who spoke with all the guests in the same way and in Russian. Reception of congratulatory visits on the occasion of the name day at the Rostovs of two Natalias - mother and daughter. Visit of mother and daughter Kuragins. Talk about the main city news - the illness of the 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 the old man Bezukhov. Pierre was sent to Moscow, and Dolokhov was demoted to the soldiers for hooliganism. They brought a bear with them to the actresses. The police came to appease the raging young people. So they caught the quarterman, tied him with his back to the bear and let him swim in the Moika. Pierre is now in Moscow, at 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 by his wife.
Chapter VIII.
The youth of the Rostov house: Natasha, Nikolai - a student, the eldest son of the count and countess, Petya - the younger son, Sonya - the fifteen-year-old niece of the count 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-eyed. She was at that age "when the girl is no longer a child, and the child is not yet a girl." The story of the Mimi doll. Boris said that he had known this Mimi as a young girl, but in five years she had grown old, and her head had cracked all over her skull. This story greatly amused all the youth and, no longer able to contain their laughter, they ran out of the living room. Only Sonya and Nikolai remained here.
In the living room. Niece of Count Sonya. This is a small petite brunette, with long eyelashes and a soft
with a look. She has black braided hair and a yellowish skin tone. Her movements were soft, flexible, gentle, her habits cunning, but restrained, which made her look like a cat. In love with Nicholas. Count's conversation with a guest about Nicholas' entry into military service. Nikolai leaves the university, believing that he has a vocation 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, did not forbid her anything. Therefore, the countess adds, Natasha hides nothing from her mother. Faith. This is the eldest daughter of the Rostovs, beautiful, not stupid, she studied well, her voice is magnificent, but for some reason she was always out of place.
Natasha Rostova hides in a flower shop, hoping to wait for Boris there, but becomes a witness to a scene of jealousy between Sonya and Nikolai. Scene of jealousy: Sonya was jealous of Nikolai for Julie Karagina. Nikolai says that he loves only Sonya. Kiss 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 has to 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 room: Sonya with Nikolai and Natasha with Boris. Sonya sat close to Nikolai, who copied for her the poems he had composed for the first time. Natasha and Boris were sitting at the window, talking, but fell silent when Vera entered. Quarrel with Vera. Vera, angered by the happiness of the young, 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 in her condition, Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya talks about her son’s placement in the guards and complains about her financial situation.
evidence - she has nothing to equip Boris. The princess needed 500 rubles for this, and she had only 25. Her hopes for the inheritance of Count Bezukhov, since Boris is his godson. Anna Mikhailovna is going to go to Bezukhov, Rostova says that she should call Pierre for the birthday.
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, as he “was afraid to find in her a rival according to 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 take care of the sick. 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 perceived with hostility by the princesses, of which there were three. The older sister is especially unfriendly to Pierre - "a clean, long-waisted, strict girl." Arrival to Pierre in the room of Boris Drubetskoy, conversation and explanation between them. Pierre saw Boris for the last time as a fourteen-year-old boy, and therefore does not immediately recognize him. Boris invites Pierre to a birthday party with the Rostovs. In addition, Boris assures Pierre that neither he nor his mother have any interest in the inheritance of Count Bezukhov. At least he, Boris, will not even accept anything if Kirill Vladimirovich leaves him something. Pierre is flattered by such an ardent statement of this sweet, intelligent and firm, in Pierre's opinion, young man. He is going to get to know Boris better. The return of the mother and son Drubetsky 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 his return, Drubetskoy gives them to Boris for uniforms. Tears of both. They cried that they were friendly, that their youth had passed, that they were now busy with such a low subject as money.
At the Rostovs before the birthday dinner. Waiting for Natasha's godmother, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, a lady "famous not for wealth, not for honors, but for her directness of mind and frank simplicity of communication." At this time in the office of Rostov 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 shaven, thin face. Berg is a fresh, rosy Guards officer, "impeccably washed, buttoned and combed." The conversation of this young man always concerned only himself 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 uncomfortable 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, the Countess, Anna Mikhailovna and other guests. And on the other - a graph with guests. Pierre continues to feel awkward at dinner, eats and drinks a lot. Dinner.
Dinner talk about the manifesto and the war with Bonaparte. The colonel says that in St. Petersburg a manifesto was issued declaring war, which he himself saw. Zavya-
There was a dispute about whether Russia should enter the war. Opinions were divided for and against. Nikolai Rostov's remark in support of the opinion that Russia should enter the war, that "Russians must die or win." Natasha's prank. Natasha argued with her younger brother Petya that she would ask her mother across the table what kind of cake would be. Her performance was well received. Everyone laughed at the courage and dexterity of this little girl.
Chapter XVII.
The singing of youth. The guests returned to the living room, began to ask Natasha and Nikolai to sing something. Natasha does not find Sonya in the living room. Sonya was in the corridor on a chest. Sonya's tears about 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 is 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 "Key". Dancing. Pierre invites Natasha to dance. She is proud and happy that she "danced with the big one, with someone who came from abroad." Count Ilya Andreyevich Rostov and Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova are dancing Danila Kupora, the count's favorite dance. It is danced in such a way that everyone stands fascinated by the simplicity and uncomplicatedness of Russian folk dance.
Chapter XVIII.
In the house of Count Bezukhov. The sixth blow came with the count. Preparation for assembly. Conversations of those present. Everyone doubts that after the sixth blow, the count will remain alive. Again, the question arises of who will have all the property. Secret conspiracies between Prince Vasily and Princess Katish about concealing the will of the Count. 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 so, 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.
The 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 with his father. Anna Mikhailovna persuades him to go anyway, because this is his father and he is dying. Pierre in the waiting room of his dying father, who wished to see him. The treatment of those present. Prince Vasily looks at Pierre with some fear, the rest, who were in the living room, examine Pierre with curiosity. Everyone points to him with their eyes, some with fear, some with subservience. Pierre feels awkward and tries to behave correctly, as is customary in society. Everyone goes to the room of the dying.
Pierre with his sick father. Count Bezukhov. The count was lying on a long Voltaire chair. He had a mane of gray hair, a broad forehead, large wrinkles on his reddish-yellow face. Nearby were the clergy. Everyone stood silently and prayed. Only Prince Vasily and the eldest princess slowly went into the back of the room to the high bed of the count. Then for a while they hide in a back room, but then they return to the patient again. Pierre notices all this, but does not attach any importance to their actions. Unction. The old count is carried to the bed. The count woke up for a moment, but then again fell into oblivion. Pierre cries and leaves the room.
Pierre and Anna Mikhailovna enter the reception room, where Prince Vasily Kuragin and Princess Katish are sitting, and about something
are talking. As soon as Pierre enters, the princess hides something. Anna Mikhailovna also notices that something is wrong here. There is a dispute and a fight over the portfolio with the will. Drubetskaya is trying 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 unnecessary 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 act of Prince Vasily and Princess Katish and about Pierre, heartbroken.
Chapter XXII.
The estate of the Bolkonsky Bald Mountains. The old prince Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky is the general-in-chief, who was exiled under Paul to the village and now lived there without a break 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, demanding. He was short, "with small dry hands and gray drooping eyebrows", had intelligent and young shining eyes, and always wore a powdered wig. He instilled fear in everyone, especially his daughter. His daughter is Princess Mary. This is a girl with a painful, ugly face. As her father loved order, so she did not like order.
Chapter XXIII.
Arrival in the Bald Mountains of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky with his wife. 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 Mary and her French companion Bourienne. Bourrienne seemed distraught with happiness, and Marya burst into tears all over when she saw her brother. Lisa chatted incessantly, but Princess Marya only silently, 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
prince with his son and their conversation about war and politics. The old prince let his son into his half while dressing. Prince Andrei enters there with the expression on his face that he had only when he was talking to Pierre. Andrei tells his father the plan of 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 enter it.
Chapter XXIV.
Lunch in Bald Mountains. During dinner, 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 relatives and friends, she perks up and begins to chat 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. In the opinion of the old prince, Napoleon was “an insignificant Frenchman who was successful only because there were no more Potemkins and Suvorovs.” To which Andrei replies that Bonaparte is a great commander. During the dispute, no one changed his mind. In the heat of the moment, the old prince shouts to Andrei to get out to his Bonaparte. After dinner, the little princess, looking with fear at her husband's father, says that she is afraid of him.
Prince Andrei's preparations for his departure for the army. Before leaving, Prince Andrei has 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 pities his sister, who is having a hard time with her father. But Princess Mary, who reveres her father, forbids him to speak like that. Marya asks Andrei to fulfill one of her requests: to put on "an old icon of a savior with a black face in a silver robe on a silver chain of fine workmanship." Princess Mary blesses her brother in an image. Farewell of Prince Andrei with 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 Michael
Il 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 feelings took their toll and "something trembled in the lower part of the old prince's face." Andrei said goodbye to his wife coldly. Departure of Andrew.
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About the novel. Leo Tolstoy built the storyline on the basis of the events of the Great Patriotic War of 1812. The author revealed the historical development of the Russian Empire at the beginning of the 90th century, describing the fate of the heroes of the book. A summary of the novel "War and Peace" by volume will make it possible to understand the reasons for the defeat of the Russian army in the first half of the French invasion and its victorious offensive with the onset of winter.
Volume 1
In the first volume, the reader gets acquainted with the main characters. To the peaceful philistine picture of the idle life of St. Petersburg and Moscow, Leo Tolstoy contrasted the horror that the war brings. The writer achieved a literary contrast on the example of the epoch-making battles of Schöngraben and Austerlitz.
