Interesting facts about the BBC series “War and Peace. How does Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" end?

For many of us, "War and Peace" is an overwhelming school read, but for 19th-century readers who received the novel in parts and waited for the sequel, it was something of a topical series that told about the most pressing problems of our time. Tatyana Trofimova talks about what questions Leo Tolstoy’s novel helped resolve among his contemporaries.

Studying the novel “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy is like feeling an elephant - the subject is vast, and the result is mosaic. In this sense, it was much easier for the writer’s contemporaries: reading a novel for them was like watching a TV series with all the consequences that flow from this format. For the first two years, they vigorously discussed each episode, then for another two years they reread their favorite fragments and eagerly welcomed the continuation. In other words, for four years we lived against the backdrop of Prince Andrei’s existential encounters with the oak tree, Natasha’s girlish dreams at the window, the high sky above Austerlitz and the “swarm” life of Platon Karataev.

The series really captivated me. During the breaks, they endlessly argued about how justified the use of the French language was, about the denigrated high society and the nature of patriotism. Leo Tolstoy clearly touched the painful points of his contemporaries, although which ones exactly are not so easy to understand: reading habits, revolutionary upheavals, and Tolstoy’s personal quest all had an impact. But at their intersection one can sense something familiar - an attempt in an era of instability to turn around and build one’s identity with the help of the past.

The context of the first half of the 1860s, when Tolstoy began to write the novel, leaves no questions about the scale of his plan. The long-awaited abolition of serfdom - and disappointment. The reform that was so believed in at the development stage did not change the world overnight. Radical youth went on the offensive, a wave of fires swept through St. Petersburg - the times were so alarming that few blamed the hot and dry weather. Finding himself under arrest, Chernyshevsky nevertheless managed to release instructions in the form of a novel “What to do?”, where he clearly described how to move towards building a different, more just society. Finally, in the wake of difficult reforms, the Polish uprising occurred, but the Russian authorities showed that the reforms would still be carried out according to the original plan, and Russia was not ready to part with imperial ambitions and territories. The rebellion was brutally suppressed, Russian society was frustrated, and Herzen, observing from London the excesses from different sides, could not resist the emotional assessment: “Very dangerous!!!”

Usually the idea of the novel is retold simply: first there was a story about the return of the exiled Decembrist in 1856, then it acquired a background in the form of the uprising of 1825 itself, and gradually Tolstoy came to the idea of describing the war of 1812. Based on this, the fact that only the third part was written seems almost accidental, although this particular topic occupied Tolstoy much longer. Already in 1853, he reads and thinks about the military campaign of 1805, and this is understandable - Tolstoy himself goes to the Crimean War. Three years later, the war, like the campaign of 1805, would end in defeat, and Tolstoy would go to inspect Napoleon’s tomb. “The idolization of the villain is terrible,” he says almost with contempt, but by the early 1860s in his sketches he admits that everything is interconnected: in 1812 “we spanked Napoleon I,” and in 1856 “we were spanked by Napoleon III.” .

Just at the time when Tolstoy was thinking about the plot, the 50th anniversary of the victory over Napoleon also occurred. This date was not marked either by the Arc de Triomphe or the Alexander Column on Palace Square, like the previous ones, but it was not so easy to forget about it. National identity in an unstable situation is often formed by turning to a glorious past, and Tolstoy, like the authors of modern patriotic war series, got to the heart of the problem.

By the time the novel was published, readers had already firmly established the habit of reading in portions: long works are published in series in thick magazines, published - most often - once a month. First, throughout 1865-1866, Mikhail Katkov’s magazine published Tolstoy’s novel entitled “1805.” The same heroes, the same paintings of peaceful life and war, the same historiosophical reflections. Publishing policy also came into play. Despite the fact that Tolstoy submitted the entire first part - about peaceful life - before the start of publication and even asked to release it at once, Katkov had his own plans: he wanted to extract the maximum from the novel and guide the reader in reading it. At the same time, Tolstoy continued to write; The publication schedule was intermittent, the second part - about the war - did not go into work, the reader did not know what to expect from the next issue, the intrigue intensified.

