War and Peace. About volume 3
The third volume of the epic novel “War and Peace” tells about the beginning of the War of 1812, called the Patriotic War. The focus is on such historical events as the attack of the French army led by Napaleon Boanaparte on Russia; Battle of Borodino; the burning of Moscow and the inglorious entry into the city of Napoleon Boanaparte; council in Fili and many other facts characterizing not only the era of the early nineteenth century, but also the characters of individual historical figures and characters.
The writing of the third volume was preceded by the author’s enormous work with historical documents, letters and memoirs of eyewitnesses of these events. The works of critics and analysts of this historical period were studied. A library on the Patriotic War of 1812 was collected.
According to L.N. himself Tolstoy, the works of historical figures could not give him the necessary foundation for a realistic reconstruction of the events described.
The author spends two days in the village of Borodino. Satisfied with what he saw, he remains very pleased and in a letter to his wife promises to write “... a battle of Borodino that has never happened before.”
Rejecting the idea of the War of 1812 as a confrontation between the powers that be, the author of the novel shows a war of liberation, a people's war, which made it possible to expose true human qualities and values.
Leo Tolstoy - War and Peace. Volume 3
6 …
He nodded his head, responding to Balashev’s low and respectful bow, and, approaching him, immediately began to speak like a man who treasures every minute of his time and does not deign to prepare his speeches, but is confident in what he will always say ok and what needs to be said.
- Hello, general! - he said. “I received the letter from Emperor Alexander that you delivered, and I am very glad to see you.” “He looked into Balashev’s face with his big eyes and immediately began to look ahead past him.
It was obvious that he was not at all interested in Balashev’s personality. It was clear that only what was happening in his soul was of interest to him. Everything that was outside of him did not matter to him, because everything in the world, as it seemed to him, depended only on his will.
“I do not want and did not want war,” he said, “but I was forced into it.” Even now (he said this word with emphasis) I am ready to accept all the explanations that you can give me. - And he clearly and briefly began to state the reasons for his displeasure against the Russian government.
Judging by the moderately calm and friendly tone with which the French emperor spoke, Balashev was firmly convinced that he wanted peace and intended to enter into negotiations.
- Sire! L'Empereur, mon maitre, [ Your Majesty! Emperor, my lord , ] - Balashev began a long-prepared speech when Napoleon, having finished his speech, looked questioningly at the Russian ambassador; but the look of the emperor's eyes fixed on him confused him. “You are embarrassed - come to your senses,” Napoleon seemed to say, looking at Balashev’s uniform and sword with a barely noticeable smile. Balashev recovered and began to speak. He said that Emperor Alexander did not consider Kurakin’s demand for passports to be a sufficient reason for war, that Kurakin did so arbitrarily and without the consent of the sovereign, that Emperor Alexander did not want war and that there were no relations with England.
“Not yet,” Napoleon interjected and, as if afraid to give in to his feelings, he frowned and nodded his head slightly, thereby letting Balashev feel that he could continue.
Having expressed everything that was ordered to him, Balashev said that Emperor Alexander wants peace, but will not begin negotiations except on the condition that... Here Balashev hesitated: he remembered those words that Emperor Alexander did not write in the letter, but which he certainly ordered that Saltykov be inserted into the rescript and which Balashev ordered to hand over to Napoleon. Balashev remembered these words: “until not a single armed enemy remains on Russian land,” but some complex feeling held him back. He could not say these words, although he wanted to do so. He hesitated and said: on the condition that the French troops retreat beyond the Neman.
Napoleon noticed Balashev's embarrassment when uttering his last words; his face trembled, his left calf began to tremble rhythmically. Without leaving his place, he began to speak in a voice higher and more hasty than before. During the subsequent speech, Balashev, more than once lowering his eyes, involuntarily observed the trembling of the calf in Napoleon’s left leg, which intensified the more he raised his voice.
“I wish peace no less than Emperor Alexander,” he began. “Isn’t it me who has been doing everything for eighteen months to get it?” I've been waiting eighteen months for an explanation. But in order to start negotiations, what is required of me? - he said, frowning and making an energetic questioning gesture with his small, white and plump hand.
“The retreat of the troops beyond the Neman, sir,” said Balashev.
- For Neman? - Napoleon repeated. - So now you want them to retreat beyond the Neman - only beyond the Neman? - Napoleon repeated, looking directly at Balashev.
Balashev bowed his head respectfully.
Instead of demanding four months ago to retreat from Pomerania, they now demanded to retreat only beyond the Niemen. Napoleon quickly turned and began to walk around the room.
— You say that they require me to retreat beyond the Neman to begin negotiations; but they demanded of me in exactly the same way two months ago to retreat beyond the Oder and Vistula, and, despite this, you agree to negotiate.
He silently walked from one corner of the room to the other and again stopped opposite Balashev. His face seemed to harden in its stern expression, and his left leg trembled even faster than before. Napoleon knew this trembling of his left calf. “ La vibration de mon mollet gauche est un grand signe chez moi, ” he said later.
“Such proposals as clearing the Oder and the Vistula can be made to the Prince of Baden, and not to me,” Napoleon almost cried out, completely unexpectedly for himself. - If you had given me St. Petersburg and Moscow, I would not have accepted these conditions. Are you saying I started the war? Who came to the army first? - Emperor Alexander, not me. And you offer me negotiations when I have spent millions, while you are in an alliance with England and when your position is bad - you offer me negotiations! What is the purpose of your alliance with England? What did she give you? - he said hastily, obviously already directing his speech not in order to express the benefits of concluding peace and discussing its possibility, but only in order to prove both his rightness and his strength, and to prove Alexander’s wrongness and mistakes.
The introduction of his speech was made, obviously, with the aim of showing the advantage of his position and showing that, despite the fact, he accepted the opening of negotiations. But he had already begun to speak, and the more he spoke, the less able he was to control his speech.
The whole purpose of his speech now, obviously, was only to exalt himself and insult Alexander, that is, to do exactly what he least wanted at the beginning of the date.
— They say you made peace with the Turks?
Balashev tilted his head affirmatively.
“The world is concluded...” he began. But Napoleon did not let him speak. He apparently needed to speak on his own, alone, and he continued to speak with that eloquence and intemperance of irritation to which spoiled people are so prone.
- Yes, I know, you made peace with the Turks without receiving Moldavia and Wallachia. And I would give these provinces to your sovereign just as I gave him Finland. Yes,” he continued, “I promised and would have given Moldavia and Wallachia to Emperor Alexander, but now he will not have these beautiful provinces.” He could, however, annex them to his empire, and in one reign he would expand Russia from the Gulf of Bothnia to the mouth of the Danube. “Katherine the Great could not have done more,” said Napoleon, becoming more and more excited, walking around the room and repeating to Balashev almost the same words that he said to Alexander himself in Tilsit. - Tout cela il l'aurait du a mon amitie... Ah! Quel beau regne, quel beau regne! - he repeated several times, stopped, took a golden snuffbox out of his pocket and greedily sniffed from it.
- Quel beau regne aurait pu etre celui de l'Empereur Alexandre! [ He would owe all this to my friendship... Oh, what a wonderful reign, what a wonderful reign! Oh, what a wonderful reign the reign of Emperor Alexander might have been! ]
He looked at Balashev with regret, and just as Balashev was about to notice something, he again hastily interrupted him.