Part 1
The middle of the summer of 1805 was remembered by a resident of the capital with an outbreak of influenza. Anna Pavlovna Sherer, who has connections in the royal family, fell ill. Being a popular person in the high society of St. Petersburg, she gathered a party. Here are the main characters of the book.
The first to enter was His Excellency Prince Vasily Kuragin. The Lord punished a respected person with heirs. From the lips of this gentleman comes a quote that reveals the essence of his character, that children are a burden of existence. His Excellency arrived with his daughter Elena Vasilievna. The beautiful, socialite is accompanied by her elder brother, Prince Ippolit Kuragin, "a calm fool," according to his own father.
Following the Kuragins, Princess Liza Bolkonskaya arrived, the sweet wife of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky in all respects. Young people got married a year ago. A fragile woman has a rounded belly as a result of pregnancy. The noble lady brought her needlework to spend time with benefit.
Everyone's attention was attracted by the scene of the appearance of the young Count Peter Kirillovich Bezukhov. The big, smart, timid illegitimate son of Count Bezukhov did not have time to learn the traditions and subtleties of the etiquette of the high society of St. Petersburg. Therefore, he was coldly received by the mistress of the house.
Andrei Bolkonsky himself appears (the future image of the hero of the Fatherland), the husband of Lisa Bolkonskaya.
At the end of the evening, Countess Drubetskaya pitifully persuades Prince Vasily to recommend her son, Boris Drubetskoy, as adjutant to Kutuzov. The rest of the guests are discussing the role of Napoleon in the political arena of the world.
Pierre visits Bolkonsky's house, promises his friend not to get involved with the company of Anatole Kuragin (the unlucky son of Prince Vasily). Lisa is indignant that her husband is going to war, sends her to her father, Prince Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky, a prominent politician at the court of Catherine II. Andrei Bolkonsky remains tough and adamant, leaves.
Pierre plunges into the wild life of Petersburg officers, which ended in scandal. Drunken young people, led by Kuragin Jr. and Dolokhov, tied a guard on duty to the back of a circus bear, let the beast swim in the river. Prince Bezukhov is punished, he is sent to Moscow, as to a calmer city.
And here is Moscow, a reception at the Rostov family on the occasion of the name day of Countess Mother Natalya and their daughter Natashenka. Son Nikolai Rostov takes care of his fifteen-year-old cousin Sonya. And the young birthday girl likes Boris Drubetskoy.
The eldest daughter Vera behaves like an adult young lady, and little Petenka is distinguished by childish carelessness. The reader observes the differences in morals between the St. Petersburg high society and Moscow. Sincerity, simplicity of communication, family values prevail here.
Pierre Bezukhov arrived, being also invited. But the young man is preoccupied with his father's illness. Behind him, the real struggle of the clans for the inheritance of the dying count begins. After all, Prince Vasily Kuragin, due to family ties, is a contender for the inheritance. This is a strong contender. Pierre, having appeared at the bedside of a dying man, feels like a stranger. Sorrow for his father and natural awkwardness complicate the situation of the young man.
And in the Bald Mountains estate, Lisa languishes, left by Andrei in the care of his father and sister, Princess Marya. The daughter vegetates next to the eccentric old man, trying to share with him the hardships of his old age.
Part 2
The autumn of 1805 came. Kutuzov's troops were on the territory of the Archduchy of Austria in the fortress of Braunau. Kutuzov himself promises to return Dolokhov, demoted to the ranks for a joke with a bear, his rank, if he behaves in the war, as befits a Russian officer.
Prince Andrei serves at the hand of Kutuzov himself, compiling a summary of the movement of the Austrian army to the command. The commander-in-chief appreciates the professionalism of his subordinate.
Nikolai Rostov is serving as a cadet, as a hussar of the Pavlograd regiment. Russian troops retreat to Vienna, destroying crossings and bridges behind them. A battle breaks out on the Enns River, the overtaking enemy is rebuffed by a squadron of hussars. Kolya Rostov serves here, this is his first military experience. The guy is hard going through his state of indecision and confusion.
Kutuzov leads his army (35 thousand soldiers) down the Danube in order to save them from Napoleon's army, which at that time had 100,000 soldiers. Bolkonsky was sent to the city of Brunn with good news, where he meets with diplomat Bilibin and learns that the French have occupied Vienna. Then he sees Prince Ippolit Kuragin, who is not respected by his colleagues.
Bilibin invites Bolkonsky to remain in the service of the Austrian king, prophesies the defeat of Kutuzov's army. Andrei decided to remain loyal to his commander in chief.
Bagration's army was ordered to detain the enemy for as long as possible. For days the soldiers under the leadership of Bagration heroically held back the fierce onslaught, and then made an unthinkably difficult transition. Andrei Bolkonsky joins them to take part in the upcoming battle.
In this part of the novel, the theme of true and pathos patriotism is clearly traced. The image of Tushin is a portrait of a Russian hero, whose heroism often remains unappreciated by his contemporaries. This is how the battle of Schöngraben went.
Part 3
Pierre Bezukhov managed to receive an inheritance, he became an enviable groom. Prince Vasily without delay brings him together with his daughter Helen. The enterprising caring father is simultaneously negotiating with Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, trying to woo Mary from him for his youngest son Anatoly. Absolute attachment to the father guides the decision of Princess Bolkonskaya. The girl refuses noble matchmakers.
The turn of the battle of Austerlitz came. The plan was approved in advance in St. Petersburg by Alexander I, so Kutuzov could not change anything. Sleep is the only parting word that he gave to the army, relying on the will of God.
Bolkonsky could not sleep before the battle. The dream of glory occupies the thoughts of a Russian officer. When the morning mist cleared, a skirmish with the enemy took place. Bolkonsky noticed how the banner fell from the hands of the ensign, raised the banner and led the soldiers along. Here the hero was overtaken by a bullet, he lay down on the ground and embraced the sky with his eyes, endless, losing meaning for a dying warrior. By the will of fate, Andrey is saved by Napoleon himself.
Volume 2
Children grow up, rush to extremes, are guided by the search for the meaning of life and fall in love. There are 6 years before the start of the war, events take place in the time frame from 1806 to 1812.
Part 1
The joy of the Rostovs, Nikolai and his friend Denisov came to them on vacation. The noble officer is fascinated by the beauty and intelligence of young Natasha.
Marriage with Helen changed the inner world of Count Bezukhov, he had to be disappointed in his hasty choice. Dolokhov behaves offensively, hinting to others at an ambiguous relationship with Countess Bezukhova. Pierre challenges Dolokhov, experienced in battles, to a duel. Unable to firmly hold a gun in his hands, the hero hits his wife's lover in the stomach. After the scandal, he gives Helen to manage most of the state, leaves for the capital.
In the Bald Mountains, Lisa is waiting for her husband, she is not told about his probable death. Suddenly, young Bolkonsky arrives on the eve of his wife's birth. The tragic moment - Bolkonskaya dies in childbirth. The boy was named Nicholas.
Dolokhov proposes to Sonechka, but the girl in love with Nikolai refuses. Angry, the officer draws Nikolai Rostov into a risky card game, the young man lost a lot of money.
Vasily Denisov proposes to Natasha. Countess Rostova refuses the groom, pointing to the early age of her daughter. Nikolai is waiting for money from his father to pay off his gambling debt.
Part 2
Count Bezukhov joins the Masonic society. Prince Vasily asks his son-in-law to once again reconcile with his wife, but is refused. Time passes, Pierre becomes disillusioned with the Masonic movement. This happened at the end of 1806, when the French resumed hostilities in Europe. Boris Drubetskoy, having received a high appointment, cuts off contact with the Rostovs' house, and often visits Helen Bezukhova. Pierre returns to Moscow to check the state of affairs of the estates, finds his fortune in decline.
The world is changing, Russia and France become allies, they begin to fight against Austria.
Prince Bolkonsky, having reached the age of 31, is trying to improve his life in the family estate, but being a soldier in his soul, he does not find peace. He is invited to the Rostovs' house, he meets Natasha for the first time. The speech of the girl under the late sky sinks into the soul of the hero. He will remember her as sophisticated and romantic. In Moscow, Andrey, on behalf of Speransky, is engaged in state legislation, the way of the section "Rights of Persons".
After his wife's infidelity, Pierre develops depression. The Rostovs are trying to politely drive away the newly accustomed Boris Drubetskoy from the house. The eldest daughter Vera marries Berg.
First ball. Natasha Rostova was published on December 31, 1809. They had to dance for the first time, an experienced man Bolkonsky and a growing girl Rostov fall in love. Their feelings are mutual, Prince Andrei comes to the Rostovs, listens to the girl's singing, feels happiness. Having met with Pierre, Bologna tells his friend about his new love, about his decision to marry.
The father dissuades his son with a scandal from his choice. Therefore, having made an offer to Natasha, Bolkonsky asks to keep this event a secret. The wedding is postponed for a year. In the Bolkonsky estate, the old prince is acting strange, enraged by his son's disobedience. Princess Mary is in a difficult situation.
Part 4
To improve the condition of the Rostov family, Nikolai comes to the family, but he realizes that he does not know how to run a household. We rested on the hunt, then Christmas time came. For the first time, the guy was able to appreciate the graceful beauty of Sonya, confessed to his sister Natasha that he wanted to marry his cousin, from which she was happy.
