Character history
Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy managed not only to diversify the literary world with a new work, which is original from the point of view of genre composition, but also invented bright and colorful characters. Of course, not all regulars at bookstores have read the writer’s cumbersome novel from cover to cover, but most know who Pierre Bezukhov, Natasha Rostova and Andrei Bolkonsky are.
History of creation
In 1856, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy began work on his immortal work. Then the master of words thought about creating a story that would tell readers about the Decembrist hero, forced to return back to the Russian Empire. The writer unwittingly moved the scene of the novel to 1825, but by that time the protagonist was a family-owned and mature man. When Lev Nikolaevich thought about the hero’s youth, this time involuntarily coincided with 1812.
Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy
1812 was not an easy year for the country. The Patriotic War began because the Russian Empire refused to support the continental blockade, which Napoleon saw as the main weapon against Great Britain. Tolstoy was inspired by those troubled times, and besides, his relatives participated in these historical events.
Therefore, in 1863, the writer began working on a novel that reflected the fate of the entire Russian people. In order not to be unfounded, Lev Nikolaevich relied on the scientific works of Alexander Mikhailovsky-Danilevsky, Modest Bogdanovich, Mikhail Shcherbinin and other memoirists and writers. They say that in order to find inspiration, the writer even visited the village of Borodino, where the army of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Russian commander-in-chief Mikhail Kutuzov clashed.
Napoleon Bonaparte and Mikhail Kutuzov
Tolstoy worked tirelessly for seven years on his fundamental work, writing five thousand draft sheets and creating 550 characters. And this is not surprising, because the work is endowed with a philosophical character, which is shown through the prism of the life of the Russian people in an era of failures and defeats.
However, the author, showing the spiritual explorations of the characters, was skeptical about his creation. In 1871, Afanasy Fet received a letter where Lev Nikolaevich wrote:
“How happy I am... that I will never write verbose rubbish like “War” again.”
No matter how critical Tolstoy was, the epic novel War and Peace, published in 1865 (the first excerpt appeared in the Russian Messenger magazine), was a widespread success among the public. The work of the Russian writer amazed both domestic and foreign critics, and the novel itself was recognized as the greatest epic work of new European literature.
Collage illustration for the novel “War and Peace”
The literary diaspora noted not only the exciting plot, which is intertwined in both “peaceful” and “war” times, but also the size of the fictional canvas. Despite the large number of characters, Tolstoy tried to give each hero individual character traits.
Characteristics of Andrei Bolkonsky
Andrei Bolkonsky is the main character in Leo Tolstoy's novel War and Peace. It is known that many characters in this work have a real prototype, for example, the writer “created” Natasha Rostova from his wife Sofia Andreevna and her sister Tatyana Bers. But the image of Andrei Bolkonsky is collective. Among the possible prototypes, researchers name Nikolai Alekseevich Tuchkov, lieutenant general of the Russian army, as well as staff captain of the engineering troops Fyodor Ivanovich Tizenhausen.
Andrei Bolkonsky with his father
It is noteworthy that the writer initially planned Andrei Bolkonsky as a minor character, who later received individual traits and became the main character of the work. In the first drafts of Lev Nikolayevich Bolkonsky was a secular young man, while in subsequent editions of the novel the prince appears before readers as a male intellectual with an analytical mind, who sets an example of courage and courage for fans of literature.
Moreover, readers can trace from start to finish the formation of the personality and the change in the character of the hero. Researchers classify Bolkonsky as one of the spiritual aristocracy: this young man is building a career, leading a social life, but he cannot be indifferent to the problems of society.
Andrei Bolkonsky at the ball
Andrei Bolkonsky appears before readers as a handsome young man of small stature and with dry features. He hates secular hypocritical society, but comes to balls and other events for the sake of decency:
“He, apparently, not only knew everyone in the living room, but was so tired of them that he found it very boring to look at them and listen to them.”
Bolkonsky is indifferent to his wife Lisa, but when she dies, the young man blames himself for being cold to his wife and not paying her due attention. It is worth noting that Lev Nikolaevich, who knows how to identify man with nature, reveals the personality of Andrei Bolkonsky in the episode where the character sees a huge dilapidated oak tree on the edge of the road - this tree is a symbolic image of the internal state of Prince Andrei.
Andrei Bolkonsky at war
Among other things, Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy endowed this hero with opposite qualities; he combines courage and cowardice: Bolkonsky participates in a bloody battle on the battlefield, but in the literal sense of the word he is running from an unsuccessful marriage and a failed life. The protagonist either loses the meaning of life, then again hopes for the best, building goals and means to achieve them.
Andrei Nikolaevich revered Napoleon, he also wanted to become famous and lead his army to victory, but fate made its own adjustments: the hero of the work was wounded in the head and taken to the hospital. Later, the prince realized that happiness does not lie in triumph and laurels of honor, but in children and family life. But, unfortunately, Bolkonsky is doomed to failure: not only the death of his wife awaits him, but also the betrayal of Natasha Rostova.