“What could he desire and seek that he would not find in my friendship?..” said Napoleon, shrugging his shoulders in bewilderment. - No, he found it best to surround himself with my enemies, and who? - he continued. - He called to him the Steins, Armfelds, Wintzingerode, Bennigsenov, Stein - a traitor expelled from his fatherland, Armfeld - a libertine and intriguer, Wintzingerode - a fugitive subject of France, Bennigsen is somewhat more military than the others, but still incapable, who does nothing knew how to do it in 1807 and which should have aroused terrible memories in Emperor Alexander... Let’s suppose, if they were capable, one could use them,” continued Napoleon, barely managing to keep up with the words that constantly arise, showing him his rightness or strength (that in his concept it was one and the same), but even that is not the case: they are not suitable for either war or peace. Barclay, they say, is more efficient than all of them; but I won’t say that, judging by his first movements. What are they doing? What are all these courtiers doing! Pfuhl proposes, Armfeld argues, Bennigsen considers, and Barclay, called to act, does not know what to decide on, and time passes. One Bagration is a military man. He is stupid, but he has experience, an eye and determination... And what role does your young sovereign play in this ugly crowd. They compromise him and blame him for everything that happens. Un souverain ne doit etre a l'armee que quand il est general, [ The sovereign should be with the army only when he is a commander ,] - he said, obviously sending these words directly as a challenge to the face of the sovereign. Napoleon knew how much Emperor Alexander wanted to be a commander.
6 …
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Summary of War and Peace Volume 3 in parts and chapters.
Part 1.
Chapter 1.
1812 June 12. The borders of the Russian Empire are crossed by troops from Western Europe. The French army is led by Napoleon Boanaparte. Each of his contemporaries (and then his descendants) sees and explains the reasons for making this decision in his own way.
Chapter 2.
May 29. Napoleon, having expressed his opinion to the emperor, princes and kings located in Dresden, heads to Poland. French troops receive orders to move towards the Russian border. With this decision, Boanaparte sharply changes the opinion he expressed in a letter to the Russian emperor about his reluctance to fight with Russia.
The French cross the Neman and attack Russia.
Chapter 3.
Russia is not ready for war. The attitude of the emperor and the commanders-in-chief to this issue is extremely frivolous. Alexander has fun at balls and celebrations organized for him in Vilna. “...the news of the French crossing the Neman was especially unexpected after a month of unfulfilled anticipation, and at the ball!” The Russian emperor invites Napoleon to leave the territory of his state. Otherwise, Russia will resist.
Chapter 4.
From June 13 to 14, Adjutant General Balashov was sent with a dispatch to Napoleon. The French non-commissioned officer is in no hurry to observe the norms of respect towards the envoy. Near the village of Rykotny, Balashov talks with Murat (who calls himself the Neapolitan king). On Muraton’s part, the tone was familiar and good-natured. Continuing further, Balashov was again detained by French sentries. The Russian envoy will have a meeting with General Davout.
Chapter 5.
Davout - "Arakcheev of Emperor Napoleon." The conversation between the French marshal and the Russian adjutant general does not work out. Davout demands to see the package.
Four days later, Balashov finds himself in Vilna again. The only difference is that now this is the location of the French.
Chapter 6.
Napoleon receives Balashov in the house where the adjutant met with Alexander a few days ago. The French leader insists on his reluctance to wage war with Russia. At Balashov’s proposal to leave the occupied lands, the angry Napoleon blames the Russian emperor for what happened. Alexander should not have entered into friendly relations with the British and Turks.
Chapter 7.
Over lunch, Napoleon shares with Balashov an unpleasant fact for himself - Emperor Alexander recklessly became close to all of Boanaparte's enemies. He is perplexed about Alexander’s desire to exercise command of the Russian army - “his business is to reign, not to command troops.”
The adjutant fulfills his duties, recounting Napaleon's words to Alexander in detail.
Russia is on the path to war.
Chapter 8.
In order to duel with Kuragin, Andrei goes to St. Petersburg. Here Kutuzov invites the prince to join the Turkish army as part of the Russian army. Andrey is part of the Western Army. On his way to his duty station, Andrei stops at his parents' house. Family relationships are tense. Andrei is dissatisfied with his father's behavior. He is upset by the coldness demonstrated by the elder Bolkonsky towards his son.
With an absolute lack of understanding of his motives, Andrei continues his journey into the army.
Chapter 9.
Drissa camp. Headquarters of the Russian army. Political parties underestimate the full extent of the impending threat. They are unhappy with the strategy used by Russian troops. A letter is sent to Alexander with a request to leave the theater of military operations and lead the military company from the capital.
Chapter 10.
The French are advancing. The Russian emperor inspects the Dris camp, headed by General Pfuel and causing discontent among the military leaders.
Andrei Bolkonsky communicates with General Pfuel. The general displays the typical traits of a theoretical strategist, good at maps and rather poor at actual military operations.
Chapter 11.
The military council has a long and heated discussion about the plan of action developed by Pfuel. Several options were proposed, and it was obvious that each of them had both its advantages and disadvantages.
Andrei, observing what is happening, decides to continue serving not at headquarters, but in the active army.
Chapter 12.
Nikolai Rostov was assigned to the Pavlograd regiment. The regiment retreats, approaching the Russian borders from Poland.
The story of Raevsky, who took his two minor sons with him to the attack, is spreading among the military. Rostov does not share the admiration of his compatriots. Nikolai considers it irresponsible to expose small children to such danger, while allowing a considerable degree of exaggeration to be made to boost the morale of the army.
Chapter 13.
Abandoned tavern. Here the regimental doctor and his wife, Rostov Ilyin and three officers take shelter from the rain. Wet and chilled “guests” have a tea party from a samovar on dirty water and a card game of kings. Those present are amused by the doctor’s attack of jealousy towards Marya Genrikhovna.
Chapter 14.
Three o'clock in the morning. The order to march to Ostrovna was received. The French are pursuing the Russian cavalry army. Among the lancers is the squadron of Nikolai Rostov.
Chapter 15.
Nikolai assesses the situation and leads the Russian lancers into the attack. The enemy is defeated. Rostov captures the officer, for which he is appointed commander of the hussar battalion and receives an award - the St. George Cross.
Rostov is philosophical about his heroic deed. He sympathizes with the French, thinking why it is necessary to kill an enemy who is in fear. “My hand trembled. And they gave me the St. George Cross. Nothing, I don’t understand anything!”
Chapter 16.
The Rostovs return to Moscow. Natasha is having a hard time breaking up with Andrey. Doctors are unable to determine the cause of the girl’s illness. Gradually, a healthy young body returns Natasha to her usual way of life.
Chapter 17.
Natasha shuns everyone, communicating only with Pierre Bezukhov. Bezukhov is hopelessly in love. He does not have the strength to admit this to Natasha. The girl, who sincerely responds to Pierre's attention, does not notice his love pangs.
Remembering Agrofena Ivanovna, young Rostova begins to attend church. At the same time, the girl feels “the possibilities of a new, clean life and happiness.”
Chapter 18.