Princess Natalya was angry, she did not like the choice of her son, the poor niece was not a match for the young prince, according to her mother. Kolenka quarrels with her mother, and she begins to spoil the life of poor Sonya, infringing on her, finding fault with trifles. The son resolutely declares that he will marry the girl without blessing if the mother continues to mock her.
Through the efforts of Natasha, a truce is achieved. Relatives agree that Sonya will not be run around, and Nikolai will leave for his duty station. The family is impoverished, but returns to Moscow, leaving an ailing countess in the village.
Part 5
Everything is difficult in the Bolkonsky family. Living in Moscow, father and daughter cannot find a common language. Natasha is left in turmoil after an awkward encounter with them. In the opera, she meets Anatole Kuragin, who wants to seduce the girl, having barely met her. First, Helen Bezukhova invites her to visit, where the womanizer passionately confesses his love to her, literally chasing the inexperienced girl.
In the letters that Natasha is secretly given, Anatole writes that he will steal her away in order to secretly get married. The young man fraudulently wanted to take possession of the girl, because he had already been married earlier. Sonya destroys the seducer's insidious plans by telling Marya Dmitrievna about them. Pierre reveals to Natasha the secret of Anatole Kuragin's married position.
Natasha breaks off the engagement to Bolkonsky. Andrey learns the story with Anatoly. Pierre brings Rostova letters from her ex-fiance, Natasha repents. Pierre has tenderness for the tearful heroine. Returning home, he was lucky to observe the fall of a comet.
Volume 3
The author reflects on the causes of the tragedy that affected the lives of millions of people. War is an evil that people create with their own hands. The heroes of the novel will go through grief, pain and irreparable losses. Their world will never be the same again, but only perceived through the prism of death.
Part 1
The Patriotic War began. Prince Bolkonsky returns to the army in order to take revenge on Anatole for the dishonored honor of the bride. Then, as an officer, he accepts an appointment in the Western army.
Nikolai Rostov shows special courage, is awarded the St. George Cross. A tender relationship develops between Pierre and Natasha. Moscow nobility is going to the council. Pierre gives 1000 souls of peasants and their salaries to the militia.
Part 2
Prince Andrei writes to his father asking for forgiveness. He advises the family to leave the Bald Mountains, but the old man stays at home. Part of the Moscow high society is happy to discuss the arrival of the French. Most of the people are patriotic. The tsar appointed Kutuzov commander-in-chief of the entire Russian army in order to avoid conflicts between the command.
Princess Marya Bolkonskaya buries her father, finds herself in a difficult situation, from which Nikolai Rostov helps her get out. Denisov organized a full-fledged partisan movement. Prince Andrei and Pierre meet before the battle, discussing the importance of the morale of the soldiers themselves in the outcome of battles, and not just the ability of commanders to give orders.
Prince Andrei is wounded by a fragment of a grenade in the stomach, he sees Kuragin on the operating table and forgives his enemy.
Part 3
The philosophy of war is cruel. The decision to surrender Moscow to the French was extremely difficult for the Russian people. Kutuzov wanted to save the army, which means Russia. The evacuation has begun. On the Borodino field, Pierre receives a letter from his wife asking for a divorce. Natasha watches the convoy with the wounded and finds Andrey there, trying to take care of him along the way of retreat. The girl asks her beloved for forgiveness and receives it.
Napoleon's foot steps into a city abandoned by the people. The conqueror feels the bitterness of disappointment, because every abandoned city built of wood burns down without people. Moscow burned down. Pierre plans to kill Napoleon, but the attempt fails. Instead, he saves a girl from a burning house.
Volume 4
The end of 1812 turned out to be dramatic for the heroes of the novel, for the state. In a short time, millions of people stomped across Russia, first from west to east, then in the opposite direction. This is the people, and not every general, genius or ruler, taken separately.
Part 1
The battle on the Borodino field died down on August 26. The next day, the sick Helen Bezukhova died, and on the third day Kutuzov reported that the Russian troops had been withdrawn from Moscow. For 10 days, the cultural city, having turned into ashes, was abandoned by enemy troops.
Nikolai Rostov was sent to Voronezh even before the Battle of Borodino. For the provincial inhabitants, the cavalier-hussar was an authority that was worshiped, especially by girls. But the warrior's heart is occupied by Princess Mary. The governor, being an experienced woman who knows life, points out to Rostov that Princess Bolkonskaya can really make a worthy match for the young man.
But what about Sonya? He himself promised to marry her. In the house of the governor's wife Anna Ignatievna, Rostov meets Princess Bolkonskaya. Their relationship is developing. If the guy remembered Sonya with a smile, then he thought about the princess with inner fear and trembling. Mother sends a letter, tells how Natasha takes care of the wounded Andrey. Then an envelope arrives from Sonya, she knows about the sympathy between him and the prince's sister, breaks off her engagement with him.
Pierre was captured and sentenced to death. But by the will of God, the execution ceremony failed. Princess Mary got to Yaroslavl, made friends with Natasha, who was caring for her brother. The girls spend the last days of his life with Andrei.
Part 2
Everything that was conquered by the French army, all the achievements were destroyed by Napoleon. After leaving burned Moscow, Bonaparte began to make gross tactical mistakes. The troops could be left for the winter in the burnt city, move them to St. Petersburg or in another favorable direction. Of all the possible options, the most pernicious path was chosen.
Movement along the broken Smolensk road weakened a strong army, deprived of the opportunity to eat. As if Napoleon planned to destroy his own army. Or was Kutuzov a genius who surrendered Moscow like a trap?
In captivity, Pierre achieved peace of mind. Deprivation hardened his body and spirit. Among ordinary people, he looked like a hero.
Part 3
People's war is different in that ordinary people take up arms. They are unpredictable in their rage, they are driven by a keen desire to drive away from their land a crowd of aggressive little men who even speak a strange, funny and incomprehensible language. This is how the partisan movement grows, in which people are fighting, overwhelmed with a sense of patriotism.
Young Petya Rostov dies in Denisov's partisan detachment, by chance freeing the captive Pierre. The French army retreats in panic, the soldiers rob the convoys of neighboring detachments in order to get food. So simply greatness, devoid of kindness, simplicity and truth, turns into nothingness.
Part 4
Natasha changes with the loss of Andrei, rethinking her life, the girl understands what duty is, how she is attached to her family, to her mother. Countess Rostova is unable to bear the loss of her son Petenka. An early energetic fifty-year-old woman turned into an old, sick and weak woman. Mental forces have left the mother, only the daughter's care saves her from death.
Natasha and Maria endured so many losses together that the war made them friends, they returned to Moscow together.
Epilogue
Part 1
A year later, Count Rostov, the father of the family, the breadwinner and support of his children, dies. Severe depression covers Natasha after his death. Pierre Bezukhov comes to the rescue, who, being a widower, marries her.
The relationship between Nikolai and Marya is developing successfully. The man, having received the inheritance of his father with debts, for a long time did not dare to propose to the girl. But Princess Bolkonskaya convinced him that debts could not be an obstacle to the happiness of two loving hearts. Separation is a more painful process for both.
Their wedding took place in the fall of 1814, the young family moved to the Bald Mountains. Nikolai Rostov borrowed money from Count Bezukhov, within three years raised the estate to its feet, and brought it out of debt.
The year 1820 came, a lot of events happened, there are four children in the Bezukhov family. Friends gather at the Rostovs. Again, the author contrasts two houses, a different way of life, a manner of communication between spouses. As if two parallel worlds in one state. Different dreams, goals and ways to achieve them.
Part 2
The political arena of Europe in the period from 1805 to the end of 1812 stands out against the background of its historical development with a sharp change of events. The First Patriotic War was a people's war, where every patriotic act of an ordinary person became decisive. The laws and laws of war do not work under the pressure of the people's will, which manifests itself in the desire for freedom.
It is the will of people united by misfortune that opposes the passion for the destruction of one or more people, smart, trained and educated. Heroes die for freedom, not knowing the laws of history and economics. Freedom is also a natural force, like electric force and gravity; it only manifests itself in the feeling of life, in the desire to develop, to find new life goals.
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Main characters:
- Pierre Bezukhov- a young man, the illegitimate son of Count Kirill Bezukhov. The author's favorite positive character, who lives a life full of changes and trials throughout the novel. After the death of Count Bezukhov, according to his father's will, he receives a huge fortune and suddenly, unexpectedly even for himself, becomes very rich.
- Anna Pavlovna Sherer- the maid of honor and close associate of the Empress Maria Feodorovna, the mistress of the fashionable high-society "political" salon in St. Petersburg, in whose house guests often gather. A woman with established opinions and traditions.
- Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya- a princess who was very worried about her son Boris. She asked Prince Vasily to put in a word to the sovereign so that he would be transferred to the guards, and he went to meet her. She played a decisive role in the decision to divide the inheritance of Count Kirill Bezukhov, who was dying.
- Boris Drubetsky- the son of Anna Mikhailovna. In the first chapter, he is shown as a decent young man, by the grace of the sovereign, transferred to the guard. For a long time he lived and was educated by the Rostovs.
- Count Ilya Andreevich Rostov- the father of a large family, a lively, cheerful, self-confident old man. He likes to live in a big way, arrange feasts.
- Natalia Rostova- the wife of Ilya Andreevich, a woman with an oriental type of thin face, forty-five years old, apparently exhausted by her children, of whom she had twelve people ... ”The countess was used to living in luxury and did not know how to save.
- Nikolai Rostov- the son of Count Ilya Rostov, a man with a cheerful and sociable character, who is alien to despondency. Wanting to be useful to the Motherland, he decides to go to war.
