Vereisky's attitude towards Masha: are the prince's feelings sincere? Composition on the theme Vereisky.

Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy

WAR AND PEACE

PART ONE

At that time in St. Petersburg, in the highest circles, with more fervor than ever, there was a complex struggle between the parties of Rumyantsev, the French, Maria Feodorovna, the Tsarevich and others, drowned out, as always, by the trumpeting of court drones. But calm, luxurious, preoccupied only with ghosts, reflections of life, Petersburg life went on in the old way; and because of the course of this life, great efforts had to be made to realize the danger and the difficult situation in which the Russian people found themselves. There were the same exits, balls, the same French theater, the same interests of the courts, the same interests of service and intrigue. It was only in the highest circles that efforts were made to recall the difficulty of the present situation. It was told in a whisper about how opposite one another acted, in such difficult circumstances, both empresses. Empress Maria Feodorovna, concerned about the well-being of the charitable and educational institutions subordinate to her, made an order to send all the institutions to Kazan, and the things of these institutions had already been packed. Empress Elizaveta Alekseevna, on the question of what orders she would like to make, with her usual Russian patriotism deigned to answer that about public institutions she cannot make orders, as this concerns the sovereign; about the same thing that personally depends on her, she deigned to say that she would be the last to leave Petersburg.

On August 26, on the very day of the Battle of Borodino, Anna Pavlovna had an evening, the flower of which was to be the reading of a letter from the bishop, written when sending the image of the Monk Saint Sergius to the sovereign. This letter was revered as a model of patriotic spiritual eloquence. Prince Vasily himself, who was famous for his art of reading, was supposed to read it. (He also read at the Empress's.) The art of reading was considered to be loud, melodious, between a desperate howl and a gentle murmur, to pour words, completely regardless of their meaning, so that quite by chance a howl fell on one word, on others - a murmur. This reading, like all Anna Pavlovna's evenings, had political significance. At this evening there were to be several important persons who had to be ashamed of their trips to the French theater and inspired to a patriotic mood. Quite a few people had already gathered, but Anna Pavlovna had not yet seen all those whom she needed in the drawing-room, and therefore, without yet beginning to read, she started general conversations.

The news of the day that day in St. Petersburg was the illness of Countess Bezukhova. A few days ago the Countess suddenly fell ill, missed several meetings, of which she was an ornament, and it was heard that she did not receive anyone, and that instead of the famous Petersburg doctors who usually treated her, she entrusted herself to some Italian doctor who treated her with some kind of in a new and different way.

Everyone knew very well that the illness of the lovely countess arose from the inconvenience of marrying two husbands at once, and that the Italian's treatment consisted in eliminating this inconvenience; but in the presence of Anna Pavlovna, not only did no one dare to think about it, but it was as if no one even knew it.

On dit que la pauvre comtesse est tr

L "angine? Oh, c" est une maladie terrible! [Chest disease? Oh, it's a terrible disease!]

On dit que les rivaux se sont reconcili

The word angine was repeated with great pleasure.

Le vieux comte est touchant

Oh, ce serait une perte terrible. C "est une femme ravissante. [Oh, that would be a great loss. Such a lovely woman.]

Vous parlez de la pauvre comtesse,” said Anna Pavlovna, coming up. - J "ai envoy

Believing that with these words Anna Pavlovna slightly lifted the veil of secrecy over the countess's illness, one careless young man allowed himself to express surprise that famous doctors were not called, but a charlatan who could give dangerous means was treating the countess.

Vos informations peuvent

Je trouve que c "est charmant! [I find it charming!] - he said about the diplomatic paper under which the Austrian banners taken by Wittgenstein were sent to Vienna, le h

How, how is it? - Anna Pavlovna turned to him, rousing silence for hearing mot, which she already knew.

And Bilibin repeated the following authentic words of the diplomatic dispatch he had compiled:

L "Empereur renvoie les drapeaux Autrichiens," Bilibin said, "drapeaux amis et

Charmant, charmant, [Charming, charming] - said Prince Vasily.

C "est la route de Varsovie peut-

Most Merciful Sovereign Emperor! - Prince Vasily proclaimed sternly and looked around the audience, as if asking if anyone had anything to say against this. But no one said anything. - “The capital city of Moscow, New Jerusalem, accepts Christ his, - he suddenly hit on the word his, - like a mother in the arms of her zealous sons, and through the emerging darkness, seeing the brilliant glory of your state, she sings in delight: “Hosanna, blessed is the one who comes!” - Prince Vasily uttered these last words in a weeping voice.

Bilibin carefully examined his nails, and many, apparently, were shy, as if asking, what are they to blame for? Anna Pavlovna whispered forward already, like an old woman, the communion prayer: “Let the impudent and arrogant Goliath ...” she whispered.

Prince Vasily continued:

- “Let the impudent and arrogant Goliath from the borders of France envelop deadly horrors on the edges of Russia; meek faith, this sling Russian David, will suddenly strike the head of his bloodthirsty pride. Se image St. Sergius, an ancient zealot for the good of our fatherland, is brought to Your Imperial Majesty. Painful that my weakening strength prevents me from enjoying your kindest contemplation. I send warm prayers to heaven, that the almighty will magnify the right kind and fulfill the wishes of your majesty in good.

Quelle force! Quelstyle! [What power! What a style!] - praise was heard to the reader and writer. Inspired by this speech, Anna Pavlovna's guests talked for a long time about the state of the fatherland and made various assumptions about the outcome of the battle, which was to be fought the other day.

Vous verrez, [You will see.] - said Anna Pavlovna, - that tomorrow, on the sovereign's birthday, we will receive news. I have a good feeling.

Anna Pavlovna's presentiment was indeed justified. The next day, during a prayer service in the palace on the occasion of the sovereign's birthday, Prince Volkonsky was summoned from the church and received an envelope from Prince Kutuzov. It was Kutuzov's report, written on the day of the battle from Tatarinova. Kutuzov wrote that the Russians had not retreated a single step, that the French had lost much more than ours, that he was reporting in a hurry from the battlefield, without having had time to collect the latest information. So it was a victory. And immediately, without leaving the temple, gratitude was rendered to the creator for his help and for the victory.

Anna Pavlovna's presentiment was justified, and a joyful, festive mood reigned in the city all morning. Everyone recognized the victory as complete, and some have already spoken of the capture of Napoleon himself, of his deposition and election new chapter for France.

Away from business and amid the conditions of court life, it is very difficult for events to be reflected in all their fullness and strength. Involuntarily, general events are grouped around one particular case. So now the main joy of the courtiers was as much in the fact that we had won, as in the fact that the news of this victory fell on the sovereign’s birthday. It was like a successful surprise. Kutuzov's message also spoke of Russian losses, and Tuchkov, Bagration, Kutaisov were named among them. Also, the sad side of the event involuntarily in the local, Petersburg world was grouped around one event - the death of Kutaisov. Everyone knew him, the sovereign loved him, he was young and interesting. On this day, everyone met with the words:

How amazing it happened. In the very prayer. And what a loss for the Kutays! Ah, what a pity!

What did I tell you about Kutuzov? Prince Vasily was now speaking with the pride of a prophet. - I always said that he alone is capable of defeating Napoleon.

But the next day there was no news from the army, and common voice became anxious. The courtiers suffered for the suffering of the uncertainty in which the sovereign was.

What is the position of the sovereign! - the courtiers said and no longer extolled, as on the third day, but now they condemned Kutuzov, who was the cause of the sovereign's anxiety. Prince Vasily on this day no longer boasted of his prot

The general conversation focused on three sad events: the unknown of the sovereign, the death of Kutaisov and the death of Helen.

On the third day after Kutuzov's report, a landowner from Moscow arrived in St. Petersburg, and the news spread throughout the city that Moscow had been surrendered to the French. It was terrible! What was the position of the sovereign! Kutuzov was a traitor, and Prince Vasily during visites de condol

I am only surprised how it was possible to entrust the fate of Russia to such a person.

While this news was still unofficial, one could still doubt it, but the next day the following report came from Count Rostopchin:

“The adjutant of Prince Kutuzov brought me a letter in which he demands police officers from me to escort the army to the Ryazan road. He says that he leaves Moscow with regret. Sovereign! Kutuzov's act decides the fate of the capital and your empire. Russia will shudder when it learns of the surrender of the city, where the greatness of Russia is concentrated, where are the ashes of your ancestors. I will follow the army. I took everything out, it remains for me to cry about the fate of my fatherland.

Having received this report, the sovereign sent the following rescript to Kutuzov with Prince Volkonsky:

“Prince Mikhail Ilarionovich! Since August 29, I have not had any reports from you. In the meantime, on September 1, through Yaroslavl, from the Moscow commander-in-chief, I received the sad news that you had decided to leave Moscow with the army. You yourself can imagine the effect this news had on me, and your silence deepens my surprise. I am sending Adjutant General Prince Volkonsky with this in order to learn from you about the state of the army and about the reasons that prompted you to such a sad determination.

