« War and Peace"- an epic novel by Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, describing Russian society in the era of the wars against Napoleon in 1805-1812.
This is the last part of the novel - the fourth volume. In addition, there is an epilogue, a summary of which you can find on this page.
See also:
PART ONE
Calm, luxurious Petersburg life goes on as before: “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.
On the day of the battle of Borodino, Anna Pavlovna Sherer had an evening, the flower of which was the reading of the letter of the patriarch by Prince Vasily. Prince Vasily was famous for the art of reading: he casually either lowered or raised his voice, closed his eyes and howled. The reading of the letter had a political significance: several important persons were present at the evening, who had to be ashamed of their trips to the French theater and inspired to a patriotic mood. The news of the day in Petersburg was the illness of Countess Bezukhova. “Everyone knew very well that this illness came from the inconvenience of marrying two husbands at once, and that the Italian’s treatment consisted in eliminating this inconvenience.”
The next day, news spreads about the victory of the Russian troops near Borodino. Prince Vasily proudly says that he has always been sure that Kutuzov is the only person who is able to defeat Napoleon. A few days later comes the news of the surrender of Moscow to the French. Now everyone calls Kutuzov a traitor, and Prince Vasily says that "nothing else could have been expected from a blind depraved old man."
Helen commits suicide with a large dose of drugs. Officially, in society they say that she died from a terrible attack of chest sore throat.
It seems to us, contemporaries, that while half of Russia was conquered, all people, young and old, were busy only sacrificing themselves, saving the fatherland or crying over its death. In reality, this was not the case. Most of the people of that time did not pay any attention to the general course of affairs, and were guided only by the personal interests of the present. And these people were the most useful figures of that time. “Only one unconscious activity bears fruit.
And a person who plays a role in a historical event never understands its significance. “In the army that 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 thought about the next third of the salary, about the next parking lot, about the Matryoshka-marketer and the like” .
Among these people is Nikolai Rostov. A few days before the battle of Borodino, he goes to Voronezh to buy horses for the regiment. There is a revival in the city on the occasion of the arrival of many wealthy families from Moscow. Nikolai makes a splash among the young ladies with his relaxed manner of dancing, trying to drag himself behind one married blonde. At the ball, Rostov meets with Princess Mary's aunt, who invites him to her place. Princess Mary lives with her aunt. At the thought of the princess, Nikolai feels a sense of shyness, even fear. He tells the governor's wife about his sincere thoughts. Rostov says that he really likes Princess Marya, that he more than once perceived the circumstances of their meeting as a sign of fate, but he is bound by a promise to his cousin Sofya. The governor believes that Nikolai's state of affairs is not hopeless, and promises to help.
Rostov comes to Princess Marya. The princess, seeing Nikolai dear to her heart, immediately changed. For the first time, new, feminine breast notes sounded in her voice; “her suffering, striving for good, humility, love, self-sacrifice - all this now shone in those radiant eyes, in a thin smile, in every line of her tender face.” Rostov "felt that the creature that was before him was completely different, better than all those that he had met so far, and better, most importantly, than himself."
After a meeting with the princess, all former pleasures for Nikolai lost their charm.
Nicholas meets Princess Mary in the church and sees "a touching expression of sadness, prayer and hope" on her face. "That's the angel! He spoke to himself. “Why am I not free, why did I hurry with Sonya?” And involuntarily he imagined a comparison between the two: poverty in one and wealth in the other of those spiritual gifts that Nicholas did not have and which therefore he valued so highly. “Dreams about Sonya had something cheerful, toy in them. But thinking about Princess Mary was always difficult and a little scary. How she prayed! he remembered. It was evident that her whole soul was in prayer. Yes, this is the prayer that moves mountains, and I am sure that her prayer will be fulfilled, Why do I not pray for what I need? More mine! Get me out of this terrible, hopeless situation!” And Nicholas, with tears in his eyes, prays as he has never prayed. At this moment, Lavrushka brings Rostov a letter from Sonya, in which she refuses Nikolai's promises and gives him complete freedom. Sonya did not immediately decide on this step. Countess Rostova was obsessed with the desire to marry her son to Princess Mary, Sonya was an obstacle to this. The Countess complicates Sonya's life in every possible way, but, seeing that this is to no avail, she asks the girl with tears to sacrifice herself and cut off her ties with Nikolai. Thus, Sonya would repay all the good deeds that the Rostov family did for her. But Sonya cannot give up the meaning of her life - and decides to forever associate herself with Nikolai. The girl sees that Prince Andrei and Natasha love each other and, if the prince recovers, they will get married. And then Nicholas, due to the relationship that will be between them, will not be able to marry Princess Mary. Prince Andrei is getting better, and Sonya writes a letter to Nikolai.
Pierre is being held along with other suspicious prisoners. The French arrange something like a trial, the main purpose of which is to accuse them of arson. Pierre feels like an insignificant "sliver that has fallen into the wheels of an unknown to him, but correctly operating machine." Bezukhov is brought to the brutal French General Davout. Davout accuses Pierre of espionage, and Pierre realizes that his life hangs in the balance. He says his name, speaks of his innocence. Davout and Pierre look at each other for a few seconds, and this look
Saves Pierre: they realized that they are both children of humanity, that they are brothers. But here Davout is distracted by the adjutant, and Pierre, among other prisoners, is led to execution. Bezukhov understands that it was not people who sentenced him to death, it was all the fault of the circumstances. The prisoners are taken two by two to the pit, shot, and then buried. The prisoners do not understand what is happening and do not believe what will happen. “They could not believe, because they alone knew what life was for them, and therefore did not understand and did not believe that it was possible to take it away.” The French, who are burying the executed, are pale and frightened, their hands are trembling. Pierre should go in tandem with the factory one, but he is being led alone. Bezukhov cannot understand that he is saved, that he and all the others were brought here only to be present at the execution. Pierre looks at the execution of the factory worker to the end, without turning away, as he did before. He sees the factory worker himself adjusting the knot at the back of his head when he is blindfolded. After the shots, Bezukhov comes up to the pit and sees how the shoulder of the executed man fell convulsively and rose, but "already shovels of earth were falling all over his body." After the execution, one young French rifleman does not return to his company, but, “like a drunk, staggers, taking a few steps back and forth to support his falling body.” In Pierre’s soul, after what he saw, “it was as if that spring had been pulled out, on which everything was held and seemed to be alive, and everything fell into a heap of senseless rubbish. He destroyed faith in the improvement of the world, and in the human, and in his soul, and in God.
Bezukhov was announced that he was forgiven and was now entering the barracks of prisoners of war. In the barracks next to Pierre lives a small man who immediately interests Bezukhov. Pierre fancied "something pleasant, soothing and round in these disputed movements, in this well-organized household in the corner", "in the singing voice of this man there was an expression of affection and simplicity." This soldier's name is Platon Karataev, he treats Pierre with potatoes, asks about his family. Plato is sincerely saddened by the news that Bezukhov has no parents, no children. Karataev also tells his story: “how he went to a strange grove beyond the forest and got caught by a watchman, how he was flogged, tried and given to the soldiers.” But Plato is not upset, but rejoices at this event, because his brother, who has five children, was supposed to go to the soldiers, while Plato has no children. Pierre, after talking with Karataev, feels "that the previously destroyed world with new beauty, on some new and unshakable foundations, was erected in his soul." “Platon Karataev forever remained in Pierre’s soul the strongest and dearest memory and personification of everything Russian, kind and round. The whole figure of Plato was round, his head was completely round, a pleasant smile and large brown tender eyes were round. He was always busy with something: he cooked, sewed, planed, stitched boots, and only at night allowed himself conversations and songs. Plato's speech is sprinkled with sayings full of deep wisdom. Karataev “loved and lived lovingly with everything that life brought him, and especially with a person - not with some famous person, but with those people who were before his eyes. He loved his mutt, loved his comrades, the French, loved Pierre, who was his neighbor; but Pierre felt that Karataev would not have been upset for a moment by parting from him. And Pierre began to feel the same feeling towards Karataev.
Having learned about her brother's serious wound, Princess Marya goes to him, despite the dangers on the road, and carries her son to him. The princess comes to the Rostovs and, seeing Natasha, understands that this is "her sincere comrade in grief, her friend." In the face of Natasha, Princess Marya saw "an expression of boundless love for everything that was close to a loved one, an expression of pity, diligence for others and a passionate desire to give everything of oneself in order to help them." Both Natasha and Princess Marya understand that Prince Andrei will die soon. He is alienated from the earthly world, and all turned into "the eternal, unknown and distant, whose presence he always felt." If earlier the prince was afraid of death, now he understands that "love is God, and to die means for me, a particle of love, to return to the common and eternal source." Princess Marya and Natasha understand the full significance of what is happening to Prince Andrei and, after his death, they cry not from their personal grief, but “from the reverent tenderness that seized their souls before the consciousness of the simple and solemn mystery of death that happened before them.”
PART TWO
Historians recognize the movement of the Russian army from the Ryazan to the Kaluga road and to the Tarutinsky camp as one of the most important events of the war of 1812. They attribute the glory of this brilliant feat to various people. But this movement was not planned by anyone, but happened by itself, because. the Russian army, not seeing persecution behind them, naturally leaned in the direction where the abundance of food attracted it.
Kutuzov alone understood that the "beast" near Borodino was hit, it only remained to find out whether he was strong or not. That is why Kutuzov used all his strength to keep the Russian army from useless battles. But the need for the offensive of the Russian army was expressed in countless signs: an abundance of provisions in Tarutino, information about the inaction of the French, good weather, a long rest for Russian soldiers, etc.