- Natasha Rostova is the main character of the novel. In the first part of the first volume - a thirteen-year-old, childlike, cheerful girl with a perky character, cousin and good friend of Sophia.
- Sonya Rostova- Natasha's cousin and friend, a kind girl who is in love with her friend's older brother, Nikolai Rostov, and worries about the fact that he is leaving for the army.
- Vera Rostova- the unloved daughter of Countess Rostova. The girl is beautiful and smart, but despite this, she produces an annoying, unpleasant effect on everyone around her. In her family, Vera behaves proudly and arrogantly, points out to her sisters their shortcomings and deliberately creates trouble for them. Vera gives the impression of a cold, soulless and heartless girl.
- Nikolai Bolkonsky- retired general, father of the Bolkonsky family. In the first part, he appears as an intelligent person who prefers accuracy in all his actions. He loves his daughter Maria, but brings her up in excessive severity.
- Maria Bolkonskaya- the daughter of Nikolai Bolkonsky, a very rich and noble noblewoman, kind and gentle, a believing girl who loves people and tries to act in such a way as not to upset anyone. In addition, she is smart and educated, because the lessons of algebra and geometry were taught to her by her father himself.
- Andrey Bolkonsky- son of Nikolai Bolkonsky. This hero, unlike his father, does not have such a tough character. His behavior changes throughout the novel. In the first part of the first volume, he appears to the reader as an ambitious and proud young man who goes to war, despite the requests of his pregnant wife. Andrei is a sincere friend of Pierre Bezukhov, who wants to help him in everything.
- Little princess, Elizabeth- Andrei's wife, a woman who loves secular society. She is a sweet, smiling, beautiful woman, however, she is very worried about the fact that her husband is leaving for the army and leaving her in a difficult position. After all, Lisa is expecting a baby.
- Prince Vasily Kuragin- an important official, an aristocrat, an influential person who serves at the imperial court and is personally acquainted with the empress. A relative of Count Kirill Bezukhov, who claims his inheritance, which, according to the plot of the story, was received not by him, but by Pierre Bezukhov.
- Helen Kuragina- daughter of Prince Vasily. The brilliant beauty of St. Petersburg with an unchanging smile. She makes great strides in society, acquires a reputation as a smart woman, however, among her relatives she reveals such character traits as vulgarity, rudeness and cynicism.
- Anatole Kuragin, son of Vasily Kuragin - a negative character in the novel "War and Peace". He behaves cheekily, often commits obscene acts, although he belongs to aristocrats.
- Marya Dmitrievna- a woman famous for her directness of mind. She says what she thinks. She is known in Moscow, and in St. Petersburg, and in royal circles. The reader first meets this heroine at the name day of the Rostovs, who perceive her as a long-awaited guest.
Chapter first
The first chapter of Leo Tolstoy's story "War and Peace" shows a secular society. Events begin in 1805. Guests often gather in the house of the maid of honor and close empress Anna Pavlovna Scherer. And now Prince Vasily, a very influential person, was the first to visit her. A conversation begins between them, in which they touch on various topics: they discuss military events, politics, and do not forget to mention how to arrange the future of children. Anna Pavlovna does not hide that she is dissatisfied with the eldest son of the prince - Anatole.
Chapter Two
Anna Pavlovna's drawing room is gradually filling up. The author shows people of different temperaments, including Vasily's daughter, Helen Kuragina, "in cipher and a ball gown"; the little princess Liza Bolkonskaya, who got married last year; as well as Pierre Bezukhov, presented by the writer as “a massive fat young man with a cropped head, glasses, light trousers in the fashion of the time ...”, who neither by his appearance nor behavior fit into a spoiled secular society. This unexpected visit even aroused the anxiety of Anna Pavlovna, who, after a brief conversation with Pierre, concluded that he was a young man who did not know how to live. However, Bezukhov himself felt uncomfortable among such high society.
Chapter Three
The hostess herself shows the guests the viscount, a young man who considered himself a celebrity, and the abbot who visited her, as "something supernaturally refined." Various topics are again discussed, of which preference is given to the coming war with Bonaparte. Suddenly, a new guest enters the living room - Andrei Bolkonsky, the husband of the little princess, whom Leo Tolstoy characterizes as the complete opposite of his wife. Andrey is surprised to see Pierre Bezukhov in a big light.
Chapter Four
Prince Vasily is about to leave. He is stopped by one of the elderly ladies who were present at the evening at Anna Pavlovna’s, and begins, expressing alarm and anxiety, to beg for her son Boris: “What do you need to say a word to the sovereign, and he will be directly transferred to the guards?” The prince tries to object, saying that it is difficult to ask the sovereign himself, but Princess Drubetskaya (that was the name of the elderly lady) is persistent. And Vasily finally gives in to the pleas, promising to do the impossible.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the characteristics of Marya Bolkonskaya in Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace".
Meanwhile, Pierre Bezukhov, who intervened in the conversation of the viscount about the execution of the Duke of Enghien, in the eyes of Anna Pavlovna, commits an extremely indecent act. Expressing his opinion that Bonoparte did the right thing in this case, and excitedly proving his case, Pierre does not notice how more and more he causes discontent of the hostess and bewilderment of those around him. 
Prince Ippolit involuntarily tries to defuse the situation, deciding to tell the public a very funny anecdote. And he succeeds.
Chapter Five
In this chapter, after the first sentence, which mentions that the guests began to disperse, the author proceeds to describe one of the main characters - Pierre Bezukhov. So, what adjectives does he use to show the nature of this extraordinary personality? First, clumsy. Secondly, scattered. But these seemingly negative qualities became insignificant in the light of the good nature, simplicity and modesty that this young man possessed.
Anna Pavlovna went up to Pierre and softly spoke of her hope that he would change his mind after all. Andrei Bolkonsky, passing by, reminded his friend that he was waiting for him at home.
After a short time, Bezukhov and Bolkonsky met again - already within the walls of Prince Andrei's dwelling. According to the author's description, it is clear that Pierre felt at home here. A casual conversation ensued, but Andrei Bolkonsky made it clear that he was not interested in his friend's childish reasoning about Napoleon.
However, the question followed, why did he go to war, to which the prince replied: “I am going because this life that I lead here, this life is not for me!”
Chapter Six
The wife of Andrei Bolkonsky, the little princess Lisa, entered the room. A dialogue immediately took place between her and Pierre. Pierre, with his childish spontaneity, did not fail to express his opinion that he was perplexed why Andrei should go to war. He touched on the sore subject of Bolkonsky's wife, and therefore found support in her face. Lisa was afraid of parting with her husband - especially now, during pregnancy. Despair and fears took over, and she, not embarrassed by Pierre, began to tell her husband everything she thought about his desire to join the army and leave her at such a difficult time. Bezukhov, who involuntarily witnessed the beginning of the scandal, tried to calm Lisa as best he could, but he was not very successful. Finally, Bolkonsky's wife calmed down and resigned herself. Friends went to dinner.
And here, at the table, Andrey taught Pierre a valuable lesson on how to choose your life partner. “Do not marry until you tell yourself that you have done everything you could, and until you stop loving the woman you have chosen, until you see her clearly, otherwise you will be cruelly mistaken and irreparable,” he said with conviction to a friend. And these words are worth considering for those who decide to marry.
Andrei looked at Pierre with kind eyes, but still realized his superiority over him. He strongly advised a friend to leave "all these revels", saying that secular society was not suitable for such a nature as his. And he took a word of honor from a friend that he would not go to the Kuragins.
However, Pierre Bezukhov broke it immediately, leaving Andrey. The young man again went to Anatole to once again experience the taste of a dissolute life. They played cards and drank a lot. Pierre could not resist and got drunk to the point that he also began to do unworthy deeds, bordering on insanity.
Chapter Seven
The promise given to Princess Drubetskaya was fulfilled. Prince Vasily put in a word to the sovereign about her son, and he was transferred to the Semenovsky regiment as an ensign.
The princess herself turned out to be a distant relative of the Rostovs, from whom she temporarily rented housing and where her son Boris was brought up.
The Rostovs had a big holiday - the birthday of mother and daughter. Both of them were named Natalia. This was the occasion for the upcoming noisy fun.
In a conversation with the guests, some details were clarified. For example, the fact that Pierre Bezukhov, the son of the wealthy count Kirill Bezukhov, turned out to be illegitimate, however, the most beloved of the children, and since the count was already very ill, those around him guessed who would get his huge fortune - Prince Vasily or all the same Pierre.
They did not fail to talk about the unworthy behavior of Pierre, who, having contacted a bad company, Dolokhov and Kuragin, compromised himself even more than at the evening at Anna Pavlovna, when he argued with the abbot about Napoleon's actions. The story of the bear, on which the brawlers tied the quarterly and threw him to swim in the Moika, caused a contradictory reaction from those around him - some were indignant, while others could not help laughing.
Chapter Eight
In this chapter, the reader for the first time has the opportunity to get acquainted with Natasha Rostova, one of the main characters in the novel War and Peace. At the beginning of the novel, she appears as a thirteen-year-old girl, cheerful and carefree. The author describes her as "black-eyed, with a large mouth, ugly, but alive."
Finally, in view of the name day, all the young people - both Natalya, and Anna Mikhailovna's son Boris, and the eldest son of Countess Natalya, Nikolai, and the Rostovs' niece Sofia, and the youngest son Petya - were accommodated in the living room.
At the end of the chapter, the author mentions that Boris Drubetsky and Nikolai Rostov were childhood friends.