Nine days after leaving Moscow, a messenger from Kutuzov arrived in Petersburg with official news of the abandonment of Moscow. This one was sent by the Frenchman Michaud, who did not know Russian, but quoique

The emperor immediately received the messenger in his office, in the palace stone island. Michaud, who had never seen Moscow before the campaign and who did not know Russian, was nonetheless moved when he appeared before notre tr

Although the source of M. Michaud's chagrin [grief] must have been different from that from which the grief of the Russian people flowed, Michaud had such a sad face when he was brought into the sovereign's office that the sovereign immediately asked him:

M "apportez vous de tristes nouvelles, colonel? [What news did you bring me? Bad, colonel?]

Bien tristes, sire, - answered Michaud, lowering his eyes with a sigh, - l "abandon de Moscou. [Very bad, Your Majesty, leaving Moscow.]

Aurait on livr

Michaud respectfully conveyed what he was ordered to convey from Kutuzov - namely, that it was not possible to fight near Moscow and that, since there was only one choice left - to lose the army and Moscow or Moscow alone, the field marshal had to choose the latter.

The sovereign listened in silence, without looking at Michaud.

L "ennemi est-il en ville? [Did the enemy enter the city?] - he asked.

Oui, sire, et elle est en cendres

But it only lasted one minute. The emperor suddenly frowned, as if condemning himself for his weakness. And, raising his head, he turned to Michaud in a firm voice.

Je vois, colonel, par tout ce qui nous arrive, he said, que la providence exige de grands sacrifices de nous… Je suis pr

Seeing the calm of his tr

Sire, me permettrez-vous de vous parler franchement en loyal militaire? [Sir, will you allow me to speak frankly, as befits a real warrior?] - he said to gain time.

Colonel, je l "exige toujours," said the sovereign. "Ne me cachez rien, je veux savoir absolument ce qu" il en est. [Colonel, I always demand this... Don't hide anything, I certainly want to know the whole truth.]

Sire! Michaud said with a thin, barely perceptible smile on his lips, having managed to prepare his answer in lung shape and the respectful jeu de mots [puns]. - Sir! j "ai laiss

This was just what Michaud was waiting for to insert his play on words.

Sire, he said with respectful playfulness, ils craignent seulement que Votre Majest

Ah! - calmly and with a gentle gleam in his eyes, said the emperor, hitting Michaud on the shoulder. - Vous me tranquillisez, colonel. [A! You calm me down, Colonel.]

The sovereign, bowing his head, was silent for some time.

Eh bien, retournez

Colonel Michaud, n "oubliez pas ce que je vous dis ici; peut-

Sire! - he said. - Votre Majest

The emperor, with a bow of his head, released Michaud.

While Russia was half conquered, and the inhabitants of Moscow fled to distant provinces, and militia after militia rose to defend the fatherland, it involuntarily seems to us, who did not live at that time, that all Russian people, young and old, were busy only with to sacrifice oneself, save the fatherland or cry over its death. The stories, descriptions of that time, without exception, speak only of self-sacrifice, love for the fatherland, despair, grief and heroism of Russians. In reality, it was not so. It seems to us so only because we see from the past one common historical interest of that time and do not see all those personal, human interests that people of that time had. And meanwhile, in reality, those personal interests of the present are so much more significant than the general interests that because of them one never feels (even is not noticeable at all) a general interest. Most of the people of that time did not pay any attention to the general course of affairs, but were guided only by the personal interests of the present. And these people were the most useful figures of that time.

Those who tried to understand the general course of affairs and with self-sacrifice and heroism wanted to participate in it, were the most useless members of society; they saw everything upside down, and everything they did for good turned out to be useless nonsense, like the regiments of Pierre, Mamonov, plundering Russian villages, like lint, plucked by ladies and never reaching the wounded, etc. Even those who, loving to be smart and express their feelings, they talked about the real situation in Russia, involuntarily bore in their speeches the imprint of either pretense and lies, or useless condemnation and anger at people accused of what no one could be guilty of. In historical events, the prohibition against eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge is most obvious. Only one unconscious activity bears fruit, and the person who plays a part in historical event never understands its meaning. If he tries to understand it, he is amazed at the barrenness.

The significance of the event taking place in Russia at that time was the more imperceptible, the closer was the participation of a person in it. Petersburg and provincial cities, distant from Moscow, ladies and men in militia uniforms mourned Russia and the capital and talked about self-sacrifice, etc.; but in the army, which was retreating beyond Moscow, they hardly spoke or thought about Moscow, and, looking at its conflagration, no one swore to take revenge on the French, but they thought about the next third of the salary, about the next stop, about the Matryoshka the scribbler, and the like ...

Nikolai Rostov, without any goal of self-sacrifice, but by chance, since the war found him in the service, took a close and prolonged part in the defense of the fatherland and therefore, without despair and gloomy conclusions, looked at what was happening then in Russia. If he were asked what he thinks about the current situation in Russia, he would say that he has nothing to think about, that there are Kutuzov and others, but that he heard that regiments are being completed, and that they must be fighting for a long time , and that under the present circumstances it is not surprising for him to receive a regiment in two years.

By the fact that he looked at the matter in such a way, he was not only without contrition that he was deprived of participation in last fight, accepted the news of his appointment on a business trip for repairs for the division in Voronezh, but also with the greatest pleasure, which he did not hide and which his comrades understood very well.

A few days before the battle of Borodino, Nikolai received money, papers, and, having sent hussars forward, went to Voronezh by post.

Only those who have experienced this, that is, spent several months without ceasing in the atmosphere of military, combat life, can understand the pleasure that Nicholas experienced when he got out of the area that the troops reached with their forages, supplies, hospitals; when, without soldiers, wagons, dirty traces of the presence of the camp, he saw villages with peasants and women, landowners' houses, fields with grazing cattle, station houses with sleepy caretakers. He felt such joy, as if seeing it all for the first time. In particular, what surprised and delighted him for a long time were women, young, healthy, each of whom did not have a dozen courting officers, and women who were glad and flattered that a passing officer was joking with them.

In the most cheerful frame of mind, Nikolai arrived at a hotel in Voronezh at night, ordered for himself everything that he had been deprived of in the army for a long time, and the next day, having shaved clean and clean and put on a dress uniform that had not been put on for a long time, he went to appear to the authorities.

The head of the militia was a state general, an old man, who, apparently, amused himself with his military rank and rank. He angrily (thinking that this was a military property) received Nikolai and significantly, as if having the right to do so and as if discussing the general course of the matter, approving and disapproving, questioned him. Nikolai was so cheerful that it was only amusing to him.

From the head of the militia, he went to the governor. The governor was a small lively little man, very affectionate and simple. He pointed out to Nikolai those factories where he could get horses, recommended him a horse dealer in the city and a landowner twenty miles from the city, who had the best horses, and promised him all kinds of assistance.

Are you Count Ilya Andreevich's son? My wife was very friendly with your mother. On Thursdays I have a gathering; Today is Thursday, you are welcome to me easily, - said the governor, releasing him.

Directly from the governor, Nikolai took the relay and, having seated the sergeant-major with him, galloped twenty miles to the factory to the landowner. Everything during this first time of his stay in Voronezh was fun and easy for Nikolai, and everything, as happens when a person himself is well disposed, everything went well and went smoothly.

The landowner Nikolai came to was an old bachelor cavalryman, a horse connoisseur, a hunter, the owner of a carpet, a hundred-year-old casserole, an old Hungarian and wonderful horses.

In a nutshell, Nikolay bought for six thousand seventeen stallions to select (as he said) for the casual end of his repair. After having lunch and drinking a little extra Hungarian, Rostov, kissing the landowner, with whom he had already agreed on "you", along a disgusting road, in the most cheerful mood, galloped back, constantly chasing the driver in order to be in time for the evening to the governor.

Having changed clothes, perfumed himself and doused his head with cold water, Nikolai, although somewhat late, but with a ready-made phrase: vaut mieux tard que jamais, [better late than never,] appeared to the governor.

It was not a ball, and it was not said that they would dance; but everyone knew that Katerina Petrovna would play waltzes and ecossaises on the clavichord and that they would dance, and everyone, counting on this, gathered in a ballroom.

Provincial life in 1812 was exactly the same as always, with the only difference that the city was livelier on the occasion of the arrival of many rich families from Moscow and that, as in everything that was happening at that time in Russia, there was a noticeable some special sweepingness - the sea is knee-deep, tryn-grass in life, and even in the fact that that vulgar conversation that is necessary between people and which was previously conducted about the weather and mutual acquaintances, was now conducted about Moscow, about the army and Napoleon .

The society gathered at the governor's was better society Voronezh.

There were a lot of ladies, there were several Moscow acquaintances of Nikolai; but there were no men who could in any way compete with the Knight of St. George, the hussar repairman, and at the same time the good-natured and well-mannered Count Rostov. Among the men was one captured Italian - an officer of the French army, and Nikolai felt that the presence of this prisoner even more exalted the importance of him - a Russian hero. It was like a trophy. Nikolai felt this, and it seemed to him that everyone looked at the Italian in the same way, and Nikolai treated this officer with dignity and restraint.

