Summary 1 volume. Lev Tolstoy

The action of the book begins in the summer of 1805 in St. Petersburg. At the evening at maid of honor Scherer present among other guests Pierre Bezukhov, the illegitimate son of a rich nobleman, and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. The conversation turns to Napoleon, and both friends try to defend the great man from the condemnations of the hostess of the evening and her guests. Prince Andrei is going to war, because he dreams of glory equal to the glory of Napoleon, and Pierre does not know what to do with him, participates in the revelry of St. Petersburg youth (here special place takes Fedor Dolokhov, a poor but extremely strong-willed and determined officer); for another mischief, Pierre was expelled from the capital, and Dolokhov was demoted to the soldiers.

Further, the author takes us to Moscow, to the house of the count Rostov, kind, hospitable landowner, arranging a dinner in honor of his wife's name day and youngest daughter. A special family structure unites the parents of the Rostovs and the children - Nikolai (he is going to war with Napoleon), Natasha, Petya and Sonya (a poor relative of the Rostovs); only the eldest daughter, Vera, seems to be a stranger.

At the Rostovs, the holiday continues, everyone is having fun, dancing, and at this time in another Moscow house - at the old Count Bezukhov - the owner is dying. An intrigue begins around the count's will: Prince Vasily Kuragin (a Petersburg courtier) and three princesses - all of them are distant relatives of the count and his heirs - are trying to steal a portfolio with Bezukhov's new will, according to which Pierre becomes his main heir; Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya, a poor lady from an aristocratic old family, selflessly devoted to her son Boris and seeking patronage for him everywhere, interferes with stealing the portfolio, and Pierre, now Count Bezukhov, gets a huge fortune. Pierre becomes his own person in Petersburg society; Prince Kuragin tries to marry him to his daughter - the beautiful Helen - and succeeds in this.

In Bald Mountains, the estate of Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky, the father of Prince Andrei, life goes on as usual; the old prince is constantly busy writing notes, giving lessons to his daughter Marya, or working in the garden. Prince Andrei arrives with his pregnant wife Liza; he leaves his wife in his father's house, and he himself goes to war.

Autumn 1805; the Russian army in Austria takes part in the campaign of the allied states (Austria and Prussia) against Napoleon. Commander-in-Chief Kutuzov does everything to avoid Russian participation in the battle - at the review of the infantry regiment, he draws the attention of the Austrian general to the poor uniforms (especially shoes) of Russian soldiers; right up to the battle of Austerlitz, the Russian army retreats in order to join the allies and not accept battles with the French. In order for the main Russian forces to be able to retreat, Kutuzov sends a detachment of four thousand under the command of Bagration to detain the French; Kutuzov manages to conclude a truce with Murat (French marshal), which allows him to gain time.

Juncker Nikolai Rostov serves in the Pavlograd hussar regiment; he lives in an apartment in the German village where the regiment is stationed, along with his squadron commander, captain Vasily Denisov. One morning, Denisov lost his wallet with money - Rostov found out that Lieutenant Telyanin had taken the wallet. But this offense of Telyanin casts a shadow on the entire regiment - and the regiment commander demands that Rostov admit his mistake and apologize. The officers support the commander - and Rostov concedes; he does not apologize, but retracts his accusations, and Telyanin is expelled from the regiment due to illness. Meanwhile, the regiment goes on a campaign, and baptism of fire the junker takes place during the crossing of the river Enns; the hussars must be the last to cross and set fire to the bridge.

During the battle of Shengraben (between the detachment of Bagration and the vanguard of the French army), Rostov is wounded (a horse was killed under him, he concussed his hand when he fell); he sees the French approaching and "with the feeling of a hare running away from the dogs", throws his pistol at the Frenchman and runs.

For participation in the battle, Rostov was promoted to cornet and awarded the soldier's St. George's Cross. He comes from Olmutz, where the Russian army is encamped in preparation for the review, to the Izmailovsky regiment, where Boris Drubetskoy is stationed, to see his childhood friend and collect letters and money sent to him from Moscow. He tells Boris and Berg, who is lodging with Drubetsky, the story of his injury - but not in the way it really happened, but in the way they usually tell about cavalry attacks (“how he chopped right and left”, etc.) .

During the review, Rostov experiences a feeling of love and adoration for Emperor Alexander; this feeling only intensifies during battle of austerlitz when Nicholas sees the king - pale, crying from defeat, alone in the middle of an empty field.

Prince Andrey up to the battle of Austerlitz, he lives in anticipation of the great feat that he is destined to accomplish. He is annoyed by everything that is discordant with this feeling of his - and the trick of the mocking officer Zherkov, who congratulated the Austrian general on the next defeat of the Austrians, and the episode on the road when the doctor's wife asks to intercede for her and Prince Andrei is confronted by a convoy officer. During the Battle of Shengraben, Bolkonsky notices Captain Tushin, a “small round-shouldered officer” with an unheroic appearance, who is in command of the battery. The successful actions of Tushin's battery ensured the success of the battle, but when the captain reported to Bagration about the actions of his gunners, he became more shy than during the battle. Prince Andrei is disappointed - his idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heroic does not fit either with the behavior of Tushin, or with the behavior of Bagration himself, who essentially did not order anything, but only agreed with what the adjutants and superiors who approached him offered him.

On the eve of the battle of Austerlitz there was a military council at which the Austrian General Weyrother read the disposition of the upcoming battle. During the council, Kutuzov openly slept, not seeing any use in any disposition and foreseeing that tomorrow's battle would be lost. Prince Andrei wanted to express his thoughts and his plan, but Kutuzov interrupted the council and suggested that everyone disperse. At night, Bolkonsky thinks about tomorrow's battle and about his decisive participation in it. He wants glory and is ready to give everything for it: “Death, wounds, loss of family, nothing is scary to me.”

The next morning, as soon as the sun came out of the fog, Napoleon signaled to start the battle - it was the day of the anniversary of his coronation, and he was happy and confident. Kutuzov, on the other hand, looked gloomy - he immediately noticed that confusion was beginning in the allied troops. Before the battle, the emperor asks Kutuzov why the battle does not begin, and hears from the old commander in chief: “That’s why I don’t start, sir, because we are not at the parade and not on Tsaritsyn Meadow.” Very soon, the Russian troops, finding the enemy much closer than expected, break up the ranks and flee. Kutuzov demands to stop them, and Prince Andrei, with a banner in his hands, rushes forward, dragging the battalion with him. Almost immediately he is wounded, he falls and sees a high sky above him with clouds quietly crawling over it. All his former dreams of glory seem to him insignificant; insignificant and petty seems to him and his idol, Napoleon, circling the battlefield after the French utterly defeated the allies. "Here is a beautiful death," says Napoleon looking at Bolkonsky. Convinced that Bolkonsky is still alive, Napoleon orders him to be taken to the dressing station. Among the hopelessly wounded, Prince Andrei was left in the care of the inhabitants.

The first volume of the novel "War and Peace" describes the events of 1805. In it, Tolstoy sets the coordinate system of the entire work through the opposition of military and civilian life. The first part of the volume includes descriptions of the life of heroes in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Lysy Gory. The second is military operations in Austria and the Battle of Shengraben. The third part is divided into "peaceful" and, following them, "military" chapters, ending with the central and most striking episode of the entire volume - the battle of Austerlitz.

To get acquainted with the key events of the work, we recommend reading the online summary of the 1st volume of "War and Peace" in parts and chapters.

Important quotes are highlighted in gray, this will help to better understand the essence of the first volume of the novel.

Average page reading time: 12 minutes.

Part 1

Chapter 1

The events of the first part of the first volume of "War and Peace" take place in 1805 in St. Petersburg. The maid of honor and close associate of the Empress Maria Feodorovna Anna Pavlovna Scherer, despite her flu, receives guests. One of the first guests she meets is Prince Vasily Kuragin. Their conversation gradually moves from discussing the horrific actions of the Antichrist-Napoleon and secular gossip to intimate topics. Anna Pavlovna tells the prince that it would be nice to marry his son Anatole - "a restless fool". The woman immediately proposes a suitable candidate - her relative, Princess Bolkonskaya, who lives with a stingy but rich father.

Chapter 2

Many prominent people of St. Petersburg come to Scherer: Prince Vasily Kuragin, his daughter, the beautiful Helen, known as the most charming woman in St. Petersburg, his son Ippolit, the wife of Prince Bolkonsky - the pregnant young princess Liza, and others.

Pierre Bezukhov also appears - "a massive, fat young man with a cropped head, wearing glasses" with an observant, intelligent and natural look. Pierre was the illegitimate son of Count Bezukhy, who was dying in Moscow. The young man had recently returned from abroad and was in society for the first time.

