Summary Because he has become wealthy and titled, Pierre is one of the most sought-after young men in Petersburg. He even believes, as weak-willed persons do, that he deserves the attention and admiration of the people around him. Prince Vassily, who attaches himself to the young count and helps him […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book III: Chapters 1–5Summary and Analysis Book II: Chapters 9–21
Summary After numerous retreats and skirmishes, Kutuzov crosses the Danube and successfully engages Mortier’s division of the French forces. Despite the victory, a third of the Russian troops are disabled, with the rest more ill-fed and ill-equipped than before. Kutuzov dispatches Prince Andrey to report the victory to the Austrian […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book II: Chapters 9–21Summary and Analysis Book II: Chapters 1–8
Summary As an adjutant in Kutuzov’s suite, Prince Andrey is lighthearted and stimulated by his work. His alert expression bears no trace of his former ennui. At this time in October 1805, he is privy to the discussions between Kutuzov and his Austrian allies. The Russian general orders an inspection […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book II: Chapters 1–8Summary and Analysis Book I: Chapters 22–25
Summary At Bleak Hills, the estate of Prince Nikolay Andreivitch Bolkonsky, everyone awaits the arrival of Prince Andrey and his wife Liza. Besides the old man, nicknamed the”Prussian king,” the household includes Princess Marya, her orphaned companion Mlle. Bourienne, the prince’s architect Mihail Ivanovitch (whom the old man admits to […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book I: Chapters 22–25Summary and Analysis Book I: Chapters 7–21
Summary After Prince Vassily gets Boris Drubetskoy his commission in the Guards, Anna Mihalovna returns triumphant to Moscow, where she lives with the Rostovs, her rich relatives who have supported Boris and educated him with their children. Countess Rostov and her daughter — who both have the name Natalya — […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book I: Chapters 7–21Summary and Analysis Book I: Chapters 1–6
Summary Anna Pavlovna talks with Prince Vassily Kuragin, the first guest to arrive at one of her soirees in 1805.”Chere Annette” is a 40-year-old spinster who runs one of the most celebrated salons in Petersburg, and as usual, her manner of speaking expresses enthusiasm whether she feels it or not. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book I: Chapters 1–6Character List
Bolkonsky Family Prince Nikolay Andrei[vi]tch Bolkonsky Scion of an ancient and honorable family, now an old man, who clings more and more to the values of an outdated feudal society. Prince Andrey Bolkonsky His son and heir, who is an intensely intellectual, basically egotistical young man who seeks to exchange […]
Read more Character ListBook Summary
Book I We are introduced to the major families through the vehicle of a soiree at the Anna Pavlovna’s home, a name-day celebration at the Rostovs, and a description of the isolated existence of the Bolkonskys at their country seat. Prince Andrey and Pierre discuss their futures and what they […]
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