Chapter Nine
At the beginning of this chapter, the Rostovs' niece Sonya is described, who lives with them and with whom Natalya is very friendly.
The count-father complains that his son Nikolai Rostov, imitating his friend Boris, goes to war, to which the young man objects: “It’s not friendship at all, but I just feel called to military service ...”
However, Sonya, who is in love with Nikolai, can hardly hold back her tears. The conversation turns again to children, and Countess Natalya mentions her eldest daughter, Vera, who is not stupid, well-mannered, with a pleasant voice, to whom she was stricter than her younger one, but who, unlike Natalya Rostova, does not make such a pleasant impression on others. . This girl plays a minor role in the plot of the novel.
Chapter Ten
Natasha Rostova, hiding between tubs of flowers, becomes an involuntary witness to the scene that took place between Sofia and Nikolai, who, having confessed his love to the girl, kisses her. Natasha herself, at that time thinking that she loved Boris, called the young man to her, “embraced him with both arms, so that thin bare arms bent above his neck, and, throwing her hair back with a movement of her head, kissed ... on the very lips.”
Chapter Eleven
Countess Natalya, who has not seen her friend Anna Mikhailovna for a long time, wants to talk to her alone. However, her daughter Vera is in the room. We have to tell her directly that she is superfluous and offer to go to the sisters.
Two couples are sitting in the next sofa room - Boris and Natasha, as well as Nikolai and Sophia. Vera does not understand the feelings of young people, and a verbal skirmish occurs between the sisters. However, the self-confident Vera does not feel that she has spoken trouble, on the contrary, she considers herself right in all her actions.
Meanwhile, the dialogue between Anna Mikhailovna and Countess Natalya continues in the living room. The conversation first talks about serving in the army of Nikolai Rostov, then the princess decides to go to Count Kirill Bezukhov in order, before it's too late, to petition for maintenance for his godson Boris - and informs the countess about this. Count Rostov proposes to invite Pierre Bezukhov to dinner, which will take place on the occasion of the name day at four o'clock in the afternoon.
Chapter Twelve
Anna Mikhailovna and her son drove into the wide courtyard of Count Kirill, and then went into the house. The porter reported to Prince Vasily about their arrival. An atmosphere of sadness reigned in the room, because the elder Bezukhov was terminally ill, already dying. Having given short instructions to Boris about serving in the army, Prince Vasily began to listen to Anna Mikhailovna. “It must be cooked if it is so bad,” she urged, and the prince again realized that this woman, who insists on her own, is not so easy to get rid of. And Princess Anna Mikhailovna, having asked Boris to talk to Pierre Bezukhov and give him an invitation to the Rostovs' name day, settled down in an armchair. She made a firm decision - "to help walk for her uncle."
Chapter Thirteen
Pierre Bezukhov stayed at his father's house. The story told about his obscene behavior was fair, and therefore the attitude towards the illegitimate son of Count Kirill Bezukhov was not friendly. To the question: “Can I see the count?” an unfriendly, negative answer followed, and Pierre, who did not receive what he expected, had to go to his room.
When Boris unexpectedly paid a visit to Bezukhov, he was surprised at first, although he met him friendly and simply. “Count Rostov asked you to come and dine with him today,” the guest said after an awkward silence that seemed long.
Young people began to talk, and Drubetskoy managed to refute the assumption that he and his mother want to "get something from the rich man."
Pierre liked Boris Drubetsky very much, he settled down with his heart for this smart and strong-willed young man.
Anna Mikhailovna informed the prince about the decision to prepare the dying Kirill Bezukhov.
Chapter Fourteen
Countess Rostova, after Anna Mikhailovna's departure, sat for a long time by herself, and then called the maid and ordered her husband to be called. Taking pity on her poor friend, she decided to help her financially, and for this purpose she asked her husband for five hundred rubles. He, being generous, gave seven hundred. When Anna Mikhailovna returned, brand new banknotes were already lying under a scarf on the table.
Here's Boris from me, for sewing a uniform - the countess said, taking out the money and giving it to her friend.
Chapter fifteen
Finally, the guests began to arrive for the name day. Many of those who had come to congratulate the heroes of the occasion were already sitting in the living room, but most of all they were expecting Marya Dmitrievna, a woman famous for her directness of mind and simplicity of address, who was known both in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in royal circles.
The assembled guests preferred to talk on a military topic. At first, they listened to the conversation that took place between an old bachelor named Shinshin, who was the countess's cousin and lieutenant Berg, an officer in the Semenov regiment. Then Pierre Bezukhov arrived, and the hostess, having told him a few meaningless phrases, asked Anna Mikhailovna with a look to take the young man.
Finally, Maria Dmitrievna arrived, who “took out yakhont earrings with pears from a huge reticule and, giving them to Natasha, who was beaming and blushing on her birthday,” suddenly turned to Pierre and began to scold him for the obscene behavior that the young man allowed himself recently. In the end, the guests were seated at the tables. “The sounds of the count’s home music were replaced by the sounds of knives and forks, the voices of guests, the quiet steps of waiters ...”
Chapter Sixteen
On the men's side of the table the conversation was getting more and more lively. One of the guests - a colonel - claimed that the manifesto declaring war had already been issued in St. Petersburg and insisted: "We must fight to the last drop of blood," Shinshin was perplexed why fight Bonoparte at all.
Count Nikolai noticed that his son was also joining the army. “And I have four sons in the army, but I don’t grieve. Everything is the will of God: you will die lying on the stove, and God will have mercy in battle, ”Maria Dmitrievna said loudly. Suddenly, the childish voice of Natasha Rostova was heard: “Mom! what kind of cake will it be?
Surprisingly, even Maria Dmitrievna did not get angry when she saw such tactlessness, but laughed at the girl's spontaneity, and after her - all the guests.
Chapter Seventeen
The holiday was in full swing. Suddenly, Natasha discovered the absence of her cousin and beloved friend Sonya and, leaving the guests, went to look for her. She saw the girl lying "face down on a dirty striped nanny's feather bed, on a chest" and weeping bitterly. The reason for the tears was that her Nikolenka was leaving for the army, but not only that. It turned out that Sonya was hurt to the core by the words of Vera, the elder sister of Natasha Rostova, who threatened to show her mother Nikolai's poems and called her ungrateful.
Kind Natasha reassured her friend, and she became cheerful again. The girls returned to the hall. The guests danced a lot, joked, rejoiced at such a wonderful event held in honor of the name day of dear Natalia the elder and Natalia the younger. From everything it was clear that the holiday was a success.
Chapter Eighteen
While joy reigned in the Rostovs' house, the Bezukhov family experienced heavy grief, the approach of an imminent loss: the sixth blow happened to Count Kirill. People gathered in the reception room, including the confessor, who was ready to give unction to the dying.
“Meanwhile, Prince Vasily opened the door to the princess’s room,” where, according to the author’s description, “it was dark and smelled good of smoking and flowers.”
Vasily called the girl, whom he called Katish (it was his cousin Katerina Sergeevna), for a serious conversation. They discussed the will of Count Cyril and were very afraid that the entire inheritance might go to his illegitimate son Pierre.
Prince Vasily rightly feared this, but Catherine at first objected: “You never know he wrote wills, but he could not bequeath to Pierre! Pierre is illegal,” but then, having learned that, by virtue of the count’s written request, the sovereign could satisfy his request for adoption, she was also seriously alarmed.
Vasily and Katish began to think over a plan to destroy the will in the name of Pierre, moreover, they wanted to create such a situation that Kirill Bezukhov himself would annul it. The paper lay under the pillow of the dying man, in a mosaic briefcase, and Princess Catherine and Prince Vasily so desired to get to it.
Chapter Nineteen
Anna Mikhailovna turned out to be a far-sighted woman. She assumed that a struggle would flare up over the inheritance and went to the Bezukhovs, urgently calling Pierre. Young Bezukhov was afraid of the upcoming meeting with his dying father, but he understood that it was necessary.
The princess and the son of Count Kirill entered the reception room. Pierre, obeying his leader, sat down on the sofa. The eyes of everyone in the room turned to this young man. But there was participation, even respect, in them, and young Bezukhov felt "that on this night he is a person who is obliged to perform some kind of terrible and expected by all ceremony, and that therefore he had to accept services from everyone."
“The mercy of God is inexhaustible. The assembly will begin now. Let's go, ”Anna Mikhailovna called Pierre resolutely, and he entered the room where his dying father lay.
Chapter Twenty
A sad picture appeared before the eyes of Pierre, who knew the furnishings of his father’s room well: the father lying under the images “with the same gray mane of hair resembling a lion, over a wide forehead and with the same characteristically noble large wrinkles on a beautiful red-yellow face”; confessors who are ready to unction the one who departs for the other world; two younger princesses, Katish with an evil expression on his face; Anna Mikhailovna, some unknown lady; Prince Vasily, who was constantly baptized with his right hand, and others.
Pierre approached his father's bed. “He looked at the count. The count looked at the place where Pierre's face was, while he stood. Anna Mikhailovna showed in her expression an awareness of the touching importance of this last minute of a meeting between father and son.
Chapter twenty one
There was no one in the reception room, except for Prince Vasily with the eldest princess, who, at the sight of Anna Mikhailovna entering with Pierre, whispered that she could not see this woman.
Katerina already held in her hands a mosaic briefcase, which Anna Mikhailovna wanted to take away, persistently and feigningly affectionately convincing the princess not to resist. Two women tried to snatch the controversial item from each other. The struggle continued until the middle princess ran out of the room where the count was dying. Katerina dropped her briefcase, which Anna Mikhailovna immediately grabbed and went with it into the bedroom.