Chapter 3

Anna Pavlovna closely follows the atmosphere of the evening, which reveals in her a woman who knows how to keep herself in the light, skillfully "serving" rare guests to more frequent visitors as "something supernaturally refined." The author describes in detail the charm of Helen, emphasizing the whiteness of her full shoulders and external beauty, devoid of coquetry.

Chapter 4

Andrei Bolkonsky, the husband of Princess Liza, enters the living room. Anna Pavlovna immediately asks him about his intention to go to war, specifying where his wife will be at that time. Andrei replied that he was going to send her to the village to her father.

Bolkonsky is glad to see Pierre, informing the young man that he can come to visit them whenever he wants, without asking about it in advance.

Prince Vasily and Helen are about to leave. Pierre does not hide the admiration of the girl passing by him, so the prince asks Anna Pavlovna to teach the young man how to behave in society.

Chapter 5

At the exit, an elderly lady approached Prince Vasily - Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya, who had previously been sitting with the maid of honor's aunt. The woman, trying to use her former charm, asks the man to get her son Boris into the guard.

While talking about politics, Pierre speaks of the revolution as a great thing, in defiance of other guests who consider Napoleon's actions terrifying. The young man could not fully defend his opinion, but Andrei Bolkonsky supported him.

Chapters 6-9

Pierre at the Bolkonskys. Andrei invites Pierre, who has not decided on a career, to try his hand at military service, but Pierre considers the war against Napoleon, the greatest man, an unreasonable thing. Pierre asks why Bolkonsky goes to war, to which he replies: “I am going because this life that I lead here, this life is not for me!” .

In a frank conversation, Andrei tells Pierre that he never marry until he finally knows his future wife: “Otherwise, everything that is good and high in you will be lost. Everything will be spent on trifles. ” He is very sorry that he got married, although Lisa is a beautiful woman. Bolkonsky believes that the rapid rise of Napoleon happened only due to the fact that Napoleon was not bound by a woman. Pierre is struck by what Andrei said, because the prince is for him a kind of prototype of the ideal.

Leaving Andrey, Pierre goes to hang out with the Kuragins.

Chapters 10-13

Moscow. The Rostovs are celebrating the name day of their mother and youngest daughter - two Natalias. Women gossip about the illness of Count Bezukhov and the behavior of his son Pierre. The young man got involved in a bad company: his last revelry led to the fact that Pierre was sent from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Women wonder who will become the heir to Bezukhov's wealth: Pierre or the direct heir of the count - Prince Vasily.

The old Count Rostov says that Nikolai, their eldest son, is going to leave the university and his parents, deciding to go to war with a friend. Nikolai replies that he really feels drawn to military service.

Natasha (“black-eyed, with a big mouth, ugly, but live girl, with her childish open shoulders"), accidentally seeing the kiss of Sonya (the count's niece) and Nikolai, she calls Boris (Drubetskaya's son) and kisses him herself. Boris confesses his love to the girl, and they agree on a wedding when she turns 16.

Chapters 14-15

Vera, seeing Sonya and Nikolai and Natasha and Boris cooing, scolds that it is bad to run after a young man, tries in every possible way to offend young people. This upsets everyone, and they leave, but Vera is satisfied.

Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya tells Rostova that Prince Vasily has placed her son in the guards, but she does not even have money for uniforms for her son. Drubetskaya hopes only for mercy godfather Boris - Count Kirill Vladimirovich Bezukhov and decides to hang him right away. Anna Mikhailovna asks her son to "be as nice as you can be" in relation to the count, but he believes that this will be like humiliation.

Chapter 16

Pierre was expelled from St. Petersburg for a brawl - he, Kuragin and Dolokhov, taking a bear, went to the actresses, and when the quarterly appeared to calm them down, the young man participated in tying the quarterly with the bear. Pierre has been living in his father's house in Moscow for several days, not fully understanding why he is there and how bad Bezukhov's condition is. All three princesses (Bezukhov's nieces) are not happy about Pierre's arrival. Prince Vasily, who soon arrived at the count, warns Pierre that if he behaves as badly here as in St. Petersburg, he will end up very badly.

About to convey an invitation from the Rostovs to a name day, Boris goes to Pierre and finds him doing a childish activity: a young man with a sword introduces himself as Napoleon. Pierre does not immediately recognize Boris, mistaking him for the son of the Rostovs. During the conversation, Boris assures him that he does not pretend (although he is the godson of the old Bezukhov) to the count's wealth and is even ready to refuse a possible inheritance. Pierre counts Boris amazing person and hope they get to know each other better.

Chapter 17

Rostova, upset by her friend's problems, asked her husband for 500 rubles, and when Anna Mikhailovna returned, she gives her the money.

Chapters 18-20

Holiday at the Rostovs. While they are waiting for Natasha's godmother, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, a sharp and straightforward woman, in Rostov's office, the cousin of Countess Shinshin and the selfish guards officer Berg argue about the advantages and benefits of serving in the cavalry over the infantry. Shinshin makes fun of Berg.

Pierre arrived just before dinner, feels awkward, sits in the middle of the living room, preventing the guests from walking, from embarrassment he cannot carry on a conversation, constantly looking out for someone in the crowd. At this time, everyone is evaluating how such a lout could participate in an undertaking with a bear, which gossips were gossiping about.

At dinner, the men talked about the war with Napoleon and the manifesto that declared this war. The colonel claims that only thanks to the war can the security of the empire be preserved, Shinshin does not agree, then the colonel turns to Nikolai Rostov for support. The young man agrees with the opinion that “Russians must die or win,” but he understands the awkwardness of his remark.

Chapters 21-24

Count Bezukhov had a sixth stroke, after which the doctors announced that there was no more hope for recovery - most likely, the patient would die at night. Preparations began for the unction (one of the seven sacraments, which grants the forgiveness of sins if the patient is no longer able to confess).

Prince Vasily learns from Princess Ekaterina Semyonovna that the letter in which the count asks to adopt Pierre is in the count's mosaic briefcase under his pillow.

Pierre and Anna Mikhailovna arrive at Bezukhov's house. Heading to the dying man's room, Pierre does not understand why he is going there and why he should either appear in his father's chambers at all. During the unction of Count Vasily and Ekaterina quietly take away the briefcase with papers. Seeing the dying Bezukhov, Pierre finally realized how close his father was to death.

In the waiting room, Anna Mikhailovna notices that the princess is hiding something and is trying to take away the briefcase from Catherine. In the midst of a quarrel, the middle princess announced that the count had died. Everyone is upset by the death of Bezukhov. The next morning, Anna Mikhailovna tells Pierre that his father promised to help Boris and she hopes that the count's will will be fulfilled.

Chapters 25-28

The estate of Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky - a strict man who considers the main human vices"idleness and superstition" was located in the Bald Mountains. He himself raised his daughter Marya and was demanding and harsh with everyone around him, so everyone was afraid of him and obeyed.

Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife Lisa arrive at the estate to Nikolai Bolkonsky. Andrei tells his father about the upcoming military campaign, in response he meets with obvious discontent. Senior Bolkonsky is against Russia's desire to participate in the war. He believes that Bonaparte is "an insignificant Frenchman who was successful only because there were no more Potemkins and Suvorovs." Andrei does not agree with his father, because Napoleon is his ideal. Angry at his son's stubbornness, the old prince shouts to him to go to his Bonaparte.

Andrew is about to leave. The man is tormented by mixed feelings. Marya, Andrey's sister, asks his brother to put on "an ancient icon of the Savior with a black face in a silver robe on a silver chain of fine work" and blesses him with the icon.

Andrei asks the old prince to take care of his wife Liza. Nikolai Andreevich, although he seems strict, betrays the letter of recommendation to Kutuzov. At the same time, saying goodbye to his son, he is upset. After saying goodbye to Liza coldly, Andrey leaves.

Part 2

Chapter 1

The beginning of the second part of the first volume dates back to the autumn of 1805, the Russian troops are at the Braunau fortress, where the main apartment of the commander-in-chief Kutuzov is located. A member of the Hofkriegsrat (Austrian court military council) from Vienna comes to Kutuzov with a demand to join the Russian army with Austrian troops led by Ferdinand and Mack. Kutuzov considers such a formation unprofitable for the Russian army, which is in a deplorable state after the march to Braunau.

Kutuzov orders to prepare the soldiers for inspection in marching uniforms. During a long campaign, the soldiers were pretty worn out, their shoes were broken. One of the soldiers was dressed in an overcoat different from all - it was Dolokhov, demoted (for the story with the bear). The general yells at the man to change his clothes immediately, but Dolokhov replies that he is "obliged to follow orders, but not obliged to endure insults." The general has to ask him to change.

