War and Peace. About volume 3
The third volume of the epic novel “War and Peace” tells about the beginning of the War of 1812, called the Patriotic War. The focus is on such historical events as the attack of the French army led by Napaleon Boanaparte on Russia; Battle of Borodino; the burning of Moscow and the inglorious entry into the city of Napoleon Boanaparte; council in Fili and many other facts characterizing not only the era of the early nineteenth century, but also the characters of individual historical figures and characters.
The writing of the third volume was preceded by the author’s enormous work with historical documents, letters and memoirs of eyewitnesses of these events. The works of critics and analysts of this historical period were studied. A library on the Patriotic War of 1812 was collected.
According to L.N. himself Tolstoy, the works of historical figures could not give him the necessary foundation for a realistic reconstruction of the events described.
The author spends two days in the village of Borodino. Satisfied with what he saw, he remains very pleased and in a letter to his wife promises to write “... a battle of Borodino that has never happened before.”
Rejecting the idea of the War of 1812 as a confrontation between the powers that be, the author of the novel shows a war of liberation, a people's war, which made it possible to expose true human qualities and values.
The main characters of the novel
- Natalya Rostova - in this part, this heroine is shown as a selfless girl who, seeing the situation of the wounded, convinces her parents to sacrifice carts for them. When, due to the war, the Rostov family was forced to leave Moscow, Natasha found out that in one of the huts in the village of Mytishchi, where they were temporarily staying, there was a wounded Andrei Bolkonsky - and began to selflessly look after him.
- Andrei Bolkonsky - this part describes the case of how, after being wounded on the Borodino field, Andrei first ends up at a dressing station, then in the village of Mytishchi. He asks for the Gospel and thinks about the love of God. Here Natalya finds Andrey and selflessly takes care of her loved one.
- Pierre Bezukhov - in this part of the novel "War and Peace" is shown as a man who, finding himself in a war, on the one hand, experiences fear, wanting to be in normal conditions, on the other - wants to do, as he believes, a good deed for his Fatherland , destroying the main enemy - Napoleon. He fails in this plan. During a fire in Moscow, Pierre Bezukhov participates in the rescue of a three-year-old girl, yielding to the tearful pleas of her mother. He stood up for an Armenian girl, fighting with a Frenchman who was trying to rob her, for which he was captured.
- Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov is the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, who takes care of preserving his army, for the purpose of which, during the Patriotic War of 1812, he orders the retreat of Russian troops from Moscow.
- Count Rastopchin - Moscow Governor-General. Under the guise of caring about the people, he simply plays the role of “leader of popular feeling.” Having received an order from Kutuzov to freely conduct the retreat of Russian troops through Moscow, he was unable to organize anything.
Chapter first
In this chapter, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy talks about the absolute continuity of movement, which is incomprehensible to the human mind.
The author discusses cause-and-effect relationships in the course of historical events.
Chapter two
The goal of the movement of the French army is Moscow, and it rushes towards it with the force of swiftness. The Russian army is forced to retreat, but as it retreats, its bitterness against the enemy grows. When Kutuzov and his entire army were already confident that the Battle of Borodino had been won, news began to arrive about large losses in the detachments of fighters.
Summary of War and Peace Volume 3 in parts and chapters.
Part 1.
Chapter 1.
1812 June 12. The borders of the Russian Empire are crossed by troops from Western Europe. The French army is led by Napoleon Boanaparte. Each of his contemporaries (and then his descendants) sees and explains the reasons for making this decision in his own way.
Chapter 2.
May 29. Napoleon, having expressed his opinion to the emperor, princes and kings located in Dresden, heads to Poland. French troops receive orders to move towards the Russian border. With this decision, Boanaparte sharply changes the opinion he expressed in a letter to the Russian emperor about his reluctance to fight with Russia.
The French cross the Neman and attack Russia.
Chapter 3.
Russia is not ready for war. The attitude of the emperor and the commanders-in-chief to this issue is extremely frivolous. Alexander has fun at balls and celebrations organized for him in Vilna. “...the news of the French crossing the Neman was especially unexpected after a month of unfulfilled anticipation, and at the ball!” The Russian emperor invites Napoleon to leave the territory of his state. Otherwise, Russia will resist.
Chapter 4.
From June 13 to 14, Adjutant General Balashov was sent with a dispatch to Napoleon. The French non-commissioned officer is in no hurry to observe the norms of respect towards the envoy. Near the village of Rykotny, Balashov talks with Murat (who calls himself the Neapolitan king). On Muraton’s part, the tone was familiar and good-natured. Continuing further, Balashov was again detained by French sentries. The Russian envoy will have a meeting with General Davout.
Chapter 5.
Davout - "Arakcheev of Emperor Napoleon." The conversation between the French marshal and the Russian adjutant general does not work out. Davout demands to see the package.
Four days later, Balashov finds himself in Vilna again. The only difference is that now this is the location of the French.
Chapter 6.
Napoleon receives Balashov in the house where the adjutant met with Alexander a few days ago. The French leader insists on his reluctance to wage war with Russia. At Balashov’s proposal to leave the occupied lands, the angry Napoleon blames the Russian emperor for what happened. Alexander should not have entered into friendly relations with the British and Turks.
Chapter 7.
Over lunch, Napoleon shares with Balashov an unpleasant fact for himself - Emperor Alexander recklessly became close to all of Boanaparte's enemies. He is perplexed about Alexander’s desire to exercise command of the Russian army - “his business is to reign, not to command troops.”
The adjutant fulfills his duties, recounting Napaleon's words to Alexander in detail.
Russia is on the path to war.
Chapter 8.
In order to duel with Kuragin, Andrei goes to St. Petersburg. Here Kutuzov invites the prince to join the Turkish army as part of the Russian army. Andrey is part of the Western Army. On his way to his duty station, Andrei stops at his parents' house. Family relationships are tense. Andrei is dissatisfied with his father's behavior. He is upset by the coldness demonstrated by the elder Bolkonsky towards his son.
With an absolute lack of understanding of his motives, Andrei continues his journey into the army.
Chapter 9.
Drissa camp. Headquarters of the Russian army. Political parties underestimate the full extent of the impending threat. They are unhappy with the strategy used by Russian troops. A letter is sent to Alexander with a request to leave the theater of military operations and lead the military company from the capital.
Chapter 10.