As soon as Nicholas entered in his hussar uniform, spreading the smell of perfume and wine around him, he himself said and heard the words spoken to him several times: vaut mieux tard que jamais, he was surrounded; all eyes turned to him, and he immediately felt that he had entered into the province, which was proper to him and always pleasant, but now, after a long deprivation, the position of everyone's favorite that intoxicated him with pleasure. Not only at the stations, inns, and in the landowner's carpet were the maidservants flattered by his attention; but here, at the governor's party, there was (as it seemed to Nikolai) an inexhaustible number of young ladies and pretty girls who were only impatiently waiting for Nikolai to pay attention to them. Ladies and girls flirted with him, and from the first day the old women were already busy about how to marry and settle down this young rake hussar. Among these latter was the governor's wife herself, who received Rostov as a close relative and called him "Nicolas" and "you."

Katerina Petrovna really began to play waltzes and ecossaises, and dances began, in which Nikolai even more captivated the entire provincial society with his dexterity. He surprised even everyone with his special, cheeky manner in dancing. Nikolai himself was somewhat surprised by his manner of dancing that evening. He had never danced like this in Moscow and would have even considered it indecent and mauvais genre [bad form] to have such an overly cheeky manner of dancing; but here he felt the need to surprise them all with something unusual, something that they should have taken for ordinary in the capitals, but still unknown to them in the provinces.

Throughout the evening, Nikolai paid most of his attention to the blue-eyed, plump and pretty blonde, the wife of one of the provincial officials. With that naive conviction of the amused young people that other people's wives were created for them, Rostov did not leave this lady and treated her husband in a friendly, somewhat conspiratorial manner, as if, although they did not say this, they knew how nicely they would get along - then there is Nikolai with the wife of this husband. The husband, however, did not seem to share this conviction and tried to treat Rostov gloomily. But the good-natured naivety of Nicholas was so boundless that sometimes the husband involuntarily succumbed to the cheerful mood of the spirit of Nicholas. Towards the end of the evening, however, as the wife's face became more and more rosy and lively, her husband's face became more and more sad and pale, as if the share of animation was the same for both, and as it increased in the wife, it decreased in the husband. .

Nikolai, with a smile on his face, slightly arched in his chair, sat leaning close over the blonde and saying mythological compliments to her.

Quickly changing the position of his legs in tight breeches, spreading the smell of perfume from himself and admiring his lady, and himself, and the beautiful forms of his legs under the stretched kichkirs, Nikolai told the blonde that he wanted to kidnap a lady here in Voronezh.

Which one?

Beautiful, divine. Her eyes (Nikolai looked at his interlocutor) are blue, her mouth - corals, whiteness ... - he looked at her shoulders, - camp - Diana ...

The husband approached them and grimly asked his wife what she was talking about.

A! Nikita Ivanovich,” said Nikolai, getting up politely. And, as if wishing that Nikita Ivanovich would take part in his jokes, he began to inform him of his intention to kidnap one blonde.

The husband smiled sullenly, the wife cheerfully. The kind governor's wife approached them with a disapproving look.

Anna Ignatievna wants to see you, Nicolas, - she said, pronouncing the words in such a voice: Anna Ignatievna, that it has now become clear to Rostov that Anna Ignatievna is a very important lady. - Let's go, Nicholas. Did you let me call you that?

Oh yes ma tante. Who is this?

Anna Ignatievna Malvintseva. She heard about you from her niece, how you saved her... Guess...

How many times did I save them there! - said Nikolai.

Her niece, Princess Bolkonskaya. She is here in Voronezh with her aunt. Wow! how blushed! What, or...

And did not think completeness, ma tante.

Well, well, well. ABOUT! what are you!

The governor's wife led him to a tall and very fat old woman in a blue leotard, who had just finished her game of cards with the most important persons in the city. It was Malvintseva, Princess Mary's maternal aunt, a wealthy childless widow who always lived in Voronezh. She was standing, paying off the cards, when Rostov approached her. She narrowed her eyes severely and importantly, glanced at him, and continued to scold the general who had won against her.

Very glad, my dear, - she said, holding out her hand to him. - I beg your mercy.

After talking about Princess Mary and her dead father, whom Malvintseva apparently did not love, and asking what Nikolai knew about Prince Andrei, who, apparently, also did not enjoy her favors, the important old woman let him go, repeating the invitation to be with her.

Nikolai promised and blushed again when he bowed to Malvintseva. At the mention of Princess Marya, Rostov experienced a feeling of shyness, incomprehensible to himself, even fear.

Departing from Malvintseva, Rostov wanted to return to dancing, but the little governor's wife put her plump hand on Nikolai's sleeve and, saying that she needed to talk to him, led him to the sofa room, from which those who were in it immediately left so as not to interfere with the governor's wife.

You know, mon cher, - said the governor's wife with a serious expression on her small kind face, - this is definitely a party for you; do you want me to marry you?

Who, ma tante? - asked Nikolai.

I marry the princess. Katerina Petrovna says that Lily, but in my opinion, no, is a princess. Want? I'm sure your maman will thank you. Really, what a girl, lovely! And she's not that stupid at all.

Not at all, - as if offended, said Nikolai. “I, ma tante, as a soldier should, do not ask for anything and do not refuse anything,” said Rostov before he had time to think about what he was saying.

So remember, this is not a joke.

What a joke!

Yes, yes, - as if speaking to herself, said the governor's wife. - And here's something else, mon cher, entre autres. Vous

Oh no, we are friends with him, - Nikolai said in the simplicity of his soul: it never occurred to him that such a fun pastime for him could not be fun for someone.

“What nonsense I said, however, to the governor's wife! - Nikolai suddenly remembered at dinner. “She will definitely start wooing, but Sonya? ..” And, saying goodbye to the governor’s wife, when she, smiling, once again told him: “Well, remember,” he took her aside:

But here's what, to tell you the truth, ma tante...

What, what, my friend; let's go sit here.

Nikolai suddenly felt a desire and a need to tell all his sincere thoughts (those that he would not have told his mother, sister, friend) to this almost strange woman. Later, when he recalled this impulse of unprovoked, inexplicable frankness, which, however, had very important consequences for him, it seemed to Nicholas (as it always seems to people) that he had found a stupid verse; and yet this impulse of frankness, together with other minor events, had enormous consequences for him and for the whole family.

That's it, ma tante. Maman has been wanting to marry me to a rich woman for a long time, but this thought alone disgusts me, marrying for money.

Oh, yes, I understand, - said the governor's wife.

But Princess Bolkonskaya, that's another matter; Firstly, I'll tell you the truth, I like her very much, I like her, and then, after I met her in such a position, it was so strange, it often occurred to me that this was fate. Think especially: maman has been thinking about this for a long time, but I had never met her before, somehow it all happened like this: we didn’t meet. And at a time when Natasha was the bride of her brother, because then I would not have been able to think of marrying her. It is necessary that I met her exactly when Natasha's wedding was upset, and then that's all ... Yes, that's what. I haven't told anyone this and I won't. And you only.

The Governor shook his elbow gratefully.

Do you know Sophie, cousin? I love her, I promised to marry and marry her ... Therefore, you see that this is out of the question, - Nikolai said awkwardly and blushing.

Mon cher, mon cher, how do you judge? Why, Sophie has nothing, and you yourself said that your dad's business A very bad. What about your maman? This will kill her. Then Sophie, if she is a girl with a heart, what kind of life will she have? The mother is in despair, things are upset... No, mon cher, you and Sophie must understand this.

Nicholas was silent. He was pleased to hear these conclusions.

Still, ma tante, this cannot be, - he said with a sigh, after a pause. - Yes, will the princess still go for me? and again, she is now in mourning. Is it possible to think about it?

Do you really think that I will marry you now. Il y a mani

What a matchmaker you are, ma tante… - said Nicolas, kissing her plump hand.

Arriving in Moscow after her meeting with Rostov, Princess Marya found there her nephew with a tutor and a letter from Prince Andrei, who prescribed them their route to Voronezh, to Aunt Malvintseva.

The last volume of Tolstoy's "War and Peace" describes the events of the second half of 1812. It covers: the flight of the French from Moscow, the Battle of Tarutino and numerous scenes of guerrilla warfare. In the fourth volume, the “peaceful” parts one and four frame the second and third “military” parts, as if emphasizing the close relationship between “war” and “peace” not only on the battlefield, but also in personal life heroes and all of Russia of that period. Summary You can read 4 volumes of "War and Peace" in parts online on our website or download a copy to your computer.

Important quotations are highlighted in gray, this will help to better understand the meaning of the fourth volume.

Part 1

Chapter 1

The actions of the first part of the fourth volume of "War and Peace" begin on August 26, on the very day of the battle of Borodino, in the salon of Anna Pavlovna Scherer, Helen's sudden severe illness was discussed, suggesting that the woman was just pretending, because she could not choose a husband from two candidates. Prince Vasily reads out a letter from the Bishop, written "when sending the image of the Monk Saint Sergius to the sovereign."

Chapter 2

The next day in St. Petersburg they receive a letter from Kutuzov, written from the battlefield of Borodino, and interpret it as news of the Russian victory. However, three days later it becomes known that Moscow was abandoned by the inhabitants and surrendered to the French. In society, Kutuzov is beginning to be called a traitor. Alexander I is extremely dissatisfied with the actions of the commander in chief.