By chance, the Cossacks discover that the left flank of the French army is not protected, and Kutuzov, realizing that he cannot prevent a "useless battle", "blesses the fait accompli." The Cossacks attack the left flank of the French and put them to flight. If they continued to pursue the French, then “they would have taken Marat and everything that was here, but it was impossible to budge the Cossacks when they got to the booty and prisoners. Nobody listened to commands. The French, meanwhile, come to their senses and begin to shoot. “The whole battle consisted only of what the Cossacks of Orlov-Denisov did; the rest of the troops only lost a few hundred people in vain. But the main result of the battle was as follows: "a transition was made from a retreat to an offensive, the weakness of the French was exposed, and the impetus was given that the Napoleonic army was only expecting to start a flight."
Napoleon, neither with awards nor with tougher discipline, can prevent the death and disintegration of his troops. Having learned about the Battle of Tarutino, the French decided to punish the Russians, and Napoleon gave the order to march. “The rustle of the Tarutino battle frightened the beast, he rushed forward to shoot, ran to the hunter, went back, forward again, back again and, finally, like any animal, ran back, along the most disadvantageous, but along the familiar old track.”
Pierre has already been in captivity for four weeks, his life is full of hardships, but he joyfully endures his position. All his life, Pierre sought agreement with himself - he sought this in Freemasonry, in the dispersion of secular life, in the heroic feat of self-sacrifice, in romantic love for Natasha; he sought it by way of thought, and all these searches and attempts deceived him. “And he himself, without thinking about it, received this peace and this agreement with himself only through the horror of death, through deprivation and through what he understood in Karataev.” The highest consent of a person now seemed to Bezukhov the absence of suffering, the satisfaction of needs, the freedom to choose occupations. Only here, in captivity, did Pierre appreciate the pleasure of eating when he wanted to eat, drinking when he was thirsty, talking with a person when he wanted to talk.
The French troops begin to march, the prisoners are treated very badly, those lagging behind were ordered to be shot. During the overnight stay, Pierre is not allowed to see the prisoners and he laughs, looking at the starry sky: “And all this is mine, and all this is in me, and all this is me! And they caught all this and put it in a booth, fenced with boards! My immortal soul is being held prisoner! Ha, ha, ha!”
Kutuzov, like all old people, slept little at night. He thinks about whether the beast is mortally wounded or not. Learning about the “crazy, convulsive throwing of Napoleon’s troops,” Kutuzov cries and says in a trembling voice: “Lord, my creator! You heeded our prayer... Russia is saved. Thank you, Lord!
The French troops are fleeing, their nearest target is Smolensk. Nothing can stop them, Kutuzov understands this very well and strives with all his might to counteract the offensive of the Russian troops. Nevertheless, the highest ranks of the army wanted to distinguish themselves, and therefore they tried to cut off, overturn the French, and as a result, they lost thousands of people. The French army continued its disastrous path to Smolensk.
PART THREE
After the Battle of Borodino, the French army ceased to exist. This proved that the power that decides the fate of peoples lies not in battles, not in armies, but in the spirit of the troops. “The cudgel of the people’s war rose with all its formidable and majestic strength and, without asking anyone’s tastes and rules, with stupid simplicity, but with expediency, without understanding anything, it rose, fell and nailed the French until the entire invasion died.”
The guerrilla war begins. Denis Davydov establishes the first partisan detachment. There were hundreds of partisan detachments of various sizes, they "destroyed the Great Army in parts." Denisov decides, together with Dolokhov's detachment, to attack the French transport with a large load of cavalry things and Russian prisoners. Denisov sends the peasant Tikhon Shcherbatov, who was with his party, to take the language (that is, a man from the enemy column). An officer comes to the detachment with a package from the general, and Denisov, with surprise and joy, recognizes Petya Rostov in him. Petya asks Denisov to stay in his unit.
At this time, Tikhon Shcherbaty returns, the partisans see him running away from the French, who fire at him from all trunks. It turns out that Tikhon captured the prisoner yesterday, but, because. he turned out to be "faulty and even cursed", Tikhon delivered him alive to the camp. Tikhon is trying to get another "language", but he is discovered. The partisans laugh at Shcherbaty, "yes, his face shines with self-satisfied fun." Tikhon is the most useful and brave man in the party. He is a simple man, doing the hardest work, "no one else opened it in the event of an attack, no one else took it and beat the French."
Petya is in a happy, excited state of joy, he feels great, Denisov, Tikhon are considered heroes and want to go into business with them. Dinner with the partisans, Petya worries about the captive boy Vincent, whom the Russians call Vesentius, and asks to be fed.
Dolokhov arrives at the detachment, and Petya volunteers to go with him to the enemy camp. They change into French dress. Dolokhov behaves boldly and fearlessly, directly asking the French about their number, about the whereabouts of officers, and so on. Everything goes well, Petya kisses Dolokhov in delight. The next day the partisans attack the French. Denisov asks Petya not to stick his head out, but in the excitement of the attack, he forgets about it and jumps under the bullets. Petya falls - a bullet has pierced his head. Denisov, seeing the murdered Petya, recalls his words: “I'm used to eating something sweet. Excellent raisins, take all. “And the Cossacks looked back with surprise at the sounds similar to the barking of a dog, with which Denisov quickly turned away, went up to the wattle fence and grabbed it.”
Among the Russian prisoners recaptured by Denisov and Dolokhov was Pierre Bezukhov.
Pierre spent a lot of time in captivity, the attitude of the French towards the prisoners was getting worse and worse, because they themselves had nothing to eat. Bezukhov learns that there is nothing terrible in the world. He learned that just as there is no position in which a person would be happy and completely free, so there is no position in which he would be unhappy and not free. Karataev is getting weaker every day, and he is being killed. “The dog howled from behind, from the place where Karataev was sitting.”
Pierre comes to the conclusion that life is God, and therefore one must love this life as it is, with all the suffering and deprivation. Life is a continuous movement, dying, a person merges with God.
The partisans free the prisoners. “Hussars and Cossacks surrounded the prisoners and hastily offered some dresses, some boots, some bread. Pierre sobbed, sitting in the middle of them, and could not utter a word; he hugged the first soldier who came up to him and, crying, kissed him.
From the beginning of the frosts, the flight of the French took on the tragic character of people freezing and exhausted to death around the fires.
Having burst into Smolensk, they killed each other for provisions, robbed their stores, and when everything was looted, they ran on. Everyone thinks about their own salvation.
PART FOUR
Princess Marya and Natasha, after the death of Prince Andrei, did not dare to look life in the face. They are completely absorbed in their pure sadness, to recognize the possibility of the future seemed to them an insult to the memory of the prince.
Princess Marya was the first to be called to life, because she had to deal with her nephew, understand the reports. Natasha began to avoid everyone, sat all day in the corner of the sofa and "looked where he had gone, on the other side of life."
News of Petya's death came to the Rostovs' house. This emotional wound brought Natasha back to life, made her forget about personal grief.
The countess is on the verge of insanity, and for three weeks Natasha lived without getting out with her mother, because only her gentle, affectionate voice calmed the countess. "A month after the news of Petya's death, the countess left her room half dead and not taking part in life - an old woman." Natasha, however, was brought to life by a spiritual wound. “Suddenly, love for her mother showed her that the essence of her life - love - was still alive in her. Love woke up and life woke up.
A passionate and tender friendship was established between Natasha and Princess Mary. They spend all the time together, say tender words to each other. Friendship mutually enriched both: Natasha understood and fell in love with a previously incomprehensible virtue, while Princess Marya discovered faith in life, in the pleasures of life.
At the end of January, Princess Marya and Natasha go to Moscow.
The Russian army is exhausted by long marches, and Kutuzov understands that it is only necessary to follow the French at some distance and not give battles, because. the enemy has already been defeated.
The Russian command, on the other hand, wants to distinguish itself, and therefore they give battles, prisoners are taken. Kutuzov is accused of mistakes, the sovereign is not pleased with him. Such is “the fate of those rare, always lonely people who, comprehending the will of providence, subordinate their personal will to it. The hatred and contempt of the crowd punishes these people for the enlightenment of higher laws. "The source of this extraordinary power of insight in the sense of occurring phenomena lay in the popular feeling that he carried in himself." And the people, understanding this feeling, chose Kutuzov, against the will of the tsar, as representatives of the people's war. “And only this feeling put him on that highest human height, from which he, the commander in chief, directed all his forces not to kill and exterminate people, but to save and pity them.”
Kutuzov, a representative of the Russian people, feels that his role in the salvation and glory of Russia has been played. Kutuzov does not understand why it is necessary to continue the war in Europe, and Alexander the First takes his place. “There is nothing left for the representative of the people's war but death. And he died."
Pierre, after his release, is overwhelmed with a joyful sense of freedom. If earlier he was looking for the meaning of life, now he realized that it does not exist and cannot exist. Bezukhov, thanks to Platon Karataev, gained faith in a living, always felt god. “Now he learned to see the great, eternal and infinite in everything and joyfully contemplated around him the ever-changing, eternally great, incomprehensible and endless life.”
The people around immediately noticed the changes in Pierre. “Before, he talked a lot, got excited and listened little; now he was rarely carried away by conversation and knew how to listen in such a way that people willingly expressed their most intimate secrets to him. His new feature disposed people to Pierre: “recognition of the possibility of each person to think, feel and look at things in his own way; recognition of the impossibility of words to dissuade a person. Practical cases no longer terrified Pierre, a judge appeared in him, deciding what should and should not be done.