The French are advancing. The Russian emperor inspects the Dris camp, headed by General Pfuel and causing discontent among the military leaders.
Andrei Bolkonsky communicates with General Pfuel. The general displays the typical traits of a theoretical strategist, good at maps and rather poor at actual military operations.
Chapter 11.
The military council has a long and heated discussion about the plan of action developed by Pfuel. Several options were proposed, and it was obvious that each of them had both its advantages and disadvantages.
Andrei, observing what is happening, decides to continue serving not at headquarters, but in the active army.
Chapter 12.
Nikolai Rostov was assigned to the Pavlograd regiment. The regiment retreats, approaching the Russian borders from Poland.
The story of Raevsky, who took his two minor sons with him to the attack, is spreading among the military. Rostov does not share the admiration of his compatriots. Nikolai considers it irresponsible to expose small children to such danger, while allowing a considerable degree of exaggeration to be made to boost the morale of the army.
Chapter 13.
Abandoned tavern. Here the regimental doctor and his wife, Rostov Ilyin and three officers take shelter from the rain. Wet and chilled “guests” have a tea party from a samovar on dirty water and a card game of kings. Those present are amused by the doctor’s attack of jealousy towards Marya Genrikhovna.
Chapter 14.
Three o'clock in the morning. The order to march to Ostrovna was received. The French are pursuing the Russian cavalry army. Among the lancers is the squadron of Nikolai Rostov.
Chapter 15.
Nikolai assesses the situation and leads the Russian lancers into the attack. The enemy is defeated. Rostov captures the officer, for which he is appointed commander of the hussar battalion and receives an award - the St. George Cross.
Rostov is philosophical about his heroic deed. He sympathizes with the French, thinking why it is necessary to kill an enemy who is in fear. “My hand trembled. And they gave me the St. George Cross. Nothing, I don’t understand anything!”
Chapter 16.
The Rostovs return to Moscow. Natasha is having a hard time breaking up with Andrey. Doctors are unable to determine the cause of the girl’s illness. Gradually, a healthy young body returns Natasha to her usual way of life.
Chapter 17.
Natasha shuns everyone, communicating only with Pierre Bezukhov. Bezukhov is hopelessly in love. He does not have the strength to admit this to Natasha. The girl, who sincerely responds to Pierre's attention, does not notice his love pangs.
Remembering Agrofena Ivanovna, young Rostova begins to attend church. At the same time, the girl feels “the possibilities of a new, clean life and happiness.”
Chapter 18.
July 11. A manifesto on the formation of a people's militia was published. Moscow is excited by talk about the results of the military campaign. Sunday. The Rostovs are present at the service held by the Razumovskys. The priest in prayer asks to save Russia from the enemies that attacked it. Natasha joins the requests for salvation, forgiveness and happiness.
Chapter 19.
Bezukhov's thoughts are completely devoted to Natasha. Brother Pierre, who is a Freemason, speaks of the prediction contained in the Apocalypse of John. Prophecy about the appearance of Napoleon. Bezukhov is fond of digital calculations with the name of Napoleon, resulting in 666 - the “number of the beast”. Pierre gets the same result as a result of calculating his own name. Bezukhov explains this as a higher connection between him and the French invader. Pierre decides that his highest mission is to stop Napoleon Boanaparte.
Chapter 20.
During dinner at the Rostovs', Pierre hears from Natasha words of recognition of the importance of his figure in her life. Natasha is still worried about the question of whether Prince Andrei will forgive her. In a fit of tender feelings, Pierre is unable to answer Natasha.
The Rostovs read a manifesto about the difficult situation in Russia and their special hope for Moscow.
Bezukhov intends to go into military service. His parents do not approve of his decision.
Pierre decides not to visit the Rostovs' house anymore. His feelings for Natasha are too great.
Chapter 21.
Alexander I arrives in Moscow. Bezukhov intends to personally ask him for permission to perform military service. Finding himself in a loud crowd, Pierre decides not to do this. Without understanding why, Pierre picks up a piece of biscuit that fell from the emperor after dinner into the crowd.
Bezukhov is categorical; he informs his family that he intends to flee to war if they continue to put obstacles in his way.
Chapter 22.
Slobodsky yard. Meeting of merchants and nobles. They do not want to invest in a military company. Pierre Bezukhov wants to object by expressing his opinion, but the exclamations of those gathered do not give him such an opportunity.
Chapter 23.
The appearance of the emperor and his fiery speech about the heroic actions of the Russian army and the importance of everyone's participation change their opinion. Nobles and merchants donate very significant sums to a good cause.
Pierre Bezukhov donates a thousand people along with their support. He is enlisted in the army.
Part 2.
Chapter 1.
Analysis of the War of 1812. Reflections on the role of Napoleon and Alexander in this war. The author’s conclusion is that the will of two strong figures in this war did not affect anything.
The French are advancing towards Smolensk. Residents cannot allow the city to be captured. They set the city on fire themselves. Heading to Moscow, in the hope of finding protection and salvation there, residents of Smolensk go to other cities and incite the people to fight the enemy.
Chapter 2.
Andrei Bolkonsky writes a letter to his father with a detailed account of the progress of the war and strongly advises the family to move to Moscow. Andrey's father ignores his son's request. He is sure that the French will not reach Bald Mountains. The Neman is the maximum line where the enemy can advance.
Chapter 3.
The manager of the Bolkonsky estate, Alpatych, is going to Smolensk. Giving orders from the old prince to the manager takes more than two hours.
Chapter 4.
August 4th. Evening. Alpatych reached the city. Smolensk is burning. Smolensk is under siege. The local population hastily collects their belongings. Russian troops are still in the city. Prince Andrei, through Alpatych, in a letter asks the family to cross to Moscow as quickly as possible.
Chapter 5.
Bald Mountains. Andrei Balkonsky stops by here before returning to the regiment. Relatives in Moscow. The sight of bathing soldiers evokes in Andrei the most terrible feelings associated with the understanding that they are just merry “cannon fodder.”
Bagration addresses a letter to Arakcheev with accusations against the Minister of War Barclay de Tolly (who was the commander-in-chief). It was impossible to leave Smolensk. The French position was not in their favor. The reason for the wrong decisions, Bagration believes, is that the Russian army is controlled not by one head, but by two.
Chapter 6.
