War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

The first part of chapter 11 focuses on the unbeloved Rostov child, Vera. Since it is one of the few sections devoted to her, this episode is dedicated to Vera.  As Countess Rostov is prepared to “hold court,” tête-à-tête, with Anna Drubestkoya, they both notice Vera is in the vicinity. In cold words, the Countess tells her daughter that she is not wanted and should have realized it before the mother had to say so. Vera deals with the rejection superficially but likely internalizes the rejection. After a diplomatic response, she quietly leaves.Vera retreats to more private quarters in her family’s mansion. She stumbles upon her younger siblings with their love interests – Nikolai & Sonya and Natasha & Boris. They are a merry quartet and Vera disturbs their enjoyment. Vera notices her brother Nikolai is writing poetry for Sonya with Vera’s ink set. She takes it and chastises him for always using her things. Vera tells the group that their open affection in front of the guests was embarrassing and undig