July 11. A manifesto on the formation of a people's militia was published. Moscow is excited by talk about the results of the military campaign. Sunday. The Rostovs are present at the service held by the Razumovskys. The priest in prayer asks to save Russia from the enemies that attacked it. Natasha joins the requests for salvation, forgiveness and happiness.
Chapter 19.
Bezukhov's thoughts are completely devoted to Natasha. Brother Pierre, who is a Freemason, speaks of the prediction contained in the Apocalypse of John. Prophecy about the appearance of Napoleon. Bezukhov is fond of digital calculations with the name of Napoleon, resulting in 666 - the “number of the beast”. Pierre gets the same result as a result of calculating his own name. Bezukhov explains this as a higher connection between him and the French invader. Pierre decides that his highest mission is to stop Napoleon Boanaparte.
Chapter 20.
During dinner at the Rostovs', Pierre hears from Natasha words of recognition of the importance of his figure in her life. Natasha is still worried about the question of whether Prince Andrei will forgive her. In a fit of tender feelings, Pierre is unable to answer Natasha.
The Rostovs read a manifesto about the difficult situation in Russia and their special hope for Moscow.
Bezukhov intends to go into military service. His parents do not approve of his decision.
Pierre decides not to visit the Rostovs' house anymore. His feelings for Natasha are too great.
Chapter 21.
Alexander I arrives in Moscow. Bezukhov intends to personally ask him for permission to perform military service. Finding himself in a loud crowd, Pierre decides not to do this. Without understanding why, Pierre picks up a piece of biscuit that fell from the emperor after dinner into the crowd.
Bezukhov is categorical; he informs his family that he intends to flee to war if they continue to put obstacles in his way.
Chapter 22.
Slobodsky yard. Meeting of merchants and nobles. They do not want to invest in a military company. Pierre Bezukhov wants to object by expressing his opinion, but the exclamations of those gathered do not give him such an opportunity.
Chapter 23.
The appearance of the emperor and his fiery speech about the heroic actions of the Russian army and the importance of everyone's participation change their opinion. Nobles and merchants donate very significant sums to a good cause.
Pierre Bezukhov donates a thousand people along with their support. He is enlisted in the army.
Part 2.
Chapter 1.
Analysis of the War of 1812. Reflections on the role of Napoleon and Alexander in this war. The author’s conclusion is that the will of two strong figures in this war did not affect anything.
The French are advancing towards Smolensk. Residents cannot allow the city to be captured. They set the city on fire themselves. Heading to Moscow, in the hope of finding protection and salvation there, residents of Smolensk go to other cities and incite the people to fight the enemy.
Chapter 2.
Andrei Bolkonsky writes a letter to his father with a detailed account of the progress of the war and strongly advises the family to move to Moscow. Andrey's father ignores his son's request. He is sure that the French will not reach Bald Mountains. The Neman is the maximum line where the enemy can advance.
Chapter 3.
The manager of the Bolkonsky estate, Alpatych, is going to Smolensk. Giving orders from the old prince to the manager takes more than two hours.
Chapter 4.
August 4th. Evening. Alpatych reached the city. Smolensk is burning. Smolensk is under siege. The local population hastily collects their belongings. Russian troops are still in the city. Prince Andrei, through Alpatych, in a letter asks the family to cross to Moscow as quickly as possible.
Chapter 5.
Bald Mountains. Andrei Balkonsky stops by here before returning to the regiment. Relatives in Moscow. The sight of bathing soldiers evokes in Andrei the most terrible feelings associated with the understanding that they are just merry “cannon fodder.”
Bagration addresses a letter to Arakcheev with accusations against the Minister of War Barclay de Tolly (who was the commander-in-chief). It was impossible to leave Smolensk. The French position was not in their favor. The reason for the wrong decisions, Bagration believes, is that the Russian army is controlled not by one head, but by two.
Chapter 6.
Salon Helen (St. Petersburg). Visitors to the salon discuss the war as something frivolous and quickly passing. Vasily allows himself quite harsh criticism of Kutuzov. The appointment of Kutuzov as commander-in-chief of the entire Russian army dramatically changes the prince's opinion about him. Vasily takes the position of his intercessor.
Chapter 7.
From Smolensk the French are moving towards Moscow. Napoleon is persistently looking for a new battle (Vyazma, Tsarevo-Zaymishche). “... but it turned out that due to countless collisions of circumstances, one hundred and twenty versts from Moscow, the Russians could not accept the battle.”
Chapter 8.
Bolkonsky family. The old prince is seriously ill. Marya takes care of her father, catching herself thinking about speedy liberation from rigid and unquestioning submission to his will. She thinks about love and family happiness. Such thoughts frighten Marya like a devilish temptation. Feeling better, the old man asks Marya to forgive him. He talks about the last days of Russia, falls into unconsciousness, and is delirious. Another blow happens, Balkonsky dies.
Chapter 9.
Shortly before the death of the prince, Alpatych comes to Bogucharovo with instructions from Andrei. He observes the special character of men and their opinion about what is happening. The order to collect carts for departure from the estate remains unfulfilled. Alpatych’s attempts to convince the local headman to carry out the order do not help either.
Chapter 10.
Marya mourns her father, blaming herself for his death. She is ashamed of her secret desires. Not wanting to be captured by the French, Marya decides to leave for Moscow, taking the peasants with her. Headman Dron (who managed the estate for about thirty years) receives orders to prepare carts.
Chapter 11.
The peasants come to the prince's house and rudely express their disagreement to Marya.
Chapter 12.
Night. Marya is not sleeping. She relives the loss of her father and the days leading up to his death over and over again.
Chapter 13.
Bogucharovo. Princess Marya meets with Nikolai Rostov. Marya confidentially tells Nikolai about the self-will of the peasants. Nikolai, who arrived in Bogucharovo to look for food for the horses, promises Marya his protection and help in moving to Moscow.
Chapter 14.
Nikolai Rostov keeps his promise. With his help, the Bogucharov men stopped the riot. Marya falls in love with Rostov, realizing that she will never admit this to anyone. Nikolai also has tender feelings for Marya. Rostov is visited by thoughts that his and Marya’s marriage would be a joyful event for everyone.
Chapter 15.
Tsarevo-Zamishche. Main apartment. Meeting of Kutuzov, Andrei Bolkonsky and Denisov. Bolkonsky and Denisov in a conversation share memories of their love for Natasha Rostova. They talk about this as something very distant.
Denisov and Kutuzov discuss the current situation. The commander-in-chief does not pay due attention to Denisov’s plan for waging guerrilla warfare. His principles and views were somewhat different.
Chapter 16.
Balkonsky receives an invitation from the commander-in-chief to continue serving next to him. Andrey refuses. Kutuzov is sympathetic to Andrei’s decision. He speaks with confidence about the defeat of the French army, but this must wait.
Chapter 17.
The French are approaching Moscow. Moscow itself, without reacting in any way to reports of an imminent threat, continues to live a peaceful life.
Chapter 18.
Pierre Bezukhov is sent to the location of the military unit located in Mozhaisk. This decision was preceded by long hesitation and deliberation. The pictures that open along the route of Pierre with the army lead him to the idea of the need for self-sacrifice for the sake of liberation.
Chapter 19.
Battle of Borodino. It was not significant either for the Russians or for the French. Having completely destroyed all strategic plans, unexpectedly starting in an area visible from all sides, it received a completely logical ending - huge losses on both sides.
