Book 2, Chapters 1, 2, 3

CHAPTER 1

 The Russian soldiers are worn down from walking for so many miles. There is to be an inspection of the ranks and they are told to change coats and look their best. All the soldiers comply except for Dolokhov, an officer reduced to ranks, who talks back to the commander.

Important Quotes

Commander: "No talking in the ranks!... No talking, no talking!"
Dolokhov: "Not bound to endure insults," Dolokhov concluded in loud, ringing tones.

CHAPTER 2

 Kutuzov, the commander, inspects the soldiers. He notices the bad shape in which the ranks are and also has a word with Dolokhov who seems to be a very rebellious soldier. In front of Kutuzov, Dolokhov is very respectful. They talk about Dolokhov, mentioning that they must pity him because he comes from a bad background. Once inspection is done, the soldiers are in a good mood and begin to sing as they march away. While marching, Zerkhov trots up to Dolokhov to ask him to play cards with him. He tells Dolokhov that he has much money to which Dolokhov says that he won't beg for anything.

Important Quotes

Commander [about Dolokhov]: "Oh, well, well!" remarked the regimental commander. "Still, one must have pity on a young man in misfortune. You know he has important connections... Well, then, you just..."

Kutuzov:  "My dear fellow, how are you?" said he through the singing, making his horse keep pace with the company.
"How am I?" Dolokhov answered coldly. "I am as you see."

"Dolokhov smiled. "Don't trouble. If I want anything, I won't beg—I'll take it!"

CHAPTER 3

The generals and commanders await for news on the Austrian army. Prince Andrew who works under commander Kutuzov, is present. Finally, news arrives that the Austrians have been defeated. Immediately, Andrew is concerned with the prospect of war against France because he knows how smart Napoleon and his troops are. When the other soldiers hear the news, Zerkhov and Andrew's friend, Nesvitski, begin to make jokes amidst the seriousness of the news. Andrew sternly tells them not to make fools of themselves and reminds them that they are fighting under the tsar.

Important Quotes

"On Kutuzov's staff, among his fellow officers and in the army generally, Prince Andrew had, as he had had in Petersburg society, two quite opposite reputations. Some, a minority, acknowledged him to be different from themselves and from everyone else, expected great things of him, listened to him, admired, and imitated him, and with them Prince Andrew was natural and pleasant. Others, the majority, disliked him and considered him conceited, cold, and disagreeable. But among these people Prince Andrew knew how to take his stand so that they respected and even feared him."

Andrew:  "Forty thousand men massacred and the army of our allies destroyed, and you find that a cause for jesting!"