Salon Helen (St. Petersburg). Visitors to the salon discuss the war as something frivolous and quickly passing. Vasily allows himself quite harsh criticism of Kutuzov. The appointment of Kutuzov as commander-in-chief of the entire Russian army dramatically changes the prince's opinion about him. Vasily takes the position of his intercessor.
Chapter 7.
From Smolensk the French are moving towards Moscow. Napoleon is persistently looking for a new battle (Vyazma, Tsarevo-Zaymishche). “... but it turned out that due to countless collisions of circumstances, one hundred and twenty versts from Moscow, the Russians could not accept the battle.”
Chapter 8.
Bolkonsky family. The old prince is seriously ill. Marya takes care of her father, catching herself thinking about speedy liberation from rigid and unquestioning submission to his will. She thinks about love and family happiness. Such thoughts frighten Marya like a devilish temptation. Feeling better, the old man asks Marya to forgive him. He talks about the last days of Russia, falls into unconsciousness, and is delirious. Another blow happens, Balkonsky dies.
Chapter 9.
Shortly before the death of the prince, Alpatych comes to Bogucharovo with instructions from Andrei. He observes the special character of men and their opinion about what is happening. The order to collect carts for departure from the estate remains unfulfilled. Alpatych’s attempts to convince the local headman to carry out the order do not help either.
Chapter 10.
Marya mourns her father, blaming herself for his death. She is ashamed of her secret desires. Not wanting to be captured by the French, Marya decides to leave for Moscow, taking the peasants with her. Headman Dron (who managed the estate for about thirty years) receives orders to prepare carts.
Chapter 11.
The peasants come to the prince's house and rudely express their disagreement to Marya.
Chapter 12.
Night. Marya is not sleeping. She relives the loss of her father and the days leading up to his death over and over again.
Chapter 13.
Bogucharovo. Princess Marya meets with Nikolai Rostov. Marya confidentially tells Nikolai about the self-will of the peasants. Nikolai, who arrived in Bogucharovo to look for food for the horses, promises Marya his protection and help in moving to Moscow.
Chapter 14.
Nikolai Rostov keeps his promise. With his help, the Bogucharov men stopped the riot. Marya falls in love with Rostov, realizing that she will never admit this to anyone. Nikolai also has tender feelings for Marya. Rostov is visited by thoughts that his and Marya’s marriage would be a joyful event for everyone.
Chapter 15.
Tsarevo-Zamishche. Main apartment. Meeting of Kutuzov, Andrei Bolkonsky and Denisov. Bolkonsky and Denisov in a conversation share memories of their love for Natasha Rostova. They talk about this as something very distant.
Denisov and Kutuzov discuss the current situation. The commander-in-chief does not pay due attention to Denisov’s plan for waging guerrilla warfare. His principles and views were somewhat different.
Chapter 16.
Balkonsky receives an invitation from the commander-in-chief to continue serving next to him. Andrey refuses. Kutuzov is sympathetic to Andrei’s decision. He speaks with confidence about the defeat of the French army, but this must wait.
Chapter 17.
The French are approaching Moscow. Moscow itself, without reacting in any way to reports of an imminent threat, continues to live a peaceful life.
Chapter 18.
Pierre Bezukhov is sent to the location of the military unit located in Mozhaisk. This decision was preceded by long hesitation and deliberation. The pictures that open along the route of Pierre with the army lead him to the idea of the need for self-sacrifice for the sake of liberation.
Chapter 19.
Battle of Borodino. It was not significant either for the Russians or for the French. Having completely destroyed all strategic plans, unexpectedly starting in an area visible from all sides, it received a completely logical ending - huge losses on both sides.
Chapter 20.
Pierre carefully examines the militia moving past. One thought occupies his head - how many of these people are destined for wounds, suffering, death, how can they think not about death, but about something else.
Chapter 21.
Bezukhov arrives at his place of duty. On the battlefield there is a prayer service with the icon of the Smolensk Mother of God, brought from Smolensk.
Chapter 22.
Pierre Bezukhov meets his acquaintances. For himself, he notes that the brilliance and excitement in the eyes of the officers is caused by personal aspirations, and not by worries about the fate of Russia. While communicating with friends, Kutuzov draws attention to Pierre. At Kutuzov’s invitation, Bezukhov follows him and notices Dolokhov. Kutuzov throws a few words at Bezukhov, inviting him to his halt.
A meeting with Dolokhov, previously wounded by Pierre in a duel that led to a quarrel between the young people, brings reconciliation. The expected battle and the unknown are exciting. Dolokhov apologizes to Bezukhov for the offense caused. Pierre, in a fit of emotion, hugs Dolokhov.
Chapter 23.
Benisgen's retinue, together with Bezukhov, heads to the village of Borodino. Benisgen inspects the positions, actively discussing this with others.
Chapter 24.
The time for battle is approaching. Bolkonsky is experiencing great excitement. The same feelings visited him before Austerlitz. Bolkonsky meets Bezukhov. It is unpleasant for him to see a person reminiscent of the past. Bezukhov notices Bolkonsky's mood and feels awkward.
Chapter 25.
The officers, among whom are Bolkonsky and Bezukhov, discuss military operations, the expected battle, and concern the personality of Kutuzov. Andrei fully shares the views of Kutuzov, who argued that the result depends on chance and the people, and success lies in the feelings of the soldiers. Bolkonsky's faith in victory is unshakable. Andrei characterizes the French as enemies who have encroached on his home, which means they must be destroyed. Andrey and Pierre break up. Andrei feels that they will not see each other again.
Chapter 26.
Prefect Bosset assures Napoleon that no more than three days separate the emperor from his triumphal entry into Moscow. On the eve of the Battle of Borodino, Boanaparte addresses his army. Napoleon is confident that they will bring him the long-awaited victory.
Chapter 27.
Napoleon Boanaparte on the field of the upcoming battle. The disposition is being assessed and orders are given. Many of them turn out to be unrealistic in execution.
Chapter 28.
Reflections on key historical events and the role of significant historical figures in them. Peter I, Napoleon Boanaparte, Charles IX are mentioned. The conclusion is that the path of history is predetermined.
Chapter 29.
At dawn the Battle of Borodino will begin. Napoleon carefully hides his excitement. Boanaparte is interested in the opinion of his adjutant about the upcoming meeting with Russian troops. He repeats the words of his commander, spoken in Smolensk - the wine is uncorked, we need to drink it. Napoleon agrees.