Chapters 2-7

News arrives of the defeat of the Austrian army (an ally Russian Empire) under the leadership of General Mack. Upon learning of this, Bolkonsky is involuntarily glad that the arrogant Austrians are put to shame and soon he will be able to prove himself in battle.

Nikolai Rostov, a cadet of the hussar regiment, serves in the Pavlograd regiment, living with a German peasant (a nice man, whom they always happily greet for no particular reason) with squadron commander Vaska Denisov. One day Denisov lost money. Rostov finds out that Lieutenant Telyanin turned out to be the thief and exposes him in front of other officers. This leads to a quarrel between Nicholas and the regimental commander. The officers advise Rostov to apologize, otherwise the honor of the regiment will suffer. Nikolai understands everything, however, like a boy, he cannot, and Telyanin is expelled from the regiment.

Chapters 8-9

“Kutuzov retreated to Vienna, destroying the bridges on the rivers Inn (in Braunau) and Traun (in Linz). On October 23, Russian troops crossed the Enns River. The French begin shelling the bridge, and the head of the rearguard (the rear of the troops) orders the bridge to be set on fire. Rostov, looking at the flaming bridge, thinks about life: “And the fear of death and the stretcher, and the love of the sun and life - everything merged into one painfully disturbing impression.”

Kutuzov's army moves to the left bank of the Danube, making the river a natural barrier to the French.

Chapters 10-13

Andrei Bolkonsky stops in Brunn with a familiar diplomat Bilibin, who introduces him to other Russian diplomats - "his" circle.

Bolkonsky returns to the army. Troops are retreating in disorder and haste, wagons are scattered along the road, officers are driving aimlessly along the road. Watching this unorganized action, Bolkonsky thinks: “Here it is, dear, Orthodox army.” He is annoyed that everything around him is so unlike his dreams of a great feat that he must accomplish.

At the headquarters of the commander-in-chief, there is anxiety and anxiety, since it is not clear whether it is necessary to retreat or fight. Kutuzov sends Bagration and a detachment to Krems to delay the advance of the French troops.

Chapters 14-16

Kutuzov receives news that the position of the Russian army is hopeless and sends Bagration with a vanguard of four thousand to Gollabrunn to keep the French between Vienna and Znaim. He himself sends an army to Znaim.

French Marshal Murat offers Kutuzov a truce. The commander-in-chief agrees, because this is a chance to save the Russian army by advancing troops to Znaim during the truce. However, Napoleon reveals Kutuzov's plans and orders to break the truce. Bonaparte goes to Bagration's army to defeat him and the entire Russian army.

Having insisted on his transfer to Bagration's detachment, Prince Andrei appears before the commander-in-chief. Looking around the troops, Bolkonsky notices that the farther from the border with the French, the more relaxed the soldiers. The prince makes a sketch of the layout of the Russian and French troops.

Chapters 17-19

Shengraben battle. Bolkonsky feels a special revival, which was also read on the faces of soldiers and officers: “It has begun! Here it is! Scary and fun! .

Bagration is on the right flank. A close battle begins, the first wounded. Bagration, wishing to raise the morale of the soldiers, having descended from his horse, he himself leads them into the attack.

Rostov, being at the front, was glad that he would now be in battle, but his horse was killed almost immediately. Once on the ground, he cannot shoot at the Frenchman and simply throws a pistol at the enemy. Wounded in the hand, Nikolai Rostov ran to the bushes “not with the same feeling of doubt and struggle with which he went to the Ensky bridge, he ran, but with the feeling of a hare running away from dogs. One inseparable feeling of fear for his young, happy life dominated his whole being.

Chapters 20-21

The Russian infantry is taken by surprise by the French in the forest. The regimental commander is futilely trying to stop the soldiers fleeing in different directions. Suddenly, the French are pushed back by Timokhin's company, which turned out to be unnoticed by the enemy.
Captain Tushin (a "small round-shouldered officer" with an unheroic appearance), leading the troops on the front flank, is ordered to immediately retreat. The authorities and adjutants reproach him, although the officer showed himself to be a brave and reasonable commander.

On the way they pick up the wounded, including Nikolai Rostov. Lying on a wagon, "he looked at the snowflakes fluttering over the fire and recalled the Russian winter with a warm, bright house and family care." "And why did I come here!" he thought.

Part 3

Chapter 1

In the third part of the first volume, Pierre receives his father's inheritance. Prince Vasily is going to marry Pierre to his daughter Helen, as he considers this marriage beneficial, primarily for himself, because the young man is now very rich. The prince arranges for Pierre to be a chamber junker and insists that the young man go with him to Petersburg. Pierre stops at the Kuragins. Society, relatives and acquaintances completely changed their attitude towards Pierre after he received the inheritance of the count, now everyone found his words and actions cute.

At the evening at Scherrer's, Pierre and Helen are left alone, talking. The young man is fascinated by the marble beauty and lovely body of the girl. Returning home, Bezukhov thinks about Helen for a long time, dreaming, “how she will be his wife, how she can love him,” although his thoughts are ambiguous: “But she is stupid, I myself said she was stupid. There is something nasty in the feeling that she aroused in me, something forbidden.

Chapter 2

Despite his decision to leave the Kuragins, Pierre lives with them for a long time. In the "light" they are increasingly linking young people as future spouses.

On Helen's name day, they are left alone. Pierre is very nervous, however, pulling himself together, he confesses his love to the girl. A month and a half later, the young people got married and moved to the newly “decorated” house of the Bezukhovs.

Chapters 3-5

Prince Vasily and his son Anatole arrive in the Bald Mountains. Old Bolkonsky does not like Vasily, so he is not happy with the guests. Marya, about to get acquainted with Anatole, is very worried, fearing that she will not like him, but Liza calms her down.

Marya is fascinated by the beauty and masculinity of Anatole. The man does not think about the girl at all, he is more interested in the pretty French companion Bourienne. It is very difficult for the old prince to give permission for the wedding, because for him parting with Mary is unthinkable, but he still asks Anatole, studying him.

After the evening, Marya thinks about Anatole, but after learning that Bourrienne is in love with Anatole, she refuses to marry him. “My vocation is different,” Marya thought, “My vocation is to be happy with another happiness, the happiness of love and self-sacrifice.”

Chapters 6-7

Nikolai Rostov comes to Boris Drubetsky in the Guards camp, located nearby, for money and letters from his relatives. Friends are very happy to see each other and discuss military affairs. Nicholas, greatly embellishing, tells how he participated in the battle and was wounded. Andrei Bolkonsky joins them, Nikolai says in his presence that the staff, sitting in the rear, "receive awards without doing anything." Andrey correctly upsets his agility. On the way back, Nikolai is tormented by mixed feelings towards Bolkonsky.

Chapters 8-10

Emperors Franz and Alexander I conduct a review of the Austrian and Russian troops. Nikolai Rostov is in the forefront of the Russian army. Seeing Emperor Alexander passing by and welcoming the army, the young man feels love, adoration and delight in relation to the sovereign. For participation in the battle of Shengraben, Nicholas is awarded the St. George Cross and promoted to cornet.

The Russians won a victory at Vishau, capturing a French squadron. Rostov meets again with the emperor. Enraptured by the sovereign, Nikolai dreams of dying for him. Many people had similar moods before the Battle of Austerlitz.

Boris Drubetskoy goes to Bolkonsky in Olmutz. The young man becomes a witness to how dependent his commanders are on the will of others, more important people in civilian clothes: “These are the people who decide the fate of peoples,” Andrey tells him. “Boris was worried about the closeness to the highest power in which he felt himself at that moment. He was aware of himself here in contact with those springs that guided all those huge movements of the masses, of which he felt himself in his regiment to be a small, obedient and insignificant "part."

Chapters 11-12

The French truce Savary conveys a proposal for a meeting between Alexander and Napoleon. The emperor, refusing a personal meeting, sends Dolgoruky to Bonaparte. Returning, Dolgoruky says that after meeting with Bonaparte he was convinced that Napoleon was most afraid of a pitched battle.

Discussion about the need to start the battle of Austerlitz. Kutuzov offers to wait for now, but everyone is unhappy with this decision. After the discussion, Andrey asks Kutuzov's opinion about the upcoming battle, the commander-in-chief believes that the Russians will be defeated.