Very soon she informed Pierre that his father had died.
Chapter twenty two
In the estate of the old Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, the arrival of the young Prince Andrei and his wife, the princess, was impatiently awaited. Nikolai himself was distinguished by a difficult character, recognizing only activity and intelligence as virtues. He was engaged in the upbringing of the youngest daughter Marya himself, distributing her life in such a way that the girl did not spend time in idleness. Her father himself taught her lessons in algebra and geometry. The main feature of this elderly man was precision, taken to the extreme.
On the day of the arrival of the young, Prince Nikolai gave his daughter a letter from Julie Karagina, a friend of the princess, in which it was reported that Pierre Bezukhov had become a count, having received both the title and almost the entire inheritance from his father, becoming the owner of one of the largest fortunes in Russia. In addition, she spoke about the plan of Anna Mikhailovna to arrange the marriage of Marya with Anatole Kuragin. In turn, the princess wrote a letter in response, in which she expressed pity for both Pierre Bezukhov, who had suddenly become rich, and Prince Vasily, who was left with nothing.
The girl also lamented about the wars that people wage among themselves and was sad that this was happening. “... Mankind has forgotten the laws of its Divine Savior, who taught us love and forgiveness of insults, and considers its main dignity in the art of killing each other,” she sincerely expressed her opinion in a letter to her friend.
Chapter twenty three
Finally, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife crossed the threshold of their parents' house. However, at this time, the father, Prince Nikolai, was sleeping, and even the arrival of such dear guests could not be a reason to break such a familiar daily routine.
The father had twenty minutes to rest, and so he suggested that his wife go first to Princess Marya.
Apparently, the little princess was in the house of her husband's parents for the first time, therefore, seeing the luxurious furnishings, she could not help exclaiming: “This is a palace!”
Seeing that Maria was practicing playing the piano, the guests wanted to quietly leave, but then they were noticed by Mademoiselle Bourienne, Princess Bolkonskaya's companion, and began to express delight that the long-awaited relatives had finally arrived.
Maria also saw her brother and his wife and joined in the joy of their visit. Prince Nikolai did not stand aside either, and although he expressed his emotions more sparingly, nevertheless, due to the arrival of his son, he was in a good mood. And again there was talk of military subjects, which so worried people at that time.
Chapter twenty four
Finally, dinner time came, and Prince Nikolai went to the dining room, where Princess Maria, Mademoiselle Bourienne, and the prince's architect were already waiting for him, for some reason he was admitted to the table, although he was not at all from the nobility. Everyone sat down, and the conversation turned again “about the war, about Bonaparte and the current generals and statesmen ...”
chapter twenty five
The next day, Prince Andrei was about to leave. He was worried. Here is how the author describes the mood of a young man at that difficult time: “He, with his hands folded back, quickly walked around the room from corner to corner, looking ahead of himself, and thoughtfully shook his head. Was he afraid to go to war, was it sad to leave his wife - maybe both ... "
Suddenly, the footsteps of Princess Mary were heard. She was upset, because she so wanted to talk to her brother alone. She looked at him - and did not recognize her formerly playful little brother in this strong and courageous young man.
The sister admitted that she immediately fell in love with his wife Lisa, who, in her opinion, was still a child, but suddenly saw a contemptuous and ironic expression that flashed across Andrei's face. However, he was very happy to be with his sweet sister. The conversation proceeded peacefully, and when Mary mentioned Mademoiselle Bourienne, the brother did not fail to notice that he did not like her very much. However, the kind princess tried to justify her companion in his eyes, because she is an orphan and so needs a good attitude towards herself.
Suddenly, a question followed, discouraging Mary. It was about how her father treats her, because it was clear that Andrei's sister suffered from the heavy and tough character of her beloved dad. Most of all, the girl was depressed that her father did not believe in God. “... How can a person with such a huge mind not see what is clear as day, and can be so deluded?” she lamented about his religious outlook.
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Main characters:
- Pierre Bezukhov- a young man, the illegitimate son of Count Kirill Bezukhov. The author's favorite positive character, who lives a life full of changes and trials throughout the novel. After the death of Count Bezukhov, according to his father's will, he receives a huge fortune and suddenly, unexpectedly even for himself, becomes very rich.
- Anna Pavlovna Sherer- the maid of honor and close associate of the Empress Maria Feodorovna, the mistress of the fashionable high-society "political" salon in St. Petersburg, in whose house guests often gather. A woman with established opinions and traditions.
- Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya- a princess who was very worried about her son Boris. She asked Prince Vasily to put in a word to the sovereign so that he would be transferred to the guards, and he went to meet her. She played a decisive role in the decision to divide the inheritance of Count Kirill Bezukhov, who was dying.
- Boris Drubetsky- the son of Anna Mikhailovna. In the first chapter, he is shown as a decent young man, by the grace of the sovereign, transferred to the guard. For a long time he lived and was educated by the Rostovs.
- Count Ilya Andreevich Rostov- the father of a large family, a lively, cheerful, self-confident old man. He likes to live in a big way, arrange feasts.
- Natalia Rostova- the wife of Ilya Andreevich, a woman with an oriental type of thin face, forty-five years old, apparently exhausted by her children, of whom she had twelve people ... ”The countess was used to living in luxury and did not know how to save.
- Nikolai Rostov- the son of Count Ilya Rostov, a man with a cheerful and sociable character, who is alien to despondency. Wanting to be useful to the Motherland, he decides to go to war.
- Natasha Rostova is the main character of the novel. In the first part of the first volume - a thirteen-year-old, childlike, cheerful girl with a perky character, cousin and good friend of Sophia.
- Sonya Rostova- Natasha's cousin and friend, a kind girl who is in love with her friend's older brother, Nikolai Rostov, and worries about the fact that he is leaving for the army.
- Vera Rostova- the unloved daughter of Countess Rostova. The girl is beautiful and smart, but despite this, she produces an annoying, unpleasant effect on everyone around her. In her family, Vera behaves proudly and arrogantly, points out to her sisters their shortcomings and deliberately creates trouble for them. Vera gives the impression of a cold, soulless and heartless girl.
- Nikolai Bolkonsky- retired general, father of the Bolkonsky family. In the first part, he appears as an intelligent person who prefers accuracy in all his actions. He loves his daughter Maria, but brings her up in excessive severity.
- Maria Bolkonskaya- the daughter of Nikolai Bolkonsky, a very rich and noble noblewoman, kind and gentle, a believing girl who loves people and tries to act in such a way as not to upset anyone. In addition, she is smart and educated, because the lessons of algebra and geometry were taught to her by her father himself.
- Andrey Bolkonsky- son of Nikolai Bolkonsky. This hero, unlike his father, does not have such a tough character. His behavior changes throughout the novel. In the first part of the first volume, he appears to the reader as an ambitious and proud young man who goes to war, despite the requests of his pregnant wife. Andrei is a sincere friend of Pierre Bezukhov, who wants to help him in everything.
- Little princess, Elizabeth- Andrei's wife, a woman who loves secular society. She is a sweet, smiling, beautiful woman, however, she is very worried about the fact that her husband is leaving for the army and leaving her in a difficult position. After all, Lisa is expecting a baby.
- Prince Vasily Kuragin- an important official, an aristocrat, an influential person who serves at the imperial court and is personally acquainted with the empress. A relative of Count Kirill Bezukhov, who claims his inheritance, which, according to the plot of the story, was received not by him, but by Pierre Bezukhov.
- Helen Kuragina- daughter of Prince Vasily. The brilliant beauty of St. Petersburg with an unchanging smile. She makes great strides in society, acquires a reputation as a smart woman, however, among her relatives she reveals such character traits as vulgarity, rudeness and cynicism.
- Anatole Kuragin, son of Vasily Kuragin - a negative character in the novel "War and Peace". He behaves cheekily, often commits obscene acts, although he belongs to aristocrats.
- Marya Dmitrievna- a woman famous for her directness of mind. She says what she thinks. She is known in Moscow, and in St. Petersburg, and in royal circles. The reader first meets this heroine at the name day of the Rostovs, who perceive her as a long-awaited guest.
Chapter first
The first chapter of Leo Tolstoy's story "War and Peace" shows a secular society. Events begin in 1805. Guests often gather in the house of the maid of honor and close empress Anna Pavlovna Scherer. And now Prince Vasily, a very influential person, was the first to visit her. A conversation begins between them, in which they touch on various topics: they discuss military events, politics, and do not forget to mention how to arrange the future of children. Anna Pavlovna does not hide that she is dissatisfied with the eldest son of the prince - Anatole.
Chapter Two
Anna Pavlovna's drawing room is gradually filling up. The author shows people of different temperaments, including Vasily's daughter, Helen Kuragina, "in cipher and a ball gown"; the little princess Liza Bolkonskaya, who got married last year; as well as Pierre Bezukhov, presented by the writer as “a massive fat young man with a cropped head, glasses, light trousers in the fashion of the time ...”, who neither by his appearance nor behavior fit into a spoiled secular society. This unexpected visit even aroused the anxiety of Anna Pavlovna, who, after a brief conversation with Pierre, concluded that he was a young man who did not know how to live. However, Bezukhov himself felt uncomfortable among such high society.
