War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

The second part of Chapter VI brings some pure unaltered fun in the form of "Boys being Boys." Mundane background about the state of political affairs and the society crowd’s complaints and disillusionments take a backseat. This chapter has bragging, gambling, drinking, a death-defying stunt and…..a bear on a chain.Upon leaving his friend’s home, Pierre takes an open carriage (an 1805 cab). Pierre promised Andrei he would go home but Pierre is pulled by the energy of the night. The brightness of the moon completely lit the streets. Pierre thinks to himself, “it would be nice to go to Kuragin’s,” and like a magnet is drawn to his debauched friend. Pierre rationalizes his decision during the ride, he thinks - what are words of honor as to trivial matters when one day, we all will be dead?. He wants to do something that will stir the soul. He regarded his promise to Andrei to go home a mere formality. So, off to Kuragin’s!Anatole has hosted a night of cards for his friends, many of whom are in the milita