In Tolstoy's epic novel War and Peace, several parallels are drawn among the main characters, one of which is the line of constant comparison of two great commanders: Napoleon and Kutuzov. All characteristics are spelled out for both characters in such a way that the reader involuntarily begins to compare the characters. Why does Tolstoy draw this parallel?
To answer the question, I will try to visually compare the characters. Acquaintance begins with a description of the appearance. In Napoleon, the author focuses on a fat body, smoothly combed hair, well-groomed hands and a constantly indifferent facial expression. In war, Napoleon stands out sharply from the bulk of the people. In the description of Kutuzov, attention is drawn to the only eye, from which good spiritual light pours (Napoleon does not have a description of the eyes at all, but they reflect the soul of a person). It is also known that the Russian commander wears the most ordinary clothes, in war conditions he is on a par with soldiers. Of course, the main thing is to compare the internal qualities of the characters. Napoleon in the novel is presented as a narcissistic and selfish person who watches over his soldiers only out of boredom, while Kutuzov treats the soldiers as if they were his own children. He constantly supports the army, his eyes glow with hope, he himself is ready to go under the bullets for the sake of his country.
In general, we can conclude that the descriptions of the main commanders of the warring countries help to reveal the images of the armies. Perhaps such a cardinal difference in the relationship between ordinary soldiers and the commander-in-chief can partly explain Russia's victory over the stronger French army.
Together with the article “Essay on the topic: Comparative characteristics of Napoleon and Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace” they read:
§ Tolstoy's main task was to reveal the "character of the Russian people and troops", for which he used the images of Kutuzov (a spokesman for the ideas of the masses) and Napoleon (a person who personifies anti-people interests).
§ Antithesis for Tolstoy is the main way of expressing philosophical and historical thought. The images of the two great commanders, also opposed to each other, represent the psychological and moral poles of the work. Kutuzov and Napoleon are the light and shadow of the novel.
Criteria The author's attitude Napoleon Kutuzov The author expresses his attitude to Napoleon through portrait sketches, which are distinguished by their realism and irony: “A little man in a gray frock coat. . . He was in a blue uniform, open over a white waistcoat, descending on a round stomach, in white leggings, fitting fat thighs of short legs. Love, respect, understanding, compassion, delight and admiration. With each new meeting, the author more and more reveals the image of the people's commander. From the first minutes of our acquaintance, we begin to respect this person, just like the author himself.
Character Completely indifferent person with no moral sense. According to its subjective qualities, it is a spokesman for a sad historical necessity - “the movement of peoples from west to east”. Napoleon, according to Tolstoy, was destined "by providence for the sad, unfree role of the executioner of peoples", he performed "that cruel, sad and difficult inhuman role that was intended for him." The wise, free from the passion of vanity and ambition, easily subordinated his will to “providence”, saw through the “higher laws” that govern the movement of mankind, and therefore became a representative of the people's liberation war. The popular feeling that Kutuzov carried in himself told him the moral freedom that appeared in the insight of the “higher laws”.
Image Napoleon - commander Kutuzov - leader of the army of robbers, people's war of marauders and murderers Portrait of a little man with a fake smile, fat shoulders and thighs, a round belly and colorless eyes. All this speaks of the author's satirical, ironic attitude towards the French commander. Obese, overweight, with senile debility. These details make the appearance of the commander especially natural, humane, close, because in the appearance of this person his true high moral qualities are visible. Personal task Imagines himself as a hero, ruler of peoples, on whose will their destinies depend. He does not think about himself, does not play any role, but only wisely leads the spirit of the troops entrusted to him.
Attitude towards soldiers He is indifferent to the fate of the army. He indifferently looks at the death of the lancers crossing the river, he is indifferent to the death of ordinary soldiers, since they are only a tool for achieving their goals. Reading the novel, we feel how Kutuzov suffers, seeing Russian soldiers fleeing from the battlefield. The great commander lives one life with ordinary soldiers, their thoughts. Attitude towards war Napoleon refers to war as something natural in human history: "War is a game, people are pawns that should be correctly placed and moved." Kutuzov is one of the few who understood the absurdity, uselessness and cruelty of this war.