Chapter Three
The hostess herself shows the guests the viscount, a young man who considered himself a celebrity, and the abbot who visited her, as "something supernaturally refined." Various topics are again discussed, of which preference is given to the coming war with Bonaparte. Suddenly, a new guest enters the living room - Andrei Bolkonsky, the husband of the little princess, whom Leo Tolstoy characterizes as the complete opposite of his wife. Andrey is surprised to see Pierre Bezukhov in a big light.
Chapter Four
Prince Vasily is about to leave. He is stopped by one of the elderly ladies who were present at the evening at Anna Pavlovna’s, and begins, expressing alarm and anxiety, to beg for her son Boris: “What do you need to say a word to the sovereign, and he will be directly transferred to the guards?” The prince tries to object, saying that it is difficult to ask the sovereign himself, but Princess Drubetskaya (that was the name of the elderly lady) is persistent. And Vasily finally gives in to the pleas, promising to do the impossible.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the novel by Leo Tolstoy "War and Peace".
Meanwhile, Pierre Bezukhov, who intervened in the conversation of the viscount about the execution of the Duke of Enghien, in the eyes of Anna Pavlovna, commits an extremely indecent act. Expressing his opinion that Bonoparte did the right thing in this case, and excitedly proving his case, Pierre does not notice how more and more he causes discontent of the hostess and bewilderment of those around him.
Prince Ippolit involuntarily tries to defuse the situation, deciding to tell the public a very funny anecdote. And he succeeds.
Chapter Five
In this chapter, after the first sentence, which mentions that the guests began to disperse, the author proceeds to describe one of the main characters - Pierre Bezukhov. So, what adjectives does he use to show the nature of this extraordinary personality? First, clumsy. Secondly, scattered. But these seemingly negative qualities became insignificant in the light of the good nature, simplicity and modesty that this young man possessed.
Anna Pavlovna went up to Pierre and softly spoke of her hope that he would change his mind after all. Andrei Bolkonsky, passing by, reminded his friend that he was waiting for him at home.
After a short time, Bezukhov and Bolkonsky met again - already within the walls of Prince Andrei's dwelling. According to the author's description, it is clear that Pierre felt at home here. A casual conversation ensued, but Andrei Bolkonsky made it clear that he was not interested in his friend's childish reasoning about Napoleon.
However, the question followed, why did he go to war, to which the prince replied: “I am going because this life that I lead here, this life is not for me!”
Chapter Six
The wife of Andrei Bolkonsky, the little princess Lisa, entered the room. A dialogue immediately took place between her and Pierre. Pierre, with his childish spontaneity, did not fail to express his opinion that he was perplexed why Andrei should go to war. He touched on the sore subject of Bolkonsky's wife, and therefore found support in her face. Lisa was afraid of parting with her husband - especially now, during pregnancy. Despair and fears took over, and she, not embarrassed by Pierre, began to tell her husband everything she thought about his desire to join the army and leave her at such a difficult time. Bezukhov, who involuntarily witnessed the beginning of the scandal, tried to calm Lisa as best he could, but he was not very successful. Finally, Bolkonsky's wife calmed down and resigned herself. Friends went to dinner.
And here, at the table, Andrey taught Pierre a valuable lesson on how to choose your life partner. “Do not marry until you tell yourself that you have done everything you could, and until you stop loving the woman you have chosen, until you see her clearly, otherwise you will be cruelly mistaken and irreparable,” he said with conviction to a friend. And these words are worth considering for those who decide to marry.
Andrei looked at Pierre with kind eyes, but still realized his superiority over him. He strongly advised a friend to leave "all these revels", saying that secular society was not suitable for such a nature as his. And he took a word of honor from a friend that he would not go to the Kuragins.
However, Pierre Bezukhov broke it immediately, leaving Andrey. The young man again went to Anatole to once again experience the taste of a dissolute life. They played cards and drank a lot. Pierre could not resist and got drunk to the point that he also began to do unworthy deeds, bordering on insanity.
Chapter Seven
The promise given to Princess Drubetskaya was fulfilled. Prince Vasily put in a word to the sovereign about her son, and he was transferred to the Semenovsky regiment as an ensign.
The princess herself turned out to be a distant relative of the Rostovs, from whom she temporarily rented housing and where her son Boris was brought up.
The Rostovs had a big holiday - the birthday of mother and daughter. Both of them were named Natalia. This was the occasion for the upcoming noisy fun.
In a conversation with the guests, some details were clarified. For example, the fact that Pierre Bezukhov, the son of the wealthy count Kirill Bezukhov, turned out to be illegitimate, however, the most beloved of the children, and since the count was already very ill, those around him guessed who would get his huge fortune - Prince Vasily or all the same Pierre.
They did not fail to talk about the unworthy behavior of Pierre, who, having contacted a bad company, Dolokhov and Kuragin, compromised himself even more than at the evening at Anna Pavlovna, when he argued with the abbot about Napoleon's actions. The story of the bear, on which the brawlers tied the quarterly and threw him to swim in the Moika, caused a contradictory reaction from those around him - some were indignant, while others could not help laughing.
Chapter Eight
In this chapter, the reader for the first time has the opportunity to get acquainted with Natasha Rostova, one of the main characters in the novel War and Peace. At the beginning of the novel, she appears as a thirteen-year-old girl, cheerful and carefree. The author describes her as "black-eyed, with a large mouth, ugly, but alive."
Finally, in view of the name day, all the young people - both Natalya, and Anna Mikhailovna's son Boris, and the eldest son of Countess Natalya, Nikolai, and the Rostovs' niece Sofia, and the youngest son Petya - were accommodated in the living room.
At the end of the chapter, the author mentions that Boris Drubetsky and Nikolai Rostov were childhood friends.
Chapter Nine
At the beginning of this chapter, the Rostovs' niece Sonya is described, who lives with them and with whom Natalya is very friendly.
The count-father complains that his son Nikolai Rostov, imitating his friend Boris, goes to war, to which the young man objects: “It’s not friendship at all, but I just feel called to military service ...”
However, Sonya, who is in love with Nikolai, can hardly hold back her tears. The conversation turns again to children, and Countess Natalya mentions her eldest daughter, Vera, who is not stupid, well-mannered, with a pleasant voice, to whom she was stricter than her younger one, but who, unlike Natalya Rostova, does not make such a pleasant impression on others. . This girl plays a minor role in the plot of the novel.
Chapter Ten
Natasha Rostova, hiding between tubs of flowers, becomes an involuntary witness to the scene that took place between Sofia and Nikolai, who, having confessed his love to the girl, kisses her. Natasha herself, at that time thinking that she loved Boris, called the young man to her, “embraced him with both arms, so that thin bare arms bent above his neck, and, throwing her hair back with a movement of her head, kissed ... on the very lips.”
Chapter Eleven
Countess Natalya, who has not seen her friend Anna Mikhailovna for a long time, wants to talk to her alone. However, her daughter Vera is in the room. We have to tell her directly that she is superfluous and offer to go to the sisters.
Two couples are sitting in the next sofa room - Boris and Natasha, as well as Nikolai and Sophia. Vera does not understand the feelings of young people, and a verbal skirmish occurs between the sisters. However, the self-confident Vera does not feel that she has spoken trouble, on the contrary, she considers herself right in all her actions.
Meanwhile, the dialogue between Anna Mikhailovna and Countess Natalya continues in the living room. The conversation first talks about serving in the army of Nikolai Rostov, then the princess decides to go to Count Kirill Bezukhov in order, before it's too late, to petition for maintenance for his godson Boris - and informs the countess about this. Count Rostov proposes to invite Pierre Bezukhov to dinner, which will take place on the occasion of the name day at four o'clock in the afternoon.
Chapter Twelve
Anna Mikhailovna and her son drove into the wide courtyard of Count Kirill, and then went into the house. The porter reported to Prince Vasily about their arrival. An atmosphere of sadness reigned in the room, because the elder Bezukhov was terminally ill, already dying. Having given short instructions to Boris about serving in the army, Prince Vasily began to listen to Anna Mikhailovna. “It must be cooked if it is so bad,” she urged, and the prince again realized that this woman, who insists on her own, is not so easy to get rid of. And Princess Anna Mikhailovna, having asked Boris to talk to Pierre Bezukhov and give him an invitation to the Rostovs' name day, settled down in an armchair. She made a firm decision - "to help walk for her uncle."
Chapter Thirteen
Pierre Bezukhov stayed at his father's house. The story told about his obscene behavior was fair, and therefore the attitude towards the illegitimate son of Count Kirill Bezukhov was not friendly. To the question: “Can I see the count?” an unfriendly, negative answer followed, and Pierre, who did not receive what he expected, had to go to his room.
When Boris unexpectedly paid a visit to Bezukhov, he was surprised at first, although he met him friendly and simply. “Count Rostov asked you to come and dine with him today,” the guest said after an awkward silence that seemed long.
Young people began to talk, and Drubetskoy managed to refute the assumption that he and his mother want to "get something from the rich man."
Pierre liked Boris Drubetsky very much, he settled down with his heart for this smart and strong-willed young man.
Anna Mikhailovna informed the prince about the decision to prepare the dying Kirill Bezukhov.
Chapter Fourteen
Countess Rostova, after Anna Mikhailovna's departure, sat for a long time by herself, and then called the maid and ordered her husband to be called. Taking pity on her poor friend, she decided to help her financially, and for this purpose she asked her husband for five hundred rubles. He, being generous, gave seven hundred. When Anna Mikhailovna returned, brand new banknotes were already lying under a scarf on the table.
Here's Boris from me, for sewing a uniform - the countess said, taking out the money and giving it to her friend.
