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. "
Thursday, June 30, 2016
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."
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Book 11 RECAP
The war between the French and the Russians escalates. Moscow has been overtaken and abandoned and is now in flames.
Pierre: he is trying to kill Napoleon to prove his own bravery to himself. (longing to fight his enemies and be a hero)
Andrew: Almost dies in battle, but is rescued and recovering from his wounds. He wishes to meet Natasha again and forgive her, which he does (longing to forgive his enemies)
Pierre and Andrew have changed roles since the beginning of the story. Now, Pierre is more aggressive and Andrew is more in tune with his feelings.
Pierre: he is trying to kill Napoleon to prove his own bravery to himself. (longing to fight his enemies and be a hero)
Andrew: Almost dies in battle, but is rescued and recovering from his wounds. He wishes to meet Natasha again and forgive her, which he does (longing to forgive his enemies)
Pierre and Andrew have changed roles since the beginning of the story. Now, Pierre is more aggressive and Andrew is more in tune with his feelings.
Book 11, Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
CHAPTER 30
The Rostovs make their way out of Moscow slowly due to all the injured soldiers they bring along. Their servants watch Moscow go up in flames from afar.
CHAPTER 31
Sonya tells Natasha that Andrew is traveling with them among the wounded. This makes Natasha want to see him and she isn't at peace until she does. Each night, they hear a wounded man crying out in pain and Natasha knows it's him. She sneaks out to see him and they seem to greet each other happily.
CHAPTER 32
Andrew recalls how he was wounded and how he got where he is. He is consumed by one thought--loving ones enemy. He remembers Natasha and wishes to see her and, as he thinks this, she appears. She asks forgiveness and he tells her that he loves her more than before. She nurses him the whole time.
Important Quotes
Andrew: "His mind was not in a normal state. A healthy man usually thinks of, feels, and remembers innumerable things simultaneously, but has the power and will to select one sequence of thoughts or events on which to fix his whole attention"
"Yes—love," [Andrew] thought again quite clearly. "But not love which loves for something, for some quality, for some purpose, or for some reason, but the love which I—while dying—first experienced when I saw my enemy and yet loved him. I experienced that feeling of love which is the very essence of the soul and does not require an object. Now again I feel that bliss. To love one's neighbors, to love one's enemies, to love everything, to love God in all His manifestations. It is possible to love someone dear to you with human love, but an enemy can only be loved by divine love.
" Though with the intimacy now established between the wounded man and Natásha the thought occurred that should he recover their former engagement would be renewed, no one—least of all Natásha and Prince Andrew—spoke of this: the unsettled question of life and death, which hung not only over Bolkónski but over all Russia, shut out all other considerations."
CHAPTER 33
Pierre is disgusted with himself for talking so much with the French soldier, Ramballe. He wants to continue to carry out him plan to kill Napoleon to prove to himself that he's a man of his word. On his way to kill him, he sees a family who has forgotten their child in the fire. He goes to help them save her, which gives him a sense of pride and youthfulness. Upon finding the child, though, he is repulsed and forces himself to not leave her behind.
Important Quotes
Pierre: "But as his chief aim consisted not in carrying out his design, but in proving to himself that he would not abandon his intention and was doing all he could to achieve it, Pierre hastily took the blunt jagged dagger in a green sheath which he had bought at the Sukharev market with the pistol, and hid it under his waistcoat."
Pierre: "But Pierre did not know this; he was entirely absorbed in what lay before him, and was tortured—as those are who obstinately undertake a task that is impossible for them not because of its difficulty but because of its incompatibility with their natures—by the fear of weakening at the decisive moment and so losing his self-esteem."
CHAPTER 34
Pierre brings the little girl to safety and leaves her with some other peasants. As he sees French soldiers stealing from a Russian couple, he goes to fight them. As a result, he's taken prisoner.
The Rostovs make their way out of Moscow slowly due to all the injured soldiers they bring along. Their servants watch Moscow go up in flames from afar.
CHAPTER 31
Sonya tells Natasha that Andrew is traveling with them among the wounded. This makes Natasha want to see him and she isn't at peace until she does. Each night, they hear a wounded man crying out in pain and Natasha knows it's him. She sneaks out to see him and they seem to greet each other happily.
