Highlights:
Pierre- he is captured after trying to plot to kill Napoleon and tried for arson. He again loses faith in God and humanity and hates the world because he cannot fix it.
Andrew- At the end he dies, but before he recognizes death and life as love. He is a particle of love in the universe and this thought helps dying feel better.
Mary and Natasha- they are bound together by their worry and love for Andrew. (Their love is exactly what Andrew thinks that our existences are made up of).
----The French continue to overtake Moscow which is up in flames.----
Showing posts with label Book 12. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book 12. Show all posts
Friday, July 1, 2016
Book 12, Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
CHAPTER 10
Pierre is interrogated by the bloodthirsty, French marshal, Davout. Davout accused him of being a Russian spy and Pierre can't say anything to make him believe otherwise. Pierre feels as though some unseen system is killing him off.
Important Quotes
"Davout looked up and gazed intently at him. For some seconds they looked at one another, and that look saved Pierre. Apart from conditions of war and law, that look established human relations between the two men. At that moment an immense number of things passed dimly through both their minds, and they realized that they were both children of humanity and were brothers."
"A system of some sort was killing him—Pierre—depriving him of life, of everything, annihilating him."
CHAPTER 11
Pierre watches as several of the other Russian prisoners he had been taken in with are killed. The acts seem unnatural to him and everyone around him seems to feel guilty for what they're doing.
Important Quotes
"Two more prisoners were led up. In the same way and with similar looks, these two glanced vainly at the onlookers with only a silent appeal for protection in their eyes, evidently unable to understand or believe what was going to happen to them. They could not believe it because they alone knew what their life meant to them, and so they neither understood nor believed that it could be taken from them."
"The body collapsed. The soldiers dragged it awkwardly from the post and began pushing it into the pit. They all plainly and certainly knew that they were criminals who must hide the traces of their guilt as quickly as possible."
CHAPTER 12
Pierre meets another solider named Platon in the shed that the French locked them in. Platon tells Pierre of his past and tells him that fate is in God's hands.
Important Quotes
"But now [Pierre] felt that the universe had crumbled before his eyes and only meaningless ruins remained, and this not by any fault of his own. He felt that it was not in his power to regain faith in the meaning of life "
Platon: "I say things happen not as we plan but as God judges."
CHAPTER 13
Pierre notices Platon's way of life and his cheery attitude and his roots as a peasant. Platon provides a sense of security and hope for Pierre.
Important Quotes
"But [Platon's] life, as he regarded it, had no meaning as a separate thing. It had meaning only as part of a whole of which he was always conscious."
CHAPTER 14
Princess Mary goes to see Andrew who is with the Rostovs after Nicholas tells her that he is ill. She sees Natasha, but instead of hating her, they are bound together by a common grief over Andrew.
Important Quotes
"But hardly had the princess looked at Natásha's face before she realized that here was a real comrade in her grief, and consequently a friend. She ran to meet her, embraced her, and began to cry on her shoulder. "
CHAPTER 15
Mary sees the critical condition that Andrew is in. He, however, receives her in a cold, detached manner as he is plagues by thoughts of death and remarks that the living cannot understand the thoughts of a dying man. He son comes to visit him and dares not cry in front of him. However, little Nicholas cries in front of Natasha once he has left the room.
Important Quotes
Mary: "But in what am I to blame?" she asked herself. And his cold, stern look replied: "Because you are alive and thinking of the living, while I..."
"When little Nicholas was brought into Prince Andrew's room he looked at his father with frightened eyes, but did not cry, because no one else was crying. Prince Andrew kissed him and evidently did not know what to say to him."
CHAPTER 16
Prince Andrew once again contemplates what death and the afterlife really is as he lays dying. He concludes that death is love. Everything is made up of love. Finally, he dies in front of Mary and Natasha.
Important Quotes
Andrew: "When he came to himself after being wounded and the flower of eternal, unfettered love had instantly unfolded itself in his soul as if freed from the bondage of life that had restrained it, he no longer feared death and ceased to think about it."
"This suddenly happened," had occurred two days before Princess Mary arrived. It was the last spiritual struggle between life and death, in which death gained the victory. It was the unexpected realization of the fact that he still valued life as presented to him in the form of his love for Natásha, and a last, though ultimately vanquished, attack of terror before the unknown."
Andrew: "Love hinders death. Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love. Everything is united by it alone. Love is God, and to die means that I, a particle of love, shall return to the general and eternal source."
