BOOK 9, Chptr. 19, P&V pg. 664

Book 9, Chapter 19

Pierre is secretly in love with Natásha. He dabbles with numerology, somehow convincing himself he is destined for a great place in history.

Summary:

From the day he saw the comet, Natásha’s beloved image is always in Pierre’s mind. His conception of her transferred him instantly to another, a brighter, realm of spiritual activity, a realm of beauty and love which he lived for. Her image drove all worries from his mind. When a brother Mason shows Pierre how numerology reveals Napoleon equals 666, i.e. the beast of the Book of Revelations, he begins playing with numerology and by manipulating the spelling of his name he somehow convinces himself he is predestined to play a major part in the great affair of setting a limit to the power of the beast Napoleon. Therefore, instead of joining the army, Pierre decides he ought to stay put and await hid destiny.

quote from the chapter:

So he wrote Le russe Besuhof and adding up the numbers got 671. This was only five too much, and five was represented by e, the very letter elided from the article le before the word Empereur. By omitting the e, though incorrectly, Pierre got the answer he sought. L’russe Besuhof made 666. This discovery excited him. How, or by what means, he was connected with the great event foretold in the Apocalypse he did not know, but he did not doubt that connection for a moment. His love for Natásha, Antichrist, Napoleon, the invasion, the comet, 666, L’Empereur Napoléon, and L’russe Besuhof-all this had to mature and culminate, to lift him out of that spellbound, petty sphere of Moscow habits in which he felt himself held captive and lead him to a great achievement and great happiness

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