Moscow, meanwhile, is filled with returning residents, construction begins. Pierre also comes to Moscow, and, having learned that Princess Mary is in the city, he goes to her. Some lady in black is sitting next to Princess Marya, and Bezukhov thinks that this is her companion. Imagine Pierre's surprise and embarrassment when Princess Marya says that the lady in black is Natasha. “He blushed joyfully and painfully painfully,” Pierre smelled of long-forgotten happiness, and he understands that he loves Natasha. Princess Marya and Natasha talk about the last days of Prince Andrei, about their experiences. They never talked to anyone, not even to each other, about it. Pierre is happy from the realization that Prince Andrei relented before his death and saw Natasha.
Bezukhov, in turn, tells the women about his adventures, about his new thoughts. "He talked about it in a way that he had never told anyone about it before, as he had never thought about it with himself." “Now, when he told all this to Natasha, he experienced the rare pleasure that women give when listening to a man - not smart women who try to remember a story in order to enrich their minds; but the pleasure that real women give, gifted with the ability to choose and absorb into themselves all the best that is in the manifestations of a man, ”
Princess Mary and Natasha, after Pierre's departure, discuss the conversation that took place. They agree that Prince Andrei and Pierre are special men, and therefore they were so friendly and loved each other so much. Natasha, with a playful smile, which Princess Mary had not seen on his face for a long time, notices that Pierre "has become some kind of clean, fresh, as if from a bath - morally from a bath."
After the conversation, Pierre cannot fall asleep for a long time and decides that everything should be done so that Natasha becomes his wife. The next day, Bezukhov goes to dine with Princess Mary and sees that Natasha has become the same as he knew her almost as a child and then the bride of Prince Andrei. “A merry interrogative gleam shone in her eyes; there was an affectionate, strangely playful expression on his face. The whole next evening, Pierre sat in the princess's house, because. I felt like I couldn't leave. Left alone with Princess Mary, Bezukhov tells her about his love for Natasha, that he cannot imagine his life without her, and asks for help. Princess Marya speaks of her confidence that Natasha will fall in love with Pierre, promises to arrange everything, but for now she advises Bezukhov to go to Petersburg. The whole next period, Pierre lives in a state of happy madness, love overflows his heart, and he loves all people.
Princess Mary, seeing the change in Natasha, was at first upset: “Did she really love her brother so little that she could forget him so soon?” But then she realizes that the power of life awakened in Natasha is unstoppable, unexpected even for the girl herself, and therefore there is nothing to reproach her for.
Princess Marya tells the girl about her conversation with Pierre, Natasha says that she loves him. Princess Mary is crying: she is happy for Natasha.
Part 1
Seven years have passed since the war of 1812. Natasha in the 13th year married Pierre. In the same year, Count Ilya Andreevich died: too many blows fell on his head. With his death, the old family fell apart. The money affairs of the Rostovs are completely upset, there are twice as many debts as estates. But Nikolay does not refuse the inheritance, because. sees in this an expression of reproach to the sacred memory of his father. The estate was sold under the hammer at half price, and half of the debts still remained unpaid. In order not to be put into a debt hole, Rostov enters the military service in St. Petersburg and lives with his mother and Sonya in a small apartment. Nikolai appreciates Sonya very much, feels himself in unpaid debt to her, but understands that "there is not enough in her that would make him love her." Nikolai's situation is getting worse and worse. But the idea of marrying a rich heiress, as a way out of the current situation, was disgusting to him.
Princess Marya comes to visit the Rostovs, Nikolai meets her with "an expression of coldness, dryness and pride", showing with all appearance that he does not need anything from the princess. The princess feels in an uncertain position after this meeting, she needs to find out what Nikolai is covering up with his cold tone.
Nicholas, under the influence of his mother, makes a return visit to the princess. The conversation turns out to be dry and strained, but Princess Marya understands that this is only an outer shell, while the soul of Rostov is still beautiful.
It becomes clear to the princess that he behaves this way because of pride: “he is now poor, and I am rich.” "For several seconds they silently looked into each other's eyes, and the distant, the impossible suddenly became close, possible and inevitable."
In the autumn of 1814, Nikolai married Princess Marya and with his wife, mother and Sonya moved to Lysy Gory to live. Nikolai devoted himself entirely to the household, the main thing in which is the peasant worker. “He learned from the peasants both techniques, and speeches, and judgments about what is good and what is bad,” only having become related to them, he begins to boldly manage the economy, which brings brilliant results. Men from other estates come to ask Nikolai to buy them, and even after his death, the people keep a pious memory of his management for a long time: “The owner was ... in advance a peasant, and then his own. But he didn't give a damn. One word - owner. With his wife, Nikolai converged closer and closer, every day discovering new spiritual treasures in her.
Sonya lives in Nikolai's house, Countess Marya cannot get rid of her evil feelings for her. Natasha somehow explains to Countess Marya why Sonya has such a fate: something is missing in her, she is an "empty flower", and therefore "everything has been taken away from her."
The Rostovs have three children, Countess Marya is expecting another child. Natasha with her four children is visiting her brother, everyone is waiting for the return of Pierre, who left for St. Petersburg two months ago. Natasha has gained weight, expanded, now it is difficult to recognize the former Natasha Rostova in her. “Her features now had an expression of calm softness and clarity. Now only her face and body were often visible, but her soul was not visible at all. One strong, beautiful and prolific female was visible. Very rarely now the old fire was lit in her, ”Everyone who knew Natasha before marriage is surprised at the change that has taken place in her. “One old countess, who understood with a maternal instinct that all Natasha’s impulses had only the need to have a family, to have a husband,” wonders why the rest do not understand this. Natasha does not take care of herself, does not look after her manners, the main thing for her is serving her husband, children, and home. Natasha is very jealous, demanding of her husband, Pierre completely obeys the requirements of his wife. In return for this, he can have his whole family, Natasha not only fulfills, but also guesses her husband's desires. Natasha always adheres to her husband's way of thinking. Pierre saw himself reflected in his wife and feels happy in his marriage.
Natasha is no longer able to bear the separation from her husband, and, finally, he arrives.
Pierre tells Nicholas about the latest political news, says that the sovereign does not delve into any matters, that the situation in the state is heating up, that
everything is ready for the revolution. Pierre assures that it is necessary to organize a society, maybe even illegal, in order to be useful. Nikolai does not agree with this, recalls that he took an oath: “Tell me now Arakcheev to go at you with a squadron and cut down - I won’t think for a second and go.”
Nikolai discusses the conversation with his wife. He considers Pierre a dreamer, but Rostov does not care that Arakcheev is not good, he has enough of his own pressing problems. Countess Marya feels a certain limitation of her husband, knows that he will never understand everything that she understands, and therefore loves him even more, with a touch of passionate tenderness. Nikolai is delighted with his wife's constant desire for the infinite, eternal and perfect.
Pierre talks to his wife about important state affairs awaiting him. But Platon Karataev, according to Bezukhov, would not approve of his career, but family life, because. “I wanted to see beauty, happiness and tranquility in everything.”
Nikolai Bolkonsky was present at the conversation between Nikolai and Pierre, and this made a strong impression on him. Nikolenka adores Pierre, idolizes him, but he does not represent his father in the guise of a specific person, but considers him a kind of deity. And the boy has a dream. He and Uncle Pierre walked ahead of a huge army and joyfully approached the goal. But suddenly Uncle Nikolai appears in front of them in a formidable pose, ready to kill the first one who moved forward. Nikolenka turns around and sees that it is no longer Uncle Pierre standing next to him, but his father, Prince Andrei, and caressing him. The boy interprets this dream in this way: “Father was with me and caressed me. He approved of me, he approved of Uncle Pierre. I know they want me to study. And I will study. But someday I will stop; and then I will. Everyone will know, everyone will love me, everyone will admire me. Yes, I will do what even he would be pleased with ... "
Part 2
Tolstoy once again narrates about the historical process, about the fact that it is not the individual who makes history, but the masses of the people, guided by common interests, make it. Personality is important in history only to the extent that it understands and accepts these interests.
The epilogue of War and Peace is Tolstoy's hymn to the spiritual foundations of nepotism as the highest form of unity between people. In the family, as it were, the opposites between spouses are removed, in communication between them, the limitations of loving souls are complemented. Such is the family of Marya Volkonskaya and Nikolai Rostov, where such opposite principles of the Rostovs and Bolkonskys are combined in a higher synthesis. Wonderful is the feeling of Nikolai's proud love for Countess Marya, based on surprise at her soulfulness, before the sublime, moral world, almost inaccessible to him, in which his wife always lived. And touching is Marya's submissive, tender love for this man, who will never understand everything that she understands, and as if from this she loved him even more, with a touch of passionate tenderness.
In the epilogue of War and Peace, under the roof of the Lysogorsky house, a new family gathers, uniting the heterogeneous Rostov, Bolkon, and through Pierre Bezukhov also the Karataev principles. As in every real family, writes Tolstoy, several completely different worlds lived together in the Lysogorsky house, which, each holding its own peculiarity and making concessions to one another, merged into one harmonious whole. Every event that happened in the house was equally - joyful or sad - important for all these worlds; but each world (*136) had completely its own, independent of the others, reasons to rejoice or grieve at any event.
This new family did not come about by accident. It was the result of the nationwide unity of people, born of the Patriotic War. Thus, in the epilogue, the connection between the general course of history and individual, intimate relationships between people is affirmed in a new way.
The year 1812, which gave Russia a new, higher level of human communication, removed many class barriers and restrictions, led to the emergence of more complex and broad family worlds. Karataev's acceptance of life in all its diversity and complexity, Karataev's ability to live in peace and harmony with everyone is present at the end of the epic novel.
