“War and Peace” is the largest, truly epoch-making work in the school curriculum. Its reading takes many summer evenings, but not all important details settle in memory. They say that the author himself hardly watched the course of his thoughts, therefore he often returned to the previous chapters in order to start writing the following parts without inaccuracies. We offer you the shortest retelling of the famous novel in chapters, so that you do not get confused in variegated events and always resourcefully answer the lesson! Also pay attention to our analysis of War and Peace.
Part 1
- Chapter 1. It begins with a small talk by Anna Pavlovna Scherer, the maids of honor of the Empress, and Prince Vasily Kuragin. It goes in French and touches on all secular topics (a reference to the emptiness and falsehood of light). In addition to organizing the future reception and discussion of his guests, it comes to the children of the prince. The son of Anatole must be married, and the maid of honor is taken to arrange it. An excellent candidate is Marya Bolkonskaya, a rich, but not beautiful girl who will surely fall under the spell of Anatole (here is her description).
- Chapter 2 At the evening, Anna Pavlovna gathers Helen (a vicious beauty) and Ippolit (her no less lost brother) Kuragini (here is a description of their family), Lisa Bolkonskaya, Abbot Morio and Viscount Mortemar. Here also appears the awkward and naive Pierre, the illegitimate son of Count Bezukhov, for whom such evenings are new (he was brought up abroad). At first it seems to a young man that light is a collection of people close to each other (here is his characteristic).
- Chapter 3 Anna Pavlovna’s evening is compared to a spinning workshop, where she launches spindles. The author neglects the light. Viscount Mortemar spoke about the death of the Duke of Engien in the style of a secular anecdote (this speaks of the cynicism of the nobles). Pierre and Abbot Morio argued about politics, and this conversation went beyond the ease of conversations in society. People are stunned by the open and so unusual behavior of Bezukhov. A brave officer Andrei Bolkonsky appears, he ignores everyone except Pierre, is only friendly with him (here we described his image in detail).
- Chapter 4 Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya asks the departing Prince Vasily about his son Boris. The woman is busy about the heir, is trying in every possible way to arrange his career. And the conversation continues. Prince Andrew is cold, Pierre is hot, since it was about Napoleon. Bezukhov is a Bonapartist, he speaks passionately, which is indecent by public standards. Andrew helps a friend smooth out awkwardness. The joker and the merry fellow Ippolit Kuragin completely smoothed her out, telling a joke in bad Russian.
- Chapter 5 The guests are leaving. Pierre is clumsy. Andrey is indifferent. Lisa, the wife of Andrei, agreed with Anna Pavlovna about the acquaintance of Anatole and Marya. Hippolytus is trying to seduce Lisa. Pierre arrives at the house to Bolkonsky. Andrew tells him about the dangers of the world. Pierre expresses his convictions: you can’t fight against Napoleon, and indeed the war is meaningless. Bolkonsky partially agrees with him, but goes to war himself, because he is tired of everything: the upper world is hypocritical and boring, his wife no longer evokes the same feelings, and he is also expecting a baby, because of which quarrels often flare up.
- Chapter 6 Lisa comes, meaningless chatter begins. She also reproaches her husband for leaving and his imprisonment in the village without “friends”. Lisa is very dependent on society. When Andrei and Pierre were left alone, Bolkonsky admits that he regrets getting married, feels connected. The prince warns Pierre against revelry with Anatole Kuragin. He promises not to go. But it does, because it is spineless. On Anatoly’s bout, everyone is drunk and watching the argument: Dolokhov and Stevenson, friends of Kuragin, argued that the first would drink a bottle of rum, sitting on the window with his legs out. Dolokhov won, then everyone went off to a different place.
- Chapter 7 The Rostovs have a name day, there are two Natalia in the house - a mother and a youngest daughter (here is a description of their family). Preparation for the feast and visits brighten up the time of Natalia Sr. They say about Pierre: the revelry was too large, the young people violated public order, and the participants were even sent from the capital to Moscow. But Pierre still has a great future, because he - the beloved son of the rich man Count Bezukhov, is likely to become his heir.
- Chapter 8 For the first time one of the main characters appears, Natasha (here we talked about her character). She is not very beautiful, but cheerful and lively. She speaks with her mother, spreading her good mood. Together with her Boris Drubetskoy (see chapter 4), Sonya (a distant relative and pupil of the house) and Nikolai (brother). Later Boris and Natasha leave.