Meeting of the military council. Weyrother was appointed as the full manager of the future battle: “he was like a harnessed horse, running uphill with a cart. Whether he was driving or driven, he did not know "," he looked miserable, exhausted, confused and at the same time arrogant and proud. Kutuzov falls asleep during the meeting. Weyrother reads the disposition (disposition of troops before the battle) of the Battle of Austerlitz. Lanzheron argues that the disposition is too complex and would be difficult to implement. Andrei wanted to express his plan, but Kutuzov, waking up, interrupted the meeting, saying that they would not change anything. At night, Bolkonsky thinks that he is ready for anything for the sake of glory and must prove himself in battle: “Death, wounds, loss of a family, nothing is scary to me.”

Chapters 13-17

Beginning of the Battle of Austerlitz. At 5 am, the movement of Russian columns began. There was a heavy fog and smoke from the fires, behind which it was not possible to see the people around and the direction. There is chaos in the movement. Due to the displacement of the Austrians to the right, there was a lot of confusion.

Kutuzov becomes the head of the 4th column and leads it. The commander-in-chief is gloomy, as he immediately saw the confusion in the movement of the troops. Before the battle, the emperor asks Kutuzov why the battle has not yet begun, to which the old commander-in-chief replies: “That’s why I don’t start, sir, because we are not at the parade and not on Tsaritsyn Meadow.” Before the start of the battle, Bolkonsky is firmly convinced that "today was the day of his Toulon." Through the dissipating fog, the Russians see the French troops much closer than they expected, break the formation and flee from the enemy. Kutuzov orders them to be stopped and Prince Andrei, holding a banner in his hands, runs forward, leading a battalion behind him.

On the right flank, commanded by Bagration, nothing has yet begun at 9 o’clock, so the commander sends Rostov to the commanders-in-chief for an order to begin hostilities, although he knows that this is pointless - the distance is too great. Rostov, moving along the Russian front, does not believe that the enemy is practically in their rear.

Near the village of Pratsa, Rostov finds only upset crowds of Russians. Outside the village of Gostieradek, Rostov finally saw the sovereign, but did not dare to approach him. At this time, Captain Tol, seeing the pale Alexander, helps him cross the ditch, for which the emperor shakes his hand. Rostov regrets his indecision and goes to Kutuzov's headquarters.

At the fifth hour in the battle of Austerlitz, the Russians lost on all counts. The Russians are retreating. At the dam, Augesta, they are overtaken by the artillery cannonade of the French. The soldiers are trying to advance by walking over the dead. Dolokhov jumps from the dam onto the ice, others run after him, but the ice does not hold up, everyone drowns.

Chapter 19

The wounded Bolkonsky lies on the Pratsensky mountain, bleeding, and without noticing it, groans softly, falls into oblivion in the evening. Waking up from a burning pain, he again felt alive, thinking about the high Austerlitz sky and that “he knew nothing until now.”

Suddenly, the clatter of the approaching French is heard, among them Napoleon. Bonaparte praises his soldiers, looking at the dead and wounded. Seeing Bolkonsky, he says that his death is beautiful, while for Andrei all this did not matter: “He burned his head; he felt that he was bleeding, and he saw above him a distant, lofty and eternal sky. He knew that it was Napoleon - his hero, but at that moment Napoleon seemed to him such a small, insignificant person in comparison with what was now happening between his soul and this high, endless sky with clouds running across it. Bonaparte notices that Bolkonsky is alive and orders him to be taken to the dressing station.

Veste with other wounded man remains in the care of the local population. In delirium, he sees quiet pictures of life and happiness in the Bald Mountains, which little Napoleon destroys. The doctor claims that Bolkonsky's delirium will end in death rather than recovery.

Results of the first volume

Even in summary In the first volume of War and Peace, the opposition between war and peace can be traced not only at the structural level of the novel, but also through events. So, the “peaceful” sections take place exclusively in Russia, the “military” ones - in Europe, while in the “peaceful” chapters we meet with the war of characters among themselves (the struggle for the Bezukhov inheritance), and in the “military” chapters - the world (friendly relations between a German peasant and Nicholas). The finale of the first volume - the Battle of Austerlitz - is not only the defeat of the Russian-Austrian army, but also the end of the heroes' faith in the higher idea of ​​​​war.

Volume one test

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Main characters:

• Pierre Bezukhov- a young man, the illegitimate son of Count Kirill Bezukhov. The author's favorite positive character, who lives a life full of changes and trials throughout the novel. After the death of Count Bezukhov, according to his father's will, he receives a huge fortune and suddenly, unexpectedly even for himself, becomes very rich.
• Anna Pavlovna Sherer- the maid of honor and close associate of the Empress Maria Feodorovna, the mistress of the fashionable high-society "political" salon in St. Petersburg, in whose house guests often gather. A woman with established opinions and traditions.

• Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya- a princess who was very worried about her son Boris. She asked Prince Vasily to put in a word to the sovereign so that he would be transferred to the guards, and he went to meet her. She played a decisive role in the decision to divide the inheritance of Count Kirill Bezukhov, who was dying.
• Boris Drubetsky- the son of Anna Mikhailovna. In the first chapter, he is shown as a decent young man, by the grace of the sovereign, transferred to the guard. long time lived and was educated by the Rostovs.
• Count Ilya Andreevich Rostov- father big family, lively, cheerful, self-confident old man. He likes to live in a big way, arrange feasts.
• Natalia Rostova- the wife of Ilya Andreevich, a woman with an oriental type of thin face, forty-five years old, apparently exhausted by her children, of whom she had twelve people ... ”The countess was used to living in luxury and did not know how to save.
• Nikolay Rostov- the son of Count Ilya Rostov, a man with a cheerful and sociable character, who is alien to despondency. Wanting to be useful to the Motherland, he decides to go to war.
• Natasha Rostova is the main character of the novel. In the first part of the first volume - a thirteen-year-old, childlike, cheerful girl with a perky character, cousin and good friend of Sophia.
• Sonya Rostova- Natasha's cousin and friend, a kind girl who is in love with her friend's older brother, Nikolai Rostov, and worries about the fact that he is leaving for the army.
• Vera Rostova- the unloved daughter of Countess Rostova. The girl is beautiful and smart, but despite this, she produces an annoying, unpleasant effect on everyone around her. In her family, Vera behaves proudly and arrogantly, points out to her sisters their shortcomings and deliberately creates trouble for them. Vera gives the impression of a cold, soulless and heartless girl.
• Nikolai Bolkonsky- retired general, father of the Bolkonsky family. In the first part, he appears as an intelligent person who prefers accuracy in all his actions. He loves his daughter Maria, but brings her up in excessive severity.
• Maria Bolkonskaya- the daughter of Nikolai Bolkonsky, a very rich and noble noblewoman, a kind and gentle, believing girl, loving people and trying to do so as not to upset anyone. In addition, she is smart and educated, because the lessons of algebra and geometry were taught to her by her father himself.
• Andrey Bolkonsky- son of Nikolai Bolkonsky. This hero, unlike his father, does not have such a tough character. His behavior changes throughout the novel. In the first part of the first volume, he appears to the reader as an ambitious and proud young man who goes to war, despite the requests of his pregnant wife. Andrei is a sincere friend of Pierre Bezukhov, who wants to help him in everything.
• Little princess, Elizabeth- Andrei's wife, a woman who loves secular society. She is a sweet, smiling, beautiful woman, however, she is very worried about the fact that her husband is leaving for the army and leaving her in a difficult position. After all, Lisa is expecting a baby.
• Prince Vasily Kuragin- an important official, an aristocrat, influential person, who serves at the imperial court and is personally acquainted with the empress. A relative of Count Kirill Bezukhov, who claims his inheritance, which, according to the plot of the story, was received not by him, but by Pierre Bezukhov.
• Helen Kuragina- daughter of Prince Vasily. The brilliant beauty of St. Petersburg with an unchanging smile. She makes great strides in society, acquires a reputation as a smart woman, however, among her relatives she reveals such character traits as vulgarity, rudeness and cynicism.
• Anatole Kuragin, son of Vasily Kuragin - a negative character in the novel "War and Peace". He behaves cheekily, often commits obscene acts, although he belongs to aristocrats.
• Marya Dmitrievna- a woman famous for her directness of mind. She says what she thinks. She is known in Moscow, and in St. Petersburg, and in royal circles. The reader first meets this heroine at the name day of the Rostovs, who perceive her as a long-awaited guest.

Chapter first

The first chapter of Leo Tolstoy's story "War and Peace" shows a secular society. Events begin in 1805. Guests often gather in the house of the maid of honor and close empress Anna Pavlovna Scherer. And now Prince Vasily, a very influential person, was the first to visit her. A conversation begins between them, in which they touch on various topics: they discuss military events, politics, and do not forget to mention how to arrange the future of children. Anna Pavlovna does not hide that she is dissatisfied with the eldest son of the prince - Anatole.