The opinion of those around Idol of his time, they bowed before him, imitated him, saw him as a genius and a great man. His fame spread all over the world. A truly popular commander, who was not perceived by high society, who condemned his tactics of warfare. However, he is loved and honored by ordinary soldiers and people. Features of the generals in the heroes Kuragina, Anna Pavlovna Sherer, Vera Rostova and others Tushin, Timokhin, Denisov, Natasha Rostova, brother and sister Bolkonsky ideals.
Greatness Tolstoy does not recognize Napoleon as great, because Napoleon does not understand the significance of the events taking place, in all his actions only ambitious pretensions and pride are manifested. Tolstoy sees the significance of a great personality in the insight of the popular meaning of events. Kutuzov, who carries the people's moral feeling in his chest, with his experience, mind and consciousness, divines the demands of historical necessity. Comparison in the novel Napoleon is compared to a chess player who is guided by rational, rational rules of the game. Kutuzov can be compared with the "club of the people's war".
“For us,” L. N. Tolstoy concludes his reasoning, “with the measure of good and bad given to us by Christ, there is no immeasurable. And there is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth.”
Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is practically the only historical epic novel. He describes in detail the military campaigns of 1805, 1809 and the war of 1812. Some readers believe that the novel can be used to study individual battles in the course of history. But for Tolstoy it was not the main thing to tell about the war as a historical event. He had a different idea - "the thought of the people." Show people, their characters, revealing the meaning of life. Not only ordinary people, but also great historical figures, such as Kutuzov, Napoleon, Alexander, Bagration. L.N. Tolstoy gives a specific description of Kutuzov and Napoleon in War and Peace. This open comparison of the two commanders runs through the entire plot of the work.
The principle of contrast, taken as a basis by Tolstoy, reveals in "War and Peace" the images of Kutuzov and Napoleon as military strategists, shows the attitude towards their country, towards their army, towards their people. The author made a true portrait of his heroes, without inventing heroism and false shortcomings. They are real, alive - from the description of appearance to character traits.
At first glance, it seems that Napoleon has a greater place in the novel than Kutuzov. We see him from the first lines to the last. Everyone talks about him: in the salon of Anna Pavlovna Sherer, and in the house of Prince Bolkonsky, and in the soldiers' ranks. Many believe that "... Bonaparte is invincible and that all of Europe can do nothing against him ..." But Kutuzov does not appear in entire parts of the novel. He is scolded, laughed at, forgotten about. Vasily Kuragin mockingly speaks of Kutuzov when it comes to who will be the commander-in-chief in the hostilities of 1812: “Is it possible to appoint a man who cannot sit on horseback, falls asleep at the council, a man of the most bad morals! ... a decrepit and blind man? .. He does not see anything. Play blind man's blind man..." But here Prince Vasily recognizes him as a commander: "I'm not talking about his qualities as a general!" But Kutuzov is present invisibly, they hope for him, but do not talk about it out loud.
The great French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in the novel is presented to us through the eyes of his soldiers, Russian secular society, Russian and Austrian generals, the Russian army and Leo Tolstoy himself. His vision of Napoleon's small character traits helps us understand this complex image.
We see Napoleon in a moment of anger when he realizes that his general Murat made a mistake in his calculations and thus gave the Russian army the opportunity to win. "Go, destroy the Russian army!" he exclaims in a letter to his general.
We see him at the moment of glory, when Napoleon, with his head held high and a contemptuous grin, looks around the field of Austerlitz after the battle. The wounded are lined up for him to inspect, for him this is another trophy. He either respectfully or mockingly thanks the Russian General Repnin for a fair fight.
We see him in a moment of complete calm and confidence in victory, when he stands on top of a hill on the morning before the Battle of Austerlitz. Unshakable, arrogant, he raises the "white glove" and with one movement of his hand begins the battle.