- Chapter 9 Nikolay is going to become a hussar. He speaks with guest Julie, arousing jealousy in Sonya. Nikolai and Sophia love each other, but the family does not encourage their closeness, because the Rostovs are poor, and Sonya has no dowry. Natasha and her talents (singing, dancing) are admired, her mother says that she is raising her in freedom.
- Chapter 10 Boris and Natasha accidentally see a quarrel and reconciliation of Sonya and Nikolai, accompanied by a kiss. Natasha, after their departure, invites Boris to kiss the doll, and then she kisses him. They agree on eternal love.
- Chapter 11 Vera, the eldest daughter of the Rostovs, tells Boris, Natasha, Nikolai and Sonya about their unacceptable behavior. She always speaks reasonably, but in the house no one loves her. Natasha’s mother is talking with her friend Princess Drubetskaya about the legacy of the old Count Bezukhov and his son Boris, who is also a relative of the Count. The woman wants to get profit there too.
- Chapter 12 The Drubetskoys, mother and son, go to bow to the old Count Bezukhov. Vasily Kuragin, another contender for the inheritance, greets them with displeasure. Like the sister princesses living under Bezukhov. All these people are hunters for the count’s great inheritance, everyone sits and waits for him to die as soon as possible and leave the money under their care.
- Chapter 13 Pierre arrives. He unselfishly came to visit the old man. He is met with irritation, seeing him as another rival. While Drubetskaya is sitting at the bedside of the sick Count, Boris is talking to Pierre, saying that he wishes the old man good health. Pierre liked Boris, and he decided to make friends with him.
- Chapter 14. Countess Rostova learns about the sorrows of her friend Anna Mikhailovna. She asks her husband for Boris’s uniform. Drubetskaya accepts with touching tears. This woman has to beg forever to raise her son to her feet. Therefore, she is not afraid of any humiliation.
- Chapter 15 The Rostovs are talking about war and military service. Berg, a boyfriend of the elder Vera, talks about his career. This is a well-fed and calculating person who always boasts of success. Pierre appears, he is clumsy and shy. Guest Marya Dmitrievna arrives and shames Pierre. Further dinner, to which all solemnly go.
- Chapter 16. At the male end of the table, the conversation about the war is back. They say about patriotism, that we must fight. Nikolai Rostov warmly agrees, he has to go to war. Natasha asks about the future cake.
- Chapter 17 After a meal - cards for men, singing for young people. Sonya isn’t enough to sing, Natasha goes after her. She cries about the future departure of Nikolai, about the obstacles between them, about jealousy for Julie Kuragin, a more suitable party. Natasha reassured her friend. She later sings and dances with Pierre. The dance of Count Rostov and Marya Dmitrievna is an important episode, they danced beautifully.
- Chapter 18.The old Count Bezukhov loses the last crumbs of health, life leaves him. Prince Vasily Kuragin is ready, the princesses too. Talk about death, hopelessness and inheritance. It bothers everyone if Pierre inherits something. They hope not, especially the princesses. Prince Vasily, with the help of Princess Katerina, is going to steal the will, so that if necessary it can be faked.
- Chapter 19. Anna Mikhailovna and Pierre come to the dying Count Bezukhov. Drubetskaya leads a young man and speaks sympathetic words. She intends to confront Kuragin and his accomplices, seeing their unfair plans through and through.
- Chapter 20. Pierre, Princesses, Anna Mikhailovna and Prince Vasily take part in the communion of Count Bezukhov. Prince Kuragin with the senior princess is removed. Pierre helps put his father down. He is struck by the sight of near death.
- Chapter Anna Mikhailovna and Princess Katerina are fighting for a briefcase. Taking advantage of the confusion from the appearance of the middle princess, Drubetskaya pulls out a briefcase. Thanks to her, the will was preserved, and Pierre became the heir to the estate and received the title of count.
