Deteriorating conditions in Moscow cause Pierre to finally make up his mind to join the army.
Summary:
Pierre is seeing some things which convince him the French will enter Moscow. There are riots on the streets, and everyone is leaving town. He agrees to help his half-sister, who is still living in his house, to move to Petersburg. People from France, or even anyone heard speaking French, risk being beaten up on the streets. He has already contributed more than he can afford in war support. He asks himself for the hundredth time Shall I join the army and enter the service, or wait? But, when he sees several brutal beatings on the street, he at last makes up his mind. Next day, Pierre leaves to join the army at Mozháysk. Once in Mozháysk, it’s difficult to find lodging.
quote from the chapter:
At the sight of the tortured Frenchman and the crowd surrounding the Lóbnoe Place, Pierre had so definitely made up his mind that he could no longer remain in Moscow and would leave for the army that very day that it seemed to him that either he had told the coachman this or that the man ought to have known it for himself. On reaching home Pierre gave orders to Evstáfey-his head coachman who knew everything, could do anything, and was known to all Moscow-that he would leave that night for the army at Mozháysk, and that his saddle horses should be sent there. This could not all be arranged that day, so on Evstáfey’s representation Pierre had to put off his departure till next day to allow time for the relay horses to be sent on in advance.
Book 10, Chapter 18
Deteriorating conditions in Moscow cause Pierre to finally make up his mind to join the army.
Summary:
Pierre is seeing some things which convince him the French will enter Moscow. There are riots on the streets, and everyone is leaving town. He agrees to help his half-sister, who is still living in his house, to move to Petersburg. People from France, or even anyone heard speaking French, risk being beaten up on the streets. He has already contributed more than he can afford in war support. He asks himself for the hundredth time Shall I join the army and enter the service, or wait? But, when he sees several brutal beatings on the street, he at last makes up his mind. Next day, Pierre leaves to join the army at Mozháysk. Once in Mozháysk, it’s difficult to find lodging.
quote from the chapter:
At the sight of the tortured Frenchman and the crowd surrounding the Lóbnoe Place, Pierre had so definitely made up his mind that he could no longer remain in Moscow and would leave for the army that very day that it seemed to him that either he had told the coachman this or that the man ought to have known it for himself. On reaching home Pierre gave orders to Evstáfey-his head coachman who knew everything, could do anything, and was known to all Moscow-that he would leave that night for the army at Mozháysk, and that his saddle horses should be sent there. This could not all be arranged that day, so on Evstáfey’s representation Pierre had to put off his departure till next day to allow time for the relay horses to be sent on in advance.
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