CHAPTER 22
Pierre and Anna Mikhaylovna both go to see the dying count. As they enter, Vasili looks distressed and princess Catherine slams the door (to which Anna isn't surprised). Anna keeps on babying Pierre, telling him that she will help him through these times. Pierre thinks to himself that he will follow the lead of those around him because he isn't quite sure how to react over the counts' impending death. Pierre also takes note of this "strange lady" who is hovering around the scene.
Important Quotes
[Anna]: "She felt that as she brought with her the person the dying man
wished to see, her own admission was assured."
[Pierre]: "decided in his own mind that all was as it should
be, and that in order not to lose his head and do foolish things he must
not act on his own ideas tonight, but must yield himself up entirely to
the will of those who were guiding him."
CHAPTER 23
Unction is being given to the dying count and the whole family, servants, and onlookers are gathered around the room. Pierre carefully follows any instruction he is given by Anna, still unsure of what to do with himself. He notices that princess Catherine and Vasili exited the room for a while, but thinks nothing of it. In the end of the chapter, Pierre is brought to the count's side where he notices that the count, who used to look strong (compared to a lion), is now very weak. The seriousness of the situation hits Pierre and he tears up.
*The fact that the count was referred to as a lion is significant because it is a symbol of strength and power that is now dying*
Important Quotes
"On leaving the bed both Prince Vasili and the princess passed
out by a back door, but returned to their places one after the other
before the service was concluded. Pierre paid no more attention to this
occurrence than to the rest of what went on, having made up his mind once
for all that what he saw happening around him that evening was in some way
essential."
"When
Pierre came up the count was gazing straight at him, but with a look the
significance of which could not be understood by mortal man. Either this
look meant nothing but that as long as one has eyes they must look
somewhere, or it meant too much."
CHAPTER 24
Vasili, Catherine, and Anna fight over an envelope which was said to contain the will of the count. Although Vasili and Anna try to act mournful around everyone, it is evident that they only act that way in hopes of getting some of the fortune. Anna finally gets hold of the papers and runs into the counts room, Catherine and Vasili following. The count dies and Anna tries to comfort Pierre, telling him that he is probably heir to the fortune although no one has seen the will officially. She tells him that the count had promised not to forget Boris, her son, and hopes that Pierre won't either, now that the fortune is potentially in his hands. Anna goes back to the Rostovs and tells them all the gossip about the death, raving about the connection between Pierre and the count in their last moments together and speaking ill of Vasili and Catherine.
*Anna is clearly manipulating Pierre since he doesn't seem to have his own opinions on the matter of the will and he hasn't shown the true qualities of a man*
Important Quotes
Vasili: "How often we sin, how much we deceive, and all for what? I am near sixty,
dear friend... I too... All will end in death, all! Death is awful..." and
he burst into tears."
Anna: "Perhaps later on I may tell you, my dear boy, that if I had not been
there, God only knows what would have happened! You know, Uncle promised
me only the day before yesterday not to forget Boris. But he had no time.
I hope, my dear friend, you will carry out your father's wish?"
Pierre understood nothing of all this and coloring shyly looked in silence
at Princess Anna Mikhaylovna."
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