News of Ellen's death. official reason death is called a severe attack of angina. However, according to rumors, Bezukhova drank a huge dose of medicine and died in agony before she could be helped.

Chapter 3

Colonel Michaud arrives in Petersburg with official news that Moscow has been abandoned and the city has been burned by the enemy.

Chapters 4-5

Nikolai Rostov is on a business trip in Voronezh. At the evening at the governor's, he meets the aunt of Princess Marya Bolkonskaya - Malvintseva, who offers to marry Marya for him, and the young man agrees.

Chapter 6

Marya and her nephew live with an aunt in Voronezh. Malvintseva arranges a meeting between Marya and Nikolai. Their date transformed Marya, she seemed to have become prettier. Nikolay began to think that Marya was better than all the people he had met before and even better than himself.

Chapters 7-8

Marya and Nikolai learn about the results of the Battle of Borodino, the surrender of Moscow and the wounding of Prince Andrei. Maria wants to find her brother.

Rostov receives a letter from Sonya (written under the influence of Countess Rostova), in which she refuses Nikolai's promise to marry her. Rostov also receives a letter from his mother, in which the countess writes about their departure from Moscow, mentioning that Prince Andrei is traveling with them, and Natasha and Sonya are looking after him. Nikolai shows this letter to Marya (thanks to this letter, Nikolai "became close to the princess in an almost family relationship").

Chapters 9-11

Pierre is captured by the French. When they were taken for interrogation through burning Moscow, Bezukhov was horrified by what he saw: he "felt like an insignificant chip that fell into the wheels of an unknown to him, but correctly operating machine."

Pierre is brought in for questioning by Marshal Davout, who is known for his cruelty. However, after exchanging glances, Bezukhov and Davout vaguely felt "that they are both children of humanity, that they are brothers." This is what saves Pierre: when the turn comes to him during the execution of the prisoners, the execution is stopped and Bezukhov is taken to the prisoners of war.

Chapter 12

Pierre understands that after the execution scenes, he will not be able to return to normal life and to faith. However, in the barracks he meets Platon Karataev. Karataev was convicted and given to the soldiers, but he is happy about this, as it helped him save his younger brother. Plato tells Pierre that you need to accept life as it is, pitying everyone. After a conversation with Karataev, Pierre "felt that the previously destroyed world was now being erected in his soul with new beauty, on some new and unshakable foundations."

Chapter 13

Platon Karataev is a person who personifies everything “Russian, kind and round”. “His face had an expression of innocence and youth,” and “ main feature his speech consisted of spontaneity and argument. Karataev knew how to do everything: “baked, soared, sewed, planed, stitched boots” and even sang. However, Pierre was most attracted to Karataev by his ability to talk about simple things which you usually don't notice. Plato loved everything around and lived in this love. "Each word of his and each action was a manifestation of an activity unknown to him, which was his life." His life "had meaning only as a particle of the whole, which he constantly felt."

Chapter 14

Marya goes to Yaroslavl to the wounded Andrey. The girl feels that love for Nikolai has become an inseparable part of herself and knows that her feelings are mutual. The Rostovs welcome Mary as if they were their own. During a conversation with Natasha about Andrei, Bolkonskaya realizes that now Natasha is her sincere friend and comrade in grief.

Chapter 15

During the meeting of Princess Marya with her brother, it seems to the girl that in all the actions of Bolkonsky there is some strange alienation from the world for a living person. She understands that Andrei's death is near.

Chapter 16

Andrei himself feels that he is dying. The man thinks about his love for Natasha, that love must fight death, because it is life. Bolkonsky has a dream in which death comes to him and he dies. Waking up, Andrei understands that death is liberation, awakening, relief. Soon he dies.

Part 2

Chapter 1

In the second part of the fourth volume of "War and Peace", the Russian army, due to lack of provisions, moves from the Ryazan to the Kaluga road to the Tarutino camp, having carried out "the so-called flank march behind Krasnaya Pakhra".

Chapter 2

Tolstoy talks about the famous flank march of the Russian troops and the role of Kutuzov in it. Kutuzov's merit was not "in some ingenious strategic maneuver", but in the fact that he alone believed that the Russians had won the battle of Borodino. He saw that the French were weakened, and kept the Russian army from "useless battles."

Kutuzov receives a letter from Napoleon, which Lauriston brings, asking for peace, which only confirms the conclusions of the commander in chief. Kutuzov refuses. By this time, the balance of power between the Russians and the French is changing in favor of the Russians.

Chapters 3-4

Alexander is trying to control the Russian army from St. Petersburg, which only hinders Kutuzov. The emperor sends a letter to Kutuzov demanding to launch an offensive against the French.

Chapters 5-7

Tarutino battle. The beginning of the offensive of the Russian troops (it dragged on for a day, since the orders given by Kutuzov were not immediately transferred to the army). The Orlov-Denisov detachment successfully attacks the French (as a result, this battle was the only one in the Tarutino battle). Upon learning that Murat (Napoleon's marshal) was retreating, Kutuzov ordered a slow advance. The French army is melting during the offensive.

The Battle of Tarutino "exposed the weakness of the French and gave the impetus that the Napoleonic army had only expected to start the flight."

Chapters 8-10

The result of Napoleon's activities after the capture in Moscow: no matter what measures he tried to introduce, they were all to no avail (from administrative to religious and entertainment).
Moscow continues to burn, looting intensifies in the city. decline military discipline French. When the French left Moscow with the loot, their situation "was like that of a wounded animal, feeling its death." Napoleon, on the other hand, "was like a child who imagines that he rules."

Chapters 11-12

During his time in captivity, Pierre changes a lot, becoming collected, energetic, calm, ready for action. Bezukhov finally understood Andrei's words that "happiness is only negative." “The absence of suffering, the satisfaction of needs and, as a result, the freedom to choose occupations, that is, a way of life, now seemed to Pierre the undoubted and highest happiness of a person.”

Chapters 13-14

The French flee from Moscow. Pierre is assigned to the captured officers. During the first overnight stay, Bezukhov admires the landscape. “Pierre looked into the sky, into the depths of the departing, playing stars. “And all this is mine, and all this is in me, and all this is me!” thought Pierre.

Chapters 15-17

Napoleon again sends a truce to Kutuzov with a peace proposal. Kutuzov again refuses. The French army turns onto the new Kaluga road and heads towards Borovsk.

Reflecting on the war, Kutuzov realizes that the French army is in chaos, so it is easy to defeat.

Chapter 18

Kutuzov is doing everything to prevent the useless offensive of the Russian troops (to allow the French to leave and not to lose their people in senseless skirmishes), but the French themselves fled from the enemy. Almost captured by the Cossacks, Napoleon orders to retreat along the Smolensk road.

Chapter 19

The French are running in disorder towards Smolensk. Kutuzov tries not to interfere with the disastrous flight of the enemy, but few people listen to him, and the Russian troops are trying to block the French way, losing hundreds of their own.

Part 3

Chapters 1-3

In the third part of the fourth volume, Tolstoy argues that the war of 1812 had folk character, since for the Russians it resolved the issue of life and death of the fatherland. Tolstoy calls guerrilla warfare one of the methods of waging people's war.

Chapters 3-4

On August 24, Denis Davydov assembled the first partisan detachment. Such detachments soon became about a hundred. Preparations for the attack of the partisan detachments of Denisov and Dolokhov, who want to attack the French transport with Russian prisoners and a load of cavalry things. Wanting to take the “language”, they send a scout to the French - a peasant Tikhon Shcherbaty.

Arrival at Denisov's regiment, Petya Rostov.

Chapters 5-6

Tikhon Shcherbaty returns under French fire. Tikhon tells Denisov that he tried to choose the most suitable Frenchman, so he was discovered.

Chapter 7

Petya Rostov takes part in the battle of Vyazemsky and is waiting for an opportunity to distinguish himself. Petya is sent to Denisov's detachment, but the general forbids him to participate in battles.

Chapter 8

Dolokhov is going to go on reconnaissance to the French, having changed into a French uniform. Petya goes with him.

Chapter 9-10

The French took Dolokhov and Petya for their own and told everything that interested the scouts. Returning back to the Russians, Dolokhov and Petya agree that in the morning, on a signal, they will begin to advance. Worried, Petya does not sleep all night.

Chapter 11

Detachment Denisov performs. Denisov orders Rostov to obey him and not to meddle anywhere. During the attack on the French convoy and depot, Petya rushes forward and is killed by a shot in the head. The Russians seize transport and a batch of Russian prisoners, among whom was Bezukhov.

Chapter 12

The plot takes us back a little, to the period when Pierre was still in captivity. Pierre's condition during the movement of the French from Moscow to Smolensk can be described as follows: he thinks that there are limits to freedom and suffering, and there is nothing terrible in the world.

Karataev falls seriously ill with a fever, and Bezukhov stops communicating with him.

Chapter 13

Bezukhov recalls Karataev's story about a merchant who ended up in Siberia for the murder of his comrade and grew old there. The real killer found out about this injustice and he himself came to the authorities with a confession. But when the release papers were approved, the merchant had already died. During the story, Karataev's face shone with enthusiastic joy.