CHAPTER 32
Andrew recalls how he was wounded and how he got where he is. He is consumed by one thought--loving ones enemy. He remembers Natasha and wishes to see her and, as he thinks this, she appears. She asks forgiveness and he tells her that he loves her more than before. She nurses him the whole time.
Important Quotes
Andrew: "His mind was not in a normal state. A healthy man usually thinks of, feels, and remembers innumerable things simultaneously, but has the power and will to select one sequence of thoughts or events on which to fix his whole attention"
"Yes—love," [Andrew] thought again quite clearly. "But not love which loves for something, for some quality, for some purpose, or for some reason, but the love which I—while dying—first experienced when I saw my enemy and yet loved him. I experienced that feeling of love which is the very essence of the soul and does not require an object. Now again I feel that bliss. To love one's neighbors, to love one's enemies, to love everything, to love God in all His manifestations. It is possible to love someone dear to you with human love, but an enemy can only be loved by divine love.
" Though with the intimacy now established between the wounded man and Natásha the thought occurred that should he recover their former engagement would be renewed, no one—least of all Natásha and Prince Andrew—spoke of this: the unsettled question of life and death, which hung not only over Bolkónski but over all Russia, shut out all other considerations."
CHAPTER 33
Pierre is disgusted with himself for talking so much with the French soldier, Ramballe. He wants to continue to carry out him plan to kill Napoleon to prove to himself that he's a man of his word. On his way to kill him, he sees a family who has forgotten their child in the fire. He goes to help them save her, which gives him a sense of pride and youthfulness. Upon finding the child, though, he is repulsed and forces himself to not leave her behind.
Important Quotes
Pierre: "But as his chief aim consisted not in carrying out his design, but in proving to himself that he would not abandon his intention and was doing all he could to achieve it, Pierre hastily took the blunt jagged dagger in a green sheath which he had bought at the Sukharev market with the pistol, and hid it under his waistcoat."
Pierre: "But Pierre did not know this; he was entirely absorbed in what lay before him, and was tortured—as those are who obstinately undertake a task that is impossible for them not because of its difficulty but because of its incompatibility with their natures—by the fear of weakening at the decisive moment and so losing his self-esteem."
CHAPTER 34
Pierre brings the little girl to safety and leaves her with some other peasants. As he sees French soldiers stealing from a Russian couple, he goes to fight them. As a result, he's taken prisoner.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Book 11, Chapters 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
CHAPTER 23
A fight breaks out among the working class. They wait for news of the war.
Important Quotes
"There now, the gentry and merchants have gone away and left us to perish. Do they think we're dogs?" voices in the crowd were heard saying more and more frequently."
CHAPTER 24
Rostopchin is mortified when he gets Kutuzov's letter proclaiming another battle. He had tried to protect Moscow and preserve its peace, but now everyone has fled leaving him hopeless. In a rage, he orders the lunatics from the insane asylum to be freed as well as to hang Vereshchagin.
Important Quotes
"Why were thousands of inhabitants deceived into believing that Moscow would not be given up—and thereby ruined?" "To preserve the tranquillity of the city," explains Count Rostopchin."
Rostopchin: "My commands? Let them go away, that's all.... And let the lunatics out into the town. When lunatics command our armies God evidently means these other madmen to be free."
CHAPTER 25
Rostopchin orders the people of Moscow to kill the merchant, Vereshchagin. Terrified, the merchant implores and mentions that there's only one God. Finally, he is murdered and Rostopchin feels guilty. He leaves in his carriage, trying to justify his actions, telling himself he did it for Moscow and to keep his image as a good commander. On the way to meet with Kutuzov, he runs into a freed lunatic who speaks of God and how he was killed three times and will return. When Rostopchin hears this, he's even more scared and guilty. Kutuzov, meanwhile, does not want to give up Moscow without battle and refuses to listen to Rostopchin.
Important Quotes
Rostopchin: "Beat him!... Let the traitor perish and not disgrace the Russian name!" shouted Rostopchin. "Cut him down. I command it."
Hearing not so much the words as the angry tone of Rostopchin's voice, the crowd moaned and heaved forward, but again paused.
"Count!" exclaimed the timid yet theatrical voice of Vereshchagin in the midst of the momentary silence that ensued, "Count! One God is above us both...."