Duel between Pierre and Dolokhov. A fragment of an illustration for the novel “War and Peace.” 1950-1991 Artist: Shmarinov Dementy Alekseevich. Paper, coal

This is how the first year of “War and Peace” passed, and then everything became much more interesting: in January 1866, Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” began to be published, literally right next to Tolstoy’s novel. A coincidence, but not such a coincidence, considering that both novels are connected by the figure of Napoleon. Is an individual person capable of turning the course of history around, and what did that same Napoleon do if he managed to rise so high, asks Tolstoy. And if Napoleon had neither Toulon nor Egypt, how would he have acted in an ordinary life that was not conducive to exploits, Dostoevsky continues to think. On April 4, 1866, a shot is heard - former student Dmitry Karakozov shoots Alexander II at the fence of the Summer Garden in St. Petersburg to give society the opportunity to rebuild on a different basis. The assassination attempt failed: Kostroma artisan Osip Komissarov pushed Karakozov under the arm, and he missed.

Radical youth nevertheless tried to turn the tide of history with a personal feat. In response, the troubled magazines Sovremennik and Russkoe Slovo were closed - the authorities decided that their revolutionary incitement was to blame for everything. The conservative Katkov shuddered and took a break. By that time, two parts of Tolstoy’s novel had been published, Dostoevsky’s novel was suspended. But literature has already merged with reality: Katkov released the first part of “1805” in a separate edition - for those who missed everything, and continued to publish Dostoevsky. And when Tolstoy brought the novel to seven hundred pages and decided that it was completed, he immediately proposed continuing publication in parts in the magazine. Nikolai Nekrasov desperately tried to resume publication of Sovremennik, failed and rented the magazine Otechestvennye Zapiski, whose circulation soared to unprecedented heights. It is impossible to tear yourself away from serial reading on the topic of the day.

Tolstoy's answer to the question about the role of personality in history is known - a person, even the greatest, cannot do anything on his own. To make a turn, he needs to get into the tectonic movement of the masses, feel it and, having caught the wave, be able to take advantage of it, and in this sense, even Kutuzov’s heroic role in the victory over Napoleon should not be exaggerated. Dostoevsky's answer is also clear - a simple person is not able to cope with the idea, punishment overtakes him even before the crime, everything is drowning in a fever. With his answer, Tolstoy hit the crucial point. The daily writers of Otechestvennye Zapiski have already plunged into the study of the people: some go to the village, others storm the taverns, and everyone writes about what those same simple and so wise people are like. And Tolstoy himself works either as a peace mediator or as a teacher in his own Yasnaya Polyana school. A little more - and “going to the people” will begin: either to learn from them, or to teach.

In 1868, Tolstoy began publishing a revised version of the novel with a sequel, now called War and Peace. This is approximately the form in which we are accustomed to reading it, and researchers are accustomed to studying it. Contemporaries, not yet knowing that it would be a great novel, saw in it a reason to think about what worries them. Through this improvised window you can now see how they went through difficult times in search of that Napoleon who would change everything at once, and how fiction and reality forced them to change the vector of their search. “I can stop writing now. You can stop reading now,” Tolstoy says in the preface to the revised version of the novel. But this free choice is woven into the flow of events, the key to which is not found in a single heroic action in defiance. War is opposed, as Tolstoy wrote, by “peace” - not the absence of war, but the awareness of community and the acceptance of identity.

In 1869, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy completed his work “War and Peace.” The epilogue, a summary of which we will describe in this article, is divided into two parts.

First part

The first part tells about the following events. 7 years have passed since the War of 1812, described in the work "War and Peace". The heroes of the novel have changed both externally and internally. We will talk about this when analyzing the epilogue. In 13, Natasha married Pierre Bezukhov. Ilya Andreevich, count, died at the same time. The old family fell apart with his death. The Rostovs' financial affairs are completely upset. However, Nikolai does not refuse the inheritance, since he sees this as an expression of reproach to his father’s memory.

