BOOK 1, Chptr. 1, P&V pg. 3

Prince Vasiili talks to Anna Pávlovna about Napoleon, and a court position and a possible spouse for his son Anatole.

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  1. Book 1, Chapter 1

      Prince Vasiili talks to Anna Pávlovna about Napoleon, and a court position and a possible spouse for his son Anatole.

      Summary:
        In July 1805, Anna Pávlovna Schérer is hosting a soirée in her apartments. Prince Vasíli Kurágin is the first to arrive and the two talk confidentially. Anna laments Napoleon’s military success, and calls him the Antichrist. She believes that Russia must go to war to save Europe from Napoleon. The conversation moves from politics to personal matters. Prince Vasíli asks Anna about a court position Vasíli hopes his some can get. Anna indicates the job is going to someone else. Anna complains of Vasíli’s youngest son Anatole, although she likes the Vasíli’s other two children. Playing matchmaker, she suggests that Anatole should marry Princess Mary, who lives in the country with her wealthy father the old prince Bolkónski. Prince Vasiili would be happy if Anatole could find a wealthy woman to marry . Supporting his son Anatole is costing Vasíli a lot of money. He asks Anna to see if she can arrange a marriage between this wealthy princess and his son Anatole.

        Quote from the chapter:
        Russia alone must save Europe. Our gracious sovereign recognizes his high vocation and will be true to it. That is the one thing I have faith in! Our good and wonderful sovereign has to perform the noblest role on earth, and he is so virtuous and noble that God will not forsake him. He will fulfill his vocation and crush the hydra of revolution, which has become more terrible than ever in the person of this murderer and villain! We alone must avenge the blood of the just one…. Whom, I ask you, can we rely on?… England with her commercial spirit will not and cannot understand the Emperor Alexander’s loftiness of soul.

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