Chapter 14

One day, Karatev was unable to walk with other prisoners and lagged behind, so the French shot him.

Chapter 15

While spending the night among the captives, Pierre hears in a dream the words: “Life is everything. Life is God. Everything moves and moves, and this movement is God, ”and he understands that Karataev said them. Pera is released from captivity.

Chapters 16-18

The plight of the French army, they kill each other for provisions, rob their own stores. French flight. The author's thoughts about Napoleon that there is no greatness where there is no simplicity, truth, kindness.

Chapter 19

The author argues that in the last period of the military campaign of 1812, the goal of the Russians was to rid their land of the enemy's invasion. “The Russian army had to act like a whip on a running animal. And an experienced driver knew that the most advantageous thing was to keep the whip raised, threatening them, and not to whip a running animal on the head.

Part 4

Chapter 1

The fourth part begins with a description of the state of Natasha and Marya. They are having a hard time with the death of Prince Andrei, they became very good friends. Marya is distracted by worries about Nikolenka. Natasha, on the other hand, avoided everyone and constantly thought about Andrei, about their unfulfilled marriage.

Chapters 2-3

The Rostovs receive news of Petya's death. For the Countess, the death of her son becomes a strong blow and the woman takes to her bed. Natasha takes care of her, trying with all her might to comfort and help. Rostova is getting worse and worse, while Natasha's brother's death seems to be sobering, she understands that love for her loved ones lives in her.

During her illness and the illness of her mother, Natasha became very weak, so she leaves for Moscow with Marya: to rest and consult with doctors.

Chapter 4

Kutuzov is trying to facilitate the movement of his troops when attacking the fleeing French (the Russians were exhausted by the long daily movement). Other Russian generals accuse him of preventing the defeat of Napoleon (because he does not start battles, but only pursues the retreating French).

Chapter 5

Assessing historical meaning Kutuzov's activities, the author writes that he was the only one who realized folk sense The battle of Borodino and the loss of Moscow and to the end confidently walked towards the main goal - the liberation of Russia.

Chapter 6-9

Being with the army near Krasnoye, Kutuzov calls on the soldiers to take pity on the French, although he believes that they got what they deserved. The soldiers felt a sense of great triumph, combined with a feeling of pity for the French.

The life of the soldiers, their conversations about the house, awards, harvest, etc. The French approach the fire of the 5th company: Rambal and his batman Morel. Russians treat them well, not perceiving them as enemies.

Chapter 10

Kutuzov is very dissatisfied at court and among the chiefs of the army after the failure of the St. Petersburg plan at the Berezinsky crossing (contrary to the plan during the battle, Napoleon, in seemingly hopeless circumstances, managed to transport and maintain the combat-ready forces of his army). For the victory in the Battle of Tarutino, Kutuzov is awarded George 1st degree, but he understands that his role in the war is over.

Chapter 11

After the liberation of Russia, Kutuzov was gradually removed from the leadership of the army, since he did not meet the new tasks of the European war. The death of Kutuzov: “there was nothing left for the representative of the people's war but death. And he died."

Chapter 12

After being released from captivity, Pierre is in Orel, ill for a long time. Bezukhov learns about the death of Andrei and Helen. Pierre feels a sense of freedom from his wife. He begins to believe in a living and always tangible God.

Chapter 13

Pierre feels a strong internal change in himself. He looks at life and people in a new way. “Now a smile of the joy of life constantly played around his mouth, and in his eyes shone participation in people.” Princess Mamontova, who came to Orel to look after him, gradually realizes that she is in love with Pierre, she "gratefully showed him the hidden good sides of her character." In Bezukhov, such a trait appeared in relation to people as “recognition of the possibility for each person to think, feel and look at things in his own way, recognition of the impossibility of words to dissuade a person” . "In practical matters, Pierre suddenly now felt that he had a center of gravity, which was not there before." Bezukhov decides to leave for Moscow to settle his affairs.

Chapter 14

Moscow is being rebuilt and restored after looting and fire.

Chapter 15

In Moscow, Pierre visits Marya, where she also meets Natasha Rostova. Bezukhov feels the awakening of his love for Natasha. Confused in words, he involuntarily betrays his feelings.

Chapter 16

Marya, Pierre and Natasha are talking about Andrey. Bezukhov takes pity on Natasha for the suffering she endured.

Chapter 17

At dinner, Marya jokes with Pierre that now he is rich again and the groom. Bezukhov talks about how he was in captivity. Marya notices the closeness between Natasha and Pierre and is happy for them.

Chapter 18-19

After a meeting with Natasha, Pierre decides to marry her, and every day he visits Princess Mary's house. Bezukhov tells Marya about his feelings and the girl, assuring that everything will be fine with Natasha, advises him to leave for Petersburg for the time being, so that Rostova recovers after what she has suffered. Before leaving, Natasha tells Pierre that she will be waiting for him very much.

Pierre is happy: “The whole meaning of life, not for him alone, but for the whole world, seemed to him to consist only in his love and in the possibility of her love for him.”

Chapter 20

After meeting with Pierre, Natasha had hope for happiness and the strength of life, she seemed to come to life, began to make plans for the future. Marya tells Natasha about Pierre's intention to marry her. Natasha replies that it would be great if she married Pierre, and Marya married Nikolai, but the princess asks not to mention Nikolai.

Results of the fourth volume

The retelling of the fourth volume of the novel Vaughn and the World conveys the dramatic nature of the events that took place in the fate of the main characters at the end of 1812. Tragic episodes(the death of Andrei Bolkonsky and the death of Petya Rostov) the author intertwines with important and joyful events in the lives of the characters: the fateful acquaintance of Pierre with Platon Karataev, the mutually erupted feelings of Nikolai Rostov and Marya Bolkonskaya, the happy meeting of Pierre Bezukhov and Natasha Rostova.

Depicting life as it is in volume 4: full of sad and joyful moments, Tolstoy shows that it is important, no matter what, to always strive forward, finding new meanings and goals for existence.

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War and Peace is a book that represents our country on the world stage. According to polls, it is she who is familiar to most foreigners. Therefore, each of us should know its content, at least read it in abbreviated form. Certainly, brief retelling conveys only the main events that make up the plot, but, nevertheless, it is better than nothing. The Literaguru team hopes that this work will inspire you to read the original. We also recommend contacting.

