Prince Andrew is assigned to Kutúzov’s headquarters, where he happens to run into Denísov.
Summary:
Kutúzov, who is now commander of the army, has sent for Prince Andrew, who arrives to find Kutúzov engaged with his new administrative duties such as inspecting troops and reviewing subordinates’ reports. Kutúzov appears older, and has gained weight. Denísov is also there, seeking Kutúzov’s approval of his plan to attack the French supply lines. Kutúzov asks Denísov to meet with him the next day. Kutúzov is visibly moved to learn of the old Prince’s death. He receives a request for compensation for crops seized by the army, but says he denies all such requests. Kutúzov gives his complete attention to these headquarters duties, and is courteous to everyone, but it was clear he did not regard this category of work as highly important to the outcome of the war.
quote from the chapter:
Kutúzov looked round. He was listening to the general’s report-which consisted chiefly of a criticism of the position at Tsárevo-Zaymíshche-as he had listened to Denísov, and seven years previously had listened to the discussion at the Austerlitz council of war. He evidently listened only because he had ears which, though there was a piece of tow in one of them, could not help hearing; but it was evident that nothing the general could say would surprise or even interest him, that he knew all that would be said beforehand, and heard it all only because he had to, as one has to listen to the chanting of a service of prayer. All that Denísov had said was clever and to the point. What the general was saying was even more clever and to the point, but it was evident that Kutúzov despised knowledge and cleverness, and knew of something else that would decide the matter-something independent of cleverness and knowledge.
Book 10, Chapter 15
Prince Andrew is assigned to Kutúzov’s headquarters, where he happens to run into Denísov.
Summary:
Kutúzov, who is now commander of the army, has sent for Prince Andrew, who arrives to find Kutúzov engaged with his new administrative duties such as inspecting troops and reviewing subordinates’ reports. Kutúzov appears older, and has gained weight. Denísov is also there, seeking Kutúzov’s approval of his plan to attack the French supply lines. Kutúzov asks Denísov to meet with him the next day. Kutúzov is visibly moved to learn of the old Prince’s death. He receives a request for compensation for crops seized by the army, but says he denies all such requests. Kutúzov gives his complete attention to these headquarters duties, and is courteous to everyone, but it was clear he did not regard this category of work as highly important to the outcome of the war.
quote from the chapter:
Kutúzov looked round. He was listening to the general’s report-which consisted chiefly of a criticism of the position at Tsárevo-Zaymíshche-as he had listened to Denísov, and seven years previously had listened to the discussion at the Austerlitz council of war. He evidently listened only because he had ears which, though there was a piece of tow in one of them, could not help hearing; but it was evident that nothing the general could say would surprise or even interest him, that he knew all that would be said beforehand, and heard it all only because he had to, as one has to listen to the chanting of a service of prayer. All that Denísov had said was clever and to the point. What the general was saying was even more clever and to the point, but it was evident that Kutúzov despised knowledge and cleverness, and knew of something else that would decide the matter-something independent of cleverness and knowledge.
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