- Chapter 22. Action in the Bald Mountains, the estate of Prince Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky, father Andrei (here is a description of their family). He is harsh, sometimes cruel and tyrannical with family. Father is engaged in geometry with his daughter Marya, but only scares her. She receives a letter from Julie with a religious book. Father controls and correspondence. Julie writes the news of Moscow (war), her fleeting novel, the legacy of Pierre, about the matchmaking that is being prepared for Princess Bolkonskaya. Marya answers that she likes Pierre (as a person), but she does not know about the future marriage.
- Chapter 23. Andrei and Lisa Bolkonsky are coming. Mary is friendly to the sister-in-law, but Lisa herself is upset. The old prince is talking with his son from Bonaparte, whom Andrei supports. A young man wants to imitate him, he also cares about his career.
- Chapter 24. During lunch, the old prince argues with his son about Bonaparte, expressing an anti-Napoleonic position. They are arguing.
- Chapter 25. Before leaving, Marya talks with Andrey. She persuades him to be more tolerant of his wife, to humble his “pride of thought” (as a brother can condemn his father) and wear an image. With the blessing of Andrei, all her kindness is visible in Mary, her radiant eyes make her face beautiful. He admits that he is unhappy in the family. This is noticed by the father, sympathizing with him, but not seeing a way out, but promises to take care of his wife. Lisa herself, when parting, faints.
Part 2
- Chapter 1. October 1805 A review of the troops is expected by Commander-in-Chief Kutuzov. Just in case, everyone is preparing for the parade. But, it turns out that you need to be in camping equipment. Everyone is nervous. Higher ranks find fault with the lowest. Dolokhov, who is not dressed in uniform, also falls into it (he is demoted due to a binge with Pierre and Kuragin), but he gives a rebuff.
- Chapter 2 Arrived Kutuzov (here is his description) inspects the ranks, saying affectionate words to familiar officers and soldiers. Andrey Bolkonsky is his adjutant. The demoted Dolokhov is forgiven under the patronage of Kutuzov. The review ends, the good mood is transmitted to the soldiers. Songwriters come out and sing. At this time, Dolokhova “remembers” Zherkov from Kutuzov’s headquarters and calls for drinking and playing cards. The first refuses. Zherkov is a local jester and the soul of the company; he constantly jokes and laughs at people, annoying some of them. And he is an unscrupulous liar.
- Chapter 3 Kutuzov talks with the Austrian general, convincing him that the help of the Russian troops is no longer needed (in fact, he protects his people, and does not care about Austria). Here it becomes known that the Austrians are defeated, half of the campaign is lost. Prince Andrei is upset because he is really interested in military events. The rest of the staff only care about themselves, and not about the glory of Russian weapons, because they can joke and laugh, which offends Bolkonsky.
- Chapter 4 Nikolai Rostov is also participating in the campaign. In the German village of Zaltsenek, his regiment stands, and the hero was in an apartment with squadron commander Denisov, with whom he made friends. Denisov, having come to the cards after losing, complains that, besides alcohol gatherings with cards, there are no entertainments, rather, into a fight. Denisov is generally a straightforward person: not embarrassed by a colleague of Telyanin, he says that he does not love him. Soon come to win. Denisov has nothing to pay, but he does not borrow from Rostov. Nikolai’s wallet disappears. The hero is sure that this is Veal. Having caught the thief, Rostov despises him, but does not take the money. But the conversation was with the regimental commander, now Nicholas himself is waiting for sanctions, he threatened the honor of the regiment.
- Chapter 5 Squadron officers persuade Rostov to apologize to the regimental commander. The honor of the regiment is more important for them, but Nikolai refuses to apologize. Zherkov brings news of the speech.
- Chapter 6 The start of the campaign is fun: the sun is shining, the weather is good, officers are looking at the monastery, joking.
- Chapter 7 They shoot at the bridge, Russian troops cross. Crush, impossible to get through. The estrangement between hussars and infantry. Denisov clears the way for Nesvitsky from passing soldiers.
- Chapter 8 The battle is approaching, everyone feels it, feels the line between life and death. Denisov overheated commands. Rostov rejoices at his first “battle”. Denisov asks to attack, but the chief refuses. The battle is slow and lazy. Here they give the order to burn the bridge. In the Denisov squadron, revitalization, many hussars help burn. Officers looking from the side note that there are too many people, concluding that the colonel just needs to curry favor. Nikolai is at a loss: there is no one to chop, he cannot help burn the bridge - he did not take a straw bundle. The hero simply spins under his feet, looks at the sky and prays.