1. Chapter 1. Intrigues take place at court and in society, but the war did not significantly affect anything. In the usual tradition, Anna Pavlovna Sherer also had an evening. There they were going to read a patriotic letter from Father Sergius. Top news yet there was another - Helen Bezukhova fell ill (her real problem was the choice between two husbands). After talking about different subjects they read the letter of Sergius, it caused delight, everyone was filled with patriotism.
2. Chapter 2 Joy was in the city after the victory at the Borodino field, the information was received personally from Kutuzov. Everyone praised the commander (although they used to scold him). After an unofficial statement about the surrender of Moscow, Kutuzov began to be scolded again. The news also came that Helen took a huge dose of medicine and died.
3. Chapter 3 The emperor is saddened by the news of the surrender of Moscow (he was already officially informed). He tells the Frenchman Michaud (his close associate) sent with this news that he still cannot retreat now, he and Napoleon cannot reign together.
4. Chapter 4 In difficult times, the militia rose to defend the Motherland. It was people who spontaneously went out against the enemy that were useful. The units that acted consciously in this militia (the regiments of rich people) brought only destruction. So did Nikolai Rostov. He did not think, did not plan and did not analyze the military situation, but simply defended Russia. A few days before the battle of Borodino, the hero went to Voronezh for horses. After a long service, it is nice to relax a bit and feel comfortable. The head of the militia received him angrily and significantly. The governor was kind and promised help. Nikolai went for horses to a landowner. After a successful purchase, he went to the evening to the governor. Rostov was greeted enthusiastically, because he is a young and unmarried officer. He danced beautifully, although he usually did not. He also flirted with someone else's wife.
5. Chapter 5 From a conversation with someone else's wife, Nikolai was distracted first by her husband, and then by the governor's wife. She took him to Anna Ignatievna, who learned about him from Marya, hearing about which Rostov blushed. After talking about Marya and her family, the governor confidentially advised Nikolai to take Marya as his wife and promised assistance. Suddenly, Rostov told the governor about his secrets of the heart, including Sonya and his dilemma. The woman said that it was better to abandon Sonya, their wedding would not bring happiness.
6. Chapter 6 Marya did not think about the domestic inconveniences of her travels, as she thought about the death of her father, the death of Russia, her meeting with Nikolai and the loss of peace of mind from her. When the aunt invited Rostov to them, Bolkonskaya for a long time could not decide how to behave with him, but she trusted her inner feelings and behaved naturally and freely, which gave her great charm. Nikolai also behaved, there was harmony in their communication. The governor actively wooed him, and Rostov surrendered to the will of circumstances, trying not to think that he was mean to Sonya.
7. Chapter 7 Having learned about her brother's wound from the newspapers, Marya was going to go look for him. Nikolay, having heard about Borodino, became irritable and sad, in Voronezh everything was awkward and wrong for him. At the prayer service for the battle, Rostov saw Bolkonskaya, he was overcome by a feeling of pity. He tries to console her. Marya is attractive to Nicholas as an expression of her inner spiritual life. But marriage frightened him, because he could not imagine such a thing. A letter came from mother and Sonya. The latter renounced her claims to him, which made Nicholas very happy. The countess talked about the destruction of property in a fire, and also reported that Natasha was caring for Andrei.
8. Chapter 8 Before writing the letter, Countess Rostova pressed Sonya with all her might. She promised to give up her love, but hoped that Bolkonsky would survive, Natasha would marry him, and Nikolai would remain only for her. And with these thoughts Sonya wrote the letter.
9. Chapter 9 At first, Pierre was treated respectfully in captivity, but then they were placed in a room with all the "suspicious" ones. They avoided him. Soon there was a trial, where Pierre told the details of his arrest. They told him it was "not good".
10. Chapter 10 Around Pierre saw the devastation in Moscow, in return, the French order was established. Pierre and the other prisoners were brought before Davout. He treated the prisoner harshly, because Bezukhov refused to give his name. Then Pierre was taken somewhere.
11. Chapter 11 It turned out that they were taken to execution. The prisoners were lined up to be shot. But only a few were shot, the rest were spectators, including Pierre. After the massacre, the French hurriedly carried the bodies into the pit, realizing that they were criminals.
12. Chapter 12 After the demonstrative execution, Pierre was "forgiven" and sent to a prisoner of war barracks. Bezukhov was confused and frightened, but he was attracted by one prisoner of war, who took off his shoes with quick and “round” movements. The prisoner speaks to Pierre, consoles him and treats him with potatoes. His name is Platon Karataev, Bezukhov takes a liking to him. Plato speaks figuratively, as if in proverbs. After talking with him, Pierre felt better.
13. Chapter 13 For Pierre, Platon Karataev personified the whole people. He knew how and loved to speak, from him Bezukhov comprehended the people's truth. Plato loved everyone and was affectionate with everyone.
14. Chapter 14 Marya went to her wounded brother, and together with her nephew Nikolushka. She endured hardships more easily than anyone else, charged those around her with energy. Love for Rostov fueled her strength. But she also felt grief for her brother. Marya arrived and immediately saw the Rostovs. But the real information came from Natasha. With Andrey "something happened".
15. Chapter 15 Andrei softened, as one softens before death, alienation from all living things appeared in him. He, Natasha and Marya had an incoherent, cold conversation. Even Nikolushka Bolkonsky was not happy, because he was already in the next world in spirit. From that day on, the son himself grew up internally, he fell in love with Natasha very much.
16. Chapter 16 Andrei felt the approach of death. Before he was afraid of this, now he did not understand her. Alienation from everything appeared in him recently, but suddenly. When Natasha entered, he felt her approach physically. He confessed his love to her, then fell asleep and saw his death. From that time on, he was doomed. From that time on, he was further and further away from the living. And soon died.

Part 2

1. Chapter 1. Historical heroes and history in general are led by the masses. So the Tarutinsky maneuver is called the brilliant decision of the commanders, but in fact it is a chain of accidents, because the plan was completely different.
2. Chapter 2 The famous Tarutinsky march is that the troops could not retreat directly and went to where there is more food. The merit of Kutuzov is not in his decisions, but in his ability not to interfere with the natural course of history. Soon an envoy was sent from Napoleon asking for peace. Kutuzov did not agree. The spirit of the Russians has strengthened, and the mood of the French has fallen, an offensive is needed.
3. Chapter 3 Kutuzov was sent a war plan, which he accepted (but did not follow much). Everything turned out by chance, contrary to the wishes of even the emperor.
4. Chapter 4 Kutuzov signed an offensive disposition for 5 October. The officer who was sent to give it to Yermolov could not find him for a long time, and finally found him at a feast.
5. Chapter 5 Kutuzov did not approve of the offensive, but he could no longer hold back the army. On the appointed day, the commander-in-chief arrived, but the generals did not appear. He felt insulted.
6. Chapter 6 The troops set out. A detachment of Count Orlov-Denisov accidentally captured a defector who indicated the location of Murat's troops. But later the count had doubts. But the detachment went ahead anyway, and actually found the French. The soldiers captured many prisoners and booty, because they caught the enemy by surprise, but did not go further, because the detachment consisted of Cossacks, greedy for looting. At this time, the infantry marched in the wrong direction, was in an upset state.
7. Chapter 7 Kutuzov understood that this battle would only confuse the troops, and therefore tried to keep them. Nothing special has been achieved. But in the course of a common company, this battle had great importance as a transition to the offensive.
8. Chapter 8 Napoleon took Moscow, but this great achievement did not help him. He did not do the simplest thing: not a supply of provisions, uniforms - but he allowed a robbery. So he's not that much of a genius.
9. Chapter 9 Napoleon took many steps to different areas. He tried to monitor the maneuvers of the Russian army, provide his troops with resources and win Muscovites over to his side.
10. Chapter 10 All orders were completely aimless: the Russian army could not be found, Moscow was on fire, it was robbed by the French, who had lost discipline. It was the beginning of the end.
11. Chapter 11 Pierre has changed better side physically and mentally. Coming out of his barracks for prisoners in the morning, he speaks with the guards and learns that the French are going to march. Plato comes out with a shirt that he sewed for one of the guards. The escort takes it, leaving the trimmings to Plato (although at first he wants to take it for himself).
12. Chapter 12 Pierre even began to like living with the soldiers. He suffered physical hardships, but his thoughts were now devoid of uncertainty. He had one common problem that stopped everything mental anguish- captivity. After her permission, life should become beautiful.
13. Chapter 13 On the night of 6 to 7 the French acted. Pierre decided to find out about the fate of the remaining sick soldier. But no one cares about him.
14. Chapter 14 French prisoners and convoys stretched across Moscow. The attention of the prisoners was attracted by a corpse smeared with soot, a train with women, and the appearance of a fire. The French became angry with the Russians. Pierre fears for his life. And he also realizes that he is free, his immortal soul cannot be captured.
15. Chapter 15 A small detachment was sent to attack Broussier, since everyone in the headquarters wanted to act. Except Kutuzov himself. The inconspicuous but very useful Dokhturov was appointed commander. Instead of one division, the whole army marched towards the Russians.
16. Chapter 16 Konovnitsyn is asleep when the news arrives that Napoleon is in Fominsky. This, like Dokhturov, is inconspicuous, but the most important person in the army.
17. Chapter 17 During a sleepless night, Kutuzov reflects on the war, believing that patience and time will help her win. He believed that Napoleon was already on the verge of defeat, but he had to wait. The commander-in-chief had only one relentless thought - the departure of the French from Russia. Upon learning that the French emperor had left Moscow, Kutuzov began to cry.
18. Chapter 18 Kutuzov is holding back the army with all his might. The troops are retreating, and the enemy is running into reverse side. Napoleon's army could not be saved, it had decayed from within.
19. Chapter 19 There must be a goal in the movement, for the retreating French it was Smolensk. And in the long run - France. They just had to not interfere, which Kutuzov was aware of. Russian troops tried to cut off or overturn the enemy, but it was only an empty loss of people.