Ruin of Rostov

The ruin of the Rostovs is described at the end of the work "War and Peace" (epilogue). A summary of the events that make up this episode is as follows. The estate was sold under the hammer for half the price, which covered only half of the debts. Rostov, in order not to end up in a debt trap, enters military service in St. Petersburg. He lives here in a small apartment with Sonya and his mother. Nikolai values Sonya very much, believes that he owes her an unpaid debt, but understands that he could not love this girl. Nikolai's situation is getting worse. However, he is disgusted by the thought of marrying a rich woman.

Meeting of Nikolai Rostov with Princess Marya

Princess Marya comes to visit the Rostovs. Nikolai greets her coldly, showing with all his appearance that he doesn’t need anything from her. After this meeting, the princess feels in an uncertain position. She wants to understand what Nikolai is covering up with such a tone.

He makes a return visit to the princess under the influence of his mother. Their conversation turns out to be tense and dry, but Marya feels that this is only the outer shell. The soul of Rostov is still beautiful.

Nikolai's marriage, estate management

The princess finds out that he behaves this way out of pride, since he is poor and Marya is rich. In the fall of 1814, Nikolai married the princess and, together with her, Sonya and his mother, went to live on the Bald Mountains estate. He devoted himself entirely to the farm, in which the main thing is the peasant worker. Having become close to the peasants, Nikolai begins to skillfully manage the farm, which brings brilliant results. Men come from other estates asking to buy them. Even after the death of Nicholas, the people long preserve the memory of his leadership. Rostov is getting closer and closer to his wife, discovering new treasures of her soul every day.

Sonya is in Nikolai's house. For some reason Marya cannot suppress her evil feelings towards this girl. Somehow Natasha explains to her why Sonya’s fate is this: she is an “empty flower”, something is missing in her.

How has Natasha Rostova changed?

The work "War and Peace" (epilogue) continues. A summary of his further events is as follows. There are three children in the Rostov house, and Marya is expecting another addition. Natasha is visiting her brother with four children. The return of Bezukhov, who left for St. Petersburg two months ago, is expected. Natasha has gained weight, and now it’s hard to recognize her as the old girl.

Her face has an expression of calm “clarity” and “softness”. Everyone who knew Natasha before her marriage is surprised at the change that has occurred in her. Only the old countess, who understood with her mother’s instinct that all the impulses of this girl were aimed only at getting married and starting a family, wonders why others do not understand this. Natasha doesn’t take care of herself, doesn’t watch her manners. For her, the main thing is serving the home, children, and husband. This girl is very demanding of her husband and jealous. Bezukhov completely submits to his wife’s demands. He has the whole family in return. Natasha Rostova not only fulfills her husband’s wishes, but also guesses them. She always shares the way of thinking of her husband.

Conversation between Bezukhov and Nikolai Rostov

Pierre feels happy in his marriage, seeing himself reflected in his own family. Natasha misses her husband, and now he comes. Bezukhov tells Nikolai about the latest political news, says that the sovereign does not delve into any matters, the situation in the country is tense to the limit: a coup is being prepared. Pierre believes that it is necessary to organize a society, possibly illegal, in order to benefit people. Nikolai does not agree with this. He says he took an oath. In the work "War and Peace" the heroes Nikolai Rostov and Pierre Bezukhov express different opinions about the further path of development of the country.

Nikolai discusses this conversation with his wife. He considers Bezukhov a dreamer. Nikolai has enough problems of his own. Marya notices some limitations of her husband and knows that he will never understand what she understands. This makes the princess love him more, with a tinge of passionate tenderness. Rostov admires his wife’s desire for the perfect, the eternal and the infinite.

Bezukhov talks to Natasha about important matters awaiting him. According to Pierre, Platon Karataev would have approved of him and not his career, since he wanted to see calm, happiness and decorum in everything.