We see him in a conversation with Alexander, when he came to a meeting in Tilsit. A tough decision, undeniable by anyone, an imperious look and confidence in actions gives the French emperor what he wants. The peace of Tilsit was incomprehensible to many, but Alexander was blinded by the "honesty" of Bonaparte, he did not see the cold calculation and obvious deceit of this truce.
Tolstoy shows his attitude towards the French soldiers without hiding. For Napoleon, this is just a tool that must always be ready for battle. He doesn't care about people at all. His cynicism, cruelty, complete indifference to human life, cold calculating mind, cunning - these are the qualities that Tolstoy speaks of. He has only one goal - to conquer Europe, to capture, precisely to capture, Russia and conquer the whole world. But Napoleon did not calculate his strength, he did not understand that the Russian army was strong not only with howitzers and cannons, but above all with faith. Faith in God, faith in the Russian people, faith in the united people, faith in the victory of Russia for the Russian Tsar. The outcome of the Battle of Borodino was a shameful defeat for Napoleon, the defeat of all his great plans.
In comparison with Napoleon, the acting, thinking young, but experienced emperor, Kutuzov looks like a passive commander. We often see him talking to soldiers, sleeping at military councils, not categorically deciding the course of battles and not imposing his opinion on other generals. He acts in his own way. The Russian army believes in him. All the soldiers call him "Father Kutuzov" behind his back. He, unlike Napoleon, does not boast of his rank, but simply goes to the field not after the battle, but during it, fighting hand in hand next to his comrades. For him there are no privates and generals, everyone is united in the struggle for the Russian land.
When inspecting the troops near Braunau, Kutuzov looks at the soldiers “with a kind smile” and takes on the problem of the lack of boots. He also recognizes Timokhin, to whom he gives a separate nod. This suggests that for Kutuzov it is not the rank, not the title that is important, but simply a person with his soul. Tolstoy in "War and Peace" shows Kutuzov and Napoleon in bright contrast precisely in this aspect - the attitude towards his army. For Kutuzov, every soldier is a person, a person with his own inclinations and shortcomings. Everything is important to him. He often rubs his eyes full of tears, because he tends to worry about people, about the outcome of the case. He is excited about Andrei Bolkonsky, because he loves his father. Bitterly accepts the news of the death of the old Bolkonsky. He understands the losses and realizes the failure at Austerlitz. Makes the right decision at the Battle of Shengraben. Thoroughly prepares for the Battle of Borodino and believes in the victory of the Russian army.
Kutuzov and Napoleon are two great commanders who played an important role in history. Each had its own goal - to defeat the enemy, they only went to it in different ways. L.N. Tolstoy used different means to describe Kutuzov and Napoleon. It gives us both the external characteristics and the character of the soul, the action of thought. All this helps to put together a complete image of the characters and understand whose priorities are more important for us.
The comparison of Kutuzov and Napoleon in Tolstoy's novel is not a random choice of the author. He does not put two emperors on the same level - Alexander and Bonaparte, he builds a comparison of just two generals - Kutuzov and Napoleon. Apparently, Alexander, still a very young ruler, did not have the qualities of a real commander to be able to resist "Napoleon himself." Only Kutuzov could claim this.
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One of the unique and brilliant writers known all over the world, "the great hope of Russian literature", a man who tried to rethink life, understand its laws and unravel the mysteries. Leo Tolstoy had a special view of the world order, including his theory of the role of man in history and its significance in the context of eternity. In the novel "War and Peace" this concept was embodied by the generals of the two great armies. A comparative description of Kutuzov and Napoleon (a table with brief conclusions on the topic will be presented below) allows you to fully reveal the writer's attitude to the question: "Can one person create history?"
The life of Lev Nikolaevich is rich in events. His youth was spent in St. Petersburg, where he was one of the main ringleaders and a famous rake. Then fate threw him into the Crimean War, after which the writer returned to the capital again. Here, having already matured and seen a lot, he begins to cooperate with the Sovremennik magazine, closely communicating with the editorial staff (N. A. Nekrasov, A. N. Ostrovsky, I. S. Turgenev). Tolstoy publishes Sevastopol Tales, where he draws pictures of the war he went through. Then he travels around Europe and remains very dissatisfied with her.