Chapter 30.
Bezukhov enjoys the panorama of the battle opening before him. He found what he saw to be quite unexpected and even majestic. Pierre follows the general, wanting to be in the very center of what is happening.
Chapter 31.
Advanced. Bezukhov. Pierre is surrounded by the wounded and dead. Raevsky's adjutant accompanies Pierre to General Raevsky to the location of his battery.
The battle is in full swing. Pierre sees several dozen dead soldiers. He notes the heroism of the Russians in repelling the French attacks despite a clear lack of ammunition. Feeling a desire to help, Pierre sees what the soldier is doing and heads towards the boxes with shells. An unexpected blow nearby knocks Bezukhov over. Pierre is thrown aside. Having come to his senses, he sees only the wood chips remaining from the box.
Chapter 32.
General Raevsky's battery was attacked by French troops. Bezukhov engages in hand-to-hand combat with a French soldier. The physical advantage is on Pierre's side. He dodges a cannonball flying nearby. The Frenchman breaks free and runs away. Bezukhov hastily returns to the location of Raevsky's battery. It always seems to him that the dead bodies with which the battlefield is covered are grabbing his legs. The scale of the death horrifies Bezukhov. He hopes that the French, having realized the culprits of what grief they are, will stop the battle. In fact, the attack became increasingly stronger.
Chapter 33.
Napoleon watches the progress of the battle through a trumpet. It is difficult for him to distinguish his soldiers from the Russians. Everyone on the battlefield was mixed up. Napoleon increasingly gives the wrong orders. His orders are late. The outcome of the battle increasingly begins to depend not on the will of military strategists, but on the spontaneous will of the fighting crowd.
Chapter 34.
Napoleon observes the senselessness of what is happening. He gets bored and starts talking about abstract topics. Napoleon doubts victory. He sees war as something terrible and useless to anyone.
Chapter 35.
Kutuzov watches the progress of the battle. His plans do not include changing the situation. It provides the people and the situation with the opportunity to develop according to their own scenario. Kutuzov’s main task is to support the morale of soldiers.
Chapter 36.
The French are shelling Andrei Bolkonsky's regiment, which is in reserve. Bolkonsky demonstrates excessive heroism and is wounded in the stomach by a cannonball that explodes nearby. Andrey is transported to the hospital. He thinks that he does not want and is not ready to die now.
Chapter 37.
Dressing station. Bolkonsky sees Kuragin among the wounded. As a result of the operation, he lost both legs. Bolkonsky is delusional. He sees a ball, Natasha, Kuragin. Andrey feels sorry for Natasha.
Chapter 38.
Napoleon sees thousands killed. He is horrified, realizing that all this is his fault.
Chapter 39.
The meaning and results of the battle of Borodino. From a historical point of view, the Russians were defeated. From the point of view of the author of the novel, the Russians won the Battle of Borodino by proving their moral superiority to the enemy and pointing out to him his moral inferiority.
Part 3.
Chapter 1.
Forces influencing the course of historical events - what are they? None of those in power is a legislator of history. The people and their actions are controlled by something small, invisible to the naked eye.
Chapter 2.
Napoleon and his troops are steadily moving towards Moscow. Russian troops are retreating. And the further the troops go, the more bitterness against the enemy grows among the soldiers.
Chapter 3.
Poklonnaya Mountain. Kutuzova. Council of Generals of the Russian Army. It is obvious to everyone that there are no opportunities to defend Moscow.
Chapter 4.
Kutuzov holds a military council with the generals in Fili. The question is being decided: to accept the battle for Moscow, knowing that loss is inevitable, or to leave the city without a fight and thereby save strength and people. According to Bennigsen, voluntary surrender of the city is out of the question. Opinions were sharply divided. Kutuzov decides to retreat.
Chapter 5.
Muscovites are leaving the city. Everything valuable is loaded onto carts and taken away. Townspeople who are unable to take things with them set fire to houses along with all their contents. Nothing should go to the enemy. Count Rostopchin is extremely dissatisfied with what is happening. The Governor-General urges residents not to leave Moscow.
Chapter 6.
Helen Bezukhova makes new acquaintances. Among them are a nobleman and a foreign prince, as well as a Catholic Jesuit. Succumbing to his influence, Helen accepts the Catholic faith, thinking of Bezukhov as a supporter of a false religion.
Chapter 7.
In the letter, Helen asks Pierre for consent to a divorce. She intends to get married a second time and is doing her best to prepare the society in which she moves for this event. The piquancy of the rumors spread by Helen is that she will have to choose between two suitors eager for her hand.
Chapter 8.
Impressed by the Battle of Borodino, Bezukhov feels a desire to return to his normal life as soon as possible. Mozhaisk Inn. Pierre thinks about the soldiers, their restraint, calmness, prudence. He would like to be like them.
Chapter 9.
Bezukhov dreams of lunch. He sees Anatoly, Nesvitsky, Dolokhov, Denisov. Through their conversations and singing, Pierre hears a benefactor addressing him. He is unable to make out the words, but understands that we are talking about good. The benefactor encourages Pierre to be like them. Bezukhov wants to attract the attention of the diners and wakes up. Bezukhov makes a discovery - submission to God is simplicity. And Anatol, Nesvitsky, Dolokhov, Denisov are simple. “They don’t say it, but they do it.”
The next morning, the troops leave Mozhaisk, leaving about ten thousand wounded.
Pierre sets off on the road on foot, ordering the carriage to catch up with him. On the way to Moscow, Bezukhov is informed of the deaths of Andrei Bolkonsky and Anatoly Kuragin.
Chapter 10.
On the thirtieth Bezukhov in Moscow. Adjutant Rostopchin is looking for him with a message about the need to urgently report to the commander-in-chief.
Chapter 11.
Count Rostopchin, having learned about Pierre's affiliation with the Freemasons, warns him against possible arrest, since some prominent figures and supporters of Freemasonry were arrested for aiding the French army. Rostopchin’s advice is to break with the Freemasons and run away.
Bezukhov receives a letter written by Helen. He fails to understand what his wife wants.
Rostopchin sends a policeman to Bezukhov. Pierre refuses to receive him and hastily, secretly from everyone, leaves the house.
Chapter 12.
There is a lot of different talk about the future of Moscow. Everyone understands that the city will be left to the French. The Rostovs are making preparations for departure.
Chapter 13.