Andrew: "When they brought his son to him, he pressed his lips to the boy's and turned away, not because he felt it hard and sad (Princess Mary and Natásha understood that) but simply because he thought it was all that was required of him"
Pierre is interrogated by the bloodthirsty, French marshal, Davout. Davout accused him of being a Russian spy and Pierre can't say anything to make him believe otherwise. Pierre feels as though some unseen system is killing him off.
Important Quotes
"Davout looked up and gazed intently at him. For some seconds they looked at one another, and that look saved Pierre. Apart from conditions of war and law, that look established human relations between the two men. At that moment an immense number of things passed dimly through both their minds, and they realized that they were both children of humanity and were brothers."
"A system of some sort was killing him—Pierre—depriving him of life, of everything, annihilating him."
CHAPTER 11
Pierre watches as several of the other Russian prisoners he had been taken in with are killed. The acts seem unnatural to him and everyone around him seems to feel guilty for what they're doing.
Important Quotes
"Two more prisoners were led up. In the same way and with similar looks, these two glanced vainly at the onlookers with only a silent appeal for protection in their eyes, evidently unable to understand or believe what was going to happen to them. They could not believe it because they alone knew what their life meant to them, and so they neither understood nor believed that it could be taken from them."
"The body collapsed. The soldiers dragged it awkwardly from the post and began pushing it into the pit. They all plainly and certainly knew that they were criminals who must hide the traces of their guilt as quickly as possible."
CHAPTER 12
Pierre meets another solider named Platon in the shed that the French locked them in. Platon tells Pierre of his past and tells him that fate is in God's hands.
Important Quotes
"But now [Pierre] felt that the universe had crumbled before his eyes and only meaningless ruins remained, and this not by any fault of his own. He felt that it was not in his power to regain faith in the meaning of life "
Platon: "I say things happen not as we plan but as God judges."
CHAPTER 13
Pierre notices Platon's way of life and his cheery attitude and his roots as a peasant. Platon provides a sense of security and hope for Pierre.
Important Quotes
"But [Platon's] life, as he regarded it, had no meaning as a separate thing. It had meaning only as part of a whole of which he was always conscious."
CHAPTER 14
Princess Mary goes to see Andrew who is with the Rostovs after Nicholas tells her that he is ill. She sees Natasha, but instead of hating her, they are bound together by a common grief over Andrew.
Important Quotes
"But hardly had the princess looked at Natásha's face before she realized that here was a real comrade in her grief, and consequently a friend. She ran to meet her, embraced her, and began to cry on her shoulder. "
CHAPTER 15
Mary sees the critical condition that Andrew is in. He, however, receives her in a cold, detached manner as he is plagues by thoughts of death and remarks that the living cannot understand the thoughts of a dying man. He son comes to visit him and dares not cry in front of him. However, little Nicholas cries in front of Natasha once he has left the room.
Important Quotes
Mary: "But in what am I to blame?" she asked herself. And his cold, stern look replied: "Because you are alive and thinking of the living, while I..."
"When little Nicholas was brought into Prince Andrew's room he looked at his father with frightened eyes, but did not cry, because no one else was crying. Prince Andrew kissed him and evidently did not know what to say to him."
CHAPTER 16
Prince Andrew once again contemplates what death and the afterlife really is as he lays dying. He concludes that death is love. Everything is made up of love. Finally, he dies in front of Mary and Natasha.
Important Quotes
Andrew: "When he came to himself after being wounded and the flower of eternal, unfettered love had instantly unfolded itself in his soul as if freed from the bondage of life that had restrained it, he no longer feared death and ceased to think about it."
"This suddenly happened," had occurred two days before Princess Mary arrived. It was the last spiritual struggle between life and death, in which death gained the victory. It was the unexpected realization of the fact that he still valued life as presented to him in the form of his love for Natásha, and a last, though ultimately vanquished, attack of terror before the unknown."
Andrew: "Love hinders death. Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love. Everything is united by it alone. Love is God, and to die means that I, a particle of love, shall return to the general and eternal source."
Andrew: "When they brought his son to him, he pressed his lips to the boy's and turned away, not because he felt it hard and sad (Princess Mary and Natásha understood that) but simply because he thought it was all that was required of him"
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Book 12, Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9
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. "
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. "
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Book 12, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
CHAPTER 1
year 1812
Anna Pavlovna has another gathering at her house where Prince Vasili is to read a letter from the Bishop to the Emperor. There, people talk about how Countess Bezukhova has fallen ill after trying to choose between her two suitors.