In 1956 he retired and began the life of a landowner in Yasnaya Polyana. Marries, takes care of the household and writes his most famous novels and stories: "War and Peace", "Anna Karenina", "Sunday", "Kreutzer Sonata".
The epic novel describes the events of the Napoleonic War (1805-1812). The work was a huge success both in Russia and in Europe. "War and Peace" is an artistic canvas that has no analogues in literature. Tolstoy managed to depict all social classes, from emperors to soldiers. An unprecedented evolution of characters and the integrity of images, each hero appears as a living full-blooded person. The writer managed to feel and convey all the facets of the psychology of the Russian people: from lofty impulses to the ruthless, almost bestial moods of the crowd.
The image of Kutuzov, closely connected with Russia and its people, turned out to be surprising. The opposite of him in everything is the narcissistic and selfish Napoleon. These characters will be discussed in detail.
Tolstoy, who always praised the greatness and power of the Russian people, showed in his novel that it was he who won the war. Moreover, the feeling of nationality formed the basis of the main assessment of the actions of the characters in the novel. Therefore, Kutuzov - a commander and an outstanding military man - appears as one of the Russian people, he is not so much a person as a part of the country. It is in unity with the people that the guarantee of Kutuzov's victory.
The opposite of him is Napoleon, who separated himself from the world, imagined that he was practically a god. In more detail, the differences between these characters are illustrated by Kutuzov and Napoleon (table below). However, it can already be said that, according to Tolstoy, a person who decides to change the world alone is doomed to defeat.
Tolstoy portrayed Kutuzov in the novel as a kind of old man, who knows life perfectly and understands what lies ahead. He knows what will be lost and calmly talks about it. He falls asleep at the council, knowing full well what all the conversations will eventually lead to. Kutuzov feels the beating of life, understands its laws. His inaction turns into folk wisdom, his actions are guided by intuition.
Kutuzov is a commander, but all his actions are subject to the great will of history itself, he is her "slave". But only in this way, taking a wait-and-see attitude, it was possible to win. It was this idea of Tolstoy that was embodied in the character of Kutuzov.
Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte is the exact opposite of Kutuzov. In contrast to the whole personality of the Russian general, Tolstoy portrays the French emperor in two forms: a man and a commander. As a commander, Napoleon is talented, has rich experience and knowledge of military affairs.
But for Lev Nikolayevich, the main thing is precisely the human component, spiritual qualities. It is in this respect that the writer debunks the romantic image of the enemy commander. Already in Napoleon one can see the attitude of the author: “small”, “fat”, unremarkable, poseur and egoist.
Napoleon is the emperor of France, but he has little power over his country, he sees himself as the ruler of the world, considers himself superior to others. The desire to possess consumed him, he is morally poor and incapable of feeling, loving, rejoicing. Napoleon goes over the corpses to his goal, because it justifies any means. "Winners are not judged" - that's his motto.
| Kutuzov | Napoleon |
| Appearance | |
| Affectionate, mocking look; the corners of the lips and eyes are wrinkled with a gentle smile; expressive facial expressions; confident walk. | Short, puffy and overweight figure; thick thighs and belly; feigned, sugary and unpleasant smile; fussy gait. |
| Character | |
| He does not exalt his merits and does not put them on display; does not hide his feelings, sincere; patriot. | Boastful, selfish, full of narcissism; extols his merits; cruel and indifferent to others; conqueror. |
| Behavior | |
| Always clearly and simply explained; does not leave the troops and participates in all key battles. | Keeps away from hostilities; On the eve of the battle, he always makes long pathetic speeches to the soldiers. |
| Mission | |
| Salvation of Russia. | Conquer the whole world and make it the capital of Paris. |
| Role in history | |
| He believed that nothing depended on him; did not give specific orders, but always agreed with what was being done. | He considered himself a benefactor, but all his orders had either already been executed long ago, or were not executed, because they could not be executed. |
| Attitude towards soldiers | |
| He was affectionate with the soldiers and showed sincere concern for them. | Indifferent to the soldiers, does not show any sympathy for them; their fates were indifferent to him. |
| Conclusion | |
| Genius commander; exponent of patriotism and high morality of the Russian people; patriot; wise politician. | Executioner; invader; all his actions are directed against people. |
A comparative description of Kutuzov and Napoleon (the table is presented above) is built on the opposition of individualism and nationality. Only a person who imagines himself superior and better than others could start a bloody war in order to achieve his selfish goals. Such a character cannot become a hero, so Tolstoy, with his humanism and faith in folk wisdom, draws him negatively and repulsively. Appearance, gait, manners, even the character of Napoleon - all this is a consequence of his desire to be a superman.
