A Russian regiment prepares to be reviewed by Kutúzov, their commander in chief.
Summary:
On October 11, 1805, a Russian regiment is waiting to be inspected by the commander in chief Kutúzov. The regimental commander is uncertain as to how Kutúzov wishes the troops to look during the inspection. He first has them clean up and put on their dress uniforms, but then learns Kutúzov actually wants the men to not look battle-ready. So, the regimental commander has them change back out of their dress uniforms. Dólokhov, the former officer who has been busted to the ranks because of the incident with the bear, is chastised for wearing a blue coat. Dólokhov agrees to obey the order to put on a different coat, while maintaining a defiant attitude with the officer.
quote from the chapter:
Dólokhov slowly straightened his bent knee, looking straight with his clear, insolent eyes in the general’s face.
Why a blue coat? Off with it… Sergeant major! Change his coat… the ras… he did not finish.
General, I must obey orders, but I am not bound to endure… Dólokhov hurriedly interrupted.
No talking in the ranks!… No talking, no talking!
Not bound to endure insults, Dólokhov concluded in loud, ringing tones.
The eyes of the general and the soldier met. The general became silent, angrily pulling down his tight scarf.
I request you to have the goodness to change your coat, he said as he turned away.
Book 2, Chapter 1
A Russian regiment prepares to be reviewed by Kutúzov, their commander in chief.
Summary:
On October 11, 1805, a Russian regiment is waiting to be inspected by the commander in chief Kutúzov. The regimental commander is uncertain as to how Kutúzov wishes the troops to look during the inspection. He first has them clean up and put on their dress uniforms, but then learns Kutúzov actually wants the men to not look battle-ready. So, the regimental commander has them change back out of their dress uniforms. Dólokhov, the former officer who has been busted to the ranks because of the incident with the bear, is chastised for wearing a blue coat. Dólokhov agrees to obey the order to put on a different coat, while maintaining a defiant attitude with the officer.
quote from the chapter:
Dólokhov slowly straightened his bent knee, looking straight with his clear, insolent eyes in the general’s face.
Why a blue coat? Off with it… Sergeant major! Change his coat… the ras… he did not finish.
General, I must obey orders, but I am not bound to endure… Dólokhov hurriedly interrupted.
No talking in the ranks!… No talking, no talking!
Not bound to endure insults, Dólokhov concluded in loud, ringing tones.
The eyes of the general and the soldier met. The general became silent, angrily pulling down his tight scarf.
I request you to have the goodness to change your coat, he said as he turned away.
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