Dólokhov proposes to Sónya but is refused. Nicholas speaks with Sónya to make sure she understands he isn’t definitely committed to marrying her.
Dólokhov proposes to Sónya but is refused. Nicholas speaks with Sónya to make sure she understands he isn’t definitely committed to marrying her.
Book 4, Chapter 11
Dólokhov proposes to Sónya but is refused. Nicholas speaks with Sónya to make sure she understands he isn’t definitely committed to marrying her.
Summary:
Nicholas returns to the Rostóv house where a farewell party is to take place. Nicholas notices that people seen upset, and learns that Dólokhov has earlier proposed to Sónya and been rejected. Nicholas is concerned that Sónya may be passing up Dólokhov on his account. Sónya told Dólokhov that she loves another. Dólokhov appears to be a brilliant and advantageous match for Sónya. Natásha, for her part, tells Nicholas she feels sure Sónya is not destined to marry Nicholas. When Nicholas and Sónya are able to speak privately, Nicholas tells Sónya that although he loves Sónya, he is not commited to marry her. Sónya says she loves Nicholas as a brother and always will.
quote from the chapter:
As soon as (Nicholas) entered he noticed and felt the tension of the amorous air in the house, and also noticed a curious embarrassment among some of those present. Sónya, Dólokhov, and the old countess were especially disturbed, and to a lesser degree Natásha. Nicholas understood that something must have happened between Sónya and Dólokhov before dinner
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