Chapter 20.
Pierre carefully examines the militia moving past. One thought occupies his head - how many of these people are destined for wounds, suffering, death, how can they think not about death, but about something else.
Chapter 21.
Bezukhov arrives at his place of duty. On the battlefield there is a prayer service with the icon of the Smolensk Mother of God, brought from Smolensk.
Chapter 22.
Pierre Bezukhov meets his acquaintances. For himself, he notes that the brilliance and excitement in the eyes of the officers is caused by personal aspirations, and not by worries about the fate of Russia. While communicating with friends, Kutuzov draws attention to Pierre. At Kutuzov’s invitation, Bezukhov follows him and notices Dolokhov. Kutuzov throws a few words at Bezukhov, inviting him to his halt.
A meeting with Dolokhov, previously wounded by Pierre in a duel that led to a quarrel between the young people, brings reconciliation. The expected battle and the unknown are exciting. Dolokhov apologizes to Bezukhov for the offense caused. Pierre, in a fit of emotion, hugs Dolokhov.
Chapter 23.
Benisgen's retinue, together with Bezukhov, heads to the village of Borodino. Benisgen inspects the positions, actively discussing this with others.
Chapter 24.
The time for battle is approaching. Bolkonsky is experiencing great excitement. The same feelings visited him before Austerlitz. Bolkonsky meets Bezukhov. It is unpleasant for him to see a person reminiscent of the past. Bezukhov notices Bolkonsky's mood and feels awkward.
Chapter 25.
The officers, among whom are Bolkonsky and Bezukhov, discuss military operations, the expected battle, and concern the personality of Kutuzov. Andrei fully shares the views of Kutuzov, who argued that the result depends on chance and the people, and success lies in the feelings of the soldiers. Bolkonsky's faith in victory is unshakable. Andrei characterizes the French as enemies who have encroached on his home, which means they must be destroyed. Andrey and Pierre break up. Andrei feels that they will not see each other again.
Chapter 26.
Prefect Bosset assures Napoleon that no more than three days separate the emperor from his triumphal entry into Moscow. On the eve of the Battle of Borodino, Boanaparte addresses his army. Napoleon is confident that they will bring him the long-awaited victory.
Chapter 27.
Napoleon Boanaparte on the field of the upcoming battle. The disposition is being assessed and orders are given. Many of them turn out to be unrealistic in execution.
Chapter 28.
Reflections on key historical events and the role of significant historical figures in them. Peter I, Napoleon Boanaparte, Charles IX are mentioned. The conclusion is that the path of history is predetermined.
Chapter 29.
At dawn the Battle of Borodino will begin. Napoleon carefully hides his excitement. Boanaparte is interested in the opinion of his adjutant about the upcoming meeting with Russian troops. He repeats the words of his commander, spoken in Smolensk - the wine is uncorked, we need to drink it. Napoleon agrees.
Chapter 30.
Bezukhov enjoys the panorama of the battle opening before him. He found what he saw to be quite unexpected and even majestic. Pierre follows the general, wanting to be in the very center of what is happening.
Chapter 31.
Advanced. Bezukhov. Pierre is surrounded by the wounded and dead. Raevsky's adjutant accompanies Pierre to General Raevsky to the location of his battery.
The battle is in full swing. Pierre sees several dozen dead soldiers. He notes the heroism of the Russians in repelling the French attacks despite a clear lack of ammunition. Feeling a desire to help, Pierre sees what the soldier is doing and heads towards the boxes with shells. An unexpected blow nearby knocks Bezukhov over. Pierre is thrown aside. Having come to his senses, he sees only the wood chips remaining from the box.
Chapter 32.
General Raevsky's battery was attacked by French troops. Bezukhov engages in hand-to-hand combat with a French soldier. The physical advantage is on Pierre's side. He dodges a cannonball flying nearby. The Frenchman breaks free and runs away. Bezukhov hastily returns to the location of Raevsky's battery. It always seems to him that the dead bodies with which the battlefield is covered are grabbing his legs. The scale of the death horrifies Bezukhov. He hopes that the French, having realized the culprits of what grief they are, will stop the battle. In fact, the attack became increasingly stronger.
Chapter 33.
Napoleon watches the progress of the battle through a trumpet. It is difficult for him to distinguish his soldiers from the Russians. Everyone on the battlefield was mixed up. Napoleon increasingly gives the wrong orders. His orders are late. The outcome of the battle increasingly begins to depend not on the will of military strategists, but on the spontaneous will of the fighting crowd.
Chapter 34.
Napoleon observes the senselessness of what is happening. He gets bored and starts talking about abstract topics. Napoleon doubts victory. He sees war as something terrible and useless to anyone.
Chapter 35.
Kutuzov watches the progress of the battle. His plans do not include changing the situation. It provides the people and the situation with the opportunity to develop according to their own scenario. Kutuzov’s main task is to support the morale of soldiers.
Chapter 36.
The French are shelling Andrei Bolkonsky's regiment, which is in reserve. Bolkonsky demonstrates excessive heroism and is wounded in the stomach by a cannonball that explodes nearby. Andrey is transported to the hospital. He thinks that he does not want and is not ready to die now.
Chapter 37.
Dressing station. Bolkonsky sees Kuragin among the wounded. As a result of the operation, he lost both legs. Bolkonsky is delusional. He sees a ball, Natasha, Kuragin. Andrey feels sorry for Natasha.
Chapter 38.
Napoleon sees thousands killed. He is horrified, realizing that all this is his fault.
Chapter 39.
The meaning and results of the battle of Borodino. From a historical point of view, the Russians were defeated. From the point of view of the author of the novel, the Russians won the Battle of Borodino by proving their moral superiority to the enemy and pointing out to him his moral inferiority.
Part 3.
Chapter 1.
Forces influencing the course of historical events - what are they? None of those in power is a legislator of history. The people and their actions are controlled by something small, invisible to the naked eye.
Chapter 2.
Napoleon and his troops are steadily moving towards Moscow. Russian troops are retreating. And the further the troops go, the more bitterness against the enemy grows among the soldiers.
Chapter 3.
Poklonnaya Mountain. Kutuzova. Council of Generals of the Russian Army. It is obvious to everyone that there are no opportunities to defend Moscow.
Chapter 4.
Kutuzov holds a military council with the generals in Fili. The question is being decided: to accept the battle for Moscow, knowing that loss is inevitable, or to leave the city without a fight and thereby save strength and people. According to Bennigsen, voluntary surrender of the city is out of the question. Opinions were sharply divided. Kutuzov decides to retreat.
Chapter 5.
Muscovites are leaving the city. Everything valuable is loaded onto carts and taken away. Townspeople who are unable to take things with them set fire to houses along with all their contents. Nothing should go to the enemy. Count Rostopchin is extremely dissatisfied with what is happening. The Governor-General urges residents not to leave Moscow.
Chapter 6.
Helen Bezukhova makes new acquaintances. Among them are a nobleman and a foreign prince, as well as a Catholic Jesuit. Succumbing to his influence, Helen accepts the Catholic faith, thinking of Bezukhov as a supporter of a false religion.
Chapter 7.
