BOOK 2, Chptr. 21, P&V pg. 194

The Russians withdraw and in the evening review the battle. Captain Túshin is unjustly reprimanded, but Andrew comes to Túshin’s defense.

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  1. Book 2, Chapter 21

      The Russians withdraw and in the evening review the battle. Captain Túshin is unjustly reprimanded, but Andrew comes to Túshin’s defense.

      Summary:
      The firing has died down and the Russians begin to leave the field. The withdrawing Russian troops are ordered to abandon their wounded. Nikolas begs for a ride to leave the battlefield and Túshin kindly agrees. Nikolia rides on a bloody gun carriage. The French make one more small assault and are repulsed. It’s a gloomy evening in the camp. The officers meet to review the events of the day. Several of the officers exaggerate their own accomplishments. Meanwhile, Dólokhov’s valor in the battle was noted. A General reprimands Túshin for having lost two guns, but Prince Andre speaks up for Túshin’s valor. As the dead and wounded are collected, including Nicholas, Bagratión demands to know why Túshin lost his guns. Andrew intervenes to help him avoid punishment, but he is disgusted that no one sees how heroic Túshin was-not even Túshin himself. The troops have settled at campfires for the evening. Nikolas Rostóv, is at Túshin’s campfire. Alone, confused and dozing at the campfire, Nikolai remembers Natásha and life at home. The next day the French do not renew the attack. The remnant of Bagratión’s detachment is able to reunite with Kutúzov’s army.

      quote from the chapter:
      It was all that they could do to get the guns up the rise aided by the infantry, and having reached the village of Gruntersdorf they halted. It had grown so dark that one could not distinguish the uniforms ten paces off, and the firing had begun to subside. Suddenly, near by on the right, shouting and firing were again heard. Flashes of shot gleamed in the darkness. This was the last French attack and was met by soldiers who had sheltered in the village houses.

      Nobody wants me! thought Rostóv. There is no one to help me or pity me. Yet I was once at home, strong, happy, and loved. He sighed and, doing so, groaned involuntarily.

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