- Chapter 9 The situation at the front is not joyful: the Austrian troops were separated from the Russians, the strategy of the war lost its meaning, it remains only to save people as much as possible and to connect with fresh troops from Russia. However, on October 28, the French defeated. Prince Andrey takes an active part in the campaign and feels happy. When the hero rides on an errand to the Minister of War, he meets the wounded and gives them three gold, encouraging them. The Minister does not care about the outcome of the case, his indifference is overshadowed by the joy of Bolkonsky.
- Chapter 10 Prince Andrey stops at a friend of the diplomat Bilibin. They were of the same society, of the same age and position, which meant a pleasant conversation. They talked about the real campaign, trying to understand why it was unsuccessful. Bilibin believes that Vienna is almost taken, that means the war is over, and Austria entered into a secret alliance with France.
- Chapter 11 Prince Andrei is talking with Bilibin's friends. Their conversation is filled with jokes and gossip. There he meets Hippolytus Kuragin. But soon Bolkonsky went to an audience with the Austrian emperor.
- Chapter 12 The Austrian Emperor Franz asks simple and unnecessary questions, just to say something. After the audience, Bolkonsky is surrounded by courtiers and is called to all social events. Returning from the palace, Andrei learns from Bilibin that Vienna was taken without resistance. The hopelessness of the Russian army depresses and pleases Bolkonsky, it is he who will accomplish the feat of her salvation. That is why he is rushing to the army, despite the persuasion of Bilibin.
- Chapter 13 Prince Andrew makes his way to the army, to retreat towards him. Along the way, Bolkonsky defends the doctor’s wife, who was not allowed to pass, he almost enters into a fight with the officer. This incident made an unpleasant impression on the entire army. Having found the headquarters, Andrei learns that no surrender has occurred, and the battle is ahead: Bagration’s detachment covers the army’s retreat, the soldiers will die. Bolkonsky asks there.
- Chapter 14. The situation on the fronts is practically hopeless, therefore Bagration has to give an almost unrealistic task. An earlier truce helps to gain time, but its conclusion is the mistake of the military commander Murat, who soon opened.
- Chapter 15 Bagration met Bolkonsky amiably, but skeptically: in his opinion, this is a staff officer who just needs a reward. Andrei drove around the troops. In anticipation of the battle, officers eat and drink, and soldiers drag everything from the village. The closer to the enemy, the more order in the ranks.The most interesting are the Russian and French chains standing nearby. There the soldiers quarrel, it is especially good at Dolokhov, who knows French.
- Chapter 16. Before us is a panorama of the future Shengraben battle. Andrei, being at the battery, hears officers talking about death, interrupted by a nuclear strike.
- Chapter 17 The battle begins. Comes to see the auditor naively looking at everything. Bagration is concentrated, he confirms orders on the ground and instills confidence in people.
- Chapter 18. Bagration goes around the troops, with him Bolkonsky. Wounded come across. Heavy losses. Bagration is inspired, he is persuaded to leave the front line, but he refuses. He himself led the soldiers into the attack, shouting: "Hurray!"
- Chapter 19. They forgot about Tushin’s battery. The rest are about to retreat. Nevertheless, the squadron, where Nikolai Rostov serves, goes on the offensive, this is the first real battle of the hero. Nicholas is enthusiastic. Rostov went far ahead, a horse was killed under him, and he was wounded. He was bewildered, left alone. Meet the French. And he runs, because he can’t allow him, whom everyone loves, to be killed.
- Chapter 20. The infantry units were cut off; they are assisted by Timokhin's company, which alone was in combat order. In this company and Dolokhov. He accomplishes feats (he captured the Frenchman, stopped the enemy, remained wounded in the ranks), but this is all for show, to become an officer again. Tushin’s battery was remembered only at the end of the battle, then they were only sent to give an order to retreat, which, due to Zherkov’s cowardice, was not delivered on time. The merry fellow and the jester Zherkov was afraid to go into the thick of the battle, so he did not give an important order to retreat. At this time, the battery was defending itself from the last forces. Tushin, along with the soldiers, suffers a soul for everyone, calls the gun "Matveyevna" to himself and begs not to fail. Then came Prince Andrew, helped load the guns.