In the letter, Helen asks Pierre for consent to a divorce. She intends to get married a second time and is doing her best to prepare the society in which she moves for this event. The piquancy of the rumors spread by Helen is that she will have to choose between two suitors eager for her hand.
Chapter 8.
Impressed by the Battle of Borodino, Bezukhov feels a desire to return to his normal life as soon as possible. Mozhaisk Inn. Pierre thinks about the soldiers, their restraint, calmness, prudence. He would like to be like them.
Chapter 9.
Bezukhov dreams of lunch. He sees Anatoly, Nesvitsky, Dolokhov, Denisov. Through their conversations and singing, Pierre hears a benefactor addressing him. He is unable to make out the words, but understands that we are talking about good. The benefactor encourages Pierre to be like them. Bezukhov wants to attract the attention of the diners and wakes up. Bezukhov makes a discovery - submission to God is simplicity. And Anatol, Nesvitsky, Dolokhov, Denisov are simple. “They don’t say it, but they do it.”
The next morning, the troops leave Mozhaisk, leaving about ten thousand wounded.
Pierre sets off on the road on foot, ordering the carriage to catch up with him. On the way to Moscow, Bezukhov is informed of the deaths of Andrei Bolkonsky and Anatoly Kuragin.
Chapter 10.
On the thirtieth Bezukhov in Moscow. Adjutant Rostopchin is looking for him with a message about the need to urgently report to the commander-in-chief.
Chapter 11.
Count Rostopchin, having learned about Pierre's affiliation with the Freemasons, warns him against possible arrest, since some prominent figures and supporters of Freemasonry were arrested for aiding the French army. Rostopchin’s advice is to break with the Freemasons and run away.
Bezukhov receives a letter written by Helen. He fails to understand what his wife wants.
Rostopchin sends a policeman to Bezukhov. Pierre refuses to receive him and hastily, secretly from everyone, leaves the house.
Chapter 12.
There is a lot of different talk about the future of Moscow. Everyone understands that the city will be left to the French. The Rostovs are making preparations for departure.
Chapter 13.
Convoys with the wounded are arriving in the city. Natasha Rostova insists on housing soldiers in their house.
Count Rostopchin makes an appeal to go to the Three Mountains and take the battle.
Countess Rostova is trying to complete preparations for departure as quickly as possible.
Chapter 14.
Young Rostova is preparing to leave. At the count's house, a stroller in which the wounded Bolkonsky is located slows down.
Chapter 15.
One day and Moscow will be surrendered to the enemy. At the request of the military, Count Rostov is preparing several carts for their transportation. The Countess shows dissatisfaction with her husband's actions. She encourages him to think about his own children.
Chapter 16.
Natasha, having learned the countess's opinion, shouts at her. She accuses her mother of inappropriate behavior. Having calmed down, Natasha apologizes to the Countess. Rostova is inferior to her husband and daughter.
Chapter 17.
Departure of the Rostovs from Moscow. Natasha does not know about Bolkonsky, who is in one of the carts. Countess Rostova believes that this will be correct.
The Rostovs meet Pierre Bezukhov. He is dressed in a coachman's caftan, disheveled and confused.
Having hastily kissed Natasha's hand, Bezukhov disappears.
Chapter 18.
Bezukhov is in despair. The situation in Moscow gave him uneasy feelings. Pierre is convinced that nothing can come back, that in what is happening it is no longer possible to understand who is right and who is wrong. Confusion of mental feelings and thoughts. Bezukhov finds refuge with the widow Bazdeeva (whose husband was also a Freemason). He dresses up in peasant clothes and decides to get a pistol.
Chapter 19.
September 1. By order of Kutuzov, the Russians began retreating to the Ryazan road at night. Moscow is empty. Napoleon settled down on Poklonnaya Hill. At the Kamerkollezhsky Val he is waiting for the boyars and is in sweet anticipation of the fulfillment of a long-standing goal.
Chapter 20.
Boanaparte receives a message that there is no one in the city. The triumphant man refuses to believe it. He does not go to the city, but stops at the Drogomilovsky suburb.
Chapter 21.
The remnants of Russian troops leave Moscow. The wounded and civilians are serving with them. There is a huge crush on the Kamenny and Moskvoretsky bridges. Marauders are operating in the city, taking advantage of the current situation.
Chapter 22.
The empty house of the Rostovs. There is chaos all around and signs of a hasty departure. In the house there are only the janitor Ignat, the Cossack Mishka and Mavra Kuzminishna. Suddenly, Count Rostov’s nephew appears at the gate. His clothes and shoes are torn. The officer needs help.
Chapter 23.
Those remaining in the city organize loud processions, drink and fight.
Chapter 24.
Evening of September 1st. Rastopchin in Moscow. The Count is offended by Kutuzov's decision not to invite him to the military council. He doesn't understand well what needs to be done. All his active endeavors did not bring the desired result.
Chapter 25.
The count loses authority among the townspeople. In order to improve the situation, Rastopchin gives the scribe Vereshchagin, who was considered the main culprit in the decision to leave Moscow to the French, to be torn to pieces by the crowd. He is sure that this cruelty was created for the sake of the people and their well-being.
Chapter 26.
Moscow greets French soldiers with robberies and looting. The military leaders are unable to establish any semblance of order. Four residents of Moscow came to the defense of the Kremlin, and they were dealt with very quickly.
Wooden Moscow was burned. It couldn't have been any other way. Moscow burned down at the will of the residents who did not want to take out bread and salt and the keys to the city to the next invader. They burned it and left the city.
Chapters 27-28.
Pierre Bezukhov's health is on the verge of insanity. He is obsessed with the idea of killing Napoleon Boanaparte, in the absence of any understanding of how this can be accomplished.
Bezukhov saves French army officer Rambal from attack. He knocks out a pistol from the attacker, a lost old man (the brother of the owner of the apartment where Pierre lives). The Frenchman is impressed. He puts Bezukhov on his list of friends.
Chapter 29.
Rambal and Pierre are having dinner at Bazdeev’s apartment. The tone of the conversation is love. The conversation proceeds quite frankly on Bezukhov’s part. Pierre talks about the only and hopeless love in his life, talks about himself, reveals his origin and name.
Chapter 30.
Mytishchi. The Rostovs stop for the night. From here you can clearly see Moscow burning.
Chapter 31.
Natasha, having learned that Bolkonsky is in their convoy, waits until dark to meet him.
At night, Natasha finds Andrei. He seems to her completely unchanged. However, the girl is particularly impressed by her childish appearance, a naivety skillfully hidden by Bolkonsky before. Andrey is glad to meet Natasha.
Chapter 32.
Andrei remains unconscious for seven days. The doctor, assessing Andrei’s condition and his severe pain, predicts his imminent death.
Bolkonsky's worldview changes greatly. An understanding of divine love comes to him. Understanding the need to love both friend and enemy. Human love tends to develop into hatred - he thinks, divine love is eternal.
Bolkonsky, with pleas for forgiveness, reveals to Natasha his highest feelings for her.
Natasha is constantly near Bolkonsky.
Chapter 33.
September 3. The plan to attack Napoleon, invented by Bezukhov, fails. The French leader left Moscow 5 hours ago. Pierre is on the verge of madness. Bezukhov is brought to his senses by a cry for help. A child was left in the burning house. Bezukhov saves the child.
Chapter 34.
