BOOK 11, Chptr. 18, P&V pg. 868

Book 11, Chapter 18

After slipping away from his house, Pierre spends two days at the home of his deceased masonic benefactor, and obtains peasant clothes for himself and a pistol.

Summary:

On his first morning back in Moscow, Pierre was suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of confusion and hopelessness. Unable to face the people waiting to see him, he slipped out of his house and spent two days in the home of his deceased masonic benefactor Bazdéev. Pierre had been asked to take charge of the deceased man’s masonic books, so he was expected at the Bazdéev house. On the way, he heard a rumor that there was to be a major battle with the French in Moscow the next day. Once at Bazdéev’s house, Pierre went to the study to look over the books, but he soon drifted into a long meditation. He stays in Bazdéev’s house for two days, and while there he asks Bazdéev’s old servant Gerásim to help him obtain peasants clothes and a pistol. On his way with Gerásim to buy the pistol, Pierre met the Rostóvs who were just then on their way out of Moscow.

quote from the chapter:

I beg you not to tell anyone who I am, and to do what I ask you.
Yes, your excellency, replied Gerásim. Will you have something to eat?
No, but I want something else. I want peasant clothes and a pistol, said Pierre, unexpectedly blushing.
Yes, your excellency, said Gerásim after thinking for a moment.
All the rest of that day Pierre spent alone in his benefactor’s study, and Gerásim heard him pacing restlessly from one corner to another and talking to himself. And he spent the night on a bed made up for him there.
Gerásim, being a servant who in his time had seen many strange things, accepted Pierre’s taking up his residence in the house without surprise

Click here to read full text of this chapter.

Please help improve this shared document by posting your suggested corrections, clarifications, and changes below. Thank you!