Chapter Two

Anna Pavlovna's drawing room is gradually filling up. The author shows people of different temperaments, including Vasily's daughter, Helen Kuragina, "in cipher and a ball gown"; the little princess Liza Bolkonskaya, who got married last year; as well as Pierre Bezukhov, presented by the writer as “a massive, fat young man with a cropped head, glasses, light trousers in the fashion of the time ...”, who neither by his appearance nor behavior fit into a spoiled secular society. This unexpected visit even aroused the anxiety of Anna Pavlovna, who, after a brief conversation with Pierre, concluded that he was a young man who did not know how to live. However, Bezukhov himself felt uncomfortable among such high society.

Chapter Three

The hostess herself shows the guests the viscount, a young man who considered himself a celebrity, and the abbot who visited her, as "something supernaturally refined." Discussed again different topics, of which preference is given to the coming war with Bonaparte. Suddenly, a new guest enters the living room - Andrei Bolkonsky, the husband of the little princess, whom Leo Tolstoy characterizes as the complete opposite of his wife. Andrey is surprised to see Pierre Bezukhov in a big light.

Chapter Four

Prince Vasily is about to leave. He is stopped by one of the elderly ladies who were present at the evening at Anna Pavlovna’s, and begins, expressing alarm and anxiety, to beg for her son Boris: “What do you need to say a word to the sovereign, and he will be directly transferred to the guards?” The prince tries to object, saying that it is difficult to ask the sovereign himself, but Princess Drubetskaya (that was the name of the elderly lady) is persistent. And Vasily finally gives in to the pleas, promising to do the impossible.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the characteristics of Marya Bolkonskaya in Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace".

Meanwhile, Pierre Bezukhov, who intervened in the conversation of the viscount about the execution of the Duke of Enghien, in the eyes of Anna Pavlovna, commits an extremely indecent act. Expressing his opinion that Bonoparte did the right thing in this case, and excitedly proving his case, Pierre does not notice how more and more he causes discontent of the hostess and bewilderment of those around him.


Prince Ippolit involuntarily tries to defuse the situation, deciding to tell the public a very funny anecdote. And he succeeds.

Chapter Five

In this chapter, after the first sentence, which mentions that the guests began to disperse, the author proceeds to describe one of the main characters - Pierre Bezukhov. So, what adjectives does he use to show the nature of this extraordinary personality? First, clumsy. Secondly, scattered. But these, it would seem, negative qualities became insignificant in the light of the good nature, simplicity and modesty that this young man possessed.
Anna Pavlovna went up to Pierre and softly spoke of her hope that he would change his mind after all. Andrei Bolkonsky, passing by, reminded his friend that he was waiting for him at home.

After a short time, Bezukhov and Bolkonsky met again - already within the walls of Prince Andrei's dwelling. According to the author's description, it is clear that Pierre felt at home here. A casual conversation ensued, but Andrei Bolkonsky made it clear that he was not interested in his friend's childish reasoning about Napoleon.

However, the question followed, why did he go to war, to which the prince replied: “I am going because this life that I lead here, this life is not for me!”

Chapter six

The wife of Andrei Bolkonsky, the little princess Liza, entered the room. A dialogue immediately took place between her and Pierre. Pierre, with his childish spontaneity, did not fail to express his opinion that he was perplexed why Andrei should go to war. He touched on the sore subject of Bolkonsky's wife, and therefore found support in her face. Lisa was afraid of parting with her husband - especially now, during pregnancy. Despair and fears took over, and she, not embarrassed by Pierre, began to tell her husband everything she thought about his desire to join the army and leave her at such a difficult time. Bezukhov, who involuntarily witnessed the beginning of the scandal, tried to calm Lisa as best he could, but he was not very successful. Finally, Bolkonsky's wife calmed down and resigned herself. Friends went to dinner.

And here, at the table, Andrey taught Pierre a valuable lesson on how to choose your life partner. “Do not marry until you tell yourself that you have done everything you could, and until you stop loving the woman you have chosen, until you see her clearly, otherwise you will be cruelly mistaken and irreparable,” he said with conviction to a friend. And these words are worth considering for those who decide to marry.

Andrei looked at Pierre with kind eyes, but still realized his superiority over him. He strongly advised a friend to leave "all these revels", saying that secular society was not suitable for such a nature as his. And he took a word of honor from a friend that he would not go to the Kuragins.

However, Pierre Bezukhov broke it immediately, leaving Andrey. The young man again went to Anatole to once again experience the taste of a dissolute life. They played cards and drank a lot. Pierre could not resist and got drunk to the point that he also began to do unworthy deeds, bordering on insanity.

Chapter Seven

The promise given to Princess Drubetskaya was fulfilled. Prince Vasily put in a word to the sovereign about her son, and he was transferred to the Semenovsky regiment as an ensign.

The princess herself turned out to be a distant relative of the Rostovs, from whom she temporarily rented housing and where her son Boris was brought up.

The Rostovs had a big holiday - the birthday of mother and daughter. Both of them were named Natalia. This was the occasion for the upcoming noisy fun.

In a conversation with the guests, some details were clarified. For example, the fact that Pierre Bezukhov, the son of the wealthy count Kirill Bezukhov, turned out to be illegitimate, however, the most beloved of the children, and since the count was already very ill, those around him guessed who would get his huge fortune - Prince Vasily or all the same Pierre.

They did not fail to talk about the unworthy behavior of Pierre, who, having contacted a bad company, Dolokhov and Kuragin, compromised himself even more than at the evening at Anna Pavlovna, when he argued with the abbot about Napoleon's actions. The story of the bear, on which the brawlers tied the quarterly and threw him to swim in the Moika, caused a contradictory reaction from those around him - some were indignant, while others could not help laughing.

Chapter Eight

In this chapter, the reader for the first time has the opportunity to get acquainted with Natasha Rostova, one of the main characters in the novel War and Peace. At the beginning of the novel, she appears as a thirteen-year-old girl, cheerful and carefree. The author describes her as "black-eyed, with a large mouth, ugly, but alive."

Finally, in view of the name day, all the young people - both Natalya, and Anna Mikhailovna's son Boris, and the eldest son of Countess Natalya, Nikolai, and the Rostovs' niece Sofia, and the youngest son Petya - were accommodated in the living room.
At the end of the chapter, the author mentions that Boris Drubetsky and Nikolai Rostov were childhood friends.

Chapter Nine

At the beginning of this chapter, the Rostovs' niece Sonya is described, who lives with them and with whom Natalya is very friendly.

The count-father complains that his son Nikolai Rostov, imitating his friend Boris, goes to war, to which the young man objects: “It’s not friendship at all, but I just feel called to military service ...”

However, Sonya, who is in love with Nikolai, can hardly hold back her tears. The conversation turns again to children, and Countess Natalia mentions eldest daughter Vera, not stupid, well-mannered, with a pleasant voice, to whom she was stricter than her younger sister, but who, unlike Natalya Rostova, does not make such a pleasant impression on those around her. This girl plays a minor role in the plot of the novel.

Chapter Ten

Natasha Rostova, hiding between tubs of flowers, becomes an involuntary witness to the scene that took place between Sofia and Nikolai, who, having confessed his love to the girl, kisses her. Natasha herself, at that time thinking that she loved Boris, called the young man to her, “she hugged him with both arms, so that her thin bare arms bent above his neck, and, throwing her hair back with a movement of her head, kissed ... on the very lips.”

Chapter Eleven

Countess Natalya, who has not seen her friend Anna Mikhailovna for a long time, wants to talk to her alone. However, her daughter Vera is in the room. We have to tell her directly that she is superfluous and offer to go to the sisters.

Two couples are sitting in the next sofa room - Boris and Natasha, as well as Nikolai and Sophia. Vera does not understand the feelings of young people, and a verbal skirmish occurs between the sisters. However, the self-confident Vera does not feel that she has spoken trouble, on the contrary, she considers herself right in all her actions.

Meanwhile, the dialogue between Anna Mikhailovna and Countess Natalya continues in the living room. The conversation first goes about serving in the army of Nikolai Rostov, then the princess decides to go to Count Kirill Bezukhov in order to petition for maintenance for his godson Boris before it's too late - and informs the countess about this. Count Rostov proposes to invite Pierre Bezukhov to dinner, which will take place on the occasion of the name day at four o'clock in the afternoon.

Chapter Twelve

Anna Mikhailovna and her son drove into the wide courtyard of Count Kirill, and then went into the house. The porter reported to Prince Vasily about their arrival. An atmosphere of sadness reigned in the room, because the elder Bezukhov was terminally ill, already dying. Having given short instructions to Boris about serving in the army, Prince Vasily began to listen to Anna Mikhailovna. “It must be cooked if it is so bad,” she urged, and the prince again realized that this woman, who insists on her own, is not so easy to get rid of. And Princess Anna Mikhailovna, having asked Boris to talk to Pierre Bezukhov and give him an invitation to the Rostovs' name day, settled down in an armchair. She made a firm decision - "to help walk for her uncle."