Bezukhov rushes about in search of the child’s mother, and not finding him, gives him to another woman. He notices French soldiers robbing an Armenian girl and an old man. Bezukhov rushes to the rescue and strangles one of the soldiers with all his might.
Bezukhov was taken into custody as particularly suspicious. For this reason, he is placed separately from others and is assigned a guard.
Summary Volume III Part Three “War and Peace” Tolstoy
Part three
Chapter I.
The author's thoughts about the driving forces of history. He believes that in order to study history, one must leave kings, ministers, generals, etc. alone and begin to study “the homogeneous, infinitesimal elements that lead the masses.” And only on this path is it possible to grasp historical laws.
Chapter II.
Discussion about the movement and actions of the Russian and French troops in 1812 and about the dependence of the commanders-in-chief on the events taking place. The Russian army is constantly retreating, and the French are rushing towards Moscow. In the Russian army, as they retreat, the spirit of bitterness against the enemy flares up more and more. The French reach Moscow and stop there. Not a single battle was given. The commander-in-chief is always in the middle of a moving series of events, and therefore is never able to think about all the events that are taking place.
Chapter III.
Kutuzov with generals on Poklonnaya Hill. Conversations about the future plan of action. From all the conversations, Kutuzov understands that there is no physical strength to defend Moscow. Only Bennigsen insists on defending Moscow, but only because he wants glory for himself. Kutuzov is concerned with other questions: was it really he who allowed Napoleon to reach Moscow, and at what moment did this happen? He understands the horror of the order that will have to be given. But there is nothing to do. Kutuzov goes to the carriage and goes to Fili.
Chapter IV.
The military council in Fili met in the hut of the peasant Andrei Savostyanov. His family left the hut, only Malasha, a six-year-old girl, remained. She looks at grandfather, as she internally calls Kutuzov, and listens to the conversation. Generals of the Russian army: Ermolov, Kaisarov, de Tolly, Uvarov and others are present at the council. Kutuzov poses a question to the council: is it more profitable to risk the loss of the army and Moscow by accepting a battle, or to give up Moscow without a fight? Bennigsen's clash with Kutuzov. Bennigsen believes that leaving Moscow is unacceptable. Debate. Malasha sees that the debate consists of a personal struggle between “grandfather” and “long-haired”, as she called Bennigsen, but she was on the side of “grandfather”. Kutuzov's order to retreat. After the council, Kutuzov admits to his adjutant that he did not at all expect to leave Moscow and says with irritation that the French will still eat horse meat like the Turks.
Chapter V
The author’s thoughts about the abandonment of Moscow by its residents and its burning. He believes that leaving Moscow was inevitable. As soon as the enemy approached, the rich left, but the poor remained and destroyed and burned what was left. The people were waiting for the moment when they could do what they were supposed to do, and therefore calmly awaited the entry of troops into Moscow. People left Moscow because they could not live under Napoleon, and they did that great thing that saved Russia. Count Rastopchin, who called with his posters not to leave Moscow, did not understand the significance of the event that was taking place, but wanted to amaze someone, but looked like a stupid boy who was frolicking over the majestic and inevitable event of the burning of Moscow.
Chapter VI.
Helen Bezukhova in St. Petersburg. Her closeness with the nobleman and the foreign prince and her desire to maintain relations with both. A few days after her return, she was introduced to a Jesuit who had a long conversation with Helen about God, about love for Christ, about the heart of the Mother of God. Helen was touched. Helen's conversion to Catholicism. But she constantly demands that Catholics who are involved in this procedure free her from her husband. She says that now, having entered the true religion, she cannot be considered the wife of someone who is an adherent of a false religion.
Chapter VII.
Helen's desire for a new marriage. Her preparation of the opinion of secular society. She spreads the rumor that, poor thing, she cannot choose between two suitors for her hand.
The whole world began to discuss which party was more profitable, since Helen admitted that she loved both. The question of whether it was even possible to marry from a living husband did not arise, since it was considered resolved and to talk about it meant to show one’s stupidity and inability to live in the world. The attitude of her father and mother towards Helen's marriage. Vasily is happy for her, because she suffered for so long with Pierre. Mother Helen did not like the idea of getting married a second time while her husband was alive, she even found a Bible text that prohibits such an action. Letter from Helene to Pierre asking for a divorce.
Chapter VIII.
Pierre returns to Mozhaisk after the Battle of Borodino. He understands that only in a calm environment will he be able to think and rethink everything that he saw in the war. On the road to Mozhaisk, Pierre meets with soldiers. They accept him with simplicity, feed him, and accompany him to Mozhaisk, where he finds his own. Pierre decides to give money to the soldiers, but some inner voice tells him that it is not worth it. Pierre falls asleep in his stroller.
Chapter IX.
Pierre's overnight stay at an inn in Mozhaisk. Pierre's thoughts are “about them” - about soldiers, the desire to be a simple soldier. He remembers the behavior of the soldiers during the battle and thinks that they were firm and calm to the end. He wants to penetrate with his whole being into what makes ordinary soldiers who they are. Pierre's dream. He dreams of a dinner at which Anatol, Dolokhov, Nesvitsky, and Denisov are present. Everyone is drinking, having fun, screaming, but because of their screaming, the voice of a benefactor is heard, who tells Pierre about goodness, about the opportunity to be what they were. And they surrounded the benefactor, but did not see Pierre. He wanted to draw their attention to himself, got up and woke up. After sleep, he understands that simplicity is submission to God, and they are simple. They don't talk, they do. You can’t connect thoughts, you have to pair them, as if Pierre hears from somewhere, but he doesn’t know how to do this. They wake him up to continue on his way. On the way, Pierre learns about the death of his brother-in-law and Prince Andrei.
Chapter X
Return of Pierre to Moscow. Pierre in Count Rastopchin's reception room. Pierre reads the posters that the count issues and objects to him, talking about the impossibility of fighting in the city. Those present in the reception room hint to Pierre about Helene, but he still knows nothing about her decision to get married, so he does not understand them. The story of Vereshchagin. This is a half-educated merchant who decided to take the blame for writing the proclamation, which was actually written by Napoleon. And the count needed Vereshchagin to point to Klyucharyov. But Vereshchagin did not confess, so he will be punished.
Chapter XI.
Pierre's conversation with Count Rostopchin about Freemasonry and the case of Klyucharyov and Vereshchagin. Rastopchin asks Pierre if he is one of those Freemasons who, under the guise of saving the human race, want to destroy Russia. Pierre answers that he is a Freemason. Rastopchin explains to Pierre that Speransky, Magnitsky, Klyucharyov and the like were exiled to the right places for betraying their homeland. He advises Pierre to stop all kinds of relations with such Freemasons and leave as soon as possible. Pierre's mood. He reads his wife's letter, but does not understand a word. Pierre's disappearance from home.
Chapter XII.
