War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

This episode elaborates on Tolstoy’s depiction of the historic retreat of Kutuzov eastward (following the Danube) towards Vienna. Kutuzov’s army amounted to 35K and were often buttressed by similarly retreating Austrian allies. The first part of Chapter 9 references this march along with three battles where the French vanguard caught up with Kutuzov’s rear-guard.The previous chapters mention Napoleon’s mastery at Ulm, where around 25K Austrians surrendered after a brilliant encircling maneuver.    Austrians who escaped, as well as other allied forces, were also retreating toward Vienna. There was a notion manpower should concentrate on defending the Austrian capital.Kutuzov’s army is being pursued by a significant detachment of the Grand Armée as Napolean wished to pin Kutuzov's army down -- allowing Napolean to concentrate additional forces on taking Vienna. Spoiler alert: it worked! Kutuzov finds himself among an increasingly hostile civilian population. Many were more prone to welcome the French rather

There was a rush across the bridge from the oncoming French.   Only Denisov’s squadron of Hussars and some Cossacks were on the side facing the enemy. The French became visible, emerging from a tree line on the heights, putting their artillery into position.  The Hussars remained poised amidst their bugle calls.  Between Denisov’s men and the enemy was about 700 yards of vacant space. It was a no-man’s land that Tolstoy gave transcendent significance.  He wrote:“One step beyond that line, which is like the bourne dividing the living from the dead… [W]hat is there?, who is there?, there beyond that field, beyond that tree…. No one knows, but who does not long to know. You fear to cross that line, yet you long to cross it; and you know that sooner or later it will have to be crossed….”Soon, the French fired cannons that overshot the Hussars. The Hussars were affected, which each face showing an expression of “conflict, excitement and agitation.”  Rostov sat on his horse, confident and ready to showcase his brav

Chapter 6: General Kutuzov is obligated to have his forces fall back towards Vienna and destroy bridges that cross the River Enn, particularly at Braunnau and Traun (near Linz). On a warm but showery Autumn Day -- October 23, 1805 -- the bridge in Braunnau is focused on. Here, the Russian command is located on heights that provide a splendid view of the countryside surrounding Braunnau. This was not far from where the Enn flows into the Danube.Among the artillery guns was Prince Nesvitsky, who was treating fellow soldiers to a local delicacy (small pies) as well as some rum punch (doppel-kümmel). The men chat about what they could view, including: the throng retreating towards them on the bridge, the movement of weaponry, as well as a local castle that would be ransacked for supplies. Their attention soon focuses on a local convent believed to be filled with young Italian nuns. Nesvitsky voices how he would love to "slip in" while another contends the nuns must be equally bored to death.Kutuzov recogn

Word of Nikolai tracking down Lt. Telyanin and accusing him of stealing Denisov’s money spread through army, reaching the Hussar Regimental Commander, Colonel Karl Bogdanych Schubert (a name evidencing German ancestry).Bogdanych, a fictional leader who was universally respected, confronted Rostov and called the young ensign a liar. He did this not out of affinity for Telyanin, but to protect to integrity of his Hussars.  The Colonial desires to avoid a green officer like Rostov publicly accusing a superior, as the mere allegation of such thievery reflects poorly on the unit.  In Denisov’s quarters, Rostov receives a lecture from his fellow officers on the reality of his situation. Leading this colloquy is Kirsten, a staff sergeant, who details the obligation to apologize. Kirsten points out how Rostov is new to the regiment, highlighting how he has little to do with the shared recent history of the Pavolgrad Hussars. A great number of the Hussars have known each other for years and fully expect to die in this

The story moves to the small German village of Zalzeneck, a few miles from Kutuzov’s headquarters in Braunau. Here, we catch up with Nikolai Rostov. Nikolai returns to camp with a small group who were foraging for hay. Nikolai is serving with the Pavlograd Hussars.  Given Nikolai is from aristocracy, he is able to share quarters with squadron commander “Vasska” Denisov. The nickname "Vasska" was common for someone from a rural background.Pavlograd was settled in the 1770s by Zaporizhian Cossacks. The area was named in 1783 for future Czar Paul, with “Pavlograd” meaning “Town of Paul.” The “Hussar” designation stems from the hussar units of Serbia and Hungary in the 15th and 16th centuries. They became known for dashing attacks, elaborate uniforms, curved swords, and high causality rates. Many hussar units had large contingents of ethnic Ukrainians, including descendants of Cossack officers. From 1648 – 1764 many Cossacks lived in their own Hetmanate, which had democratic standards. Cossacks were of mi