In a conversation with Natasha, Pierre remarks that Karataev, if he were alive now, would approve of their family life. /p› As in any family, sometimes conflicts and disputes arise in a large Bald Mountain family. But they are peaceful in nature and only strengthen the strength of family foundations. The keepers of family foundations are women - Natasha and Marya. There is a strong spiritual union between them. Marie, this is so cute! - says Natasha. - How she knows how to understand children. She seems to see only their souls. Yes, I know, - Countess Marya interrupts Nikolai's story about Pierre's Decembrist hobbies. - Natasha told me. When a dispute arises between Nikolai and Pierre, almost turning into a quarrel, it is the women who extinguish it, transfer it to a peaceful channel. And now I behaved badly, - Nikolai Rostov shares what happened. - We argued with Pierre, and I got excited. - In my opinion, you are absolutely right. That's what I told Natasha. Pierre says that everyone is suffering, tormented, corrupted, and that it is our duty to help our neighbors. Of course, he is right, - said Countess Marya, - but he forgets that we have other duties, closer, which God himself has shown us, and that we can risk ourselves, but not our children. Nikolenka has this weakness that if something is not accepted by everyone, he will never agree, - Natasha reassures Pierre. So women's hearts, guarding the harmony of family life, reason with heated men and soften domestic conflicts. Initially, Tolstoy even wanted to call his novel All's well that ends well. The epilogue seems to confirm the writer's idea about the happy end of the characters' lives in a new, prosperous family. However, on reflection, Tolstoy nevertheless came up with a different name - War and Peace. The fact is that within (*137) the happy family Tolstoy discovered the grain of such contradictions that called into question the harmonious peace that arose during the war of 1812 with folk moral traditions at its core. At the end of the fourth volume, having gone through trials, adopting Karataev's gaze, Pierre finds peace of mind and harmony: The terrible question that had previously destroyed all his mental structures was: why? – no longer existed for him. But in the epilogue we see something else: the need for thought, analysis, doubt returned to Pierre again. He says: When I am occupied with thought, everything else is fun. Moreover, Pierre is busy with political struggle. He criticizes the government and is obsessed with the idea of organizing a secret society from among the free-thinking people of his circle. His plans are lofty and ambitious: It seemed to him at that moment that he was called to give a new direction to the whole of Russian society and the whole world. And when Natasha asks Pierre if Platon Karataev would approve of him, she hears in response: No, he would not approve. Pierre's political hobbies - and Natasha and Marya feel it - cast doubt on the calmness of the newly created family. Irritated by the argument with Pierre, Nikolai Rostov utters prophetic words: I'll tell you what ... I can't prove it to you. You say that everything is bad with us and that there will be a revolution; I don't see it; but you say that the oath is a conditional matter, and to this I will tell you: that you are my best friend, you know that, but if you form a secret society, you begin to oppose the government, whatever it may be, I know that my duty obey him. And tell me now Arakcheev to go at you with a squadron and cut down - I won’t think for a second and go. And then judge as you wish. And although this dispute has not yet led to dramatic consequences, it has a premonition of future social upheavals. It is no coincidence that at the end of the War and Peace, the memory of Prince Andrei is revived again. His son, Nikolenka Bolkonsky, turns out to be an unwitting witness to a quarrel between Uncle Nikolai and Pierre. The boy idolizes Pierre, loves Natasha and shuns Nikolai Rostov. When everyone got up for dinner, Nikolenka Bolkonsky went up to Pierre, pale, with shining, radiant eyes. Uncle Pierre... you... no... If dad were alive... would he agree with you? - he asked ... I think so, - Pierre answered. And then Nikolenka has a dream that completes the great book. In this dream, the boy sees himself and Pierre (*138) in helmets, walking at the head of a huge army. And ahead of them - glory. Suddenly, Uncle Nikolai rises in front of them in a formidable and stern pose. I loved you, but Arakcheev ordered me, and I will kill the first one who moves forward. - Nikolenka looked back at Pierre, but Pierre was no longer there. Pierre was a father - Prince Andrei ... Father! Father! Yes, I will do what even he would be pleased with ... Everything that was filmed and debunked by life during the war of 1812 - and proud dreams of glory, and the high Bolkonsky sky, and painful introspection in search of truth - all this is returning again at the end of the epic novel back to square one. Pierre Bezukhov, who discovered the universal meaning of the Karataev folk truth in the trials of the Patriotic War, leaves him for proud dreams, doubts and anxieties. Glory again calls to itself the young Bolkonsky, who dreams of following in the footsteps of his father. And only Natasha Rostova, true to herself, remains the custodian of those values of people's life, which Platon Karataev would certainly have approved of and which, for the time being, again went into a peaceful life, in order to flare up in an era of new upheavals and illuminate great deeds.
Epilogue
Part one
Chapter I
The author's reflections on the driving forces of history in connection with the role of Alexander I and Napoleon. The author says that it is impossible to say whether the activity of both was harmful or useful, since it is impossible to say for what it was useful or harmful.
Reflections on chance and genius. These two words do not stand for anything, and therefore cannot be defined. If we do not know why a phenomenon occurs, we say: an accident. If we see a force that produces disproportionately to human actions, and do not know why this happens, we say: genius.
Reasoning about the causes of the movement of European peoples from west to east and from east to west. On the accidental role of Napoleon in these movements. Instead of his genius, there is only stupidity and meanness, which have no analogue.
End of Napoleon's random role after the action is completed. Alexander I and his role in the movement of the masses from east to west. It was not needed during the people's war, but after its end and the start of the European war, it comes to the fore. Thoughts on the role of the individual in serving common goals. A person can only observe life, its accomplishments, realizing the inaccessibility of the ultimate goal.
The wedding of Pierre and Natasha becomes the last joyful event in the Rostov family. Death of the old Count Rostov. All previous events: the fire of Moscow, the flight from it, the death of Prince Andrei, Petya knocked down the old count, and he died, leaving the material affairs of the family in complete decline. The ruin of the Rostovs. Nikolai retires, enters the civil service and barely supports his mother and Sonya. Sonya ran the household, Nikolai felt indebted to her, but at the same time hated her for her perfection. Nikolai's situation is getting worse. There are two ways out: marrying a rich heiress and the death of his mother, but Nikolai does not think of either, much less the second. Natasha and Pierre at that time live in St. Petersburg, not having a clear idea of the situation of the Rostov family.
Arrival in Moscow of Princess Mary. From acquaintances, she learns about how Nikolai sacrifices himself for his mother. Princess Marya thinks that she did not expect anything else from him. Her visit to the Rostovs. Meeting with Nicholas. His alienation from her. Nikolay meets Princess Mary with particular solemnity and dryness. Disappointment of Princess Mary. She feels that his cold tone is covering up something, but here's what - she couldn't understand and really wanted to find out. After the departure of the princess, the mother persuades Nikolai to go to Marya, to unwind, in addition, she is a good girl and a rich heiress. Nikolai resists for a long time, but finally gives up. Return visit of Nicholas. Explanation of Nikolai with Marya. Marya starts a conversation about his situation, but Nikolai interrupts. The princess says that he has become different, Nikolai replies that there are many reasons for this. And then Marya realizes that the whole point is that he is now poor, and she is rich. The princess is once again amazed at the nobility of Nikolai's soul. But feelings take their toll, and "the distant, the impossible suddenly became close, possible and inevitable."
Marriage of Nicholas to Princess Mary. Life in the Bald Mountains. Household of Nicholas. Nicholas made a good host. In three years he was able to pay off all his debts, bought an estate near the Bald Mountains, and negotiated the purchase of his father's estate Otradnoye. Princess Marya never interfered in the affairs of the estate, but only contemplated the troubles of Nicholas.
Chapter VIII.
Family life of Nicholas. Nikolai was very quick-tempered and liked to dissolve his hands. Explanation with Countess Marya about the beating of the headman. Princess Marya cries, she feels sorry for the man, and Nikolai promises that he will never raise a hand against anyone again. Sony's position in the house. From the very beginning of their life together, Nikolai told Marya about everything that happened between him and Sonya, and asks the princess to love Sonya, not to offend. Marya tries to love Sonya, but she cannot and even looks for negative qualities in her. The characteristic given to Sonya by Natasha. Natasha calls Sonya an empty flower, but says that Sonya does not understand, does not feel it the way they feel, Marya and Natasha. And Marya, looking at Sonya, agrees with Natasha. Sonya did not seem to be weighed down by her position, with which she was completely reconciled. She lives the way she lives.
The eve of the winter St. Nicholas Day in 1820 in the Bald Mountains. Nicholas and Countess Marya. Their quarrel and reconciliation. Princess Mary suddenly began to doubt that Nikolai loved her. He reassures his wife, saying that without her he does not find a place for himself. Children. Happiness of Countess Mary. She thinks she would never have believed it was possible to be so happy. But at the same time, sadness was expressed in her eyes. “It was as if, besides the happiness that she experienced, there was another, unattainable happiness in this life, which she involuntarily remembered at that moment.”
Natasha is married. She has changed a lot, there was no longer that Natasha, whom everyone knew from childhood. She lived in contradiction to the rule that a girl, having married, should not fall. She was completely immersed in her family, her husband, she opened herself completely, without a trace. relationship with Pierre. The whole house of Natasha and Pierre rested on the desires of Pierre, which Natasha tried to guess and instantly fulfill. After seven years of marriage, Pierre saw himself reflected in his wife.
Natasha is waiting for Pierre's arrival from St. Petersburg. Since Pierre left, Natasha has been in a state of fear, sadness and irritation. Pierre's arrival. Natasha's revival gradually turns into anger, she scolds Pierre for not returning for so long. But Pierre knows that he is not to blame and that soon this anger will turn into fun and joy. Pierre and Natasha in the nursery. Pierre is completely absorbed in his little child. Natasha says he is a great father.