Rostov. For the first time, the thought occurs to the Countess that both of her sons are at war and one of them, or maybe even both, could be killed. All the Rostovs’ acquaintances left Moscow, but the countess did not want to hear anything about leaving, since she was waiting for Petya to return from the army. Finally, Petya arrives, but he stays away from his mother, as her overprotectiveness irritates him. Moscow before the French invasion. Various rumors are circulating around the city, but despite this, people understand that Moscow will be surrendered. Some are leaving, others are just getting ready. The Rostovs are getting ready to leave Moscow. Sonya is in charge of packing things. The Countess, dissatisfied with Petya's behavior, takes out all her anger on Sonya, saying that she would be glad if Nikolenka married a rich bride. Sonya understood that this was a way out for the Rostovs, but she was in pain. Natasha and Petya were happy about their departure, as well as everything that was happening around them, because everything unusual is always joyful for young people.
Chapter XIII.
Natasha while getting ready to leave. She tries to take part in collecting things, but her soul is not in it, and therefore she goes outside. There she meets a convoy with the wounded and invites them to stay at their house. Natasha seeks permission for the wounded to stay in their house. Petya returns at lunch. He talks about Rastopchin’s call to take up arms and go to three mountains tomorrow, where there will be a battle.
Chapter XIV.
Getting ready for departure at the Rostovs' house. Natasha's activity in packing things. Now she is seriously involved in this business: laying porcelain and carpets. Thanks to Natasha, unnecessary things were left behind and the most expensive ones were packed away. The carriage with the wounded Prince Andrei stops at the Rostovs' house.
Chapter XV.
The last day of Moscow before its surrender to the French. It was Sunday, people went to church. The wounded ask Count Ilya Andreevich to take them on carts, since they themselves have nothing in Moscow. The Count orders some of the carts to be unloaded in order to take the wounded with them. Explanation on this matter between the Count and Countess. He says that things are a matter of gain, but what is it like to keep them! But the Countess reproaches him for ruining his children with this act. Natasha, who heard the end of the conversation, tries to find out what the count and countess are arguing about, but they do not tell her.
Chapter XVI.
Arrival to Rostov Berg. He begins to talk about the exploits of soldiers and officers during the battle. Berg asks the countess for one or two men to help him bring to his house the wardrobe and toilet, which he bought on the cheap, and which Vera dreamed of so much. Natasha’s irritation against her mother for not wanting to give carts to the wounded. Natasha calls the countess’s act an abomination and disgusting. She shouts at her mother, then asks for forgiveness and says that she will order the wounded to be taken. The Count nods his head in agreement. Dumping things and placing the wounded. Natasha is in a cheerful mood. The wounded are taken from neighboring houses. Sonya wrote down the things that Natasha dropped off and tried to take away as much as possible.
Chapter XVII.
Departure of the Rostovs. The Countess cries, the Count crosses himself and kisses Mavra Kuzminichna and Vasilich, who remain in Moscow. The train of crews starts moving, the Rostovs' people, who remain in Moscow, see them off. Natasha experiences a joyful feeling. She leans out of the cart and looks at the carts of wounded who are traveling ahead of them. The very first to go is the carriage with the wounded Andrei Bolkonsky. Natasha's eyes search for this cart to make sure that it has not fallen behind, although she still does not know that Bolkonsky is in it. Meeting of the Rostovs with Pierre, dressed in a coachman's caftan. Pierre, recognizing Natasha, first goes to her, but then, remembering something, stops. Natasha calls him over, she asks if he is staying in Moscow, as he thought during the war. Pierre, looking confused, kisses Natasha's hand and leaves. Natasha looks after him for a long time, smiling joyfully.
Chapter XVIII.
Pierre, after his return from Mozhaisk to Moscow, experiences a feeling of confusion and hopelessness. It seems to him that everything is over now, everything is confused, there is neither right nor wrong, there is no way out of this situation ahead. Pierre settles in the apartment of the widow of the freemason Bazdeev. He asks for a peasant dress and a pistol for himself. They provide him with a dress, but there is no gun. Then Pierre goes to buy a pistol from the Sukharev Tower, then he meets the Rostovs.
Chapter XIX.
Abandonment of Moscow by Russian troops. By September 2, there were no soldiers or officers of the Russian army left in Moscow. They all gathered on the other side of Moscow and beyond Moscow. Napoleon on Poklonnaya Hill looks at Moscow and waits in vain for the deputation of the “boyars”. Moscow stretches out before Napoleon in all its glory. It seems to Napoleon that his long-standing dream, which until recently seemed impossible, has come true. The certainty of possessing this city excites and terrifies him. He sends his people after the boyars of Moscow. But they return with a report that Moscow is empty, everyone has left, only crowds of drunks remain. No one dares to tell Napoleon about this. A cannon fire is heard and all French troops are moving towards Moscow. Napoleon arrives at the Dorogomilovskaya outpost and awaits the deputation.
Chapter XX.
Empty Moscow - comparing it to a dehumidified hive. Such a hive appears to be alive on the surface, but there is no longer any life inside. The smell is not the same, the sound is not the same, the bees are still swarming, but there is no life. So in Moscow people were still bustling about, a fiftieth of the residents of Moscow, but they did not understand what they were doing. Napoleon is finally informed that Moscow is empty. He cannot believe in the reality of what is being reported, in the reality that the denouement of the theatrical performance has failed.
Chapter XXI.
The movement of Russian troops through abandoned Moscow continued from two o'clock in the afternoon until two o'clock in the morning. Shop robbery. Stampede on the Moskvoretsky Bridge. General Ermolov orders the guns to be removed in order to fire at the bridge, provided that the crush does not stop. The crowd, fearing the fulfillment of the promise, overturned the carts, ran and cleared the way for the troops.
Chapter XXII.
In the empty house of the Rostovs. Marya Kuzminichna gives the officer a twenty-five-ruble note. This officer turned out to be a relative of the count, who always helped him financially, and now he was running around and wanted to ask Rostov for money.
Chapter XXIII.
Moscow before the entry of the enemy. Street scenes, factory scenes. A fight between blacksmiths and a kisser. A crowd marching down the street. Reading Rastopchin's poster in the crowd.
The police chief tries to calm down the rioters, but they threaten him with violence, and he leaves.
Chapter XXIV.
The author's discussion about Rastopchin's activities in Moscow. Rastopchin, dissatisfied and irritated with Kutuzov and the whole course of affairs, gives the last orders. He writes in his diary that his goal at that time was to maintain calm in Moscow and expel all residents from it. But Rostopchin had no idea what he needed to do, and therefore all his actions, in essence, did nothing to help save Moscow. He orders the release of the madmen, the prisoners. Only Vereshchagina orders to be brought to him.
Chapter XXV.
By 9 o’clock in the morning, almost all residents, not listening to Rastopchin’s calls not to leave Moscow, left the city. He understands that his orders will not be carried out and that he is turning from a ruler into an insignificant, useless and weak person. Crowd at Rastopchin's house. People are shouting something about treason, about readiness to go against the French on Rastopchin’s orders. He understands that they need a victim. Rastopchin takes Vereshchagin out and gives him over to be torn to pieces by the crowd. Departure of Rostopchin to Sokolniki. His thoughts, mood. He thinks that he did something to Vereshchagin for the good of the people. Chasing a crazy man's stroller. This madman, released on his own instructions, reminded him of his act with Vereshchagin. Rastopchin, in horror, orders the coachman to drive as fast as he can. He remembers the words he said, “cut the traitor,” and thinks that if he hadn’t said them, then everything would have been different. Conversation between Rastopchin and Kutuzov about the surrender of Moscow. Rastopchin reproaches Kutuzov for the surrender of Moscow. But he does not listen to the count, busy with some thoughts of his own.