Part 3

1. Chapter 1. According to the logic of history, after the capture of Moscow, Russia should have ceased to exist, but this happened with the French army. The battles won did not help Napoleon, since the Russian people did not give food to the enemy. The Russians fought against the rules, and therefore won.
2. Chapter 2 The war has taken on a popular, partisan character, so no rules work anymore. The fact is that it is necessary to take into account not only the strength and preparedness, but also the spirit of the troops, in the Russian army it was higher.
3. Chapter 3 The guerrilla war began when the French entered Smolensk. Partisan detachments began to be established, Denis Davydov stood at the origins, feeling that this would be the right thing to do. Detachments in parts destroyed the French army. Denisov commanded one of these units. He was going to attack the French transport, consisting of things and prisoners, with only Dolokhov's detachment. There were more French, but this did not frighten the commanders. The partisan Tikhon Shcherbatov was sent ahead to capture at least one quartermaster.
4. Chapter 4 The next morning Denisov had Bad mood: there was no news from Dolokhov and Tikhon. An officer arrives with a letter from the general. This is Petya Rostov, Denisov is very happy with him. Petya asks permission to stay until tomorrow.
5. Chapter 5 Denisov interrogates the captive drummer boy, but is unsuccessful. Tikhon appears. He flees under French fire but remains unharmed. He was the most useful person in the whole party, who could be entrusted with any task. But now the French have discovered it, so they had to hastily flee.
6. Chapter 6 It turns out that Tikhon found the Frenchman, but decided that he was no good and went after the one who was "more careful." The “sloppy” Frenchman reported, according to Shcherbaty, that there were many of his compatriots, but they were all poorly prepared and easy to take. Then the news came from Dolokhov that everything was fine on his part. Denisov cheered up and turned to Petya.
7. Chapter 7 Petya begged to be sent to Denisov, from his boss, the general. He agreed, but forbade Rostov to participate in any partisan operations, knowing the recklessness of the young man. He asks Denisov to send him to the "main". Petya also treats everyone with raisins, gives a knife and tries to please everyone. Rostov asks to feed the drummer and wants to help him.
8. Chapter 8 Dolokhov arrives. It looks very simple and impresses Petya. They talk about the future operation, and then about the fate of the prisoners. Denisov believes that they should not be killed. Dolokhov calls Petya with him to the French camp. Denisov does not let him in. Rostov, in order to prove his maturity, is going to go anyway.
9. Chapter 9 Petya and Dolokhov safely passed the sentry. The latter sits down with the French around the fire. After finding out everything, they leave. Dolokhov says goodbye to Petya, tells him to leave. He considers him a hero and kisses him.
10. Chapter 10 Denisov is waiting for Rostov, he is glad that the boy is alive. Petya is looking forward to the battle, he was in some kind of magical kingdom. The boy heard the song and enjoyed it because he was musical. Rostov dozed off, but he was awakened by a Cossack who was sharpening his saber. It's already light, it's time to pack up.
11. Chapter 11 Denisov asks Petya to obey and not to go anywhere. But Petya, at the first signal, galloped ahead of everyone with cries of "Hurrah." He was killed. Denisov is going through this hard, but Dolokhov does not care. Among the captured prisoners and Pierre Bezukhov.
12. Chapter 12 The party of prisoners was in disarray during their journey. The convoys were beaten off, the horses were dying, the prisoners fled. Karataev had a fever. He was weakening, and Pierre was moving away from him. During captivity, he realized that happiness is in the person himself, in the satisfaction of his natural needs. Unhappiness from their excess, not from lack. The main thing is not to think about external inconveniences.
13. Chapter 13 Pierre walked, looked at the familiar prisoners. And I thought in the depths of my consciousness about something important from a conversation with Plato. Yesterday Karataev, at a halt, told a story about a merchant who went with a friend to Makary. A comrade was killed, accusing the protagonist. Many years later, in hard labor, the merchant told the story to his brothers in misfortune. And the killer was found and even confessed to the authorities. But they did not have time to pardon the merchant: while all the papers were going, he died.
14. Chapter 14 The prisoners were driven faster, but Karataev could not go. The French officers stayed with him. A shot rang out. Howled the dog that Plato had tamed.
15. Chapter 15 When the prisoners were driven to the parking lot, Pierre immediately fell asleep. In a dream, he realized that life is everything, God is in it. And he remembered Plato, realized that he was no more. He fell asleep again. He was awakened by screams. These were the detachments of Denisov and Dolokhov. Dolokhov watched the prisoners being taken out. Denisov buried Petya.
16. Chapter 16 The French army fled and rapidly decreased. The French turned into marauders, no discipline.
17. Chapter 17 The French army was leaving Russia, and our troops were catching up with it. There was no longer any tactics, only the flight with the loss of people from the French.
18. Chapter 18 During this period, it is already an irrefutable fact that it was the masses who ruled historical process. But French historians still attributed all the decisions to Napoleon and his generals, and not to circumstances. The unseemly deeds of the emperor are explained by his greatness, including the flight from his own army.
19. Chapter 19 Why weren't the French completely destroyed? The point is not the will of the military leaders, but a combination of circumstances, because the goal of the Russian army was not to destroy the French, but to expel them, and it was possible to destroy the enemy only at the cost of their own destruction.

Part 4

1. Chapter 1. Natasha and Marya felt a spiritual wound in themselves after the death of Prince Andrei. Only the two of them did not hurt, because the girls became close. But life does not let you be sad forever. The first cares of life brought Marya out of her anguish: she had to take care of the estate, move to Moscow, and raise her nephew. Natasha was left alone, loneliness tormented her, but it was necessary. She reminisced last days Andrea was crying. On one of these days, she was called to her father, the news came of Petya's death.
2. Chapter 2 Until that moment, Natasha had been aloof from her family. But when she learned about the death of her brother, she changed: she was pierced electricity new grief, but she felt that the ban on life was lifted. Her mother called her daughter and fought in a fit. Natasha consoled the countess, trying to remove grief from her with her love, did not leave her and did not sleep. On the third day, the mother cried for the first time, which meant a little relief.
3. Chapter 3 No one could look after the countess, except for Natasha, she was always with her mother. The Countess lost half her life. Natasha, on the other hand, was resurrected, because she realized that love was still alive in her, and this is the main meaning of existence for her. The misfortune brought Rostov and Bolkonskaya even closer. They could only live in each other's presence, it was more than friendship. Natasha became physically weak, so she went with Marya to Moscow to consult a doctor.
4. Chapter 4 The Russian army was exhausted, losing people. Kutuzov struggled to keep the soldiers and wait. He understood that everything was already over, the foreign generals who wanted to distinguish themselves did not understand this. And so the battle took place near Krasnoe, where the exhausted soldiers beat each other.
5. Chapter 5 Historians considered Napoleon great, and Kutuzov - a miserable court liar who did not allow the Russian army to destroy the French. In fact, Kutuzov did the most for this. He knew how to feel the mood of the masses and remain a simple man. He foresaw everything, because in his soul there was a popular feeling.
6. Chapter 6 The French looked miserable after the battle. Kutuzov felt sorry for them (he toured the troops). Turning to the soldiers, he thanks them, asks them to be patient a little more and calls for mercy.
7. Chapter 7 Warriors in the parking lot break the barn. The officers drink tea in the huts. Everything is quiet.
8. Chapter 8 In dull material conditions was Russian army but it was more fun than ever. Sitting by the fire, the soldiers joked and laughed. They talk about the prisoners, pitying them.
9. Chapter 9 The Frenchmen came out to the fighters, who almost lost their human appearance, this is the officer Rambal and his batman Morel. The first was taken to warm himself to the colonel. The second stayed with the soldiers, they fed him and began to sing along.
10. Chapter 10 The Berezinsky crossing was considered the starting point of the death of the French army, but this is another accident. Its advantage is one thing: there was an understanding that you only need to follow the enemy, and not try to destroy. Kutuzov was treated as if he had lost his mind, with condescending contempt. The commander understood that his time was over, and he wanted to rest. Arriving in Vilna, he waited for Alexander I, reluctantly engaging in military affairs. Finally, the emperor arrived. He began to utter reproaches to the commander-in-chief for the slow persecution, but gave George 1st degree.
11. Chapter 11 Alexander wanted to continue the war, unlike Kutuzov. The commander-in-chief was no longer needed, he was taken away from power, led to the refusal of his post. The Russian soul of Kutuzov did not understand the meaning of the war, because Russia was free. And he died.
12. Chapter 12 Pierre, having arrived in Orel, fell ill and lay in a fever for three months. As he recovered, he gradually understood that the hardships of captivity would not return, and also realized last news- the death of Petya Rostov, Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife Helen. Recovering, he felt internally free. Now there was no painful search, for all “why?” one could answer that everything is in God's power.
13. Chapter 13 In appearance, Pierre was the same, but inner happiness now attracted people to him. He realized that others might look at life differently than he did. And this is neither good nor bad, but simply a fact. Now he could even easily resolve money matters. He decided to go to Moscow.
14. Chapter 14 After Moscow was freed from the enemy, many people decided to return there. It was looted and burned, but the authorities managed to put the forces of the looters in the right direction, and life began to boil again in the city.
15. Chapter 15 Almost immediately after arriving in Moscow, Pierre was going to St. Petersburg. Learning that Marya was in Moscow, he went to her. On the way, he remembered Andrei and hoped that he died reassured. When they meet, they talk about Andrew. During the conversation, a companion is present in the room, whom Bezukhov did not recognize. It turned out that it was Natasha. Pierre realized that he loved her.
16. Chapter 16 Pierre says that he saw Petya after his death, and he was beautiful. They told Bezukhov about Andrei (Marya) and their relationship with Natasha (Natasha herself).
17. Chapter 17 After a heart-to-heart conversation for a while, they do not know how to start a new one. Finally, Pierre is asked about himself. Marya noticed that he was again a bachelor and fiancé. Bezukhov was embarrassed, Rostova assumed a stern expression. After that, he spoke in detail about his adventures in captivity. Marya saw that happiness was possible between him and Natasha. And Pierre tells Natasha that there is nothing wrong with continuing to live on. After Bezukhov's departure, a playful smile first appeared on Rostova's face.
18. Chapter 18 Pierre could not fall asleep for a long time, thinking about Natasha. In the end, he decided that “this is how it should be,” which means that everything is fine, and calmed down. Bezukhov postpones his departure to Petersburg. He thinks everyone is kind and nice. Pierre goes to have dinner with Marya. He spends with them all the time, being unable to leave. One day, Natasha goes to bed, and Mary starts a conversation with him about their relationship. The princess believes that Bezukhov can hope, but it’s too early to talk with Natasha. The next day, he comes to say goodbye, as he accidentally said the day before that he would leave. Rostova says she will be waiting for him, giving him hope.
19. Chapter 19 Pierre had no doubts about the correctness of his decision. He was only afraid that Natasha was too good for him. All life was concentrated in her, love overflowed his heart.
20. Chapter 20 A change took place in Natasha, the power of life and happiness appeared. After Marya's nightly explanation with Pierre, she found out from her friend what Bezukhov had said. The princess is happy for Rostov.