Family interests of the inhabitants of the Lysogorsky house. Everyone in the house loved Pierre, especially Nikolenka, the son of Prince Andrei. From everything he heard, he concluded that his father, dying, bequeathed his beloved Natasha to his friend. And the father was for Nikolenka something like a deity. Present. Despite the fact that Pierre now lived with a large family, he noticed that he began to spend less and his affairs began to improve. He realized that such a routine of life is now for life, and was glad of this. Old Countess of Rostov. She was already over 60 years old. And after all the events, she now feels like an accidentally forgotten creature in this world, having no purpose and meaning. And all the inhabitants of the house understand her condition, and therefore take care of her. Only children are afraid of her and shun her.
Chapter XIII.
Pierre and his wife in the living room. The conversation of the family with the old countess about the Petersburg news. Under the countess, they try not to talk about the current state of the country, but only about those people with whom she was familiar before, since the countess is so far behind the times that there was no point in explaining everything to her. Pierre among children. Pierre is completely given to the game with stockings.
Nikolenka Bolkonsky. Pierre says that Nikolenka is becoming like his father, which makes the boy proud. Denisov. Talk about the public interest in St. Petersburg and the state of affairs in Russia. Pierre says that the sovereign does not interfere in anything, is mired in mysticism, everything perishes, devastation is everywhere. Indignation at reaction and Arakcheevism. Pierre's thoughts on society. He says that now we all need to join hands to resist what is happening. We need to create a secret society. There will be a coup - so Pierre thinks. The views of Nikolai Rostov and his sharp objection to Pierre. He proves to Pierre that there is no coup and there will not be, it is only Pierre's imagination. The excitement of Nikolenka Bolkonsky, caused by a dispute between adults. He tells Pierre that if Prince Andrei were alive, he would support him. Pierre understands what kind of mental work is going on in this boy's head, and he is proud of it.
Nicholas and Countess Marya. Her diary. Nikolai's admiration for his wife after reading the diary. He understands that spiritually he is worthless in front of his wife. Their conversation is about the dispute in the office and about Nikolenka. Nikolai says that he got excited in a dispute with Pierre, but he cannot accept that Pierre has joined a secret society. Princess Marya agrees with Nikolai that secret society is dangerous, especially since children cannot be risked. She is afraid for Nikolenka, because he is always alone with his thoughts. In addition, she is very worried about the excitement that Nikolenka experienced when Pierre told about the secret society. Marya asks Nikolai to take the boy out into society. Nicholas promises to do so.
Natasha and Pierre. Their conversation is about children, about a dispute with Nikolai, about Platon Karataev. Natasha thinks that this important person for society is her husband. She asks Pierre if Platon Karataev would approve of his entry into a secret society. Pierre says he does not know, but what he would definitely approve of is their family life, and Pierre would proudly show him the children. The internal relationship of Pierre and Natasha. They understand each other perfectly, although they relate to life differently. Dream of Nikolenka Bolkonsky. Thoughts about father and Pierre. Nikolenka dreamed that he and Pierre were walking in front of a huge army, which was made up of white oblique lines, the threads of the Virgin, as Desalles called them. But now the threads begin to weaken, get confused, it becomes hard. In a formidable pose, Nikolai Rostov appears in front of them and says that he will kill the first one who moves on the orders of Arakcheev. Nikolenka looks back at Pierre, but sees her father instead. He caresses his son, and he feels liquid, boneless, powerless. Nikolai Rostov gets closer to them, Nikolenka feels fear and wakes up. Nikolenka, after waking up, thinks that her father supports him and Pierre. And therefore, Nikolenka, he will study and do what will earn the love and admiration of all people, as well as the praise of his father.
Seven years after the events of 1812, everything returned to normal, and the war went down in history. However, during his reign, Alexander the First, according to many educated historians, made many mistakes, and this is reflected in the Russian literature of that time. “Even if we assume that Alexander I was mistaken fifty years ago in his view of what is the good of the peoples, we must involuntarily assume that the historian who judges Alexander, in the same way, after some time has passed, will turn out to be unfair in his view that which is the good of humanity." Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy tries to convey this idea to the reader throughout the first chapter of the first part of the epilogue.
In this chapter, the author tries to explain such words as "chance" and "genius" in accordance with the phenomena of history, which, in turn, lead to goals that consist either in the greatness of Russia and France, or in the balance of Europe. However, after much thought, Tolstoy comes to the conclusion that these words do not mean anything significant, so there can be no definitions for them. He is convinced that both Napoleon and Emperor Alexander were destined for what they needed to fulfill. Have a deep meaning and all the small events associated with them.
The French Revolution caused, firstly, the destruction of old traditions and habits; secondly, a certain group of new sizes is being developed.
The author in his description focuses on the stupid actions of Napoleon Bonaparte, who came to power through seemingly millions of accidents. Being at first a man without convictions, without goals, without habits, he surprisingly occupies a significant place in history - first he is promoted to the head of the army, then he wants to make an expedition to Africa, and “impregnable Malta, contrary to all expectations, surrenders without any shot. When Napoleon returns to France, the decay of the government of the republic reaches its extreme, and this promotes Bonaparte's career; "he is involved in a conspiracy aimed at seizing power, and the conspiracy is crowned with success."
From Paris, contrary to expectations, a wave of movement of peoples rises. The man who caused the devastation of France has returned to this country again, and everyone greets him with delight, the one who was cursed a day ago. This means that it is still needed to complete the last cumulative action.
And Emperor Alexander, after the last war of 1815, ascended to the pinnacle of human power.
In this chapter, the author also compares the goals of historical persons and peoples with the action of an ordinary bee. A child who has been stung by this insect is afraid of it and believes that the bee is meant to sting. The poet admires the bee and colorfully describes how she imbibes the scent of flowers. One beekeeper concludes that the purpose of the bee is only to collect honey. Another beekeeper thinks that the bee collects pollen in order to feed offspring and procreate. The botanist sees the meaning of the actions of the bee in the fertilization of the flower. But the ultimate goal of the bee is inaccessible to the human mind, just as it is impossible to fully understand the final goals of historical persons and peoples.
The last good and happy event in the Rostov family was the marriage of Natalya and Pierre. The girl married her beloved in 1813, and found peace, joy and satisfaction in family life.
But short-lived happiness was overshadowed by the death of the old Count Ilya, who had many trials: inflicting blow after blow, unpleasant events rained down on the elderly man during the last year of his life. And he, as if unable to resist the fate of fate, seemed to bow his head lower and lower, expecting new troubles that would finally kill him.
Preparations for the wedding of Natalia and the event itself temporarily distracted him from sad thoughts. Behind the seemingly outward cheerfulness, the count desperately tried to hide his longing for his beloved daughter. For people who knew and loved him, this caused only compassion and sadness. After the departure of Natalia with Pierre, longing returned with renewed vigor to the unfortunate count.
After some time, he fell seriously ill and, despite the reassuring words of the doctors, he realized that he could no longer rise from the bed of illness. Tormented by conscience for the suffering caused to his son during the ruin of the estate, the count often asked for forgiveness from the countess, who, in spite of everything, looked after him with love. But the Lord allowed this soul to repent of its deed. The priest invited to him, after listening to the confession of the count, communed and unctioned him in accordance with all the rules of the Orthodox Church. Soon the count quietly departed into eternity. Many people who knew him during his lifetime, visited his house, and often laughed at his weaknesses, during the funeral, for some reason, remembered this person only from the good side. Here, truly, "about the dead is either good or not at all." The sad news of the death of his beloved father found Nikolai Rostov in the army when he was in Paris with the troops. He immediately resigned, but did not wait for a decision - he took a vacation and immediately went home.
Upon arrival, Nikolai was in for an unpleasant surprise: it turned out that his father managed to make a lot of small debts, but for a huge amount, the presence of which no one knew anything about. Nikolai refused friendly advice to simply abandon the inheritance with his debts for the sake of the memory of his beloved dad. Oh, it would be better if he abstained! As if by magic, Nikolai was attacked by creditors. They no longer hoped to receive their debts, but here such luck. Even those who had cashless bills came. Like crows on carrion, they pounced on the unfortunate, apparently innocent young man, making demands to pay bills that it is still unknown if they even existed. And all just because the guy decided to act honestly, as his conscience told him. As a result, the estate was sold at a bargain price. The money borrowed from the son-in-law was also not enough to pay off even the real debts of his father. Creditors threatened to put him in a hole for the remaining debts, and Nikolai had no choice but to return to the service. But the mother suddenly objected to this: the son is the only thing she has left. And, despite all the persuasion, she prevented him from leaving for Paris.
Dear lovers of Leo Tolstoy's creativity. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the novel “War and Peace” - chapter by chapter.
Natasha and Pierre lived at that time in St. Petersburg and could not even imagine the actual state of affairs, because Nikolai had to carefully hide his plight, mainly because of his mother. After suffering, she, due to her illness, did not quite realize the gravity of their situation. Therefore, she could demand to bring her favorite sweets from childhood, then good wine, then money for gifts to loved ones, fortunately not realizing that all this had long been gone.
So Nikolai had to pretend that everything was fine. Nikolai was immensely grateful to Sonya, who helped take care of her mother, but tried to stay apart from her. In the depths of his soul, he realized that he was looking for something to complain about, but he did not find it. This irritates him even more, Nikolai understands: the more grateful he is, the less he loves Sonya. Remembering the letter in which the girl gives him freedom, he acts as if there was no relationship at all. Further, the situation of Nikolai only worsens: fulfilling the requests of his mother, he begins to gradually get into debt.