"Only when the victim ceased to struggle and his cries changed to a long-drawn, measured death rattle did the crowd around his prostrate, bleeding corpse begin rapidly to change places. Each one came up, glanced at what had been done, and with horror, reproach, and astonishment pushed back again."
Rostopchin: "The people had to be appeased. Many other victims have perished and are perishing for the public good"—and he began thinking of his social duties to his family and to the city entrusted to him, and of himself—not himself as Theodore Vasilyevich Rostopchin (he fancied that Theodore Vasilyevich Rostopchin was sacrificing himself for the public good) but himself as governor, the representative of authority and of the Tsar. "Had I been simply Theodore Vasilyevich my course of action would have been quite different, but it was my duty to safeguard my life and dignity as commander-in-chief."
lunatic: "Thrice have they slain me, thrice have I risen from the dead. They stoned me, crucified me... I shall rise... shall rise... shall rise. They have torn my body. The kingdom of God will be overthrown... Thrice will I overthrow it and thrice re-establish it!"
CHAPTER 26
The French troops enter Moscow and a battle begins. Commoners also join in, attacking the French. The French troops become scattered because the men go off on their own to loot and find food. The army is a mess. Moscow begins to burn down and everyone starts to blame one another for it. The French say it's due to Rostopchin's passion for Russia and the Russians say it's the French troops' fault.
Important Quotes
"Like a monkey which puts its paw into the narrow neck of a jug, and having seized a handful of nuts will not open its fist for fear of losing what it holds, and therefore perishes, the French when they left Moscow had inevitably to perish because they carried their loot with them"
"Moscow when occupied by the enemy did not remain intact like Berlin, Vienna, and other towns, simply because its inhabitants abandoned it and did not welcome the French with bread and salt, nor bring them the keys of the city."
CHAPTER 27
Pierre is driving himself crazy as he thinks about how to stop the French and what his own life means. He chooses to fight, dressing as a peasant in order to appear to be fighting for the common good. Only thoughts of saving the common good and of breaking free from the insignificant higher life drives him on. He plots to kill Napoleon himself.
Important Quotes
"'It is not I but the hand of Providence that punishes thee,' I shall say," thought he, imagining what he would say when killing Napoleon. "
CHAPTER 28
The French enter Pierre's lodging and ask to spend the night. Makar Alexeevich is drunk and shoots at the Frenchmen. Pierre takes the gun from Makar, saving the Frenchmen. The French soldier asks Pierre if he's French and insists that he is even when Pierre tells him that he's Russian.
*The Frenchman believes Pierre is French because when people take sides, they think their side is the only good one, therefore attributing all good acts to their people*
Important Quotes
"You have saved my life! You are French. You ask his pardon? I grant it you. Lead that man away!" said he quickly and energetically, and taking the arm of Pierre whom he had promoted to be a Frenchman for saving his life, he went with him into the room. "
CHAPTER 29
Pierre and the Frenchman, Captain Ramballe, speak for a long time about the war and especially about love. As Pierre speaks to this man, he realizes his own weakness--he sees the good in the Frenchman and resolves that he can't kill Napoleon. Speaking of love reminds him of Natasha and he tells Ramballe his story.
Important Quotes
Pierre: "He was tormented by the consciousness of his own weakness."
A fight breaks out among the working class. They wait for news of the war.
Important Quotes
"There now, the gentry and merchants have gone away and left us to perish. Do they think we're dogs?" voices in the crowd were heard saying more and more frequently."
CHAPTER 24
Rostopchin is mortified when he gets Kutuzov's letter proclaiming another battle. He had tried to protect Moscow and preserve its peace, but now everyone has fled leaving him hopeless. In a rage, he orders the lunatics from the insane asylum to be freed as well as to hang Vereshchagin.
Important Quotes
"Why were thousands of inhabitants deceived into believing that Moscow would not be given up—and thereby ruined?" "To preserve the tranquillity of the city," explains Count Rostopchin."
Rostopchin: "My commands? Let them go away, that's all.... And let the lunatics out into the town. When lunatics command our armies God evidently means these other madmen to be free."
CHAPTER 25
Rostopchin orders the people of Moscow to kill the merchant, Vereshchagin. Terrified, the merchant implores and mentions that there's only one God. Finally, he is murdered and Rostopchin feels guilty. He leaves in his carriage, trying to justify his actions, telling himself he did it for Moscow and to keep his image as a good commander. On the way to meet with Kutuzov, he runs into a freed lunatic who speaks of God and how he was killed three times and will return. When Rostopchin hears this, he's even more scared and guilty. Kutuzov, meanwhile, does not want to give up Moscow without battle and refuses to listen to Rostopchin.