Epilogue: Part 1

1. Chapter 1. 1819. The historical sea now seethed not on the surface, but in the depths. During this period, the policy of Alexander I was not liked by many because of its illogicality. But this is wrong, because the activity is not controlled by the mind.
2. Chapter 2 If we assume that great people lead history, then the concepts of "chance" and "genius" are needed. There was a case, a genius took advantage of it to achieve his goal. But this is the immediate goal, the final goal is inaccessible to us.
3. Chapter 3 The meaning of events in Europe is the movement of peoples from west to east and back. A lot of people need to move, that's why Napoleon appears - a man not at all great and accidental. This crowd of citizens needs him, he just ended up in right time in the right place. Before reaching Moscow, "cases" confirm the "genius" of Napoleon, but after that they turn in the opposite direction and turn into the capture of Paris.
4. Chapter 4 Ten years later, Napoleon returned from prison and occupied Paris without support. This last act in his role. Alexander I has the same role. Highest point his fame is the capture of Paris. And he leaves that power to others. Thus, each person carries within himself personal goals, but serves common goals that are inaccessible to him.
5. Chapter 5 Natasha married Pierre in 1813. Died soon after old earl: he was crushed by all the collisions of life, he was seized by melancholy. Nikolai immediately retired after the death of his father. The affairs of the family were upset, the debts exceeded the value of the property. Rostov was unable to improve things, he paid the most important debts with the help of Pierre and began to serve as an official, settling with his mother and Sonya in a small apartment. Natasha and her husband did not know about plight, they lived in St. Petersburg. It was especially hard that the countess did not understand that there was no money, she wanted to live in luxury. Nikolai and Sonya could hardly get along with her. Rostov moved away from his first love, as the feeling faded completely, but she remained loving and almost perfect. Nikolai's situation worsened.
6. Chapter 6 Marya arrived in Moscow, learned about the situation of the Rostovs. When Bolkonskaya visited them, Nikolai was cold with her, which pleased Sonya. But the countess praised Marya and demanded that her son go to her. Marya was upset by the meeting with Rostov, but she realized that he was hostile to her for some special reason. Nicholas made a courtesy call. They talked for 10 minutes - a minimum of decency, and he was about to leave, but she looked at him with beautiful radiant eyes. Marya said that his selflessness was wonderful, and she realized that it was his poverty. Bolkonskaya added that, despite all the reasons for the changes in Nikolai, she was sad and painful to lose his friendship. And then she cried. The ice has melted.
7. Chapter 7 A year later, Nikolai and Marya got married. The Countess and Sonya went to live in Bald Mountains. For three years, Rostov paid all his debts and began to increase his wife's estate. Housekeeping now occupied him, became a passion. Nikolay paid much attention to the peasants, their needs and problems, and not to "debit and credit." He loved the people and their way of life. Marya did not understand his love, his special world. Nicholas did not think about his activities from the standpoint of virtue. He took care of the men for his own good.
8. Chapter 8 Nicholas had a bad habit with the peasants - to give free rein to his hands. This made Mary very sad. And he tried to restrain himself. IN noble society he was not loved, although he was respected, since he did not care about their interests. He spent his free time at home. Sonya lived as a host, Marya could not love her, and Natasha said that she was an empty flower, and did not know how to feel like they did.
9. Chapter 9 Natasha was visiting her brother with the children. They were waiting for Pierre from Petersburg, where he was on business. At dinner, Nikolai was out of sorts, but the conversation at the large table was lively, thanks to the fact that it was led by Denisov, who was visiting them. Later, Marya began to ask her husband what was the matter. He didn't speak. They had a period of alienation (this happened, despite the general family happiness), usually it fell on the wife's pregnancy, now she was just expecting a child. Marya was upset, everything instantly annoyed her. Nicholas left and lay down on the sofa. The wife went to talk to her husband, hoping that he had not had time to fall asleep. Her son Andryusha followed her, who woke up his father. Marya took the child away, but he told his sister Natasha about his father, and the girl ran to him. The couple reconciled and began to talk. At this time, Pierre returned.
10. Chapter 10 Natasha already had four children, and she transformed from a girl into a strong mother. She took care of her family, almost did not go out into society. Having married, Natasha "sank" - she no longer cared about her appearance, only about her loved ones. She cherished the company of her loved ones. There were jokes among the household that Pierre was under his wife's shoe, and this was true. She did everything for him, and for that he was only hers. Natasha reflected only good qualities Pierre, and for that he loved her.
11. Chapter 11 Natasha herself insisted that her husband go to Petersburg on his own business, as she saw great importance in all mental activities that were inaccessible to her. But when he did not return, she became homesick. She was reassured by her son, who was always there. But Pierre is back. She was incredibly happy for him, even though at first she scolded him. Pierre was nursing the youngest child when Marya and Nikolai arrived. The latter does not understand what is interesting in babies. He calls Bezukhov to tell about his case.
12. Chapter 12 Everyone in the house rejoiced at Pierre's arrival: the hosts, guests, servants, children, governesses. Nikolenka, the son of Prince Andrei, adored Bezukhov, and loved Rostov with a touch of contempt. Pierre bought gifts for everyone according to Natasha's list, after his marriage he liked this activity. His wife scolded him for being extravagant if he bought expensive. They examined the gifts, then went to give them. The old countess was haggard after the death of her husband and son, she felt unnecessary. Everyone at home tried not to bypass her attention.
13. Chapter 13 The countess and her companion accepted the gifts, they were engaged in conversation, but insignificant, so as not to upset the old woman. Voices and laughter were heard from the nursery, they were preparing a gift for Nikolai on his name day.
14. Chapter 14 Therefore, the children came to say goodbye and went to bed, only Nikolenka remained. The adults were talking about politics. But Pierre wanted to express some thought, his wife led him to this. The women themselves soon left. Pierre says that it is necessary to change the existing order in Russia by creating a secret society. Nicholas is not at all an oppositionist, he opposes changes without the will of the emperor. Denisov supports Bezukhov. But a conflict grows between Nikolai and Pierre. Natasha arrives, lowering the degree of tension. Nikolenka, who heard everything, was struck by Bezukhov's thoughts.
15. Chapter 15 Marya was writing a diary when Nikolai came. It was a children's diary filled with little things in their lives. The husband marvels at his wife's loftiness. Then he tells her about the dispute with Pierre, Marya is on the side of her husband. Then Nikolai switched to economic reasoning aloud, and his wife thought about Nikolenka, suffering from the fact that she loves him less than her children.
16. Chapter 16 Natasha and Pierre are talking after a long separation about what cannot be expressed in words, as they only say loving people. The wife talks about the virtues of Marya, secretly leading her husband to the idea that she still does not reach her. They themselves are aware of their own happiness. The conversation is interrupted by a crying child. At this time, Nikolenka woke up from fear, he saw a nightmare in which Pierre and his father merged into one image that opposed Uncle Rostov. The boy is about to do something great.

Epilogue: Part 2

1. Chapter 1. The subject of history is the life of peoples and mankind. At first driving force stories counted gods, then individuals. Why did it happen Patriotic War? Historians attribute everything to bad qualities Louis XIV and his descendants, which caused the Revolution. Next came Napoleon, who brilliantly killed everyone. And he began to fight with Russia and lost. Various diplomats decided the fate of France at the congress. Napoleon went to Elba. He was succeeded by Louis XVIII. All this is implausible, there is another force.
2. Chapter 2 This force is not the interaction of the strength of one person, but the interaction of many forces. Namely, the power of the masses is not recognized by historians, although the theory of the power of a single person is contradictory.
3. Chapter 3 The only driving force of history is the movement of the masses. And historians will not get to the point until they understand this.
4. Chapter 4 The main thing in the characteristics of a historical person is his attitude towards the people. Power is the totality of the wills of the masses rolled into one.
5. Chapter Historians have combined in the latest understanding of the personality of the rulers and figures of science and art. But this is also false.
6. Chapter 6 The cause of the event is not an expression of the will of those in power. But there are some conditions.
7. Chapter 7 Time condition: an event is a set of circumstances, only a possible order can be executed. If something cannot be done, it will not be done. Society is a cone in which the lowest link has more and performs large quantity actions. The highest level only orders, taking the least part.
8. Chapter 8 So in the war some acted, guided by their own considerations, and others came up with excuses for these actions. The movement of history is a set of movements of all participants in the event.
9. Chapter 9 Complete freedom for a person is impossible. But the impulse to life is the desire for freedom. Freedom and necessity are proportional to each other in the actions of people. Each act seems free at the moment of commission and necessary afterwards, also with a reason - over time it becomes clearer.
10. Chapter 10 Complete freedom is impossible if a person is connected with the outside world. In the combination of freedom and necessity lies a clear understanding of life.
11. Chapter 11 The task of history is to catch the movement of the masses and understand their cause.
12. Chapter 12 The reason for the story is an imperceptible necessity, it's time to understand.

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