Battle of Austerlitz
Recognition, honor and eternal memory are the most basic goals that are a priority in order to fully reveal the image of Andrei Bolkonsky. A brief summary of the events of the Battle of Austerlitz will only help to understand how important it became for the prince. This battle was a turning point in moral quests and an attempt to accomplish a feat for the younger Bolkonsky.
He hoped that during this battle he would be lucky enough to show all his courage and become a hero. He actually managed to accomplish a feat during the battle: when the ensign carrying the banner fell, the prince raised him and led the battalion into the attack.
However, Andrei did not succeed in becoming a hero to the fullest, because it was during the Battle of Austerlitz that many soldiers were killed, and the Russian army suffered terrible losses. Here the prince realized that his desire to gain world fame was just an illusion. After such a fall, the plans of the ambitious prince undergo dramatic changes. He no longer admires the image of the great Napoleon Bonaparte; now this brilliant commander becomes for him just a simple soldier. This battle and the reasoning inspired by it are completely new and one of the most important stages in the quest of Tolstoy’s hero.
"War and Peace"
The action of the novel, which tells about friendship and betrayal, begins at a visit to Anna Pavlovna Scherer, where the entire high society of St. Petersburg gathers to discuss politics and Napoleon’s role in the war. Lev Nikolaevich personified this immoral and deceitful salon with the “Famus society”, which was brilliantly described by Alexander Griboedov in his work “Woe from Wit” (1825). It is in Anna Pavlovna’s salon that Andrei Nikolaevich appears before readers.
After dinner and idle talk, Andrei goes to the village to visit his father and leaves his pregnant wife Lisa at the family estate Bald Mountains in the care of his sister Marya. In 1805, Andrei Nikolaevich went to war against Napoleon, where he acted as Kutuzov’s adjutant. During the bloody battles, the hero was wounded in the head, after which he was taken to the hospital.
Princess Marya Bolkonskaya and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky
Upon returning home, Prince Andrei received unpleasant news: his wife Lisa died during childbirth. Bolkonsky plunged into depression. The young man was tormented by the fact that he treated his wife coldly and did not show her due respect. Then Prince Andrei fell in love again, which helped him get rid of his bad mood.
This time, Natasha Rostova became the young man’s chosen one. Bolkonsky proposed marriage to the girl, but since his father was against such a misalliance, the marriage had to be postponed for a year. Natasha, who could not live alone, made a mistake and began an affair with a lover of wild life, Anatoly Kuragin.
Dying Andrei Bolkonsky and Natasha Rostova
The heroine sent Bolkonsky a letter of refusal. This turn of events wounded Andrei Nikolaevich, who dreams of challenging his opponent to a duel. To distract himself from unrequited love and emotional distress, the prince began to work hard and devoted himself to service. In 1812, Bolkonsky took part in the war against Napoleon and was wounded in the stomach during the Battle of Borodino.
Meanwhile, the Rostov family moved to their Moscow estate, where the war participants are located. Among the wounded soldiers, Natasha Rostova saw Prince Andrei and realized that love had not faded in her heart. Unfortunately, Bolkonsky’s poor health was incompatible with life, so the prince died in the arms of the astonished Natasha and Princess Marya.
Service
In the army, the prince does not behave exactly as many would act if they were in his place. He does not even think about immediately obtaining a high position, taking advantage of his aristocratic origins. He deliberately wants to start his service from the lowest positions in Kutuzov's army.
In his aspirations, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky differs sharply not only from representatives of high society who find themselves in the war, but also from ordinary employees who, at any cost, want to get the coveted high post. Their main goal is regalia and recognition, no matter how useful they are or how brave they are in battle.
Bolkonsky is no stranger to vanity, but it is expressed completely differently. Prince Andrei Bolkonsky feels that he is to some extent responsible for the fate of Russia and the people. He was especially influenced by the Ulm defeat and the appearance of General Mack. During this period, important changes occur in the hero’s soul that will affect his entire future life. He felt “at ease” and realized that it was in the army that he could realize his powerful potential. The boredom disappeared from his face, and from his entire appearance it became clear that the prince was full of energy, which he wanted to direct to achieve his goals, that is, to protect the Russian people.
The prince becomes ambitious, he wants to accomplish a feat so that his name will be etched in history for many centuries. The great commander Kutuzov is pleased with his employee and considers him one of the best officers.
The life of Andrei Bolkonsky in the army is radically different from the “insipid” existence among society ladies that he led earlier. He is ready to take action and does not hesitate to do so. The hero demonstrated honor and courage already during the Battle of Shengraben, when he bravely circled around the positions, despite the relentless, non-stop fire of the enemy. During this battle, the younger Bolkonsky had the opportunity to witness the heroism shown by the artillerymen of Captain Tushin. In addition, the prince showed his courage by coming to the captain’s defense.