Chapter XXVI.
Entry of French troops into Moscow. An episode of a group of Russians defending the Kremlin. Several shots are heard from the Kremlin, hitting the soldiers. The French had already prepared for an attack and a bloody battle, but it turned out that only four people were defending the Kremlin. They are soon killed. Deployment of French troops in the city. It was an exhausted, exhausted army, but still holding out. Robbery. Marauding. The commanders stop the soldiers from looting, order no one to leave their houses, but everything is useless, the process cannot be stopped. The fire of Moscow and its causes. According to the author, Moscow burned down because it was placed in such conditions that every wooden city should burn down. In addition, a city cannot help but burn down, in which, instead of civilians, there are soldiers who smoke pipes and light fires in the streets to cook their own food. Moscow was burned by the inhabitants, those who left it. It was burned because they did not bring bread, salt and keys to the enemy.
Chapter XXVII.
Pierre's mood during his stay at Bazdeev's apartment. Lately he has been in a state close to madness. He cannot get rid of the feeling of his insignificance and deceit in comparison with the truth, simplicity and evil that the common people had. Thoughts about the assassination of Napoleon. He, Pierre, remained in Moscow, hiding his name, in order to kill Napoleon and end the misfortune of all of Europe. He has no idea how he can kill Napoleon, but he clearly sees his death and heroic courage. The arrival of a drunken Makar Alekseevich into Pierre's room. Under the influence of alcohol, it seems to him that there are French and Napoleon himself in the house, to whom he does not want to surrender. Makar Alekseevich is barely calmed down.
Chapter XXVIII.
The appearance of Captain Rambal in Bazdeev’s house. Pierre saves him from a shot from the crazy Makar Alekseevich. The officer wants to punish the traitor, but Pierre persuades him not to do this. Pierre's conversation with the Frenchman. The Frenchman does not believe Pierre that he is Russian and says that he is glad to meet his compatriot.
Chapter XIX.
Pierre at dinner with Rambal. Rambal asks Pierre to give his name, but he refuses. Rambal mistakes Pierre for an officer of the Russian army who went over to the side of the French, and completely trusts him. He tells Pierre that the Russians are dashing enemies. Rambal's story about his love affairs. Pierre has the idea of killing Rambal, but at that very moment some inner voice says that he shouldn’t do this. Pierre understands that the dream of sacrificing himself is crumbling into dust. Pierre's frank speeches about himself. To Rambal's question about Pierre's love, he replies that all his life he has loved and will love one woman, but she will never belong to him. Pierre tells the love story of Natasha and Prince Andrey, reveals his name and position in society.
Chapter XXX.
The Rostov convoy spends the night in Mytishchi. At ten o'clock all the Rostovs are located in the courtyards and huts of the large village. The glow of a fire in Moscow. People do not believe that this glow is from Moscow, but then they are convinced that it is so. There are sighs, prayers and sobs.
Chapter XXXI.
The Rostovs talk about the fire of Moscow. The Countess is crying, Sonya is afraid that all of Moscow will burn like this. Natasha's mood after she learned about Prince Andrei's wound and his presence with them in the convoy. Natasha walks as if in a dream after receiving this news from Sonya. Natasha's date with Prince Andrei. All day she lived only by the fact that she would see him, but when she made her way to him at night, she was scared. Bolkonsky was the same as always. But the color of his face, his tender neck, his enthusiastic eyes directed at her, gave him a kind of childish appearance. Natasha approached him, he extended his hand to her.
Chapter XXXII.
Prince Andrey. Description of his illness after being wounded. For seven days Bolkonsky is unconscious. But then he seemed to recover and even asked to be taken out into the air, but he did not calculate the strength and lost consciousness. Bolkonsky's moral revolution. He understands that love is not that kind of love, for the sake of love itself, for the sake of others, one must love everyone, enemies, relatives. And now Prince Andrei confesses this love to Natasha. She asks him for forgiveness, but he says that he loves her now more than before. Natasha takes care of the wounded Prince Andrei.
Chapter XXXIII.
Pierre wanders the streets of Moscow. He walks around in a delirium. Not understanding where he was going and why. They saved a child from a burning house. Pierre seems to sober up when he cries for help. He rushes to save the girl, but she does not want to go into the arms of a stranger. Pierre takes it and leaves the house.
Chapter XXXIV.
Pierre is looking for the mother of the Girl he saved. His figure becomes remarkable. A crowd gathers around, people try to help him. French soldiers rob an Armenian family. Pierre's intercession for the beautiful Armenian woman. Pierre angrily rushes at the Frenchman who attempted to kill the girl and beats him. The French patrol takes Pierre into custody. Pierre again falls into a state of delirium. The patrol traveled around Moscow and arrested suspicious Russians. That day he arrested five more, but of all of them Pierre seemed the most suspicious.
Summary Volume III Part Three “War and Peace” Tolstoy
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Results of volume 3 of Tolstoy's War and Peace.
The third volume of the novel included the main culminating event of the entire work as a whole. It is the Battle of Borodino, which influenced the historical course of events of the 19th century as a whole.
The central line in the third volume is the antithesis of opinions: to fight according to the rules and science or relying on the spiritual strength and patriotic spirit of the people. The author puts Barclay and Berg on one side of the opinion, and Kutuzov, Denisov, and Rostov on the other.
The author of the novel is a supporter of the idea of the popular nature of war. Proving this statement, through the prism of the Battle of Borodino, he draws not only military, but also everyday storylines. The problems of the peaceful life of the main characters often come to the fore and are fundamental in their making important wartime decisions.
Tolstoy does not divide life into war and peace. In his opinion, shown through the position of Kutuzov, the laws of peaceful life should be preserved in times of war.
Episodes of military operations shown through the eyes of a peaceful person and even a child are indicative.
Having completely devoted the third volume to the Patriotic War of 1812, Tolstoy composes a hymn to the main laws of life - the close connection of generations and all layers of society, unanimity and cohesion for the sake of universal peace.
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Read summary War and Peace Volume 3. Brief retelling. For a reader's diary, take 5-6 sentences
Lev Tolstoy. Brief summaries of works
- Shark
- Albert
- Anna Karenina
- Poor people
- Battle of Borodino (War and Peace)
- Bulka
- Power of darkness
- The power of darkness, or the claw is stuck, the whole bird is lost
- War and Peace
- War and Peace Volume 1
- War and Peace Volume 2
- War and Peace Volume 3
- War and Peace Volume 4
- War and Peace Epilogue
- Resurrection
- Chapter Natalya Savishna (Childhood)
- Two brothers
- Two hussars
- Two comrades
- Childhood
- Confession
- Prisoner of the Caucasus
- Cossacks
- How geese saved Rome
- Kitty
- Kreutzer Sonata
- Lion and dog
- Lipunyushka
- Eagle
- walnut branch
- Father Sergius
- Boyhood
- Excerpt from Petya Rostov from the novel War and Peace
- Fire
- After the ball
- Bounce
- Birdie
- Sevastopol stories
- Fairy tale Three Bears
- Death of Ivan Ilyich
- Old grandfather and grandson
- Three deaths
- Philippok
- Hadji Murat
- Canvas meter
- How people live
- Youth
