War and Peace

Pierre begins to have doubts about the Freemasons. He realizes that many Freemasons are hypocrites who fail to abide by the Masonic virtues. They rarely contribute to the organization, and they focus on themselves far more than they should. By the end of 1808, he decides that the Russian Freemasons have abandoned the order’s true principles, so he travels abroad to search for a more authentic form of Freemasonry. He returns in summer 1809 and delivers a speech to the Freemasons of Russia. Pierre believes that the Freemasons should work together to create a form of government free of national politics and civil obligations, as well as the violence and revolutions such ideas cause. He wants to build a wiser, more Christian world through Freemasonry. The members discuss the idea but firmly reject it. Pierre becomes disillusioned and leaves early.

Pierre spends days alone in his house, angry and bitter about his experiences with the Freemasons. He receives an unexpected letter from his estranged wife Helene, in which she suggests that they reconcile. His mother-in-law visits with the same suggestion. Pierre goes to his Freemason mentor, Iosif Alexeevich Bazdeev, for a long philosophical discussion. Pierre and Helene get back together. The reunion revitalizes Pierre, and Helene quickly establishes herself as one of the most important women in Saint Petersburg’s high society. An invitation to one of her parties is a validation of intellect and importance. However, Pierre is an awkward presence at these parties. He is shocked that the guests do not recognize his wife says only “the emptiest and stupidest things” (470).

In his diary, Pierre writes about sponsoring Boris Drubetskoy’s entry into the Freemasons, even though he resents Boris’s close relationship with his wife Helene. Boris, however, has not joined the Freemasons for spiritual or philosophical reasons—Boris only values the Freemasons for the social and professional benefits. Pierre accuses Boris of betraying the order in the name of social climbing. In another diary entry, Pierre describes a dream in which Bazdeev tells him that he should consider having children. A short time later, he receives a letter from Bazdeev with the same advice. Pierre’s dreams, which are often sexual or romantic in nature, worry him.

Count Rostov struggles with his finances. Despite his heavy debts, he promises 100,000 rubles to the German soldier Berg when Berg becomes engaged to Vera Rostov. Boris Drubetskoy visits the Rostovs and rekindles his love for his childhood sweetheart Natasha. He visits more frequently, but Natasha’s mother considers him too poor to marry her daughter. Even though Boris has risen to become an important figure in Russian politics, she tells him to stay away from Natasha.

On New Year’s Eve in 1810, Natasha attends her first great ball. She is excited to dress up in her gown and jewelry. At the ball, she searches for Pierre and finds him deep in conversation with a young military officer who works closely with Speransky. Andrei also attends the ball. He dances with Natasha and feels intoxicated by her beauty. Even as she dances with other men, he cannot take his eyes off her. Andrei realizes that he wants to marry Natasha Rostov.

The next day, Andrei struggles to focus on his work. His thoughts are still occupied by Natasha, whom he considers to be very different from the other women in Saint Petersburg. He barely pays attention in meetings, and at dinner with Speransky that evening, he finds himself suddenly disillusioned with the statesman. All Speransky’s faults become apparent, and the work of the past four months seems unimportant compared with thoughts of romance.

Andrei visits the Rostovs the next day. He is surprised to find that Natasha is even prettier than he remembers, even when she is not in her glamorous ball gown. He listens to her sing, and the experience moves him to tears. While with Natasha, he overcomes the grief of Lisa’s memory and believes in freedom, strength, and happiness once again.

Vera and Berg throw their first party as a couple and invite Pierre. Their small party is as boring as all the other high-society events in Saint Petersburg, though Vera and Berg are delighted with the evening. Pierre notices the change in Natasha’s demeanor when Andrei arrives. She becomes radiant and enthused in his presence. He is happy for his two friends but feels bitterness toward their happiness. Andrei tells Pierre about his plans to marry Natasha.

Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, Andrei’s father, does not believe Andrei should marry Natasha Rostov. He believes she lacks maturity and wealth. Additionally, he is worried that any change in his family’s domestic situation will interfere with his strict routine. Andrei compromises with his father and agrees to delay his marriage to Natasha for one year. When Andrei does not see Natasha for three weeks, she begins to resent Andrei’s absence after their sudden burst of romance. She wants to marry as soon as possible. When Andrei returns, he proposes to her but says they must wait a year. Natasha is dismayed that she must wait. Recognizing that Natasha is still a young, passionate woman, Andrei agrees to an informal engagement she can break off at any time.

Andrei visits the Rostovs each day. The family begins to accept his constant presence, and Natasha notices new things to love about her prospective husband. However, Andrei is forced to travel to Switzerland for work. He apologizes to Natasha but tells her that she can confide in his good friend Pierre. She should consider Pierre a close confidant. After he departs, Natasha spends two weeks in a sad mood until she begins to recuperate.

Marya Bolkonsky endures her father’s angry mood swings while her brother Andrei is away. As his health falters, her father mocks her religious piety as well as her close relationship with her young nephew. Andrei writes to her from Switzerland that he is now engaged to Natasha Rostov and is very much in love. He requests that Marya ask their father to allow the waiting period to be cut from one year to three months. Prince Bolkonsky mocks both of his children but agrees. Depressed by her father’s reaction, Marya dreams of a future in which she can dedicate herself to religion. She knows that she loves her father and her nephew too much to leave home to go on a pilgrimage.