CHAPTER 2
The Russian people celebrate the French loss, not knowing that the Russian army is in just as much trouble. There is much talk of Helene's death too.
CHAPTER 3
The Frenchman, Michaud, goes to see Alexander to tell him the news of Kutuzov and the abandonment of Moscow. Alexander is taken aback by the news and asks if the Russians put up a fight to which Michaud gives him Kutuzov's letter telling him that it was impossible not to retreat. Michaud tells the emperor that Moscow is up in flames, but reassures his that is it because the Russian army refuses to give up.
Important Quotes
Michaud: "they are only afraid lest Your Majesty, in the goodness of your heart, should allow yourself to be persuaded to make peace. They are burning for the combat," declared this representative of the Russian nation, "and to prove to Your Majesty by the sacrifice of their lives how devoted they are...."
Alexander: "Napoleon or I," said the Emperor, touching his breast. "We can no longer both reign together. I have learned to know him, and he will not deceive me any more...."
CHAPTER 4
Tolstoy begins by saying that those who aren't aware of their efforts towards a greater cause (such as war) are the ones who actually make an impact. Nicholas Rostov is brought up. He is traveling to Voronezch where he attends a ball where he feels very happy away from the camp and flirts with a married woman.
Important Quotes
"Those who tried to understand the general course of events and to take part in it by self-sacrifice and heroism were the most useless members of society, they saw everything upside down, and all they did for the common good turned out to be useless and foolish... Only unconscious action bears fruit, and he who plays a part in an historic event never understands its significance."
CHAPTER 5
As Nicholas is flirting with the married woman, his aunt comes to tell him that Princess Mary's aunt wants to see him. He confides in his aunt that he feels that he and Mary were destined for each other but that he had already promised Sonya to get married. His aunt reminds him that Mary would be the better match overall and promises to arrange for them to properly meet.
Important Quotes
"My dear boy, what a way to look at it! You know Sónya has nothing and you yourself say your Papa's affairs are in a very bad way. And what about your mother? It would kill her, that's one thing. And what sort of life would it be for Sónya—if she's a girl with a heart? Your mother in despair, and you all ruined.... No, my dear, you and Sónya ought to understand that."
year 1812
Anna Pavlovna has another gathering at her house where Prince Vasili is to read a letter from the Bishop to the Emperor. There, people talk about how Countess Bezukhova has fallen ill after trying to choose between her two suitors.
CHAPTER 2
The Russian people celebrate the French loss, not knowing that the Russian army is in just as much trouble. There is much talk of Helene's death too.
CHAPTER 3
The Frenchman, Michaud, goes to see Alexander to tell him the news of Kutuzov and the abandonment of Moscow. Alexander is taken aback by the news and asks if the Russians put up a fight to which Michaud gives him Kutuzov's letter telling him that it was impossible not to retreat. Michaud tells the emperor that Moscow is up in flames, but reassures his that is it because the Russian army refuses to give up.
Important Quotes
Michaud: "they are only afraid lest Your Majesty, in the goodness of your heart, should allow yourself to be persuaded to make peace. They are burning for the combat," declared this representative of the Russian nation, "and to prove to Your Majesty by the sacrifice of their lives how devoted they are...."
Alexander: "Napoleon or I," said the Emperor, touching his breast. "We can no longer both reign together. I have learned to know him, and he will not deceive me any more...."
CHAPTER 4
Tolstoy begins by saying that those who aren't aware of their efforts towards a greater cause (such as war) are the ones who actually make an impact. Nicholas Rostov is brought up. He is traveling to Voronezch where he attends a ball where he feels very happy away from the camp and flirts with a married woman.
Important Quotes
"Those who tried to understand the general course of events and to take part in it by self-sacrifice and heroism were the most useless members of society, they saw everything upside down, and all they did for the common good turned out to be useless and foolish... Only unconscious action bears fruit, and he who plays a part in an historic event never understands its significance."
CHAPTER 5
As Nicholas is flirting with the married woman, his aunt comes to tell him that Princess Mary's aunt wants to see him. He confides in his aunt that he feels that he and Mary were destined for each other but that he had already promised Sonya to get married. His aunt reminds him that Mary would be the better match overall and promises to arrange for them to properly meet.
Important Quotes
"My dear boy, what a way to look at it! You know Sónya has nothing and you yourself say your Papa's affairs are in a very bad way. And what about your mother? It would kill her, that's one thing. And what sort of life would it be for Sónya—if she's a girl with a heart? Your mother in despair, and you all ruined.... No, my dear, you and Sónya ought to understand that."
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