Nikolenka Bolkonsky's dream

Nikolenka Bolkonsky was present during Pierre’s conversation with Nikolai. The conversation made a deep impression on him. The boy adores Bezukhov and idolizes him. He also considers his father to be a kind of deity. Nikolenka has a dream. He walks with Bezukhov in front of a large army and approaches the goal. Uncle Nikolai suddenly appears in front of them in a menacing pose, ready to kill anyone who moves forward. The boy turns around and notices that it is no longer Pierre who is next to him, but Prince Andrei, his father, who is caressing him. Nikolenka decides that his father was kind to him and approved of him and Pierre. They all want the boy to study, and he will do it. And one day everyone will admire him.

Second part

Once again Tolstoy discusses the historical process. Kutuzov and Napoleon ("War and Peace") are two key historical figures in the work. The author says that history is made not by the individual, but by the masses, who are subordinate to common interests. This was understood by the commander-in-chief Kutuzov described earlier in the work ("War and Peace"), who preferred the strategy of non-intervention to active actions. It was thanks to his wise command that the Russians won. In history, a person is important only to the extent that he accepts and understands the interests of the people. Therefore, Kutuzov (“War and Peace”) is a significant person in history.

The role of the epilogue in the composition of the work

In the composition of the novel, the epilogue is the most important element in ideological understanding. It is he who carries a huge semantic load in the concept of the work. Lev Nikolaevich sums it up, touching on pressing topics such as family.

Family thought

Particular expression in this part of the work was given to the idea of the spiritual foundations of the family as an external form of unification of people. As if the differences between spouses are erased in it, the limitations of souls complement each other in communication between them. The epilogue of the novel develops this idea. Such, for example, is the family of Marya and Nikolai Rostov. In it, the principles of the Bolkonskys and Rostovs are combined in a higher synthesis.

In the epilogue of the novel, a new family gathers, which combines the disparate Bolkon, Rostov, and, through Bezukhov, Karataev traits. As the author writes, several different worlds lived under one roof, which merged into a harmonious whole.

It is no coincidence that this new family arose, including such interesting and different images (“War and Peace”). It was the result of national unity born of the Patriotic War. In this part of the work, the connection between the general and the individual is reaffirmed. The year 1812 in Russian history brought a higher level of communication between people, removing many class restrictions and barriers, and led to the emergence of broader and more complex family worlds. In the Lysogorsk family, as in any other, disputes and conflicts sometimes arise. But they only strengthen relations and are peaceful. Women, Marya and Natasha, are the guardians of its foundations.

People's thought

At the end of the epilogue, the author’s philosophical reflections are presented, in which Lev Nikolaevich again discusses the historical process. In his opinion, history is made not by the individual, but by the masses who express common interests. Napoleon ("War and Peace") did not understand this, and therefore lost the war. Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy thinks so.

The last part of the work "War and Peace" - the epilogue - ends. We tried to make the summary concise and succinct. This part of the work sums up the entire large-scale creation of Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy. "War and Peace", the characteristics of the epilogue of which we have presented, is a grandiose epic that was created by the author from 1863 to 1869.

The novel “War and Peace” is one of the most grandiose creations of world literature. Duality is already inherent in the title of the work; it is a kind of hint at what this epic is about. In each to the book“War and Peace” can be read that in it events from peaceful life alternate with battle scenes.

In contact with

The novel consists of 4 volumes and an epilogue. For true lovers of Russian literature, what is important is not how many volumes there are in a novel, but the meanings that were embedded in the immortal epic. wrote “War and Peace” for seven years. Date the novel was written - period from 1863 to 1869. He is known to have rewritten it 8 times, with some of the episodes being rewritten up to 26 times. This is a short summary of the book. Now let's get to the content.

First volume

This section describes the following events:

Social event at Scherer's.
Old man Bezukhov dies.
Pierre turns out to be the heir to the fortune.
Wedding of Bezukhov and Helen.
Military actions of Russia (in alliance with Austria) against Napoleonic army.