Important Quotes
Rostopchin: "Beat him!... Let the traitor perish and not disgrace the Russian name!" shouted Rostopchin. "Cut him down. I command it."
Hearing not so much the words as the angry tone of Rostopchin's voice, the crowd moaned and heaved forward, but again paused.
"Count!" exclaimed the timid yet theatrical voice of Vereshchagin in the midst of the momentary silence that ensued, "Count! One God is above us both...."
"Only when the victim ceased to struggle and his cries changed to a long-drawn, measured death rattle did the crowd around his prostrate, bleeding corpse begin rapidly to change places. Each one came up, glanced at what had been done, and with horror, reproach, and astonishment pushed back again."
Rostopchin: "The people had to be appeased. Many other victims have perished and are perishing for the public good"—and he began thinking of his social duties to his family and to the city entrusted to him, and of himself—not himself as Theodore Vasilyevich Rostopchin (he fancied that Theodore Vasilyevich Rostopchin was sacrificing himself for the public good) but himself as governor, the representative of authority and of the Tsar. "Had I been simply Theodore Vasilyevich my course of action would have been quite different, but it was my duty to safeguard my life and dignity as commander-in-chief."
lunatic: "Thrice have they slain me, thrice have I risen from the dead. They stoned me, crucified me... I shall rise... shall rise... shall rise. They have torn my body. The kingdom of God will be overthrown... Thrice will I overthrow it and thrice re-establish it!"
CHAPTER 26
The French troops enter Moscow and a battle begins. Commoners also join in, attacking the French. The French troops become scattered because the men go off on their own to loot and find food. The army is a mess. Moscow begins to burn down and everyone starts to blame one another for it. The French say it's due to Rostopchin's passion for Russia and the Russians say it's the French troops' fault.
Important Quotes
"Like a monkey which puts its paw into the narrow neck of a jug, and having seized a handful of nuts will not open its fist for fear of losing what it holds, and therefore perishes, the French when they left Moscow had inevitably to perish because they carried their loot with them"
"Moscow when occupied by the enemy did not remain intact like Berlin, Vienna, and other towns, simply because its inhabitants abandoned it and did not welcome the French with bread and salt, nor bring them the keys of the city."
CHAPTER 27
Pierre is driving himself crazy as he thinks about how to stop the French and what his own life means. He chooses to fight, dressing as a peasant in order to appear to be fighting for the common good. Only thoughts of saving the common good and of breaking free from the insignificant higher life drives him on. He plots to kill Napoleon himself.
Important Quotes
"'It is not I but the hand of Providence that punishes thee,' I shall say," thought he, imagining what he would say when killing Napoleon. "
CHAPTER 28
The French enter Pierre's lodging and ask to spend the night. Makar Alexeevich is drunk and shoots at the Frenchmen. Pierre takes the gun from Makar, saving the Frenchmen. The French soldier asks Pierre if he's French and insists that he is even when Pierre tells him that he's Russian.
*The Frenchman believes Pierre is French because when people take sides, they think their side is the only good one, therefore attributing all good acts to their people*
Important Quotes
"You have saved my life! You are French. You ask his pardon? I grant it you. Lead that man away!" said he quickly and energetically, and taking the arm of Pierre whom he had promoted to be a Frenchman for saving his life, he went with him into the room. "
CHAPTER 29
Pierre and the Frenchman, Captain Ramballe, speak for a long time about the war and especially about love. As Pierre speaks to this man, he realizes his own weakness--he sees the good in the Frenchman and resolves that he can't kill Napoleon. Speaking of love reminds him of Natasha and he tells Ramballe his story.
Important Quotes
Pierre: "He was tormented by the consciousness of his own weakness."
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Book 11, Chapters 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
CHAPTER 18
Pierre had ended up in Moscow after the battle and went to his old benefactor's house to stay. There, he met Gerasim, an old man, who supplied him with peasants clothing and a rifle. Pierre also received a letter from Helene informing him about everything.
