War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

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