He did not even take into account the solution of the problem by marrying a rich heiress. He also tried not to think about the possible death of his mother. On the contrary, soon Nikolai began to catch himself thinking that he was experiencing an incomprehensible pleasure, pitying himself, dutifully referring to his position. Gradually, he moved away from his former environment, considering any condolences or just sympathy as a manifestation of pity and humiliation. Any offered help he accepted with hostility, considering it almost a personal insult. Doing nothing even around the house, Nikolai either spent time with his mother, laying out cards with her, or idly wandered around the house, smoking pipe after pipe. It was as if he closed himself in his shell, thus allowing him to escape from his experiences.
At the beginning of winter, Princess Marie unexpectedly came to the Rostovs, having learned from people about the ruin of the estate and with what participation the son, sacrificing himself, lovingly takes care of his mother. Remembering her feelings for Nikolai, the girl reflected that she did not expect another act from him. She always knew Nikolai as an honest and decent person. Going on a visit, the girl was looking forward to the joy of meeting, but remembering her previous relationship, she was a little afraid of meeting him. And yet, after several weeks of deliberation, I finally decided to go. Contrary to expectations, Nikolai met the girl rather coldly.
His face, previously always distinguished by a kind, sincere, affectionate look and a radiant smile, now reflected only arrogance, coldness, and even some alienation. After escorting Marie to the princess, having talked for decency for some time, which was due according to etiquette, Nikolai left. Seeing off the princess, he did not even react to her remark about the health of the princess, seeing Marie off with emphatic politeness. After her departure, Nikolai expressed to Sonya for a long time how unpleasant such visits and all these overdressed young ladies with their courtesies were to him. The girl tried to explain to Nikolai that he was wrong, but it turned out to be impossible. Nikolai was angry, preferring not to talk about the princess at all and forget about her visit.
But from that time on, his mother often began to recall how beautiful, kind, polite, worthy Princess Marie was and insisted first on her desire to see her more often, and then on her son’s courtesy return visit to her. Nikolai tried to argue - it was useless.
His mother was sad that he was bored in her company, persuaded him to go to unwind, reproached that they were hiding something from her ... This went on for several days. And at the same time, the princess was worried about the cold reception of Nikolai. She tried to prove to herself that she had come to the Rostovs only to see the princess, but she subconsciously knew that the reason was him, to whom her love had arisen at one time. One day, watching her nephew prepare his lessons, the princess was informed of the arrival of Rostov. One look at him was enough to understand - this is the usual duty of courtesy.
The princess decided to play by his imposed rules: the same dryness and coldness. The conversation about nothing continued for the ten minutes prescribed by etiquette, but then Rostov's gaze fell on Mary's sad face, expressing suffering, pain from the fact that there was so little good, kind in her life ... Nikolai suddenly felt unbearably sorry for this beautiful, kind girl. They looked at each other in silence for a long time, but then they began to talk. Rostov regretted that the past could not be returned, and Marie tried to console him, but to no avail. Nikolai's expression of coldness returned again. And then, in a fit of despair, the princess told him that she had always treated him as a good friend and she was very upset by his coldness towards her. Tears stood in her eyes when she said: “For some reason you want to deprive me of my former friendship, and it hurts me. I had so little happiness in my life that any loss is hard for me ... Excuse me, goodbye. She suddenly burst into tears and left the room. "Princess, dear, please wait!" Their eyes met again ... But they were already talking about completely different feelings.
Nikolai proposed to the princess, and in the fall they entered into a long-awaited marriage and, together with his family, moved to permanent residence in the Bald Mountains. Marriage had a beneficial effect on his worldview. He began to work, and gradually he even began to like it. In a short time, Nikolai paid off his debts, and having also received a small inheritance (his cousin died), he was able to buy a small estate, not far from the Bald Mountains. Accustomed to working in the old fashioned way, he did not immediately realize that the innovations he had invented greatly facilitated the work of both men and his own. I did not understand (or did not want to) try to deal with several different areas of agriculture.
At that time, only one thing stood before his eyes - to redeem his father's estate as soon as possible. This thought haunted him constantly. Because of this, there were no innovations, except for peasant hands, in the house. However, Nikolai gradually realized that he did not understand anything in the household, and began (secretly, of course) to listen and look closely, as peasants do. And only when he understood what the peasant needed, he learned to understand them, only then he was able to confidently manage them, as befits the owner of the estate. And soon the economy of Nikolai began to bring good income.
In relation to his employees, Nikolai was a rather kind host. He immediately singled out good workers for senior positions of headman or steward. Families of peasants also received everything necessary for life and work. Nikolai hated only lazy people, whom he tried to get rid of at the first opportunity (he gave the yard servants to the soldiers instead of the peasant without a little bit of pity). When sowing and harvesting the fields, he equally zealously monitored the quality of work both on his own and on the fields of the peasants. The peasants also loved him for his fair treatment of people “He equally did not allow himself to trouble or execute a person because he so wanted to, as well as to facilitate and reward a person because this was his personal desire ..” Any order related to men, he was sure that it would be done immediately and efficiently. Sometimes he imagined that he did not love "this people", but in the depths of his soul he understood that in spite of everything, he greatly appreciated both them and their way of life, which brought good incomes. The Countess did not recognize her husband, it was not clear to her how to rejoice after a whole day of exhausting work in the field, while mowing or harvesting sheaves.
She did not understand the simple things that are well known to every peasant (the harvest is so wonderful, after all!) She did not know why her husband rejoices in the warm summer rain that passed in time, which watered the drying shoots of oats, why his face is preoccupied because of what seems to be a small black clouds during haymaking, or even more grain harvesting.
Why, tired, but happy, returned from the field with the words: “Well, now both ours and the peasants are in the threshing floor!” The princess could not yet understand why Nikolai constantly refused to fulfill her requests to free someone from work in the field and always demanded not to interfere in one's own business. When she tried to prove that he was taking care of the peasants in this way, he replied that it was, they say, babina's fairy tales and, first of all, he cares about prosperity for his children (so that they do not go around the world.) Everything needs order and justice, and only (because if a peasant has one horse, he will not be able to work either for the owner or for himself.) Maybe that's why the neighboring peasants came to him with a request to buy them, or maybe simply because Nikolai never allowed himself to think about that he is doing good to someone else - his entire estate expanded rapidly, and real success was visible in every business. And even after his death, the peasants for a long time, reverently spoke in memory of his administration: “The owner was ... First peasant, and then his own. Well, he didn't give me a hand. One word - owner!
The only thing is that in relation to the peasants, Nikolai, hot-tempered by nature, according to the old hussar habit, could not get rid of the bad habit of giving free rein to his hands. But gradually he learned to restrain his emotions, and his view of these types of punishment changed greatly. One summer day, Nikolai had to have a strong conversation with the new headman, who was accused of various kinds of malfunctions in work and drunkenness. The indignant Nikolai, not embarrassed in expressions, expressed his dissatisfaction, using brute force. The princess noticed this, and when the enraged husband began to colorfully describe the unfair actions of the culprit, she suddenly burst into tears and said: “Well, he is guilty, but why are you beating him? Is it possible to get by with words? Nikolai pondered these words of his wife for a long time, rushing around the room from corner to corner. Well, he could not understand in any way why what he considered the norm all his life suddenly turns out to be bad. However, after a long conversation, he still promised never to do that again. Upon impact, Nikolai damaged the name ring, and now, every time, in times of unbridled anger, he looked at him and tried to restrain his emotions. A loving wife always in such cases advised him to leave if he could not restrain himself, but this did not always work out. And then he again sought solace near his beloved, understanding Mary.
Nikolai was respected, but not loved in the noble society, many considered him a proud fool. The concerns of the nobles did not interest him at all. Starting from early spring and until late autumn, he was busy in the field work, which he had become so fond of over the years. In the autumn he devoted himself to hunting with the same passion, and only in winter he allowed himself to rest by reading. Over time, he had a whole library, and Nikolai, sitting with an important air in his old chair, read with rapture in most cases historical literature, which gave him special pleasure. He also devoted a lot of time to his mother and children, becoming closer and closer to his wife, discovering new talents and spiritual intimacy in her.
Even before his marriage, Nikolai told his future wife about his relationship with Sophia and asked her to treat Sophia more gently. But, despite the fact that the girl had nothing to reproach, Countess Marya still not only did not love her, but often against her will experienced incomprehensible anger, which she tried to cope with, but could not. In conversations with her friends, however, she spoke of her quite friendly, pitying her, and at the same time contemptuously calling her an empty flower. But all these offensive words, as it were, did not concern Sonya: she still treated the Rostov family with kindness and affection, looked after the aged countess with love and humility, played with children, always ready to help those that she could. The estate was rebuilt, but of course, in a simpler style than before. And yet, large bright rooms with high ceilings, decorated with ancient stucco, still made it possible to accommodate many guests and dear relatives who visited the estate four times a year. The rest of the year, everything went like a rut - sowing, watering, weeding, harvesting ... Everything is as always, even a little boring.
Starting in the fall, Natasha Rostova stayed with her brother Nikolai, and Pierre was in St. Petersburg on urgent business.
Vasily Denisov was also a guest of the Rostovs at that time. The sixth of December was special for the owner of the house, because it was a day of celebration. Knowing that he had to spend the afternoon in connection with the rules of noble etiquette, Nikolai decided to settle his own affairs in the remaining free time: check accounts, write letters ....