Kutuzov, wise, calm, seemingly inactive, carries all the power of the Russian people. He does not make decisions - he follows the course of events. He does not try to create history - he submits to it. This humility contains his spiritual and moral strength, which helped win the war.
Incredible national power was concluded by L. N. Tolstoy in his novel "War and Peace". A brief description of this force is given on the example of the image of Kutuzov, which is opposed to the spiritually poor, who does not understand his people, Napoleon. The great Russian commander and the French emperor embodied two principles: creative and destructive. And, of course, the humanist Tolstoy could not endow Napoleon with a single positive trait. As he could not denigrate the image of Kutuzov. The heroes of the novel have little in common with real historical figures. But Lev Nikolaevich created them in order to illustrate his historical concept.
(based on the novel by L. N. Tolstoy "War and Peace")
Speaking about the role of the individual in history, Tolstoy writes: “A person consciously lives for himself, but serves as an unconscious tool for achieving historical, universal goals ... The higher a person stands on the social ladder, the more people he is connected with, the more power he has over others people, the more obvious is the predestination and inevitability of each of his actions. Thus, Tolstoy holds the idea that the closer a person is to natural life, the more it depends on it, the further, the less.
| Kutuzov | Napoleon |
| Portrait | |
| A decrepit, physically weak old man, but strong in spirit and strong in mind. | The person is in the prime of life, but his appearance is reduced by such details as small stature, fat body, etc. |
| Behavior | |
| Naturalness in everything (sleeps during the war council, eats chicken during the battle). | Everything is said and done for history (the episode with the portrait of the son). |
| Attitude towards soldiers | |
| Fatherly care, the desire to save the lives of soldiers (view in Braunau). | Soldiers are a means to achieve glory and power (the death of the Polish uhlans while crossing the Neman). |
| Activity goals | |
| Defense of the Fatherland | Glory to power. |
| Combat tactics. | |
| Supports the spirit of the troops. | By imperious orders he tries to lead the battle. |
| Author's attitude | |
| "People's commander", "savior of the fatherland". | A person whose mind and conscience are darkened |
| Conclusion: "There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth" |
Answer the questions:
Analyze the behavior of Kutuzov and the behavior of Napoleon during military events. Explain why Kutuzov can be called a servant of the people, and Napoleon - the leader of the crowd.
Conclusion: Tolstoy, comparing Kutuzov and Napoleon, shows that Kutuzov is a people's commander, close to the soldiers, carrying naturalness, true love, patriotism, the ability to think about the army, and not about himself. There is greatness, simplicity, goodness and truth in it.
Napoleon is distinguished by hypocrisy, selfishness, artificiality, theatricality, inability to think about others.
All this brings Napoleon closer to the high society of Russia (compare the evening with A.P. Scherer - the same theatricality).
"THE PEOPLE'S THOUGHT IN THE NOVEL" WAR AND PEACE "
In the first lesson on the novel "War and Peace" we set ourselves the task of understanding what life Tolstoy affirms and what he denies. At each lesson, partial answers were received: when getting acquainted with the salon of A. Scherer, when studying the war of 1805 and the Patriotic War of 1812. We have understood the criterion of Tolstoy's evaluation of life: everything is judged by its proximity to the living life of nature and proximity to the spirit of the people. Everything that is incomprehensible to the people's soul and is not accepted by it, is not accepted by Tolstoy either. That which is torn off from national folk roots is condemned by Tolstoy, for example, an aristocratic society. Strength in the people, united by a single goal, is the main idea of the novel.
