While on the march, Pierre hears Karatáev tell a fable about suffering and forgiveness. Pierre finds the story very moving.
The convoy stops and looks on in awe as Napoleon’s entourage passes. Behind them, before the convoy begins to move again, Karatáev is apparently executed.
The convoy overnights at the village of Shámshevo. Pierre has a vivid dream depicting the nature of God and Life. In the morning, the village is captured by Denísov and Dólokhov. Pierre weeps for joy. Pétya is buried.
As the cold weather arrived, the French army was disintegrating rapidly and at a steady rate.
The movements of the French from Moscow back to the Niemen were confused and disorderly. They abandoned artillery and baggage, and lost many men to desertion.
The botched retreat of the French from Moscow is a great example of how absurd the “great man” theory of history really is. Rather than admit this, however, historians make up a new definition of greatness.
Russians reading about the last part of the campaign of 1812 may wish the French had all been captured or destroyed, but in reality this would have been senseless to try even if it were possible.
Natásha and Mary fall into a profound state of grief after Prince Andrew dies. In a few weeks Mary has to leave for Moscow, but the grieving Natásha won’t accompany her. News of Pétya arrives.
Learning of her son Pétya’s death, Countess Rostóv becomes delirious. Natásha sits with her mother for three days. Caring for her mother helps pull Natásha out of her own despair.
Natásha continued caring for her mother. For Natásha, this begins a healing process which would eventually reach completion. But the Countess will never be the same. Natásha and Princess Mary developed a deep personal bond.