Chapter Thirteen

Pierre Bezukhov stayed at his father's house. The story told about his obscene behavior was fair, and therefore the attitude towards the illegitimate son of Count Kirill Bezukhov was not friendly. To the question: “Can I see the count?” an unfriendly, negative answer followed, and Pierre, who did not receive what he expected, had to go to his room.

When Boris unexpectedly paid a visit to Bezukhov, he was surprised at first, although he met him friendly and simply. “Count Rostov asked you to come and dine with him today,” the guest said after an awkward silence that seemed long.

Young people began to talk, and Drubetskoy managed to refute the assumption that he and his mother want to "get something from the rich man."

Pierre liked Boris Drubetsky very much, he settled down with his heart for this smart and strong-willed young man.

Anna Mikhailovna informed the prince about the decision to prepare the dying Kirill Bezukhov.

Chapter Fourteen

Countess Rostova, after Anna Mikhailovna's departure, sat for a long time by herself, and then called the maid and ordered her husband to be called. Taking pity on her poor friend, she decided to help her financially, and for this purpose she asked her husband for five hundred rubles. He, being generous, gave seven hundred. When Anna Mikhailovna returned, brand new banknotes were already lying under a scarf on the table.

Here's Boris from me, for sewing a uniform - the countess said, taking out the money and giving it to her friend.

Chapter fifteen

Finally, the guests began to arrive for the name day. Many of those who had come to congratulate the heroes of the occasion were already sitting in the living room, but most of all they were expecting Marya Dmitrievna, a woman famous for her directness of mind and simplicity of address, who was known both in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in royal circles.

The assembled guests preferred to speak military theme. At first, they listened to the conversation that took place between an old bachelor named Shinshin, who cousin countess and lieutenant Berg, an officer of the Semenov regiment. Then Pierre Bezukhov arrived, and the hostess, having told him a few meaningless phrases, asked Anna Mikhailovna with a look to take the young man.

Finally, Maria Dmitrievna arrived, who “took out yakhont earrings with pears from a huge reticule and, giving them to the birthday-radiant and flushed Natasha,” suddenly turned to Pierre and began to scold him for the obscene behavior that the young man allowed himself recently. In the end, the guests were seated at the tables. “The sounds of the count’s home music were replaced by the sounds of knives and forks, the voices of guests, the quiet steps of waiters ...”

Chapter Sixteen

On the men's side of the table the conversation was getting more and more lively. One of the guests - a colonel - claimed that the manifesto declaring war had already been issued in St. Petersburg and insisted: "We must fight to the last drop of blood," Shinshin was perplexed why fight Bonoparte at all.

Count Nikolai noticed that his son was also joining the army. “And I have four sons in the army, but I don’t grieve. Everything is the will of God: you will die lying on the stove, and God will have mercy in battle, ”Maria Dmitrievna said loudly. Suddenly, the childish voice of Natasha Rostova was heard: “Mom! what kind of cake will it be?

Surprisingly, even Maria Dmitrievna did not get angry when she saw such tactlessness, but laughed at the girl's spontaneity, and after her - all the guests.

Chapter Seventeen

The holiday was in full swing. Suddenly Natasha discovered the absence of her cousin and beloved friend Sonya and, leaving the guests, went to look for her. She saw the girl lying "face down on a dirty striped nanny's feather bed, on a chest" and weeping bitterly. The reason for the tears was that her Nikolenka was leaving for the army, but not only that. It turned out that Sonya was hurt to the core by the words of Vera, the elder sister of Natasha Rostova, who threatened to show her mother Nikolai's poems and called her ungrateful.

Kind Natasha reassured her friend, and she became cheerful again. The girls returned to the hall. The guests danced a lot, joked, rejoiced at such a wonderful event held in honor of the name day of dear Natalia the elder and Natalia the younger. From everything it was clear that the holiday was a success.

Chapter Eighteen

While joy reigned in the Rostovs' house, the Bezukhov family experienced heavy grief, the approach of an imminent loss: the sixth blow happened to Count Kirill. People gathered in the reception room, including the confessor, who was ready to give unction to the dying.

“Meanwhile, Prince Vasily opened the door to the princess’s room,” where, according to the author’s description, “it was dark and smelled good of smoking and flowers.”

Vasily called the girl, whom he called Katish (it was his cousin Katerina Sergeevna), for a serious conversation. They discussed the will of Count Cyril and were very afraid that the entire inheritance might go to his illegitimate son Pierre.

Prince Vasily rightly feared this, but Catherine at first objected: “You never know he wrote wills, but he could not bequeath to Pierre! Pierre is illegal,” but then, having learned that, by virtue of the count’s written request, the sovereign could satisfy his request for adoption, she was also seriously alarmed.

Vasily and Katish began to think over a plan to destroy the will in the name of Pierre, moreover, they wanted to create such a situation that Kirill Bezukhov himself would annul it. The paper lay under the pillow of the dying man, in a mosaic briefcase, and Princess Catherine and Prince Vasily so desired to get to it.

Chapter Nineteen

Anna Mikhailovna turned out to be a far-sighted woman. She assumed that a struggle would flare up over the inheritance and went to the Bezukhovs, urgently calling Pierre. Young Bezukhov was afraid of the upcoming meeting with his dying father, but he understood that it was necessary.

The princess and the son of Count Kirill entered the reception room. Pierre, obeying his leader, sat down on the sofa. The eyes of everyone in the room turned to this young man. But there was participation, even respect, in them, and young Bezukhov felt “that on this night he is a person who is obliged to perform some kind of terrible and expected by all ceremony, and that therefore he had to accept services from everyone.”

“The mercy of God is inexhaustible. The assembly will begin now. Let's go, ”Anna Mikhailovna called Pierre resolutely, and he entered the room where his dying father lay.

Chapter Twenty

A sad picture appeared before the eyes of Pierre, who knew the furnishings of his father’s room well: the father lying under the images “with the same gray mane of hair resembling a lion, over a wide forehead and with the same characteristically noble large wrinkles on a beautiful red-yellow face”; confessors who are ready to unction the one who departs for the other world; two younger princesses, Katish with an evil expression on his face; Anna Mikhailovna, some unknown lady; Prince Vasily, who was constantly baptized right hand, and others.

Pierre approached his father's bed. “He looked at the count. The count looked at the place where Pierre's face was, while he stood. Anna Mikhailovna showed in her expression an awareness of the touching importance of this last minute of a meeting between father and son.

Chapter twenty one

There was no one in the reception room, except for Prince Vasily with the eldest princess, who, at the sight of Anna Mikhailovna entering with Pierre, whispered that she could not see this woman.

Katerina already held in her hands a mosaic briefcase, which Anna Mikhailovna wanted to take away, persistently and feigningly affectionately convincing the princess not to resist. Two women tried to snatch the controversial item from each other. The struggle continued until the middle princess ran out of the room where the count was dying. Katerina dropped her briefcase, which Anna Mikhailovna immediately grabbed and went with it into the bedroom.
Very soon she informed Pierre that his father had died.

Chapter twenty two

In the estate of the old Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, the arrival of the young Prince Andrei and his wife, the princess, was impatiently awaited. Nikolai himself was distinguished by a difficult character, recognizing only activity and intelligence as virtues. He was engaged in the upbringing of the youngest daughter Marya himself, distributing her life in such a way that the girl did not spend time in idleness. Her father himself taught her lessons in algebra and geometry. The main feature of this elderly man was precision, taken to the extreme.

On the day of the arrival of the young, Prince Nikolai handed over to his daughter a letter from Julie Karagina, a friend of the princess, in which it was reported that Pierre Bezukhov had become a count, having received both the title and almost the entire inheritance from his father, becoming the owner of one of the largest fortunes in Russia. In addition, she spoke about the plan of Anna Mikhailovna to arrange the marriage of Marya with Anatole Kuragin. In turn, the princess wrote a letter in response, in which she expressed pity for both Pierre Bezukhov, who had suddenly become rich, and Prince Vasily, who was left with nothing.

The girl also lamented about the wars that people wage among themselves and was sad that this was happening. “... Mankind has forgotten the laws of its Divine Savior, who taught us love and forgiveness of insults, and considers its main dignity in the art of killing each other,” she sincerely expressed her opinion in a letter to her friend.

Chapter twenty three

Finally, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife crossed the threshold of their parents' house. However, at this time, the father, Prince Nikolai, was sleeping, and even the arrival of such dear guests could not be a reason to break such a familiar daily routine.