The "folk thought", which Tolstoy loved, is revealed in the novel in two aspects:
In historical and philosophical terms, in the assertion that the people are the leading force in history;
In moral and psychological terms - in the assertion that the people are the bearer of the best human qualities.
Both of these plans, intertwined, form the criterion for assessing life by Tolstoy: the writer judges his heroes by proximity to the people, to their fate and to their spirit.
- Why is the people the leading force of history?
In the philosophy of history, the writer claims that any historical event occurs only when the interests and actions of people coincide. (The scenes of leaving Moscow, the widespread opposition to the French, the Battle of Borodino and the victory in the war stemmed from the unity of interests of the Russian people, who did not want to be "servants of Bonaparte"). The cudgel of a people's war is the formidable force of the people united in the struggle against the enemy. The soldier with a bandaged cheek and Tikhon Shcherbaty, the gunners on Raevsky's battery and the militia men, the merchant Ferapontov, the housekeeper Mavra Kuzminichna, and others - all feel and act in the same way. In the fight against the “world leaders”, they show heroism, endure any difficulties and hardships in the name of the life and independence of the Fatherland.
What Tolstoy means in the novel by the concept of people is, rather, a nation. In a single fight against the enemy, the interests and behavior of Natasha Rostova, her brothers Petya and Nikolai, Pierre Bezukhov, the Bolkonsky family, Kutuzov and Bagration, Dolokhov and Denisov, the “young officer” and the Saratov landowner, who left Moscow with her tricksters without orders from Rostopchin, coincide. All of them, according to Tolstoy, are no less heroes of history than the elder Vasilisa or Tikhon Shcherbaty. All of them are included in "Roy" people who make history. The basis of national unity is the common people, and the best part of the nobility strives for it. The heroes of Tolstoy only find their happiness when they do not separate themselves from the people. In closeness with the people, Tolstoy evaluates his positive heroes.
- Why are the heroes of the novel so eager for the people? Why does Pierre want to be a "soldier, a simple soldier"?
The people are the bearer of the best human qualities. “... They are always firm and calm to the end ... They don’t speak, but they do,” Pierre thinks.
This is the ability to make sacrifices and hardships in the name of the Motherland, heroism, "hidden warmth of patriotism", the ability to do everything, unpretentiousness, cheerfulness, peacefulness and hatred of the "world leaders". We see all these qualities in the soldiers, in Tikhon Shcherbat, in the lackey of Prince Andrei Petre and others. However, Tolstoy considers positive other qualities that are most characteristic of Platon Karataev in the novel, it was he who at one time revived in Pierre faith in the justice of life.
- What effect did he have on Pierre? Does he look like other men?
In Karataev, as in other men, there are positive qualities: simplicity, calmness, the ability to adapt to live in any circumstances, faith in life, concern for Moscow, goodwill, he is a jack of all trades. But there is something else in him: kindness becomes in him forgiveness (and to enemies too), unpretentiousness - the absence of all sorts of requirements for life (everywhere he feels good), faith in the rationality of the natural course of events in life - humility before fate ("rock is looking for a head" ), the intuitiveness of behavior - the absolute absence of reason ("not with your mind - by God's judgment"). How to evaluate such a person? Its qualities, both positive and negative, are inherent in the Russian peasantry. Tolstoy considers Karataev "the personification of everything Russian, kind and round" (vol. 4, part 1, ch. 13). Naivety, spontaneity, humility to circumstances are also in other peasants, in the same Tikhon Shcherbat, Bogucharovtsy, but in the images of other peasants, active principles are the main ones. The novel as a whole shows "resistance to evil", struggle, and in Karataev the main thing is forgiveness, adaptability to life, and it is for these qualities that Tolstoy idealizes him, makes him a measure of vitality for Pierre, his beloved hero.
CONCLUSION: Leo Tolstoy admitted that in the novel "War and Peace" he "tried to write the history of the people" defined the genre of "War and Peace" - an epic novel.
Tolstoy wanted to show: a people-hero; people who influence history.