*Is Pierre dressing as a peasant to get out of fighting the battle at Three Hills?*
Important Quotes
Pierre: "He felt that everything was now at an end, all was in confusion and crumbling to pieces, that nobody was right or wrong, the future held nothing, and there was no escape from this position."
CHAPTER 19
Napoleon reached Moscow and is in awe of how beautiful and full of life it is. Little does he know that everyone has abandoned the city and all that's left are drunks on the streets. He contemplates overtaking Moscow, but out of respect for Alexander and his own image, doesn't.
Important Quotes
"The view of the strange city with its peculiar architecture, such as [Napoleon] had never seen before, filled Napoleon with the rather envious and uneasy curiosity men feel when they see an alien form of life that has no knowledge of them. "
"Every Russian looking at Moscow feels her to be a mother; every foreigner who sees her, even if ignorant of her significance as the mother city, must feel her feminine character, and Napoleon felt it."
Napoleon: "One word from me, one movement of my hand, and that ancient capital of the Tsars would perish. But my clemency is always ready to descend upon the vanquished. I must be magnanimous and truly great. But no, it can't be true that I am in Moscow," he suddenly thought. "Yet here she is lying at my feet, with her golden domes and crosses scintillating and twinkling in the sunshine. But I shall spare her."
CHAPTER 20
Moscow is compared to an abandoned bee hive. Napoleon is informed of its abandonment.
Important Quotes
"In a queenless hive no life is left though to a superficial glance it seems as much alive as other hives."
CHAPTER 21
The soldiers keep on looting stores on the way to Moscow. A shop-owner runs out to implore the guards to make their soldiers stop robbing, but they continue to do so.
CHAPTER 22
A young officer apparently related to the Rostovs goes to their old house to see if his uncle is still there. The Rostovs have already left, but their housekeeper, Mavra Kuzminichna, greets him and gives him some money.
Pierre had ended up in Moscow after the battle and went to his old benefactor's house to stay. There, he met Gerasim, an old man, who supplied him with peasants clothing and a rifle. Pierre also received a letter from Helene informing him about everything.
*Is Pierre dressing as a peasant to get out of fighting the battle at Three Hills?*
Important Quotes
Pierre: "He felt that everything was now at an end, all was in confusion and crumbling to pieces, that nobody was right or wrong, the future held nothing, and there was no escape from this position."
CHAPTER 19
Napoleon reached Moscow and is in awe of how beautiful and full of life it is. Little does he know that everyone has abandoned the city and all that's left are drunks on the streets. He contemplates overtaking Moscow, but out of respect for Alexander and his own image, doesn't.
Important Quotes
"The view of the strange city with its peculiar architecture, such as [Napoleon] had never seen before, filled Napoleon with the rather envious and uneasy curiosity men feel when they see an alien form of life that has no knowledge of them. "
"Every Russian looking at Moscow feels her to be a mother; every foreigner who sees her, even if ignorant of her significance as the mother city, must feel her feminine character, and Napoleon felt it."
Napoleon: "One word from me, one movement of my hand, and that ancient capital of the Tsars would perish. But my clemency is always ready to descend upon the vanquished. I must be magnanimous and truly great. But no, it can't be true that I am in Moscow," he suddenly thought. "Yet here she is lying at my feet, with her golden domes and crosses scintillating and twinkling in the sunshine. But I shall spare her."
CHAPTER 20
Moscow is compared to an abandoned bee hive. Napoleon is informed of its abandonment.
Important Quotes
"In a queenless hive no life is left though to a superficial glance it seems as much alive as other hives."
CHAPTER 21
The soldiers keep on looting stores on the way to Moscow. A shop-owner runs out to implore the guards to make their soldiers stop robbing, but they continue to do so.
CHAPTER 22
A young officer apparently related to the Rostovs goes to their old house to see if his uncle is still there. The Rostovs have already left, but their housekeeper, Mavra Kuzminichna, greets him and gives him some money.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Book 11, Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
CHAPTER 13
Natasha watches everybody around her packing to leave Moscow. She runs into some wounded soldiers are begs her parents to let them stay the night at their house to which they agree. Petya is excited about news of battle at Three Hills and the Countess is so frightened for him that she asks to be taken away.
Important Quotes
"The countess looked with timid horror at her son's eager, excited face as he said this. She realized that if she said a word about his not going to the battle (she knew he enjoyed the thought of the impending engagement) he would say something about men, honor, and the fatherland—something senseless, masculine, and obstinate"
CHAPTER 14
The Rostovs keep packing. A wounded man is brought to their door and it happens to be Andrew.