Convoys with the wounded are arriving in the city. Natasha Rostova insists on housing soldiers in their house.
Count Rostopchin makes an appeal to go to the Three Mountains and take the battle.
Countess Rostova is trying to complete preparations for departure as quickly as possible.
Chapter 14.
Young Rostova is preparing to leave. At the count's house, a stroller in which the wounded Bolkonsky is located slows down.
Chapter 15.
One day and Moscow will be surrendered to the enemy. At the request of the military, Count Rostov is preparing several carts for their transportation. The Countess shows dissatisfaction with her husband's actions. She encourages him to think about his own children.
Chapter 16.
Natasha, having learned the countess's opinion, shouts at her. She accuses her mother of inappropriate behavior. Having calmed down, Natasha apologizes to the Countess. Rostova is inferior to her husband and daughter.
Chapter 17.
Departure of the Rostovs from Moscow. Natasha does not know about Bolkonsky, who is in one of the carts. Countess Rostova believes that this will be correct.
The Rostovs meet Pierre Bezukhov. He is dressed in a coachman's caftan, disheveled and confused.
Having hastily kissed Natasha's hand, Bezukhov disappears.
Chapter 18.
Bezukhov is in despair. The situation in Moscow gave him uneasy feelings. Pierre is convinced that nothing can come back, that in what is happening it is no longer possible to understand who is right and who is wrong. Confusion of mental feelings and thoughts. Bezukhov finds refuge with the widow Bazdeeva (whose husband was also a Freemason). He dresses up in peasant clothes and decides to get a pistol.
Chapter 19.
September 1. By order of Kutuzov, the Russians began retreating to the Ryazan road at night. Moscow is empty. Napoleon settled down on Poklonnaya Hill. At the Kamerkollezhsky Val he is waiting for the boyars and is in sweet anticipation of the fulfillment of a long-standing goal.
Chapter 20.
Boanaparte receives a message that there is no one in the city. The triumphant man refuses to believe it. He does not go to the city, but stops at the Drogomilovsky suburb.
Chapter 21.
The remnants of Russian troops leave Moscow. The wounded and civilians are serving with them. There is a huge crush on the Kamenny and Moskvoretsky bridges. Marauders are operating in the city, taking advantage of the current situation.
Chapter 22.
The empty house of the Rostovs. There is chaos all around and signs of a hasty departure. In the house there are only the janitor Ignat, the Cossack Mishka and Mavra Kuzminishna. Suddenly, Count Rostov’s nephew appears at the gate. His clothes and shoes are torn. The officer needs help.
Chapter 23.
Those remaining in the city organize loud processions, drink and fight.
Chapter 24.
Evening of September 1st. Rastopchin in Moscow. The Count is offended by Kutuzov's decision not to invite him to the military council. He doesn't understand well what needs to be done. All his active endeavors did not bring the desired result.
Chapter 25.
The count loses authority among the townspeople. In order to improve the situation, Rastopchin gives the scribe Vereshchagin, who was considered the main culprit in the decision to leave Moscow to the French, to be torn to pieces by the crowd. He is sure that this cruelty was created for the sake of the people and their well-being.
Chapter 26.
Moscow greets French soldiers with robberies and looting. The military leaders are unable to establish any semblance of order. Four residents of Moscow came to the defense of the Kremlin, and they were dealt with very quickly.
Wooden Moscow was burned. It couldn't have been any other way. Moscow burned down at the will of the residents who did not want to take out bread and salt and the keys to the city to the next invader. They burned it and left the city.
Chapters 27-28.
Pierre Bezukhov's health is on the verge of insanity. He is obsessed with the idea of killing Napoleon Boanaparte, in the absence of any understanding of how this can be accomplished.
Bezukhov saves French army officer Rambal from attack. He knocks out a pistol from the attacker, a lost old man (the brother of the owner of the apartment where Pierre lives). The Frenchman is impressed. He puts Bezukhov on his list of friends.
Chapter 29.
Rambal and Pierre are having dinner at Bazdeev’s apartment. The tone of the conversation is love. The conversation proceeds quite frankly on Bezukhov’s part. Pierre talks about the only and hopeless love in his life, talks about himself, reveals his origin and name.
Chapter 30.
Mytishchi. The Rostovs stop for the night. From here you can clearly see Moscow burning.
Chapter 31.
Natasha, having learned that Bolkonsky is in their convoy, waits until dark to meet him.
At night, Natasha finds Andrei. He seems to her completely unchanged. However, the girl is particularly impressed by her childish appearance, a naivety skillfully hidden by Bolkonsky before. Andrey is glad to meet Natasha.
Chapter 32.
Andrei remains unconscious for seven days. The doctor, assessing Andrei’s condition and his severe pain, predicts his imminent death.
Bolkonsky's worldview changes greatly. An understanding of divine love comes to him. Understanding the need to love both friend and enemy. Human love tends to develop into hatred - he thinks, divine love is eternal.
Bolkonsky, with pleas for forgiveness, reveals to Natasha his highest feelings for her.
Natasha is constantly near Bolkonsky.
Chapter 33.
September 3. The plan to attack Napoleon, invented by Bezukhov, fails. The French leader left Moscow 5 hours ago. Pierre is on the verge of madness. Bezukhov is brought to his senses by a cry for help. A child was left in the burning house. Bezukhov saves the child.
Chapter 34.
Bezukhov rushes about in search of the child’s mother, and not finding him, gives him to another woman. He notices French soldiers robbing an Armenian girl and an old man. Bezukhov rushes to the rescue and strangles one of the soldiers with all his might.
Bezukhov was taken into custody as particularly suspicious. For this reason, he is placed separately from others and is assigned a guard.
Essays
War and Peace is a classic work written by Tolstoy Lev Nikolaevich. This is a grandiose novel telling about the life of our people during the Napoleonic wars. Despite the fact that this time is long in the past, this era cannot be erased from history, which is why the novel is still popular and is a success among readers. We have simplified the task a little for schoolchildren, and offer a summary of volume 3, part 2 of the novel War and Peace, broken down by chapters and parts.
War and Peace: Volume 3 Part 2
Chapter 1
In the first chapter, the reader sees the author's thoughts about historical figures who influenced the course of history, discussions about the role of Bonaparte and Alexander in the events of 1812. The writer gives a short overview of the beginning of military events, ending with the Russian retreat to Moscow. The author reflects on what caused the defeat of the French. And in his opinion, it lay not in the wisdom of the leaders, but in the hatred of the Russians, who were not afraid to retreat, burning their cities so that the French would have nothing left.