The father had twenty minutes to rest, and so he suggested that his wife go first to Princess Marya.

Apparently, the little princess was in the house of her husband's parents for the first time, therefore, seeing the luxurious furnishings, she could not help exclaiming: “This is a palace!”

Seeing that Maria was practicing playing the piano, the guests wanted to quietly leave, but then they were noticed by Mademoiselle Bourienne, Princess Bolkonskaya's companion, and began to express delight that the long-awaited relatives had finally arrived.

Maria also saw her brother and his wife and joined in the joy of their visit. Prince Nikolai did not stand aside either, and although he expressed his emotions more sparingly, nevertheless, due to the arrival of his son, he was in a good mood. And again there was talk of military subjects, which so worried people at that time.

Chapter twenty four

Finally, dinner time came, and Prince Nikolai went to the dining room, where Princess Maria, Mademoiselle Bourrienne, and the prince's architect were already waiting for him, for some reason allowed to the table, although he was not at all from the nobility. Everyone sat down, and again the conversation turned "about the war, about Bonaparte and the current generals and statesmen ..."

chapter twenty five

The next day, Prince Andrei was about to leave. He was worried. Here is how the author describes the mood of the young man at that difficult time: “He, with his hands folded back, quickly walked around the room from corner to corner, looking ahead of himself, and thoughtfully shook his head. Was he afraid to go to war, was it sad to leave his wife - maybe both ... "

Suddenly, the footsteps of Princess Mary were heard. She was upset, because she so wanted to talk to her brother alone. She looked at him - and did not recognize her formerly playful little brother in this strong and courageous young man.

The sister admitted that she immediately fell in love with his wife Lisa, who, in her opinion, was still a child, but suddenly saw a contemptuous and ironic expression that flashed across Andrei's face. However, he was very happy to be with his sweet sister. The conversation proceeded peacefully, and when Mary mentioned Mademoiselle Bourienne, the brother did not fail to notice that he did not like her very much. However, the kind princess tried to justify her companion in his eyes, because she is an orphan and so needs a good attitude towards herself.

Suddenly, a question followed, discouraging Mary. It was about how her father treats her, because it was clear that Andrei's sister suffered from the heavy and tough character of her beloved dad. Most of all, the girl was depressed that her father did not believe in God. “... How can a person with such a huge mind not see what is clear as day, and can be so deluded?” she lamented about his religious outlook.

(89.09%) 22 votes

The novel "War and Peace" is one of the most grandiose creations of world literature. The duality is already in the title of the work, it is a kind of allusion to what this epic is about. In each to the book"War and Peace" can be read that in it events from peaceful life alternate with battle scenes.

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The novel consists of 4 volumes and an epilogue. For true lovers of Russian literature, it is important not how many volumes are in the novel, but the meanings that were laid down in the immortal epic. wrote "War and Peace" for seven years. Date of writing the novel - period from 1863 to 1869. It is known that he rewrote it 8 times, with some of the episodes being redone up to 26 times. This is a short summary of the book. Now let's get to the content.

First volume

This section describes the following events:

1. Social event at Scherer's.
2. The old man Bezukhov is dying.
3. Pierre turns out to be the heir to a fortune.
4. Wedding Bezukhov and Helen.
5. Military actions of Russia (in alliance with Austria) against the Napoleonic army.

Everyone knows the date of writing "War and Peace" - it's 1869. At that time, the epic became one of the most widely read, it was also appreciated in literary circles. In the first chapter, the writer introduces us to the main characters - Pierre and Prince Bolkonsky. The prince plans to go to war. Pierre has to move to Moscow. The author also introduces us to another character from War and Peace. Anna Mikhailovna is a figure who plays an important role in the development of events.

Attention! Being brought up far from Russia, Pierre bows to the ideas of Napoleon. Pierre perceives flattery as a sign of love, he practically understands nothing in life.

The illness of the old man Bezukhov

In Chapter VII of the first part, Anna Mikhailovna reports that the old Count Bezukhov is ill and is practically dying. Count Bezukhov's illness progresses and he makes a will.

Together with Anna Mikhailovna, Pierre goes to his dying father. Anna Mikhailovna informs Pierre of his death.

The heirs unsuccessfully try to steal a portfolio with a will, according to which Pierre should receive the entire state. They are not very concerned about the illness of Count Bezukhov, the main thing for them is the opportunity to receive money.

The beginning of the novel "War and Peace" continues with an unexpected turn of events. Anna Mikhailovna, one of the brightest minor characters, interferes with insidious plans. She does not allow the briefcase to be stolen, and Pierre receives an inheritance. He becomes a member of many higher houses and marries the beautiful Helen. Bolkonsky goes to war.

Cowardice of Nicholas

Scenes of peaceful life alternate with those of the military in the novel "War and Peace". A summary of the chapters acquaints the reader with further developments. Nikolai Rostov lives with Vasily Denisov. Once, the latter's purse was stolen. Nikolai learned that this was the work of Telyanin. However, this act would cast a shadow over the entire regiment, and Rostov is forced to drop the charges and apologize. Nicholas does not apologize, but withdraws his accusation. Rostov is wounded, and, seeing the approaching enemies, he runs. However, in the future, he distorts the history of his battle, says that he "chopped right and left."

The volume ends with the wounding of Prince Bolkonsky. Falling down on the battlefield, he watches the clouds float across the vast blue sky. All those dreams that fascinated the prince before are now seem insignificant to him.

Attention! Boris Drubetskoy (sometimes his last name is confused with "Trubetskoy") is the son of Anna Mikhailovna. Through his mother, he is a relative of the Rostovs. Boris had tender feelings for Natasha. Boris Trubetskoy in War and Peace is a proud, ambitious character. He is with early years dreams of a great career. Through Prince Vasily, Anna Mikhailovna managed to secure a place for him in the guard.

Volume two

The events of this volume briefly:

1. Duel Bezukhov and Dolokhov.
2. Nikolay loses money to Dolokhov.
3. Described love affair Natasha and the prince.
4. Anatole wants to steal Natasha, but his lies are exposed.
5. Gap girls with Bolkonsky.

Further developments

In the second volume, the plot of the novel continues with the arrival of Nikolai home for the duration of his vacation. He is accepted as a true hero. Nikolai becomes close to Dolokhov.

The latter makes a marriage proposal to Sonya, but is refused. Dolokhov, wanting to take revenge on Rostov, beats him for a large amount of money.

Old Bolkonsky receives news of his son's death, but the letter also says that he may be alive. After all, Andrei was not found among the wounded.

Pierre's anguish about his wife Helen continue the plot of "War and Peace". Briefly describing the development of events, we can mention that Pierre, tormented by doubts, challenges Dolokhov to a duel. Pierre becomes a member of the Masonic lodge and is delighted with the truth that enlightened his mind. Returning, Pierre visits his friend, Bolkonsky. Communication with a young man gives the prince strength.

Nikolai Rostov, visiting the wounded Denisov, is amazed at the sight of the suffering soldiers in the infirmary, the smell of decay. He is also struck by the fact that Boris Trubetskoy communicates with the French. So in the novel "War and Peace" Tolstoy shows the futility of war and the horror it brings.

Natasha and Bolkonsky

Prince Andrei admires the statesman Speransky - this is how the plot of "War and Peace" continues. Briefly, the events are described as follows: Pierre at this time is disillusioned with Freemasonry and reconciles with Helen (at least outwardly). Prince Andrei goes to the Rostovs, hears Natasha's enthusiastic conversation.

Count Rostov, together with Natasha, goes to visit the Bolkonskys, but they do not favor them. Natasha is very uncomfortable. In the theater she meets Anatole, son of Karagin. He wants to steal her secretly from everyone (Anatole is already married by this time, but is in no hurry to talk about it).

But his plans are not destined to come true - Sonya finds out about Anatole's lie, and the kidnapping breaks down. Bolkonsky finds out about Natasha's refusal, about her affair with Anatole, and returns all those letters that she once wrote to him. Unexpectedly for myself Pierre confesses his tender feelings for Rostova. Already at this stage, one can make an assumption how the novel "War and Peace" will end - namely, with whom Natasha Rostova is expected happy life.

Third volume

Events in this volume:

1. Natasha finds peace in religion.
2. Pierre goes to the battlefield.
3. Bolkonsky is injured.
4. Kutuzov retreats, the French occupy Moscow.
5. Natasha Rostova takes care of the wounded prince, their feelings come to life again.

In June 1812 hostilities begin. The emperor sends his adjutant named Balashev to Napoleon, but he is not honored, he has to wait 4 days. Bolkonsky wants to challenge Kuragin to a duel.