- Chapter 21 Tushin leaves, on the road, seating a wounded hussar on his convoy and taking care of him. It was Nikolai Rostov. The retreating men reached the camp and settled down near bonfires and hearths. Tushina summoned Bagration and began to scold for the left two guns. Tushin did not want to bring another boss, so he did not say that there was no possibility, he was not covered. But he was rescued by Bolkonsky.
Part 3
- Chapter 1. Prince Vasily Kuragin spun Pierre Bezukhov as best he could: he made him a junker, convinced the princesses to pay a bill of 30 thousand, took him to the light and introduced the right people, moved him to St. Petersburg, closer to himself. There is no Pierre’s past society in St. Petersburg, because Vasily Kuragin, who wants to marry his daughter Helen, takes his leisure (here is her description). Anna Pavlovna Scherer helps him. Pierre feels that between him and Helen everyone recognizes some kind of connection and cannot resist. Anna Pavlovna at the next evening praises her at Bezukhov. Kuragin herself is struggling, but at the same time unobtrusively seduces the hero with her beauty and ability to hold on. Pierre feels that she must be his wife, because she was terribly close and already owned it. Although Pierre understands that there is something disgusting in his relationship with Helen.
- Chapter 2 Everyone is waiting for a proposal from Pierre and trying to contribute to this. He is trying to resist temptation, but he cannot. At the next evening, Anna Pavlovna was in the spotlight, seductive Helen was nearby, and awkwardness in his soul. After dinner, they are left alone in the room, hinting to Pierre to make an offer. But Bezukhov only speaks with the beauty. And then Prince Vasily takes the initiative into his own hands: he runs into the room shouting: “Well, finally” - and congratulates Pierre on his engagement. The hero thinks doomedly: “Now it's too late, it's all over; Yes, and I love her. ” A month and a half later they were married.
- Chapter 3 Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky receives a letter from Prince Kuragin, where he announces the imminent arrival with his son Anatole (the alleged bridegroom of Princess Marya). This news does not please the old man, especially when he found out that Anatol was touted as a groom (and he has a low opinion of Prince Vasily). In the morning the old prince was out of sorts (scolding the courtyards for snow that had not been cleaned for Mary, but cleaned for Kuragin), Princess Mary and her companion Mademoiselle Bourienne shunned him at dinner, and Lisa did not come out at all. Andrei's wife lived in a constant sense of fear and antipathy for her father-in-law, who himself does not love her. Arriving Anatole is skeptical and mocking: an ugly princess, an absurd old man - if it is funny, then you can bear it. Mary at the same time is nervous and afraid, this makes it even more ugly. Lisa and Bourienne try to invent her a beautiful outfit, but these false efforts play against the princess. When she was finally left alone, Mary began to think about the possibility of family happiness for herself, wanting and not believing in him.
- Chapter 4 When Mary went out to the guests, she did not even see Anatole: the imagination painted something bright and beautiful, future happiness. Anatole is really attractive to women, but not by her excellent qualities, but by the manner of contemptuous consciousness of her superiority in communication. This had an effect on Marya. A general conversation ensued about nonexistent shared memories. The incoming prince noticed the stupidity of the conversation, the indifference of Anatole and the efforts of Marya. He asks Kuragin Jr., sees his emptiness (he does not even know the regiment in which he is listed). Mary is happy: she is married in dreams (although the "husband" flirts with her companion).
- Chapter 5 After dinner, everyone went to sleep. But only Anatole fell asleep. Mary dreamed of marriage. Bourienne was preparing for an affair with Anatole. Lisa grumbles at the maid (in fact, weighed down by the worries associated with her position). The old prince is worried about a possible separation from his daughter and wants to prevent this. Anatole and Bourienne are looking for dates. The latter admits her feelings to Marya. And the princess refuses such a welcome marriage, deciding for herself that her share is self-sacrifice for the happiness of others.
- Chapter 6 For a long time the Rostovs did not hear anything about Nikolai. Finally, a letter came: he was wounded, but alive, promoted to officer. The count learns about this, not knowing how to tell the countess. Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya in conversations is trying to guide on this subject. Natasha feels that something is wrong, asks what is the matter. He promises not to tell anyone, but immediately informs Sonya. She is crying. And the younger brother Petya is glad that his brother excelled. Natasha admits to Sonya that she does not remember Boris. Sonya says her love for Nicholas is forever. Anna Mikhailovna informs the countess, and the family reads a letter where the son briefly describes the campaign, and also bows to everyone. Then the letter became a relic, and each family member wrote an answer to Nikolai.