Chapter 2
The second chapter takes the reader to Bald Mountains to the old prince, who lives with his daughter, grandson and servants. After a quarrel with his son, Bolkonsky Sr. alienated the Frenchwoman. Marya receives a letter from Drubetskaya, who wrote about the capital and prayers in support of our soldiers. The father also receives a letter from his son Andrei. He describes military events, warning his father about the approaching enemy. Andrei advises him to go to the capital, but Bolkonsky does not fully understand the danger and believes that the enemy will not get further than Poland.
Chapter 3
In the third chapter, the reader observes the experiences of the old Prince Bolkonsky, who in his memories returned far into the past, to Catherine’s times. He remembered his meeting with Potemkin, then Catherine during her lifetime, and then her death. The prince decides to send the manager to Smolensk to scout out the situation.
Chapter 4
Manager Alpatych goes to Smolensk and reports that there is nothing wrong, but then he sees people leaving the city. The bombing of Smolensk begins. Residents do not immediately see the danger in this, but then they begin to leave their houses and the city, setting everything on fire behind them. Alpatych accidentally meets Andrey in Smolensk. The young prince writes to his father, asking him to immediately flee to the capital and handing the letter to the manager.
Chapter 5
The Russian army begins to retreat leaving Smolensk. Andrei's regiment passes through Bald Mountains, so Andrei has the opportunity to personally verify that his family has left the estate. But they did not go to the capital, but to another estate - Bogucharovo. While moving, Andrei sees soldiers swimming in a puddle, and thoughts about cannon fodder appear in his head, which makes him feel uneasy. Next we learn about the letter that Bagration writes, addressing it to Arakcheev. In the letter, Bagration accuses Commander-in-Chief Barclay de Tolly and the Minister of War, because of whom the Russian army was forced to retreat at a time when the French were at a disadvantage. He says that the army should not be commanded by two people, because the whole country could suffer from this.
Chapter 6
In the sixth chapter of the novel War and Peace, the author takes the reader to St. Petersburg for social events. There we see circles organized by Helen and Scherer. Society is discussing the situation, and no one sees anything serious in this war, believing that everything will soon pass. At such evenings, Vasily begins to discuss Kutuzov, hurling harsh words at him. But after Kutuzov is appointed commander-in-chief of the entire Russian army, Vasily immediately changes his attitude towards him and defends him everywhere, although he recently thought differently.
Chapter 7
The French army has left Smolensk and is heading towards the capital. Along the way, Napoleon dreams of entering into battle with the Russians, but they cannot accept the battle. Then we meet Nikolai Rostov's servant Lavrusha, who was captured by the French. He ends up with Napoleon, but Lavrusha, being able to please his master, was not at a loss. He tries to please Bonaparte, who asks Rostov's servant about the Russian army. The same one keeps lying, but very truthfully, confusing the French commander. Pretending that he does not understand who is in front of him, Lavrusha gains freedom, after which he heads back to the regiment to the master Nikolai Rostov.
Chapter 8
In the eighth chapter, the reader is transported to the Bald Mountains. Manager Alpatych had just returned there and told the prince the whole terrifying situation. Only now the prince realized his mistake, and orders his people to arm themselves and deliver their daughter and grandson to Bogucharovo. He himself does not want to leave the estate. In turn, the daughter does not want to leave her father alone, and besides, the old prince has a stroke and is paralyzed. Bolkonsky and his daughter are taken to Bogucharovo, but there is no hope for his healing. Every day the daughter tries to find signs that death is approaching her father. She begins to be visited by thoughts that she will soon become free from her father, and even hope for personal happiness appears. The prince himself changed his attitude towards his daughter, he asks her for forgiveness, after which he has a second blow and dies. Marya faints.
Chapter 9
The author characterizes the Bogucharovsky peasants, who had a wild character. They ignored orders to pack for leaving the estate of Princess Marya. Alpatych’s conversation with the village elder Dron, who did not agree to allocate carts for the princess’s things, was also unsuccessful.
Chapter 10
Marya is sad. She is ashamed of her thoughts and reproaches herself for waiting for her father to die. Next we see Burien, who advises the princess not to leave the estate, but Marya does not want to be under the command of the French. The national spirit awakens in the girl, so she wants to go to Moscow, but Dron does not agree and does not provide horses.
Chapter 11
Marya makes another attempt, and in a conversation with the peasants hopes for a positive result. She tries to explain the essence of the situation and the danger of their situation, asks the peasants to get together and go with her to the capital, where she would help them. They see some kind of catch in the girl’s words. They don’t believe her, so they don’t get ready to go on the road and they don’t let Marya out either. The princess repeats the order to headman Dron to prepare the horses and carts, after which she goes to her room.
Chapter 12
Left alone in the room, Marya begins to think about her father, about his death, about the tenderness with which he spoke in recent days. The girl cries and does not understand why her father did not call her in the last minutes of his life. Memories do not allow the princess to sleep, she is overcome by horror and runs out of the room screaming.
Chapter 13
Rostov Nikolai with the young officer Ilyin and his servant Lavrusha, in search of provisions and hay for the horses, stop by the Bogucharovo estate, where Rostov meets Marya. The same woman, seeing in him a man of her circle, talks about the rebellious peasants. Rostov sees in Marya a romantic nature, a girl in trouble. He calms her down and volunteers to accompany her to the capital, assuring her that no one will stop her from leaving the estate.
Chapter 14
Rostov manages to pacify the peasants. The headman is tied up, but at Marya’s request he is released again. The drone ordered things to be packed, and Marya is ready to leave. She is grateful to Nikolai, in whom she sees her savior. The girl realizes that she has fallen in love with Rostov, which makes her feel ashamed. The only reassuring thing is that no one can know about her feelings. Rostov also liked the princess. Comrades constantly joked about the fact that their friend managed to pick up the most enviable and rich bride. This angers Nikolai, although he is not against marrying the girl, since he is sure that this union would not only improve the affairs of their family, but would also make him and Marya happy. But there was also Sonya, who loved Nikolai. What to do with her? For these reasons, the jokes of his friends greatly irritated the hero.