But it's time for the holiday. At a long table of twenty cutlery, the family gathered. Maria immediately felt that her husband might be out of sorts, "according to the gesture with which he, having removed the napkin, quickly moved the glass and the glass in front of him." It seemed to his wife that Nikolai was angry with her, but she did not see the reason for such a change in mood and was very upset. Forgetting her previous observations, according to which Maria could easily find an approach to her husband, the woman began to worry, obsessive thoughts haunted her: “Why is he angry with me?” Even her husband's tone at that moment seemed to her unfriendly, harsh. Finally, she made up her mind and, after kissing, asked her husband what was happening. Nikolai assured his wife that he did not think to be angry, but she did not believe it, for some reason catching hidden irony and the opposite meaning in his words. Suspiciousness prevailed over common sense, and Maria decided to explain herself to her husband, but she chose an inconvenient moment for this: tired Nikolai was already resting.
Maria went to the room where he was sleeping, heard even breathing through the door and was about to retreat, afraid to wake her husband, when suddenly the silence was broken by Andryusha's son, who said loudly: “Daddy, mommy is standing here!” Maria was frightened, especially when she heard her husband's displeased voice: "Why did you bring him here?" Naturally, the woman did not aggravate the situation, and, justifying herself by saying that she "came only to look," she hurriedly left. However, the little daughter, having entered the room, approached the sleeping father and kissed him on the hand. Nicholas turned around, a smile on his face. He took his daughter in his arms and called Mary. Convincing his wife that he was not angry with her, ironically and smiling, Nikolai told her that his love was not expressed in feelings. It's like a finger on a hand - they don't seem to like it, but try to cut it off. This is very painful.
The conversation of the spouses was interrupted by a bell ringing in the hallway. It was Pierre Bezukhov who arrived with Natalya.
It was difficult to recognize the former graceful Natasha Rostova in the plump woman. By 1820 she already had four children, and the woman was happy. Finally, she found herself - it was in family life that she felt satisfaction. The former fire of revival was rarely kindled in Natasha. After marriage, she even left singing, not to mention the fact that she completely refused to go out, concentrating herself entirely on caring for her family. By this, she aroused surprise among those around her, even her mother believed that her daughter brought love for her husband and children to the extreme. But Natasha paid no attention to anyone, doing everything contrary to the rules of secular etiquette. But there was one more nuance - not loving the external society, she valued the company of her relatives - her brother Nikolai, Maria, mother and Sophia. On the one hand, the woman dominated Pierre, and was even jealous of him, but on the other hand, it was precisely his desires that Natalya sought to fulfill exactly, “as soon as Pierre showed some predilection, so that what he loved was constantly fulfilled.” After seven years of married life, he felt significant and needed by the family, seeing himself "reflected in his wife."
Natasha suggested that Pierre go to St. Petersburg on an important matter. The reason for this was a letter from Prince Fedor, who called Bezukhov to discuss important issues. The leave was given for four weeks, during which Natalya yearned for her husband. To drown out this inner pain of expectation, the woman began to take care of the children with even greater effort, to such an extent that she overfed one child, and he fell ill. But at the subconscious level, this was necessary, because "taking care of the baby, she endured anxiety about her husband more easily."
Finally, the long-awaited day came - Pierre returned from St. Petersburg. Natasha, having handed over the child to the nanny, hurried to her beloved husband. At first, joy shone on her face, but then she suddenly remembered all the torments of waiting, and a stream of unkind words and reproaches poured out on Pierre. He knew that this would soon pass, and, making a guilty face, he justified himself before his wife. But soon the storm subsided. The happy father played with the child in the nursery, the happy Natasha watched this family idyll. Nicholas and Maria entered the room. The princess, seeing Petya in her father's arms, began to be touched, and Nikolai showed complete indifference, not understanding this.
Pierre's arrival home was a joyful event for all its inhabitants. The servants knew for a long time that upon returning, the master would devote less time to chores, kinder than usual and bring generous gifts to everyone. The children and caregivers rejoiced at the arrival of Pierre also because no one in the whole house could have such a nice time, involving children and all household workers in this. But most of all, the teenager Nikolenka rejoiced at his return - a handsome, intelligent boy who adored Uncle Pierre and admired his skills. Countess Mary, who raised the boy, made every effort to instill in him at least a small fraction of such love for her husband, but to no avail. Yes, he was attached to his uncle in his own way, but with a hint of obvious disdain. And only to Pierre did the boy feel sincere feelings of love and respect. In no case would the child want to be like Nikolai, but dreamed of growing up as smart, fair and kind scientist as Pierre.
During communication with Pierre, the boy caught and tried to remember every word, expression; afterwards remembering with friends the meaning of each action. Remembering the rave reviews of Uncle Pierre about his life until the twelfth year, Moscow adventures, love for Natalya (the guy also loved her passionately), friendship with his father, whom Nikolai did not remember at all, looked like heroism in the eyes of a teenager. From the memories of his father and Natasha, about which Pierre spoke with such emotion, from the tenderness with which Natasha spoke of him, the boy understood that his father loved Natasha, and dying, asked his friend to take care of her. And although the boy did not remember his father at all, in his eyes he seemed to be a hero whom the boy remembers with delight. That is why Nikolenka took the arrival of his beloved uncle with such enthusiasm. The guests were also pleased with him, as a hospitable host who always knows how to entertain different society, adults were glad to have a friend with whom life was freer and more fun, grannies rejoiced at Pierre's arrival, expecting plentiful gifts. Pierre was well aware of this and tried to please everyone, not forgetting about anyone.
At first after the wedding, it seemed strange to him that his wife constantly reminded him not to forget to buy anything, and it really surprised him when he forgot everything on his first trip. He later resigned himself to this state of affairs, and gradually learned to enjoy the very process of buying gifts for the whole house and never forgot anything. Despite the fact that Pierre began to live with a family that required large investments, he suddenly discovered with surprise that he was spending much less than before and the well-established household began to bring real income. He no longer wanted to live as before, he already liked to live differently. Now it was fun and joyful to sort out the purchased gifts for my beloved wife (although she grumbled that it was very expensive, but the joy on her face showed sincere joy), and there was no limit to the delight of the children. The Countess spent her time playing solitaire, which was one of her solitary amusements.
The unfortunate woman, who lost her husband and son in a short time, felt lonely, abandoned, unnecessary to anyone ... A terrible depression haunted her - it would seem that only death could get rid of suffering ... She behaved like a small, offended child, demanding special attention. Raise, feed, turn over, talk, listen to dissatisfaction, tantrums ... has become the norm for the staff caring for her.
In the morning, especially when in the evening she took too much fatty food, she had unreasonable outbursts of anger, which the Countess successfully drove away on Belova's servant.
The nurse was deaf, and the hostess took advantage of this, starting to say something quietly to her, and when the girl answered inappropriately, she could allow herself a contemptuous: “how deaf and stupid!” Another pretext was snuff, the quality of which the mad countess made special demands on. In most cases, these were only petty quibbles of the mistress: either the tobacco was poorly ground, or it was not dried enough ... All the servants had long been accustomed to the countess's oddities and knew exactly when the countess would have another attack of anger. If she wanted to show her mental abilities, she played solitaire, if she wanted to cry, the dead husband was the pretext. If it was decided to worry, Nikolai's health became a pretext, she wanted to talk caustically - Countess Marya became a pretext. When the countess, after a digestive rest in a dark room, urgently needed to talk - then all the servants had to listen to constantly repeating boring stories all to the same unfortunate listeners.
All the households were sympathetic to the whims of the grandmother, and tried to provide the necessary assistance as soon as possible. And only pitiful glances at each other spoke about the situation: everyone understood that the old woman's life was coming to an end and you should try to restrain your emotions and perceive it as it is. Only the kids, who did not understand anything, avoided their grandmothers, running away.
Entering the living room with gifts, Pierre and Natasha found the countess in her usual pastime - solitaire. The countess showed dissatisfaction - they pulled her away from the case, and only after finishing the alignment, she graciously began to look at the gifts, which she was satisfied with. Over tea, they had the usual unnecessary conversations about everything and nothing. Although there were topics for conversation, everyone understood that in the presence of the countess, who asks a lot of unnecessary questions that she will forget about in five minutes, it is better to talk about neutral topics. Natalya understood that Pierre's trip was a success, she saw her husband's desire to discuss everything, but he held back with the countess. And only Denisov, not being a member of the family, constantly brought Pierre to talk about the incident in St. Petersburg, about the story that had just happened in the Semenovsky regiment, about Arakcheev, about the Bible Society. Pierre sometimes forgot and began to talk about himself, but Natasha and Nikolai constantly transferred the conversation to abstract topics.
Only the children behaved directly. They were not interested in the conversations of adults. They were sincerely glad that Anna Markovna had finished knitting stockings.
Soon the children came to say goodbye, but Nikolenka Bolkonsky, with a prayer in his eyes, asked to stay with Pierre and Natalya. “I’ll bring him to you now, Monsieur Desalles,” Bezukhov said, but it was clear that his thoughts were focused on something completely different. Pierre was in a hurry to discuss with his relatives why he went to St. Petersburg, to express his thoughts, but did not know where to start. His wife helped him with a question: "What's wrong with Fedor?" and finally, when they tried to retire with Nikolai in the office (not noticing Nikolenka, who quietly entered there, who sat in the corner), emotions splashed out.
“... There is theft in the courts, in the army there is only one stick: shagistics, settlements, they torment the people, they stifle enlightenment ...” Pierre was indignant. Nikolai saw his nephew secretly present during the conversation and wanted to get angry, but Bezukhov stopped him. In the middle of the conversation, Natalia entered the room. She was not interested in what was discussed, Pierre's wife was simply glad that her beloved was animated and was talking about something with enthusiasm. But he especially emotionally perceived the words of Pierre Nikolenka. Unable to withstand the onslaught of emotions, he asked him at dinner: “If dad were alive ... would he agree with you?” “I think so,” Bezukhov replied reluctantly.
