CHAPTER 6
The matchmaking between Rostov and Mary begins. Madame Bourienne is surprised at how well Mary handles herself with this man. Mary is transformed into a happier person with him, yet Rostov can't picture her as a wife although he cannot stop thinking about her.
Important Quotes
"From the time Rostóv entered, her
face became suddenly transformed. It was as if a light had been kindled in
a carved and painted lantern and the intricate, skillful, artistic work on
its sides, that previously seemed dark, coarse, and meaningless, was
suddenly shown up in unexpected and striking beauty.... All her inward labor, her dissatisfaction with
herself, her sufferings, her strivings after goodness, her meekness, love,
and self-sacrifice—all this now shone in those radiant eyes, in her
delicate smile, and in every trait of her gentle face."
CHAPTER 7
Mary and Rostov hear of the battle of Borodino and Mary laments her brother, Andrew's, possible death. Rostov tells her that maybe he might just be missing and to not lose hope. He finds her spirituality very attractive and compares her solemness and faith to Sonya's lack thereof. He prays to God to release him from this predicament of choosing between two women. Sonya writes to him releasing him of his promise to marry her which relieves him. He receives news of Andrews' injury and tells Mary. He rejoins the war.
Important Quotes
"In men Rostóv could not bear to see
the expression of a higher spiritual life (that was why he did not like
Prince Andrew) and he referred to it contemptuously as philosophy and
dreaminess, but in Princess Mary that very sorrow which revealed the depth
of a whole spiritual world foreign to him was an irresistible attraction. "
"[Rostov] had long ago pictured to himself a future with
Sónya, and that was all clear and simple just because it had all been
thought out and he knew all there was in Sónya, but it was impossible to
picture a future with Princess Mary, because he did not understand her but
simply loved her."
CHAPTER 8
Countess Rostova implores Sonya to write the letter to Nicholas, breaking off the promise they'd made to each other. Sonya grows angry and jealous of Natasha who seems to get all she wants. When they go see Andrew, he is feeling better and Sonya asks Natasha is she remembers the prediction she had had of Andrew many years ago while looking into the mirror. Although she hadn't seen anything, she makes herself and Natasha believe that she really saw the future. After this, she writes the letter to Nicholas, thinking that Natasha and Andrew will get back together since he's better.
Important Quotes
Sonya: "But now they
wanted her to sacrifice the very thing that constituted the whole reward
for her self-sacrifice and the whole meaning of her life. And for the
first time she felt bitterness against those who had been her benefactors
only to torture her the more painfully; she felt jealous of Natásha who
had never experienced anything of this sort, had never needed to sacrifice
herself, but made others sacrifice themselves for her and yet was beloved
by everybody."
"Sónya was softened, excited, and touched by all that had occurred that
day, especially by the mysterious fulfillment she had just seen of her
vision. Now that she knew that the renewal of Natásha's relations with
Prince Andrew would prevent Nicholas from marrying Princess Mary, she was
joyfully conscious of a return of that self-sacrificing spirit in which
she was accustomed to live and loved to live."
CHAPTER 9
Pierre is imprisoned with some other Russians. The French interrogate him and the others, making it seem as though they were responsible for the fires in Moscow.
Important Quotes
"It was evident that any answer would lead to
conviction. "
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