War and Peace

Kutuzov would rather harry the French, escorting them out of Russia, but he cannot prevent his men from engaging with the enemy. He unwillingly fights a battle at Vyazma, in which the Russians massacre the fleeing, miserable French soldiers. Kutuzov cannot control the generals and officers who are keen on glory. These men do not realize that the soldiers are hardly fit enough to carry out the orders—they believe that Kutuzov is incompetent and senile.

The narrator believes that Kutuzov is the only general who judged the French invasion of Russia correctly. Kutuzov recognized that Borodino was actually a victory rather than a defeat, and he recognized that ordering the evacuation of Moscow would not mean losing the war. Key to Kutuzov’s leadership was his desire to save men and show mercy rather than attack and kill. This gentler approach is a mark of greatness not found among his peers. The narrator favorably compares Kutuzov to the vain, egomaniacal Napoleon as Kutuzov addresses his men after the battle at Vyazma. He tells them that they have saved Russia and that, after they escort the French beyond the border, they will be able to rest. He calls for the men to show pity and mercy to the exhausted, starving prisoners, reminding the Russians that the French soldiers are also human beings.

The French retreat grows faster and more desperate than ever. The lack of Russian aggression appalls the Russian officers. They mock Kutuzov and act as though he has lost his mind. They do not believe he can remain in charge for much longer. The tsar hosts a medal ceremony at Vilna, handing out honors. However, Kutuzov’s career wanes as the tsar takes control of the military himself. The tsar plans to follow the French, liberating the rest of Europe from Napoleon’s army. Such a task is clearly beyond Kutuzov, whose mission ends with the salvation of Russia. He has nothing else to achieve, so he retires.

Pierre’s experiences have changed him. He listens well, and those who talk to him feel as though they have been understood. His quiet, gentle demeanor encourages people. They open their hearts to him, showing him the best side of themselves. Pierre finds decision-making easier than ever before, and the doubts and worries that once hindered his decisions vanish.

Three months after being rescued from the French, Pierre walks across Moscow to visit Marya Bolkonsky. The city is busy, and the streets are full once again. At Marya’s home, Pierre notices a woman dressed all in black. Eventually, he realizes that the mourning woman is Natasha Rostov. Pierre, Marya, and Natasha spend the evening together talking honestly. Marya explains to Pierre Andrei’s deathbed realizations and revelations. Pierre talks about his newfound faith. He opens up for the first time about the horrific conditions he experienced during the march out of Moscow and the friends he made among the prisoners. Natasha describes her final days with Andrei and the love she felt for him. Marya is delighted that her mourning friend is finally able to talk about such an important issue. Pierre speaks about the future hopefully and optimistically. After he departs, Natasha mentions to Marya how healthy Pierre seemed, as though he had just stepped out of a “moral bath” (1205). Pierre realizes that he loves Natasha and, with Marya’s help, arranges to marry her.