Note: There are NO spoilers in the the infamous 2nd Epilogue to War & Peace, which is analyzed in bonus chapters. This final part of the novel involves a metaphysical exploration of the philosophy underlying the book.As Tolstoy (through Marya Bolkonskaya) expressed early in the novel, it is preferable to abide by the laws described by Christ rather than academic sources. Tolstoy posits that history cannot take a step forward {what he means is that an understanding of history can’t be approached} until there is a return to belief in a divinity that interferes in human affairs. Though Tolstoy wants to advance his Faith in an all-knowing and omni-benevolent God, he realizes that within the age of Enlightenment, such a switch is not possible. The subtext of this chapter is to trust the wisdom of God more than “enlightened minds” trying to interpret history.Tolstoy attempts to come to an understanding of the concept of power; and what he means is the force that produces historical events, a province formerly a

General Kutuzov remains adamant about not sending his men into action. He is holding out despite appeals of Austrians leadership, who wish make use of his nearly arrived forces. Kutuzov is portrayed as knowing an attack would be foolhardy. He makes his position known to representatives of the Hofkriegsrat – the Austrian Council of War, who developed a reputation of bureaucratic decision-making.  Kutuzov uses a correspondence of the Archduke to demonstrate his exhausted men are not needed, as the missive announces the Austrians are Masters of Ulm, ready to deal with whatever the French throw at them. More recent intelligence suggests the opposite, which is quickly and dramatically confirmed. The camp in Braunnau gets word of Austria’s historic defeat in Ulm, Bavaria (October 16th - 19th of 1805) and it is (fictionally) delivered by General Mack himself. Historically, Napoleon forced a surrender of tens of thousands after a masterful encircling maneuver. This victory continued build his mythic reputation as one

Along comes bouncing a light blue Austrian carriage escorted by Croatians, which is appropriate for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is time for the inspection of the newly arrived regiment. Out steps General Kutuzov along with his Austrian counterpart. As Kutuzov walks the line, he is pleased with the disposition of his troops. He notices the atrocious state of their boots, which the Austrians should have replaced. He points this out...diplomatically. Kutuzov graciously stops to speak with a few soldiers, some of whom he recognizes from past engagements. One is Captain Timohin, who Kutuzuv served with during the infamous Siege of Izmail (or Ismail) in 1790.  This reference points out Kutuzov’s experience in major conflicts. The siege was historically important as Izmail was a fortress at the center of an oblast (province) once controlled by the Ottomans. Thought impregnable, when the Russians breached the walls, the Muslim population was massacred.Kutuzov addressed Timohin out of respect -- but it made his re

Part 2 of Book 1 takes readers to the forests outside Braunau, in the Archduchy of Austria, and close to the conflict engulfing continental Europe.Thousands of Russian soldiers marched 700 miles eastward to link up with their Austrian allies. Commanding them is General Mikhail Kutuzov. Focused on is the Third Company of the Semyonovsky Regiment of about 2,000 men.  They are camping near Braunau and are quite the curiosity to the locals. The troops are naturally exhausted. However, they are intrigued by the Austrian splendor: the scenery, the orchards, the masonry and the tiled roofs. The mid-level commanders receive word there will be an inspection, where Kutuzov and his Austrian counterpart will walk the lines. Their intuition says to get the men in their “parade” uniforms, so they can look their best. They yell commands on the thought it is: “better to bow too low; than not low enough.” The men do a splendid job but can’t cover up the horrible state of their boots, as the Austrians have been tardy in provid

This is a 28-minute analysis of the 25 chapters of Part 1 of Book 1 of War & Peace. It describes the historical context of the events Tolstoy brings to life, which starts in July of 1805. The analysis delves into major themes including war always seemingly on the horizon as well as the psychological battle of war & peace we all face. The discussion highlights how Tolstoy portrays the dying era of Catherine the Great (r. 1762-1796) in fictional characters such as Count Kirill Bezukhov (the first character to die); and General Nikolai Bolkonsky. Their sons, Pierre & Andrei, are the protagonists and two of the great characters of literature. They are enamored with the chief adversary of the novel, Napoleon. Russian aristocracy, as well as French exiles, view Napoleon as a malevolent threat. However, Pierre and Andrei view him of as a champion of a new era. More progressive minds of the time viewed the status quo as a handful of nobles being supported by a peasant class tied to the land – the serfs.Gi