Chapter 15
Further, in the summary of Tolstoy’s novel, the reader moves to Tsarevo-Zaimishche. The headquarters is located there, where Kutuzov called Bolkonsky. And so Kutuzov, Bolkonsky and Nikolai Rostov’s friend Denisov met. Andrey and Denisov remembered Natasha Rostova. Kutuzov examined the army and was pleased with the soldiers. During the meeting, Denisov began to talk about his plan for guerrilla warfare, and in theory it was a good plan, but the commander-in-chief did not listen to the report. Kutuzov believes that there is no place for intelligence in war, he knew something else, and this should have decided the course of events.
Chapter 16
Kutuzov meets with Andrei, during which he learned in more detail about the death of Prince Bolkonsky, and what Andrei saw on the roads. The commander-in-chief promises to restore order everywhere. He just needed time, and he called Andrei because he wanted to keep him with him. But Bolkonsky refuses the offer, because he no longer wants to leave his regiment. Kutuzov was a little disappointed, but supported Andrei’s desire. Bolkonsky returns to the regiment with the confidence that Russia will not be lost with such a commander-in-chief.
Chapter 17
Meanwhile, the French are getting closer to the capital, although Muscovites have not yet reacted in any way and are behaving carelessly, continuing their social life. So it became known that Bezukhov donated a huge fortune to his regiment, which he himself wants to command. In Moscow they talk about the Rostovs, as well as about Marya Bolkonskaya. They talk about the revolt of the peasants and how Nikolai Rostov saved Marya, who was in love with him.
Chapter 18
Pierre Bezukhov is at a loss. He doesn’t know whether to stay in the capital or go to war. The princess comes to him and starts talking about leaving. She does not want to stay in Moscow, which the French will soon take. Pierre agrees to leave, but he himself remains. He begins to be overwhelmed by a sense of duty to his Motherland, and to protect it, he is ready to do anything, even go broke, just to organize a militia. Bezukhov heads to Mozhaisk, where two troops, the French and the Russians, are gathering at Borodino.
Chapter 19
In the summary of the nineteenth chapter, the reader learns the author’s opinion about two battles: the Shevardinsky redoubt and the Battle of Borodino. According to the author, these battles were meaningless for both sides, because they led to large losses. Both fights did not go according to plan. The Battle of Borodino began suddenly, and even in an open area, which initially indicated a loss and heavy losses.
Chapter 20
Pierre heads from Mozhaisk to Kutuzov's army. On the way, he encounters carts with wounded militiamen. Among those he met, he looked out for familiar faces. Thus he recognized the doctor, to whom he told about his desire to fight. He advises going to Kutuzov, indicating the direction.
Chapter 21
Pierre examines the positions of our soldiers, but does not see them. Observing from a hill, he does not distinguish the affiliation of the regiments, and asks the soldier to show our positions. The soldier says that tomorrow many will be missing. In the meantime, a prayer service is taking place, and the icon that the soldiers took from Smolensk is being carried out onto the field. It was an icon of the Smolensk Mother of God. Kutuzov himself bowed to the icon, whose example was followed by the rest.
Chapter 22
Drubetskoy, who also decided to participate in the battle, approaches Pierre. This warrior differed from Bolkonsky in that he did not strive to find himself under bullets. He meets Bezukhov and Dolokhov, with whom Pierre once fought a duel. However, trouble makes you forget all grievances. Dolokhov asks Pierre for forgiveness and they reconcile.
Chapter 23
Having joined General Bennigsen, Pierre goes to inspect the positions. Listening to the general's orders, Bezukhov begins to doubt his abilities and cannot understand military affairs. However, he later realizes that Bennigsen is actually mistaken, blaming the troops for not understanding what they are doing. Without saying anything to the commander-in-chief, the general gives orders and moves the troops forward.
Chapter 24
In this chapter we see Andrei on the eve of the Battle of Borodino. He is worried, feeling his death. Bolkonsky understands that tomorrow he may not exist, imagines his absence in this life, and this depresses him. Pierre and the officers approach him. Andrei doesn’t want to see anyone, especially Bezukhov, who reminded him of the past. Pierre feels everything and becomes embarrassed.
Chapter 25
Not wanting to be alone with Pierre, Andrei offers to stay for tea for the officers. So over tea there is a conversation about the battle, about Kutuzov, about the French. Andrei, like Kutuzov, is sure that the outcome of events depends not on orders, but on what feelings are inherent in the soldiers. Bolkonsky is confident of victory and these speeches inspire the officers, who leave in high spirits. Pierre lingered a little, continuing to talk about the war. Andrei calls the French enemies who captured his house, which means they must be destroyed. Pierre completely agrees with his friend's opinion. After the conversation, they disperse, realizing that this is their last meeting. That evening Pierre could not sleep, his thoughts returned to memories of Natasha.
Chapter 26
The summary of the second part of volume 3 takes the reader to Napoleon's regiments, where he makes his morning toilet before the Battle of Borodino. Bosse comes to him and reports that the French are separated from the capital by some three days. A little more and Napoleon will see Moscow. Next we see Bosset presenting Napoleon with a portrait of a boy. It was Bonaparte's son. The commander-in-chief of the French army feigned tears and ordered the portrait to be taken out to the soldiers so that they could look at the future commander. Napoleon gives instructions and gives orders to his army, believing that soldiers should fight selflessly, as they did before at Austerlitz, Vitebsk and Smolensk.
Chapter 27
Napoleon familiarizes himself with the area and gives orders, indicating the places where the batteries should be stationed. The disposition is written under Bonaparte's dictation. But it was impossible to carry out the commander’s instructions and orders, and there were reasons for this. For example, shells could not reach their target due to their distance, or an order to bypass the Russian left wing could not be carried out due to the Russians blocking the path in the forest.
Chapter 28
In the twenty-eighth chapter, the reader becomes acquainted with the author's thoughts on historical events and the role that personality plays in them. According to the author, this or that outcome depends not on people, but on higher powers, on fate, and coincidences. So Napoleon had no influence on the course of historical events. For example, in the battle of Borodino he played only the role of an apparent commander, although Bonaparte himself thought that everything happened according to his will.
Chapter 29
The Battle of Borodino is soon, Napoleon begins to get nervous, but tries to hide his excitement. That night he has no sleep. The reader witnesses a conversation between Bonaparte and Rapp. He wonders how good they will be in the battle, because many soldiers were lost in the battle for Smolensk. Rapp replied that the bottle was already uncorked and there was no point in retreating. You need to drink wine, which means you need to move forward. The famous battle begins with the first shots.
