Hoping to advance socially, Berg and Véra host a small party in their home.
Summary:
This chapter describes a small party given in their drawing room by Berg and Véra. The party is motivated by their desire to rise socially by cultivating relations with more important people. Therefore, they’ve invited only socially important people like Pierre, Borís, the Rostóvs, and several military officers. Hélène was invited but, thinking the Bergs too far below her, she declines. Borís attends, but seems a bit condescending. Pierre, on the other hand, is sympathetic to the Bergs and makes a point of arriving punctually. The small house party comes off smoothly and the Bergs are pleased. There is pleasant conversation and they play boston. But this particular gathering is not outstanding for any reason. Its a typical party of its type, not unlike many similar parties given by others at this level of society.
quote from the chapter:
Berg, closely buttoned up in his new uniform, sat beside his wife explaining to her that one always could and should be acquainted with people above one, because only then does one get satisfaction from acquaintances. “You can get to know something, you can ask for something. See how I managed from my first promotion. (Berg measured his life not by years but by promotions.) My comrades are still nobodies, while I am only waiting for a vacancy to command a regiment, and have the happiness to be your husband.
Book 6, Chapter 20
Hoping to advance socially, Berg and Véra host a small party in their home.
Summary:
This chapter describes a small party given in their drawing room by Berg and Véra. The party is motivated by their desire to rise socially by cultivating relations with more important people. Therefore, they’ve invited only socially important people like Pierre, Borís, the Rostóvs, and several military officers. Hélène was invited but, thinking the Bergs too far below her, she declines. Borís attends, but seems a bit condescending. Pierre, on the other hand, is sympathetic to the Bergs and makes a point of arriving punctually. The small house party comes off smoothly and the Bergs are pleased. There is pleasant conversation and they play boston. But this particular gathering is not outstanding for any reason. Its a typical party of its type, not unlike many similar parties given by others at this level of society.
quote from the chapter:
Berg, closely buttoned up in his new uniform, sat beside his wife explaining to her that one always could and should be acquainted with people above one, because only then does one get satisfaction from acquaintances. “You can get to know something, you can ask for something. See how I managed from my first promotion. (Berg measured his life not by years but by promotions.) My comrades are still nobodies, while I am only waiting for a vacancy to command a regiment, and have the happiness to be your husband.
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