Book 5, Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9

CHAPTER 6

 Anna Pavlovna holds another one of her soirees and invites Boris, who has been on a mission under the Prussian army which Napoleon had just destroyed. At the dinner party, he meets Hippolyte and Helene. He and Helene seem to get along well. Anna defends Helene after the situation she had with Pierre, saying that Helene feels great sorrow and not to mention Pierre to her. He and Helene plan to meet to discuss his affairs abroad. (He also mentions how childish it was of him to have loved Natasha and how he only associates with elite people to raise his social standing).

CHAPTER 7

 The party continues and Helene invites Boris over, clearly taking an interest in him.

CHAPTER 8

 Old prince Bolkonski has been made a commander in Russia as Napoleon approaches the Russian line. Andrew serves under his father so as not to serve active duty. He wants to stay with his child who is now very ill. Little Nicholas has a fever and Andrew seems worn and older with all the stress he's been through. His father made him an estate in which to get away. On this day, he receives a letter from his father telling him that the Germans have made a victory over Napoleon and that he need him to ask Khanrikov, a commander, what their status and mission is. Andrew selfishly refuses, wanting to stay with the baby. He also neglects to read the letters Bilibin had sent him.

Important Quotes

"The old prince and his son seemed to have changed roles since the campaign of 1805. The old man, roused by activity, expected the best results from the new campaign, while Prince Andrew on the contrary, taking no part in the war and secretly regretting this, saw only the dark side."

Andrew:  "No, pardon me, I won't go now till the child is better," thought he, going to the door and looking into the nursery."

CHAPTER 9

 Andrew reads Bilibin's letter which tells him all about the happenings of the war. Andrew tosses the letter away, not wanting to be drawn back into anything having to do with the war. He goes to check on his son who, at first, he thinks is dead. However, the baby is recovering from the fever and he, the baby, and Mary stand in the room together, seemingly away from all troubles.

Important Quotes

[Andrew]: "It was not what he had read that vexed him, but the fact that the life out there in which he had now no part could perturb him."

"Each made the other a warning gesture and stood still in the dim light beneath the curtain as if not wishing to leave that seclusion where they three were shut off from all the world. Prince Andrew was the first to move away, ruffling his hair against the muslin of the curtain.
"Yes, this is the one thing left me now," he said with a sigh."