Chapter 30
After sleep, Pierre discovered that he was alone in the hut. He woke up from the sounds of gunfire. Approaching the mound, Pierre sees a panorama of the battle. He sees everything as majestic and lively. Everywhere you look, there are troops, smoke, explosions. Bezukhov doesn’t want to watch all this, but to participate, and together with the general, whom Kutuzov sent to the crossing, he gallops into the thick of things.
Chapter 31
Having fought off the general, Pierre finds himself on the front line. Everywhere he notices the dead and wounded, although only yesterday he saw these people alive and unharmed. Pierre is escorted to General Raevsky's battery. The Battle of Borodino is in full swing, Russian troops are fighting, heroically repelling enemy attacks. Pierre also wants to help, and he decides to bring ammunition. A shell explodes next to him. Pierre is shell-shocked. All that was left of the supply box was fragments.
Chapter 32
The French attack Raevsky's battery. Pierre does not immediately understand the essence of what is happening, but after the Frenchman attacked him, Bezukhov comes to realize reality. He confronts the enemy hand-to-hand. Despite having a physical advantage, the Frenchman manages to break free and escape. Pierre heads to Raevsky's battery. Along the way, he sees the dead, and it seems to him as if they are grabbing his legs. There are a lot of people killed. The scale of the tragedy is staggering. Bezukhov hopes that the French will understand their mistake and, having seen so many deaths, will stop the bloody battle. But nothing like that happens. On the contrary, the attacks are becoming stronger and stronger.
Chapter 33
Napoleon does not take a direct part in the battle, but only observes what is happening from the top of the mound, often not understanding where whose soldiers are. Everything was mixed up, everything seemed to be in a fog. Bonaparte receives belated news from his adjutants, so the Frenchman increasingly gives incorrect orders, which did not in any way affect the outcome of the battle, which no longer depends on the military, but on the crowd fighting in agony.
Chapter 34
In chapter 34, the reader sees the Frenchman's doubts. He is no longer confident of victory, watching not the battle, but the real massive and senseless beating of the French. For the first time, the emperor thought about the senselessness of the war he had started.
Chapter 35
Kutuzov also watches the battle and does not try to change the situation. Moreover, the outcome of events does not depend on him, as well as on Napoleon. He calmly watches, giving the opportunity to accomplish what was predetermined. The French are powerless against the Russian army, ours are unshakable.
Chapter 36
After lunch, the reserve regiment led by Andrei Bolkonsky also moved into battle. Advancing into one of the most dangerous places, Bolkonsky constantly tries to cheer up the warriors, walking in front of the ranks. But a grenade falls nearby, explodes, and seriously wounds Andrei. Only now does the prince understand how much he wants to live.
Chapter 37
Bolkonsky is taken to the dressing station, where the same wounded lie on other tables. Among them he recognizes Anatoly Kuragin, whose leg had to be amputated. Bolkonsky is bandaged and loses consciousness several times. Being delirious, Andrei begins to remember the past, sees Natasha, the ball, Kuragin. Andrey feels sorry for the girl, he also shows compassion for Anatoly, whom he hates. Bolkonsky begins to see the meaning of life in love for people. This is exactly what Marya taught him.
Chapter 38
Seeing thousands of dead, Napoleon is amazed. He begins to understand that everything happened through his fault. However, not allowing his conscience to speak for long, this darkened Frenchman continues to fulfill the cruel role destined for him.
Chapter 39
In the last chapter of volume 3 of part 2 of the novel War and Peace, the author sums up the Battle of Borodino. According to historical facts, the Russians are defeated, but Tolstoy does not agree with this. According to the writer, the Russian army emerged victorious from the battle, showing the enemy its moral superiority, fortitude and cohesion. The enemy saw a strong and fearless people, which is why they are losing their superiority.
This concludes the summary of the second part of the third volume.
Save it to your wall so you don’t lose it!
Results of volume 3 of Tolstoy's War and Peace.
The third volume of the novel included the main culminating event of the entire work as a whole. It is the Battle of Borodino, which influenced the historical course of events of the 19th century as a whole.
The central line in the third volume is the antithesis of opinions: to fight according to the rules and science or relying on the spiritual strength and patriotic spirit of the people. The author puts Barclay and Berg on one side of the opinion, and Kutuzov, Denisov, and Rostov on the other.
The author of the novel is a supporter of the idea of the popular nature of war. Proving this statement, through the prism of the Battle of Borodino, he draws not only military, but also everyday storylines. The problems of the peaceful life of the main characters often come to the fore and are fundamental in their making important wartime decisions.
Tolstoy does not divide life into war and peace. In his opinion, shown through the position of Kutuzov, the laws of peaceful life should be preserved in times of war.
Episodes of military operations shown through the eyes of a peaceful person and even a child are indicative.
Having completely devoted the third volume to the Patriotic War of 1812, Tolstoy composes a hymn to the main laws of life - the close connection of generations and all layers of society, unanimity and cohesion for the sake of universal peace.
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Read summary War and Peace Volume 3. Brief retelling. For a reader's diary, take 5-6 sentences
Lev Tolstoy. Brief summaries of works
- Shark
- Albert
- Anna Karenina
- Poor people
- Battle of Borodino (War and Peace)
- Bulka
- Power of darkness
- The power of darkness, or the claw is stuck, the whole bird is lost
- War and Peace
- War and Peace Volume 1
- War and Peace Volume 2
- War and Peace Volume 3
- War and Peace Volume 4
- War and Peace Epilogue
- Resurrection
- Chapter Natalya Savishna (Childhood)
- Two brothers
- Two hussars
- Two comrades
- Childhood
- Confession
- Prisoner of the Caucasus
- Cossacks
- How geese saved Rome
- Kitty
- Kreutzer Sonata
- Lion and dog
- Lipunyushka
- Eagle
- walnut branch
- Father Sergius
- Boyhood
- Excerpt from Petya Rostov from the novel War and Peace
- Fire
- After the ball
- Bounce
- Birdie
- Sevastopol stories
- Fairy tale Three Bears
- Death of Ivan Ilyich
- Old grandfather and grandson
- Three deaths
- Philippok
- Hadji Murat
- Canvas meter
- How people live
- Youth
