In this chapter Tolstoy briefly describes Napoleon’s and Alexander’s final careers after the war of 1815. And he tells us the ultimate purpose of history is beyond human comprehension.
In the Rostov family, Natasha has married Pierre. The old Count has died. Nicholas struggles and suffers under the tremendous burden of his father’s debts, while trying to preserve as best he can a few small comforts for his grieving mother. Sonya and Nicholas are no longer close.
His family’s straitened circumstances cause Nicholas to take a very cold and aloof tone with Princess Mary. But, when he sees how sad this makes Mary, he apologizes and the two reestablish their former closeness.
Nicholas marries Princess Mary and they move to Bald Hills with the Countess and Sonya. Nicholas becomes an enthusiastic farmer who has good relations with his serfs. They pay off their debts and the family prospers.
Mary’s influence helps Nicholas realize it’s wrong to beat the peasants. Socializing little with the local gentry, Nicholas hunts, and reads in Winters. Sonya settles into a helper role in the household. Occasionally, many people visit Bald Hills and stay in a restored dwelling.
One day at Bald Hills during one of her pregnancies, Nicholas seems cross with Mary. She worries he is mad at her. But later, playing with their young daughter Natasha brings them joy and reminds Mary of the happiness that awaits them in the life to come.
This chapter describes the married Natasha. (Perhaps she represents to Tolstoy the ideal Russian wife.) By 1820, she has four children. The changes in Natasha were profound. The entire focus of her life has changed. She seemed, on the surface, like a different person.
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 […]
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.