The main task of the writer could be solved precisely in the epic novel, since the epic embodies: the fate of the people; the historical process itself; a broad, multifaceted, even comprehensive picture of the world; reflections on the fate of the world and people.
The novel "War and Peace" is a folk-heroic epic, the main idea of which is: the people are the bearer of morality.
1. The people are the embodiment of moral ideals.
2. War is a test of the depth of patriotism and fortitude.
3. The driving force of history is the people.
4. Only a person close to the people can influence events.
5. Man, People, History - Tolstoy's measures of the world.
TOPIC: “TO BE COMPLETELY GOOD…” PRINCE ANDREI BOLKONSKY’S SEARCH WAY
How do you understand the theoretical formula of “real life”: “Life meanwhile, the real life of people with their essential interests of health, illness, work, rest, with their own interests of thought, science, poetry, music, love, friendship, hatred, passions, went , as always, independently and beyond political proximity or enmity with Napoleon Bonaparte and beyond all possible transformations"
Real life is the realization of natural human interests.
- Do you agree that real life should go beyond politics?
How does Tolstoy see human nature? Human nature, according to Tolstoy, is multifaceted, in most people there is good and bad, human development depends on the struggle of these two principles, and character is determined by what is in the foreground.
- Give examples of the versatility of human nature.
Calculating Dolokhov is a gentle and loving son. Pierre is smart, but inexperienced in everyday affairs, quick-tempered to rage, but kind, etc.
Tolstoy sees the same person “either as a villain, or as an angel, or as a sage, or as an idiot, or as a strong man, or as a powerless being” (from Tolstoy’s diary). His heroes make mistakes and are tormented by this, they know impulses upward and obey the dictates of low passions. With all the contradictions, positive characters always remain dissatisfied with themselves, lack of complacency, continuous search for the meaning of life. This is Tolstoy's understanding of the unity of character. “... To live honestly, you have to tear, get confused, fight, make mistakes, start and quit, and start again and quit again, and always fight and lose. And peace is spiritual meanness ”(from a letter from L.N. Tolstoy dated October 18, 1857). The best heroes of Tolstoy repeat his moral code, therefore one of the principles of depicting positive heroes is their depiction in spiritual complexity (“dialectics of the soul”) and “fluidity”, in a continuous search for truth.
Today, one of Tolstoy's favorite heroes, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, falls into our field of vision.
- What attracts you to Andrei Bolkonsky?
He is smart, understands life, understands politics. And most importantly, not a careerist, not a coward, not looking for a "cozy place."
- With what details does Tolstoy emphasize that Prince Andrei is uncomfortable in the cabin
A. Sherer?
- When Pierre Bezukhov asked Bolkonsky why he goes to war, which cannot be
call it fair ... What does Prince Andrei answer him?
Read the passage "For what? I don't know. So it is necessary ... - I'm going because this life that I lead here is not for me.
- What conclusion can we draw?
- Do you think fame is the most important thing that a person needs?
Probably not. After all, glory is only for yourself. Prince Andrei wants to earn fame by a feat, a real deed. Such purposefulness can fill a life. Suvorov said: “The soldier who does not dream of becoming a general is bad.”
But you can want to be a general in different ways. One is promoted through his strengths and abilities, and sees the ultimate goal in the fullest realization of himself. Well, if you delve deeper into Suvorov's statement, then you need to understand this: every person should strive to achieve perfection in his work.
- The wiser the person, the less vanity in his dream. When did Prince Andrei understand this?
After the battle of Austerlitz. His dreams of glory seemed to him insignificant.
Bolkonsky after the war of 1805-1807. returns home, lives in his estate. His state of mind is grave. Prince Andrei is a deep man. He suffers from a lack of meaning in life. Decides to take up public affairs, participates in the work of the commission for drafting new laws, but then Om realizes that they are out of touch with life. He goes to war. Before the battle of Borodino, he is overwhelmed with feelings, because he is participating in a common patriotic cause.
- Death interrupts the quest of Prince Andrei. But if he had not died and his search continued, where would they have led Bolkonsky?