Prince Andrei is readying to set out for his assignment as aide-de-camp to General Kutuzov. He has on his traveling coat while meticulously packing his effects. He pays special attention to his Turkish pistols and a saber -- spoils of victory his father gifted him from the Siege of Ochakov in 1778. The weapons illustrate the significance of the conflicts his father took part in. They also highlight the legacy Andrei feels pressured to live up to.   Ochokov is presently Ochakiv and is on the winding southern coast of Ukraine, about 40 miles east (and slightly north) of Odessa. In 2022 and 2023 Ochakiv has been attacked by Russia but valiantly holds as a Ukrainian port city of about 15,000. Before 1778 it was the capital of an Ottoman province.  Prince Andrei was in the frame of mind one comes to when knowing they are  embarking on one of life’s transcendent journeys. His considered the fear inherent in war as well as leaving his pregnant wife. His sister interrupted, initially visualizing her brother as the mi

An intimate meal is held at the Bolkonsky estate on the sole day Andrei will reconnect with his father, Nikolay. The following day Andrei will be heading off to fight the indomitable forces of Napoleon.  Awaiting at the dining room table is Andrei and Lise, Marya and Mademoiselle Bourienne, as well as the Nikolay's architect, Mikhail Ivanovich, who is an odd addition. Usually a sticker or social class divisions, the old General nevertheless invites his architect (considered a servant) to dine with him. This appears to be an attempt to teach his daughter that everyone is equal, in line with more liberal thinking of the time. Nikolay doesn’t really keep a circle of close friends, so he may also be demonstrating a need to have a companion, even though Ivanovich largely remains silent. As he waits for his father, Andrei is made to laugh by a new addition on the wall, a framed genealogical tree tracing the Bolkonsky family roots to the ancient princes of the Kyivan-Rus’ and the legendary Rurik. Such family tre

Prince Andrei and his pregnant wife (Lise) arrive Andrei’s father’s Smolensk estate known as “Bald Hills.” Andrei only plans to spend the night, as he is rushing toward the career path of his father, Nikolai, who performed a lifetime of (fictional) military service. Nikolai Bolkonsky (nicknamed “The King of Prussia”) is symbolic of the era of expansion and colonization under Catherine the Great. West of Moscow, this involved partitions of Poland, which was split between Russia, Prussia and Habsburg-Austria. A good portion of the territory of modern Ukraine was moved from Polish to Russian influence. These partitions motivated many Poles to join Napoleon’s army. This period also involved Russians battling the Ottoman Empire, where Russia gained control of territory north of the Black Sea. The elder Bolkonsky would have internalized all this “glory.” With this epic age passing, Andrei is experiencing a new world ushered in by Napoleon, where Russia is on the precipice of major change. Tolstoy questions whether

This episode involves Marya Bolkonskaya reading Julie Karagin’s letter and covers Marya’s response. Each missive is written in French and the content serves as a way to bring the reader up-to-speed on the time transpiring since Count Bezukhov's death.  Each letter also serves as an exposition of the nature of the characters: Julie is revealed as a somewhat vapid heiress and Marya, the ideal child of God. Julie begins through speaking about her affinity for Marya and commenting on how Julie draws moral strength from Marya's penetrating eyes. Tolstoy notes how Marya actually has something of a sickly look and thin features. But Marya has deep, luminous eyes, which usually express her melancholy demeanor. Her eyes are so lovely that in spite of the plainness of her face, Marya holds a charm more attractive than beauty. As has often been said, the eyes are the window to the soul. Julie reminisces about the happy times the two spent when Julie visited Bald Hills.  Julie relays that in Moscow the talk is fo

For the first 20 chapters the action centered around the major cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, circa 1805. This chapter heads to the countryside to one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, Smolensk, founded in 863 A.D. It is west of Moscow and a bit south, not that far east of the Belarusian border. Smolensk was part of the Kyivan Rus’, the first state to rise among Eastern Slavs. While the early history of Ukraine is the history of Russia, the converse is not true. Generally, many think “Russia,” when they hear “Rus'’” but there is so much more to the Rus’, who were Scandinavian Vikings. Rus’ is also thought to be a navigational term meaning “rudder.” Smolensk was also part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Grand Duchy of Moscow, Tsardom of Russia, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Russian Empire. It has remained on an important trading and invasion route. The story moves to the fictional “Bald Hills,” in Smolensk, the estate of Prince Andrei’s father, Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky. Nikolai is a f