CHAPTER 15
Count Rostov contemplates giving the house to those who are wounded but his wife objects, saying that he should sell it and make money from it.
Important Quotes
Countess: "She assumed her dolefully submissive manner and said to her husband: "Listen to me, Count, you have managed matters so that we are getting nothing for the house, and now you wish to throw away all our—all the children's property! You said yourself that we have a hundred thousand rubles' worth of things in the house. I don't consent, my dear, I don't! Do as you please! It's the government's business to look after the wounded; they know that."
CHAPTER 16
Berg comes to inquire about buying a dresser for his wife, Vera (the Count's daughter). The count waves him away as Natasha begs her parents to let them take the wounded with them instead of leaving them behind. She begs her mother who had previously said no, and finally the countess agrees. The Rostov's belongings are once again sorted through to make room for the wounded and their carts.
Important Quotes
Boris: "'Russia is not in Moscow, she lives in the hearts of her sons!' Isn't it so, Papa?" said he.
Natasha: "Why, the wounded! It's impossible, Mamma. It's monstrous!... No, Mamma darling, it's not the thing. Please forgive me, darling.... Mamma, what does it matter what we take away? Only look what is going on in the yard... Mamma!... It's impossible!"
Countess: "My dear, you order what is right.... You know I don't understand about it," said she, dropping her eyes shamefacedly."
CHAPTER 17
Natasha is not aware that Andrew is traveling with them, but Sonya and the Countess know. On the road, they see Pierre wandering aimlessly. Natasha remarks that he's not himself.
Important Quotes
Natasha: "But what is the matter with you, Count? You are not like yourself...."
Pierre: "Oh, don't ask me, don't ask me! I don't know myself. Tomorrow... But no! Good-bye, good-by!" he muttered. "It's an awful time!"
Natasha watches everybody around her packing to leave Moscow. She runs into some wounded soldiers are begs her parents to let them stay the night at their house to which they agree. Petya is excited about news of battle at Three Hills and the Countess is so frightened for him that she asks to be taken away.
Important Quotes
"The countess looked with timid horror at her son's eager, excited face as he said this. She realized that if she said a word about his not going to the battle (she knew he enjoyed the thought of the impending engagement) he would say something about men, honor, and the fatherland—something senseless, masculine, and obstinate"
CHAPTER 14
The Rostovs keep packing. A wounded man is brought to their door and it happens to be Andrew.
CHAPTER 15
Count Rostov contemplates giving the house to those who are wounded but his wife objects, saying that he should sell it and make money from it.
Important Quotes
Countess: "She assumed her dolefully submissive manner and said to her husband: "Listen to me, Count, you have managed matters so that we are getting nothing for the house, and now you wish to throw away all our—all the children's property! You said yourself that we have a hundred thousand rubles' worth of things in the house. I don't consent, my dear, I don't! Do as you please! It's the government's business to look after the wounded; they know that."
CHAPTER 16
Berg comes to inquire about buying a dresser for his wife, Vera (the Count's daughter). The count waves him away as Natasha begs her parents to let them take the wounded with them instead of leaving them behind. She begs her mother who had previously said no, and finally the countess agrees. The Rostov's belongings are once again sorted through to make room for the wounded and their carts.
Important Quotes
Boris: "'Russia is not in Moscow, she lives in the hearts of her sons!' Isn't it so, Papa?" said he.
Natasha: "Why, the wounded! It's impossible, Mamma. It's monstrous!... No, Mamma darling, it's not the thing. Please forgive me, darling.... Mamma, what does it matter what we take away? Only look what is going on in the yard... Mamma!... It's impossible!"
Countess: "My dear, you order what is right.... You know I don't understand about it," said she, dropping her eyes shamefacedly."
CHAPTER 17
Natasha is not aware that Andrew is traveling with them, but Sonya and the Countess know. On the road, they see Pierre wandering aimlessly. Natasha remarks that he's not himself.
Important Quotes
Natasha: "But what is the matter with you, Count? You are not like yourself...."
Pierre: "Oh, don't ask me, don't ask me! I don't know myself. Tomorrow... But no! Good-bye, good-by!" he muttered. "It's an awful time!"
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