At dinner, it was no longer about politics: they talked mainly about past events taking place in 1812, Pierre told what happened to him at that time. Everyone left in a great mood.
When, after dinner, Nikolai Rostov went into the office, he saw his wife sitting at the desk. Maria wrote something, but was embarrassed to show it to her husband, thinking that he would not approve. And when Nikolai asked what she was writing, his wife answered embarrassedly: "A diary." Contrary to Maria's doubts, her husband not only approved of the diary, but was proud that she was "so smart and good." He was very worried and could not imagine life without her.
Natasha, left alone with her husband, spoke to him in a special way that was understandable only to her and him. “... Natasha told Pierre about her brother’s life, about how she suffered, and did not live without a husband, and about how she fell in love with Marie even more, and about how Marie was better than her in every way ...” She was happy the fact that such a useful and necessary person to society is her beloved husband and not only shared her innermost things with him, but also asked questions about how he would act in this or that situation, for example, would Platon Karataev approve of him now.
Dear readers! Let's look at it in a historical context.
At the same time, a lamp was burning in Nikolenka Bolkonsky's room. The boy had a terrible dream and woke up in a cold sweat. He dreamed that his uncle - Nikolai Ilyich - in a formidable and strict pose - began to scold him strongly for broken sealing wax and feathers. Good thing it was just a dream. Fortunately, the reality was not so cruel. Everything was, as always, good.
We offer for your consideration a summary of the epilogue of the first part of the famous novel War and Peace, which will make it possible to quickly get acquainted with the content and meaning of each of its parts. To make it convenient to study the epilogue of the novel War and Peace, we offer chapter by chapter.
In the first chapter of the epilogue, the author discusses history and reaction. Already seven years have passed since the events that are described in the fourth volume. And so the author began to talk about Alexander the First and. The fact that all historians accuse Alexander of liberal undertakings. Everyone argues that he should have acted this way and not that way, that's why his actions are wrong. But as he writes, if Alexander acted differently, then there would still be those who would again be dissatisfied. It is impossible to evaluate the actions of Napoleon and Alexander the First, how they are good or bad. However, it is safe to say that if everything were different, then there would be no life, nothing would be.
Tolstoy continues his reflections. Now he is trying to understand two definitions. This is genius and chance. It is impossible to explain them exactly, but in general, when there is no explanation for what is happening, then the word case is used, and if a person sees what is happening, which cannot be compared with universal human foundations, laws, opinion, then this is a genius.
In the third chapter of the Epilogue, Tolstoy again discusses the movement of the European peoples. The author speaks of glory, greatness and millions of accidents. At the same time, he writes that Bonaparte took his position by accident, and his actions were stupid and vile. In the case of Napoleon, one cannot speak of his genius.
The author writes about diplomats who believe that it is they who influence the calm of the movement in history. Further, the author writes that the random role of Napoleon ends exactly when the actions are performed. He reflects on the role played by Alexander in the popular movement. During the people's war, no one needed Alexander, but in the European war, the sovereign comes to the fore.
In the fifth chapter of the epilogue, the writer introduces the life of the Rostovs. He writes how badly all the events that the family faced had affected Count Rostov. This is the fire of Moscow, their flight from the capital, the death of Petya and the death of Andrei Bolkonsky, Natasha's despair. Each event impacted on the health of the count, who at one moment fell ill. At first he tried to seem cheerful, he also had fun at Natasha's wedding with Bezukhov, but it was all ostentatious. And as soon as the young left, health suddenly began to deteriorate. In the last days of his life, the count constantly asked for forgiveness from his wife, who did not leave her husband a single step. The count was very sorry that he ruined his estate.
The Count is dying. Nikolay, having learned about the death of his father, takes a vacation and goes home. After the death of his father, all the debts that no one suspected became known. However, Nikolai did not renounce the inheritance, but entered into the rights with the obligation to pay everything. However, there were so many of them that there was not enough money from the sale of the estate. Nikolai, in order not to be arrested for the debts that creditors began to demand, resigned and entered the civil service. Nikolai borrows about 30 thousand rubles from Pierre. He himself lives with his mother and Sonya in a small apartment.
Natasha and Pierre live in St. Petersburg and are not aware of the problems of the Rostovs. Things are getting worse for Nicholas. It was impossible to postpone, since he hid the plight from his mother, who, in turn, lived in a big way. The way out was in marrying a rich heiress or in the death of his mother, but he did not dare to think about either one or the other.
Princess Mary in Moscow. She had heard a lot about the problems of the Rostovs, and respected Nikolai for what he did for his mother. Marya goes to the Rostovs. Nicholas met her. Seeing the girl, he showed coldness and dryness, although Marya hoped for a different reception. Nikolai Sonya said that he could not stand young ladies like Marya. He tried to forget about the princess, but his mother constantly reminded her of her. The countess told him to take a closer look at the girl, described all her virtues and asked him to go to visit her.
Marya herself regretted her first visit to the Rostovs, she could not forgive the coldness of Nikolai, but reassured herself that she had given the position to Rostova, because she was always kind to her.
And now, after a while, Nikolai visited Marya, but in his cold look, Marya saw that this was just a position of respect. Just as coldly decided to stick with him and the princess. But the ice has melted. Talking with the count, the princess understands his cold reception. The reason for this was her wealth, while he was poor. This noble act of Nicholas tied Marya to himself even more. Young people decide to be together.
Marya and Nikolai get married and the whole family leaves for the Bald Mountains. For three years, the count manages to pay off all the debts, and having received the inheritance after the deceased cousin, he repaid the debt to Pierre. Rostov's affairs went up, he plans to buy out the family estate. He became interested in farming, which became his life's work. Nikolai did not like innovations and was sure, in what he was not mistaken, that luck was in the strength of the peasant worker. Marya was jealous of her husband for the case, and did not understand his delightful conversations about housekeeping, she was offended when he said not to get involved at the wrong time. However, she still supported her husband. And things were going up. The men themselves went to him and asked to ransom them.
The author continues to describe the life of the Rostovs. Nikolai began to notice the cruelty towards the peasants. Very often he raises his hand. And the last time the punishment happened, there was a conversation with my wife. Marya asked never to raise her hand to people again. The count gave his word and always tried to keep it, but it happened that he broke down and then he repented again and made promises not to do such a thing.
Nikolai tells Marie about Sonya and asks her to love her and take pity on her. In Marya's conversation with Natasha about Sonya, the latter calls her an empty flower, but Sonya does not notice anything, she lives, as it turns out, she is like that cat that got used to the house.
On the eve of Nikolin's day, Rostov decided to go about his business, imagining what would happen tomorrow, when guests would arrive and have to listen to their congratulations.
In the evening, all the relatives gathered at the table. Marya saw that Nikolai was not in a good mood and decided to find out the reason. Minor quarrel between husband and wife. Marie thinks that her husband has fallen out of love with her, and even more so now that she is pregnant. Further, we briefly get acquainted with the Rostov children, after which Nikolai and Marya reconcile. Nikolai said that he could not live without her. Mary was happy.
Natasha managed to give birth to two daughters and a son in seven years. This was reflected in her figure. Now, once a thin and mobile girl has turned into a full woman who has ceased to appear in society. She dedicated herself to her children and husband. She stopped taking care of herself, talking about the fact that there is simply no time, and there is no point in this. She began to demand from Pierre that he should always be in the family and not go to any clubs and not flirt with other women. Natasha herself fulfilled any whim of her husband, and it was her pleasure.
Bezukhov needs to go to Petersburg. He left for three weeks, but was delayed. Natasha herself is not herself, she is worried and jealous. Just on the eve of the holiday, Pierre returned. Natasha was in seventh heaven with happiness, but she did not immediately show it. She reproached her husband for not arriving on time, for having fun there while their child was dying. Pierre in the nursery with the children. Natasha watches them and realizes that he is a wonderful father.
Pierre's arrival pleased not only Natasha, because with his arrival everything changed at once. Everyone was in a mood, and everyone was happy with the gifts. Pierre did not forget about the old countess, who lost the meaning of life when her husband and son died. Now she simply existed, but her relatives did not let her be sad and took care of her as best they could.
The countess did not immediately begin to consider the gifts. At first I finished playing solitaire, and only then I unpacked everything. She remained pretty. Everyone gathered for tea, but in the presence of the old countess they did not talk about politics, since she was behind the times and she would have to constantly tell everything, she would interrupt the conversation with unnecessary questions, so they talked about general topics in her presence. A little later, the children ran in and Pierre went to play with them.
Nikolenka Bologna loves to spend time with Pierre. Pierre says that he is becoming like his father. Then the men moved to a separate office and started talking about the affairs of Russia. Pierre is sure that there will soon be a coup, that the sovereign believes in a hoax and abandoned his affairs. However, Nikolay is sure that there will be no coup. Bezukhov said that he joined a secret society.
During dinner, no one talked about politics. Later, Nikolai, entering the room, saw his wife. She wrote something. As it turned out, it was a diary where she writes in detail about the children and their activities. Then the couple talked about Pierre, that he had joined a secret society. The spouses are worried about the children, especially for Bolkonsky Nikolenka, who was delighted with Pierre's speeches. Marya asks Nikolai to bring Bolkonsky into society.
The author talks about Pierre and Natasha. They have an ideal relationship, they can talk on different topics and understand everything perfectly. They talked, confessed their love, then Natasha ran away to her little son, who woke up and demanded food. At this time, the author took the reader to the room of Nikolenka Bolkonsky, who had a dream. In a dream, he saw himself and Pierre, with whom he walked across the battlefield, then he saw his father in Pierre's place, and later woke up in a sweat. Waking up, he decided that he should and would study so that everyone would be proud of him.
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