Prince Vassily and Katerina are ready to make their move to deprive Pierre of his inheritance. First, Vassily wishes to get Anna and Pierre out of the way so the Count's will can be promptly destroyed. Therefore, Vassily invites them to take some tea or a slight snack via the spread set out for well-wisher.  Pierre is escorted to the tea area by one of the Count’s nieces and Anna goes as well but remains close enough to keep track of the saboteurs. At some point, Katerina gets up and walks toward the Count’s bedroom. She has the secured critical papers in her hand, which Anna recognizes are the Count’s testamentary documents awarding Pierre his fortune. In a bold move, Anna blocks Katerina’s way, as Anna realizes there will be an attempt to destroy these documents. Vassily, with mock-politeness, begs Anna to let Katerina pass.Voices are raised as Katerina argues with Anna, who stands her ground. A struggle ensues, with the women tugging at the folder in public view during the most solemn of moments. They

Chapters 11-20 continue to establish background information on the main characters and central conflict (Napoleon's future invasion). It is slow going without piercing hooks. It is an exposition of the peace before the war. After being banished from St. Petersburg, Pierre has been staying at his ill father’s estate in Moscow. He is left alone by those caring for the Count and kept away from his father. In solitude, Pierre play-acts crossing the English channel as a conquering Napoleon, ready to topple PM William Pitt. The fictional Pierre spent years in Europe in the aftermath of the French Revolution and Napoleon’s ascension would have been of profound influence. Pierre learned to speak French and German -- similar to Tolstoy.  Pierre’s persona witnesses the falls of kings and an age that continues to shape the world. Pierre wants to contribute to this era but has little idea how. We also encounter Vera Rostova, the unfavored Rostov child. Countess Rostova is dismissive of Vera and her siblings call her

Pierre is taken to the inner sanctum of his father's magnificent estate. The room was filled with family, physicians, and servants. The once powerful Kirill Bezukhov is on the precipice of death.  The name Kirill i derives from the Greek name Kyrillos (Κύριλλος), which comes from Kyrios (κύριος), meaning “lord,” or “lordly.”  He is represented as one of Catherine the Great’s grandees, meaning a person of very high rank. In giving the character this particular name, Tolstoy captures the nature of his first character to die. The Count was representative of a dying class. In one sense, the age of serfdom is heading towards its own demise and the Count owned tens of thousands of people tied to the soil. New social arrangements are coming, exemplified by other characters, including the chief adversary of the novel, NapoleonThe Count is positioned in an invalid’s chair, propped up by pillows.  Tolstoy is highlighting the frailty of the human condition, showing how even the most powerful have limited strength an

Pierre is sleeping in the back of an open coach while being pulled by horses to his father’s magnificent estate. Count Bezukhov is incapacitated and his wishes were that Pierre takes his estate. However, Pierre has little idea of this intention. The Count drew up papers to “legitimize” Pierre, however, they were never delivered to the proper authorities nor signed off by Emperor Alexander. Prince Vassily Kuragin has been plotting to subvert the will of the Count and in the previous chapter he learned the testamentary papers are in the folio kept under the Count’s pillow. He had been speaking with Katerina “Katishe” Mamontova (the Count’s niece) about what could be done to retrieve and destroy the documents. Pierre is fortunate to have an able wingman, Princess Anna Drubestskaya, who has a sense of the oncoming struggle over succession. Many in Moscow high society also are aware of the favor the Count held Pierre in. Anna escorts Pierre inside the mansion through a rear entrance. She senses Pierre’s meekness a

The chapter opens with a foreboding update about Count Kirill Bezukhov. As the Rostov affair was in full swing, the Count suffered his sixth stroke, which places him near death. His team of doctors thought it would be a matter of hours. Local undertakers were outside his estate, waiting to be paged while some of the elite of Moscow society marched in and out. Dr. Lorrain, the lead physician, was conspicuously seated under a portrait of Catherine the Great. Catherine died in 1796 so the Count's fictional lifespan was intertwined with Catherine's. The ultimate question is what will happen to the Count’s vast estate and there are discussions of that in the sizable crowd.Vassily Kuragin was motivated to preserve his interests. He walked to the quarters of one of the nieces of Count Bezukhov, Katerina “Katishe” Mamontova. She is the eldest of the nieces, who are called "princesses."  He starts very gently, mentioning the difficult time for the family and that he loves Katerina and her sisters like