- Chapter 7 Nikolai Rostov meets with Boris Drubetskoy, the contrast between them at once: the guardsman Boris and the army soldier Nikolai. The first sends the second letter from home. Then they say, as well as Berg, with whom Boris lived. Drubetskoy skillfully leads the conversation, keeping it pleasant for both. Nicholas talks about the battle of Shengraben. Andrei Bolkonsky came in, with whom Boris made friends. The prince scornfully treated Rostov. The same accused all staff of inaction in the war. This could cause a duel. Prince Andrew is ready for her, but advises Nicholas not to bring it to this.
- Chapter 8 The next day, a review of Russian and Austrian troops is scheduled. All troops are prepared in advance. The Austrian Emperor Franz and the Russian Emperor Alexander I arrived. The latter makes a great impression on Nikolai Rostov. He is simply in love with the sovereign, ready to follow him into the fire and into the water.
- Chapter 9 Boris visits Andrey. Bolkonsky wants to help a friend in the service - get a place with General Dolgorukov. At this time, there was a military council, at which it was decided to give battle (although Kutuzov wanted to retreat). Andrei and Boris meet Dolgorukov, who is also for the offensive, therefore pleased with the results. General tells stories about Bonaparte. Dolgorukov promises protection to Drubetskoy.
- Chapter 10 The squadron, where Rostov serves, is in reserve. The fight went without him. But the emperor comes to them to watch the battle. The squadron is encouraged, they agree to die for the king. Especially Nicholas, he would have been glad to such a fate.
- Chapter 11 Napoleon (here his description) sends a diplomat for negotiations. However, this did not help, in front of the battle of Austerlitz. Dolgorukov, who was sent to the French emperor, tells Andrei Bolkonsky that Napoleon is afraid of battle. Bolkonsky has his own plan of attack. But Kutuzov considers the battle lost in advance.
- Chapter 12 Passes the military council before the battle. Kutuzov is sleepy and indifferent, then completely falls asleep. Weyter, active and exhausted, he created a difficult disposition. Disputes begin. Kutuzov woke up and finished the council. After the council, Bolkonsky for a long time represents the battle, as he himself will win it, then he will become commander in chief. It will be his moment of glory, his Toulon, like Napoleon’s.
- Chapter 13 Rostov before the battle in the flanker chain. The hero regrets that his squadron is in reserve, and is going to ask for business to see the emperor. Bagration arrives, Nikolai asks for business, he is appointed an orderly.
- Chapter 14. At five in the morning, the first preparations for the performance begin. Noticeable rejection of Russian soldiers and German officers. By nine in the morning the French are completely ready. They entered from the other side.
- Chapter 15 Kutuzov gives orders contrary to disposition, because he does not believe in it. He waits and hesitates. Alexander I hurries him, but Franz is inattentive. Miloradovich arrives at the Russian emperor, he is filled with enthusiasm.
- Chapter 16. Kutuzova hurts on the cheek, and the army begins to flee. Bolkonsky takes the banner and leads the offensive soldiers. And then he felt pain and began to fall.
- Chapter 17 Rostov is sent with a message, he is in the first line, then he drives past the reserves, then he sees a mess in the rear of the French and confusion.
- Chapter 18. Nikolai comes to one village, but there is no longer either Kutuzov or the emperor. He is told that the emperor is wounded. He rides to the alleged location of the sovereign. He soon finds Alexander. But Nikolai did not dare to drive up: the emperor was too saddened by the situation in battle. Dolokhov with the remnants of the regiment is trying to pull out and save the gun. He is behaving frantically.
- Chapter 19. Wounded Prince Andrew lies and looks at the sky. The French are approaching, including Napoleon. From a close distance Bonaparte seems so small, ordinary, that his charm in the eyes of the prince fades and fades. Even more asleep, when later Napoleon examines the Russian prisoners (they brought to them and Bolkonsky). Andrei regrets the lost family happiness. He is considered hopelessly wounded and not even taken prisoner.