Pierre returns two weeks late from a month-long business trip to Petersburg. Natásha is vexed with him and chides him for being late, but doesn’t appear to be seriously angry. Pierre, apologetic, explains that the delay was completely unavoidable. Soon the two are happily looking in on their baby Pétya, who was ill while Pierre […]
Category: First Epilogue, P&V pgs. 1129-1178
To illustrate one aspect of how households function, Tolstoy describes how different persons at Bald Hills uniquely experienced Pierre’s return from his long business trip to Petersburg. He shows that everyone in the household experiences events from their own perspective.
Pierre gives Countess Rostov her gifts from Petersburg. Everyone wants to hear the current political news from Pierre. However, since the old Countess’ social understanding is in decline, the group can only make small talk on other subjects the Countess will find agreeable.
The conversation turns to the current Russian political situation. Pierre thinks things are going very badly and that something may need to be done to directly oppose the current drift of the government. Nicholas is firmly opposed to that notion. The young Nicholas, Andrew’s son, listens in.
They have a pleasant supper, reminiscing about the events of 1812. In the evening, Nicholas learns Mary is keeping a diary. He is impressed by her great goodness. They talk about the day and the children.
In the evening, Pierre and Natasha enjoy a conversation. They understand each other so well they can discuss various topics simultaneously and understand the other’s thoughts. That night young Nicholas has a dream in where Prince Andrew visits him and approves of his son.