Chapter fifteen
Finally, the guests began to arrive for the name day. Many of those who had come to congratulate the heroes of the occasion were already sitting in the living room, but most of all they were expecting Marya Dmitrievna, a woman famous for her directness of mind and simplicity of address, who was known both in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in royal circles.
The assembled guests preferred to talk on a military topic. At first, they listened to the conversation that took place between an old bachelor named Shinshin, who was the countess's cousin and lieutenant Berg, an officer in the Semenov regiment. Then Pierre Bezukhov arrived, and the hostess, having told him a few meaningless phrases, asked Anna Mikhailovna with a look to take the young man.
Finally, Maria Dmitrievna arrived, who “took out yakhont earrings with pears from a huge reticule and, giving them to Natasha, who was beaming and blushing on her birthday,” suddenly turned to Pierre and began to scold him for the obscene behavior that the young man allowed himself recently. In the end, the guests were seated at the tables. “The sounds of the count’s home music were replaced by the sounds of knives and forks, the voices of guests, the quiet steps of waiters ...”
Chapter Sixteen
On the men's side of the table the conversation was getting more and more lively. One of the guests - a colonel - claimed that the manifesto declaring war had already been issued in St. Petersburg and insisted: "We must fight to the last drop of blood," Shinshin was perplexed why fight Bonoparte at all.
Count Nikolai noticed that his son was also joining the army. “And I have four sons in the army, but I don’t grieve. Everything is the will of God: you will die lying on the stove, and God will have mercy in battle, ”Maria Dmitrievna said loudly. Suddenly, the childish voice of Natasha Rostova was heard: “Mom! what kind of cake will it be?
Surprisingly, even Maria Dmitrievna did not get angry when she saw such tactlessness, but laughed at the girl's spontaneity, and after her - all the guests.
Chapter Seventeen
The holiday was in full swing. Suddenly, Natasha discovered the absence of her cousin and beloved friend Sonya and, leaving the guests, went to look for her. She saw the girl lying "face down on a dirty striped nanny's feather bed, on a chest" and weeping bitterly. The reason for the tears was that her Nikolenka was leaving for the army, but not only that. It turned out that Sonya was hurt to the core by the words of Vera, the elder sister of Natasha Rostova, who threatened to show her mother Nikolai's poems and called her ungrateful.
Kind Natasha reassured her friend, and she became cheerful again. The girls returned to the hall. The guests danced a lot, joked, rejoiced at such a wonderful event held in honor of the name day of dear Natalia the elder and Natalia the younger. From everything it was clear that the holiday was a success.
Chapter Eighteen
While joy reigned in the Rostovs' house, the Bezukhov family experienced heavy grief, the approach of an imminent loss: the sixth blow happened to Count Kirill. People gathered in the reception room, including the confessor, who was ready to give unction to the dying.
“Meanwhile, Prince Vasily opened the door to the princess’s room,” where, according to the author’s description, “it was dark and smelled good of smoking and flowers.”
Vasily called the girl, whom he called Katish (it was his cousin Katerina Sergeevna), for a serious conversation. They discussed the will of Count Cyril and were very afraid that the entire inheritance might go to his illegitimate son Pierre.
Prince Vasily rightly feared this, but Catherine at first objected: “You never know he wrote wills, but he could not bequeath to Pierre! Pierre is illegal,” but then, having learned that, by virtue of the count’s written request, the sovereign could satisfy his request for adoption, she was also seriously alarmed.
Vasily and Katish began to think over a plan to destroy the will in the name of Pierre, moreover, they wanted to create such a situation that Kirill Bezukhov himself would annul it. The paper lay under the pillow of the dying man, in a mosaic briefcase, and Princess Catherine and Prince Vasily so desired to get to it.
Chapter Nineteen
Anna Mikhailovna turned out to be a far-sighted woman. She assumed that a struggle would flare up over the inheritance and went to the Bezukhovs, urgently calling Pierre. Young Bezukhov was afraid of the upcoming meeting with his dying father, but he understood that it was necessary.
The princess and the son of Count Kirill entered the reception room. Pierre, obeying his leader, sat down on the sofa. The eyes of everyone in the room turned to this young man. But there was participation, even respect, in them, and young Bezukhov felt "that on this night he is a person who is obliged to perform some kind of terrible and expected by all ceremony, and that therefore he had to accept services from everyone."
“The mercy of God is inexhaustible. The assembly will begin now. Let's go, ”Anna Mikhailovna called Pierre resolutely, and he entered the room where his dying father lay.
Chapter Twenty
A sad picture appeared before the eyes of Pierre, who knew the furnishings of his father’s room well: the father lying under the images “with the same gray mane of hair resembling a lion, over a wide forehead and with the same characteristically noble large wrinkles on a beautiful red-yellow face”; confessors who are ready to unction the one who departs for the other world; two younger princesses, Katish with an evil expression on his face; Anna Mikhailovna, some unknown lady; Prince Vasily, who was constantly baptized with his right hand, and others.
Pierre approached his father's bed. “He looked at the count. The count looked at the place where Pierre's face was, while he stood. Anna Mikhailovna showed in her expression an awareness of the touching importance of this last minute of a meeting between father and son.
Chapter twenty one
There was no one in the reception room, except for Prince Vasily with the eldest princess, who, at the sight of Anna Mikhailovna entering with Pierre, whispered that she could not see this woman.
Katerina already held in her hands a mosaic briefcase, which Anna Mikhailovna wanted to take away, persistently and feigningly affectionately convincing the princess not to resist. Two women tried to snatch the controversial item from each other. The struggle continued until the middle princess ran out of the room where the count was dying. Katerina dropped her briefcase, which Anna Mikhailovna immediately grabbed and went with it into the bedroom.
Very soon she informed Pierre that his father had died.
Chapter twenty two
In the estate of the old Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, the arrival of the young Prince Andrei and his wife, the princess, was impatiently awaited. Nikolai himself was distinguished by a difficult character, recognizing only activity and intelligence as virtues. He was engaged in the upbringing of the youngest daughter Marya himself, distributing her life in such a way that the girl did not spend time in idleness. Her father himself taught her lessons in algebra and geometry. The main feature of this elderly man was precision, taken to the extreme.
On the day of the arrival of the young, Prince Nikolai gave his daughter a letter from Julie Karagina, a friend of the princess, in which it was reported that Pierre Bezukhov had become a count, having received both the title and almost the entire inheritance from his father, becoming the owner of one of the largest fortunes in Russia. In addition, she spoke about the plan of Anna Mikhailovna to arrange the marriage of Marya with Anatole Kuragin. In turn, the princess wrote a letter in response, in which she expressed pity for both Pierre Bezukhov, who had suddenly become rich, and Prince Vasily, who was left with nothing.
The girl also lamented about the wars that people wage among themselves and was sad that this was happening. “... Mankind has forgotten the laws of its Divine Savior, who taught us love and forgiveness of insults, and considers its main dignity in the art of killing each other,” she sincerely expressed her opinion in a letter to her friend.
Chapter twenty three
Finally, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife crossed the threshold of their parents' house. However, at this time, the father, Prince Nikolai, was sleeping, and even the arrival of such dear guests could not be a reason to break such a familiar daily routine.
The father had twenty minutes to rest, and so he suggested that his wife go first to Princess Marya.
Apparently, the little princess was in the house of her husband's parents for the first time, therefore, seeing the luxurious furnishings, she could not help exclaiming: “This is a palace!”
Seeing that Maria was practicing playing the piano, the guests wanted to quietly leave, but then they were noticed by Mademoiselle Bourienne, Princess Bolkonskaya's companion, and began to express delight that the long-awaited relatives had finally arrived.
Maria also saw her brother and his wife and joined in the joy of their visit. Prince Nikolai did not stand aside either, and although he expressed his emotions more sparingly, nevertheless, due to the arrival of his son, he was in a good mood. And again there was talk of military subjects, which so worried people at that time.
Chapter twenty four
Finally, dinner time came, and Prince Nikolai went to the dining room, where Princess Maria, Mademoiselle Bourienne, and the prince's architect were already waiting for him, for some reason he was admitted to the table, although he was not at all from the nobility. Everyone sat down, and the conversation turned again “about the war, about Bonaparte and the current generals and statesmen ...”
chapter twenty five
The next day, Prince Andrei was about to leave. He was worried. Here is how the author describes the mood of a young man at that difficult time: “He, with his hands folded back, quickly walked around the room from corner to corner, looking ahead of himself, and thoughtfully shook his head. Was he afraid to go to war, was it sad to leave his wife - maybe both ... "
Suddenly, the footsteps of Princess Mary were heard. She was upset, because she so wanted to talk to her brother alone. She looked at him - and did not recognize her formerly playful little brother in this strong and courageous young man.
The sister admitted that she immediately fell in love with his wife Lisa, who, in her opinion, was still a child, but suddenly saw a contemptuous and ironic expression that flashed across Andrei's face. However, he was very happy to be with his sweet sister. The conversation proceeded peacefully, and when Mary mentioned Mademoiselle Bourienne, the brother did not fail to notice that he did not like her very much. However, the kind princess tried to justify her companion in his eyes, because she is an orphan and so needs a good attitude towards herself.
Suddenly, a question followed, discouraging Mary. It was about how her father treats her, because it was clear that Andrei's sister suffered from the heavy and tough character of her beloved dad. Most of all, the girl was depressed that her father did not believe in God. “... How can a person with such a huge mind not see what is clear as day, and can be so deluded?” she lamented about his religious outlook.
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