Rostov at this time live in Moscow. Natasha feels very bad, but on July 12 the family goes to church. On her state of mind Prayer has a beneficial effect, the girl calms down.

Military actions

Shelling begins in Smolensk, and then a fire. So far, no one thinks about how the war will end. Old Bolkonsky is dying. Kutuzov offers Andrey remain to serve at the headquarters, but he asks to be left in the regiment.

Pierre Bezukhov is arrested. Before becoming a prisoner, he performs many noble deeds.

He saves a girl from a fire, protects the Armenians - all this suggests that Pierre sincerely wants to help people. In fact, an attentive reader of the novel will see that Bezukhov takes the child out from under the bench.

Pierre Bezukhov, who saves a girl from a fire, is a slightly incorrect wording. Reading the text carefully, one cannot say that Pierre really save the girl out of the fire, although he is no doubt doing a noble deed.

Kutuzov is sure that the spirit of the army determines the outcome of the battle. After the battle, Kutuzov's army heads towards Fili. The French army enters Moscow. Napoleon is informed that the city is empty. Shortly before this, the Rostovs are going to leave. Natasha takes care of the wounded Bolkonsky.

Attention! It is around Natasha that the main ideas of Leo Tolstoy are concentrated about, the author endows the girl with extraordinary ethical power. Natasha loses loved ones, but does not break down spiritually.

Volume four

Main events:

1. Pierre is captured.
2. Bolkonsky dies.
3. Napoleon moves towards Smolensk.
4. Petya is dying.
5. Pierre is released.
6. He confesses his tender feelings for Rostova.

Pierre in captivity

Nikolai goes to Voronezh, where he meets Bolkonsky's sister, Marya. Andrew is dying. Pierre Bezukhov is captured, he must be interrogated by a marshal known for his cruelty named Davout.

However, Pierre meets Davout's eyes, and this saves him - they both feel that are brothers in spirit. The French shoot five prisoners, while Bezukhov is taken to the barracks.

Denisov, together with Dolokhov, attacks the enemy transport, which contains prisoners of war. Among them is Pierre. Petya Rostov dies. After his rescue, Pierre is in Orel - deprivation affects his state of health. Bezukhov talks with Marya about whether his happiness with Natasha is possible. She also wakes up bright feelings for Pierre.

Epilogue

We reviewed the summary of the novel "War and Peace". How many volumes are in the book? There are 4 volumes in War and Peace, but the epic is supplemented with an epilogue. In it, the reader has the opportunity to learn about two weddings - Pierre and Natasha, as well as Nikolai and Marya. In the winter of 1820, Natasha comes to visit her brother with her children. A conversation takes place between Pierre, Denisov and Nikolai, Pierre talks about the need for change.

Bolkonsky's son, Nikolenka, dreams that he is leading a huge army. The epilogue introduces the reader to later life heroes, lets you know how the unusual events that took place on the pages of the immortal work of Leo Tolstoy, the author of the book War and Peace, ended.

We read quickly - "War and Peace" in half an hour

Conclusion

The epic of Tolstoy was hailed as a masterpiece world literary heritage. Galsworthy called the work the best that had ever been written. The novel is the result of Tolstoy's spiritual quest, his desire to find the truth and meaning of life.

PART ONE

I

Eh bien, mon prince. Genes et Lucques ne sont plus que des apanages, des estates, de la famille Buonaparte. Non, je vous previens, que si vous ne me dites pas, que nous avons la guerre, si vous vous permettez encore de pallier toutes les infamies, toutes les atrocites de cet Antichrist (ma parole, j "y crois) - je ne vous connais plus, vous n "etes plus mon ami, vous n" etes plus my faithful slave, comme vous dites. [ Well, prince, Genoa and Lucca have become no more than the estates of the Bonaparte family. No, I warn you, if you do not tell me that we are at war, if you still allow yourself to defend all the nasty things, all the horrors of this Antichrist (really, I believe that he is the Antichrist) - I don’t know you anymore, you don’t my friend, you are no longer my faithful slave, as you say . ] Well, hello, hello. Je vois que je vous fais peur, [ I see that I scare you , ] sit down and talk.

So said in July 1805 the famous Anna Pavlovna Sherer, maid of honor and close associate of Empress Maria Feodorovna, meeting the important and bureaucratic Prince Vasily, who was the first to come to her evening. Anna Pavlovna coughed for several days, she had flu as she said flu was then a new word, used only by rare people). In the notes sent out in the morning with the red footman, it was written without distinction in all:

"Si vous n" avez rien de mieux a faire, M. le comte (or mon prince), et si la perspective de passer la soiree chez une pauvre malade ne vous effraye pas trop, je serai charmee de vous voir chez moi entre 7 et 10 heures Annette Scherer".

[ If you, count (or prince), have nothing better in mind, and if the prospect of an evening with a poor patient does not frighten you too much, then I will be very glad to see you today between seven and ten o'clock. Anna Scherer . ]

Dieu, quelle virulente sortie [ O! what a brutal attack! ] - answered, not at all embarrassed by such a meeting, the prince entered, in a court, embroidered uniform, in stockings, shoes, with stars, with a bright expression of a flat face. He spoke that exquisite French, which our grandfathers not only spoke, but also thought, and with those quiet, patronizing intonations that are characteristic of a significant person who has grown old in society and at court. He went up to Anna Pavlovna, kissed her hand, offering her his perfumed and shining bald head, and calmly sat down on the sofa.

Avant tout dites moi, comment vous allez, chere amie? [ First of all, how is your health? ] Calm down your friend, - he said, without changing his voice and tone, in which, due to decency and participation, indifference and even mockery shone through.

How can you be healthy ... when you suffer morally? Is it possible to remain calm in our time, when a person has a feeling? Anna Pavlovna said. - You're with me all evening, I hope?

And the holiday of the English envoy? Today is Wednesday. I need to show myself there, - said the prince. - My daughter will pick me up and take me.

I thought this holiday was cancelled. Je vous avoue que toutes ces fetes et tous ces feux d "artifice commencent a devenir insipides. [ I confess, all these holidays and fireworks are becoming unbearable . ]

If they knew that you want this, the holiday would be canceled, ”said the prince, out of habit, like a wound clock, saying things that he didn’t want to be believed.

Ne me tourmentez pas. Eh bien, qu "a-t-on decide par rapport a la depeche de Novosiizoff? Vous savez tout. [ Don't torment me. Well, what did they decide on the occasion of Novosiltsov's dispatch? you all know . ]

How can you tell? - said the prince in a cold, bored tone. - Qu "a-t-on decide? On a decide que Buonaparte a brule ses vaisseaux, et je crois que nous sommes en train de bruler les notres. [ What do you think? It was decided that Bonaparte had burned his ships; and we too seem ready to burn our . ] - Prince Vasily always spoke lazily, as an actor speaks the role of an old play. Anna Pavlovna Sherer, on the contrary, despite her forty years, was full of animation and impulses.

Being an enthusiast became her social position, and sometimes, when she didn’t even want to, she, in order not to deceive the expectations of people who knew her, became an enthusiast. The restrained smile that constantly played on Anna Pavlovna's face, although it did not go to her obsolete features, expressed, like in spoiled children, the constant consciousness of her sweet shortcoming, from which she does not want, cannot and does not find it necessary to correct herself.

In the middle of a conversation about political actions, Anna Pavlovna got excited.

Oh, don't tell me about Austria! I don't understand anything, maybe, but Austria never wanted and doesn't want war. She betrays us. Russia alone must be the savior of Europe. Our benefactor knows his high calling and will be faithful to it. Here's one thing I believe in. Our good and wonderful sovereign has the greatest role in the world, and he is so virtuous and good that God will not leave him, and he will fulfill his calling to crush the hydra of the revolution, which is now even more terrible in the person of this murderer and villain. We alone must atone for the blood of the righteous... Whom shall we hope for, I ask you?... England with its commercial spirit will not and cannot understand the whole loftiness of the soul of Emperor Alexander. She refused to clear Malta. She wants to see, looking for the back thought of our actions. What did they say to Novosiltsov?... Nothing. They did not understand, they cannot understand the selflessness of our emperor, who wants nothing for himself and wants everything for the good of the world. And what did they promise? Nothing. And what they promised, and that will not happen! Prussia has already declared that Bonaparte is invincible and that all of Europe can do nothing against him... And I do not believe in a single word either Hardenberg or Gaugwitz. Cette fameuse neutralite prussienne, ce n "est qu" un piege. [ This notorious neutrality of Prussia is only a trap . ] I believe in one God and high destiny our dear emperor. He will save Europe!... - She suddenly stopped with a smile of mockery at her ardor.