Film adaptations and actors
Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy’s novel has been filmed more than once by eminent directors: the work of the Russian writer has been adapted for avid film fans even in Hollywood. Indeed, the number of films based on this book cannot be counted on one hand, so we will list only a few films.
"War and Peace" (film, 1956)
In 1956, director King Vidor brought Leo Tolstoy's work to television screens. The film differs little from the original novel. No wonder the original script was 506 pages, which is five times the size of the average text. Filming took place in Italy, with some episodes filmed in Rome, Felonica and Pinerolo.
Mel Ferrer as Andrei Bolkonsky
The brilliant cast includes recognized Hollywood stars. Natasha Rostova was played by Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda played Pierre Bezukhov, and Mel Ferrer played the role of Bolkonsky.
"War and Peace" (film, 1967)
Russian filmmakers have not lagged behind their foreign colleagues, who amaze viewers not only with the “picture”, but also with the scope of their budget. Director Sergei Bondarchuk worked for six years on the highest-budget film in the history of Soviet cinema.
Vyacheslav Tikhonov as Andrei Bolkonsky
In the film, film fans see not only the plot and acting, but also the director’s know-how: Sergei Bondarchuk used panoramic battles, which were new for that time. The role of Andrei Bolkonsky went to actor Vyacheslav Tikhonov. Also starring in the film were Lyudmila Savelyeva, Kira Golovko, Oleg Tabakov, Anastasia Vertinskaya, Nikolai Trofimov and others.
"War and Peace" (TV series, 2007)
German director Robert Dornhelm also took up the film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's work, peppering the film with original storylines. Moreover, Robert departed from the canons in terms of the appearance of the main characters, for example, Natasha Rostova (Clemence Poesy) appears to the audience as a blonde with blue eyes.
Alessio Boni as Andrei Bolkonsky
The image of Andrei Bolkonsky went to the Italian actor Alessio Boni, who is remembered by film fans for the films “The Robbery” (1993), “After the Storm” (1995), “Dracula” (2002) and other films.
"War and Peace" (TV series, 2016)
According to The Guardian, residents of Foggy Albion began buying the original manuscripts of Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy after this series, filmed by director Tom Harperm.
James Norton as Andrei Bolkonsky
The six-episode adaptation of the novel shows viewers love relationships, devoting almost no time to military events. The role of Andrei Bolkonsky was played by James Norton, sharing the set with Paul Dano and Lily James.
Return to secular society
Significant changes in the prince’s worldview occur upon his return to Bald Mountains, where he was sent after being seriously wounded on the battlefield. The image of Andrei Bolkonsky becomes more pragmatic, especially after new tragic events occur in his life. Soon after his return, his wife dies in birth pangs, giving birth to her son Nikolenka, who will later become the continuer of his father’s spiritual quest.
It seems to Andrei that he is guilty of what happened, that his actions are the cause of his wife’s death. This state, close to depression, together with the mental disorder that appeared after the defeat at the Battle of Austerlitz, leads the prince to the idea that he should renounce his claims to military glory, and at the same time stop any public activity.
In such impulses one can find an echo of the best qualities inherited from his father, which were fully embodied by the image of Andrei Bolkonsky. Briefly: he decides to isolate himself from everything and devote himself entirely to household chores and caring for his son.
Interesting Facts
- Lev Nikolaevich did not consider his cumbersome work finished and believed that the novel “War and Peace” should end with a different scene. However, the author never brought his idea to life.
- In the film War and Peace (1956), the costume designers used more than one hundred thousand sets of military uniforms, costumes and wigs, which were made from original illustrations from the time of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- The novel “War and Peace” traces the author’s philosophical views and pieces from his biography. The writer did not like Moscow society and had mental vices. When his wife did not fulfill all his whims, according to rumors, Lev Nikolaevich walked “to the left.” Therefore, it is not surprising that his characters, like any mortals, have negative traits.
- King Vidor's film did not gain fame among the European public, but it gained unprecedented popularity in the Soviet Union.
Quotes
“The battle is won by the one who is determined to win it!”
“I remember,” Prince Andrei hastily answered, “I said that a fallen woman must be forgiven, but I did not say that I can forgive. I can't".
"Love? What is love? Love prevents death. Love is life. Everything, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists only because I love. Everything is connected by one thing. Love is God, and to die means for me, a particle of love, to return to the common and eternal source.”
“Let’s leave the dead to bury the dead, but while you’re alive, you must live and be happy.”
“There are only two sources of human vices: idleness and superstition, and there are only two virtues: activity and intelligence.”
“No, life is not over at the age of 31, suddenly it’s finally over,” Prince Andrei certainly decided. “Not only do I know everything that is in me, it is necessary for everyone to know it: both Pierre and this girl who wanted to fly into the sky, it is necessary for everyone to know me, so that my life is not for me alone.” life, so that they don’t live so independently of my life, so that it is reflected on everyone, and so that they all live with me!”
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