Everyone knows the date of writing "War and Peace" - it's 1869. At that time, the epic became one of the most read, it was also appreciated in literary circles. In the first chapter, the writer introduces us to the main characters - Pierre and Prince Bolkonsky. The prince plans to go to war. Pierre has to move to Moscow. The author also introduces us to another character from War and Peace. Anna Mikhailovna is a figure who plays an important role in the development of events.

Attention! Being raised far from Russia, Pierre admires the ideas of Napoleon. Pierre perceives flattery as a sign of love; he understands practically nothing in life.

Old Man Bezukhov's Illness

In Chapter VII of the first part, Anna Mikhailovna reports that the old Count Bezukhov is sick and practically on the verge of death. Count Bezukhov's illness progresses, and he makes a will.

Together with Anna Mikhailovna, Pierre goes to his dying father. Anna Mikhailovna informs Pierre about his death.

The heirs unsuccessfully try to steal the briefcase with the will, according to which Pierre should receive the entire fortune. They are not very concerned about Count Bezukhov’s illness; the main thing for them is the opportunity to get money.

The beginning of the novel “War and Peace” continues with an unexpected turn of events. Anna Mikhailovna, one of the most striking secondary characters, interferes with the insidious plans. She prevents the briefcase from being stolen, and Pierre receives an inheritance. He becomes accepted into many high houses and marries the beautiful Helen. Bolkonsky goes to war.

Nikolai's cowardice

Scenes of peaceful life alternate with military ones in the novel War and Peace. A chapter-by-chapter summary introduces the reader to further developments. Nikolai Rostov lives with Vasily Denisov. One day, the latter’s wallet was stolen. Nikolai learned that this was the work of Telyanin. However, this act would cast a shadow over the entire regiment, and Rostov is forced to drop the charges and apologize. Nikolai does not apologize, but takes back his accusation. Rostov is wounded, and, seeing the approaching enemies, flees. However, later he distorts the history of his battle, saying that he “cut right and left.”

The volume ends with the wounding of Prince Bolkonsky. Falling on the battlefield, he watches clouds float across the vast blue sky. All those dreams that fascinated the prince before are now seem insignificant to him.

Attention! Boris Drubetskoy (sometimes his last name is confused with “Trubetskoy”) is the son of Anna Mikhailovna. Through his mother he is related to the Rostovs. Boris had tender feelings for Natasha. Boris Trubetskoy in War and Peace is a proud, ambitious character. From an early age he dreams of a big career. Through Prince Vasily, Anna Mikhailovna managed to secure a place for him in the guard.

Volume two

The events of this volume are briefly:

Duel between Bezukhov and Dolokhov.
Nikolai loses money to Dolokhov.
The love affair between Natasha and the prince is described.
Anatole wants to steal Natasha, but his lies are revealed.
The girl's breakup with Bolkonsky.

Further events

In the second volume, the plot of the novel continues with Nikolai's arrival home for the duration of his vacation. He is accepted as a real hero. Nikolai becomes close to Dolokhov.

The latter proposes marriage to Sonya, but is refused. Dolokhov, wanting revenge on Rostov, beats him for a large sum of money.

Old man Bolkonsky receives news about the death of his son, but the letter also says that he may be alive. After all, Andrei was not found among the wounded.

Pierre's torment over his wife Helen continue the plot of "War and Peace". Briefly describing the development of events, we can mention that Pierre, tormented by doubts, challenges Dolokhov to a duel. Pierre becomes a member of the Masonic lodge and experiences delight from the truth that enlightened his mind. Returning, Pierre visits his friend Bolkonsky. Communication with the young man gives the prince strength.

Nikolai Rostov, visiting the wounded Denisov, is struck by the sight of suffering soldiers in the infirmary and the smell of rot. He is also amazed by the fact that Boris Trubetskoy communicates with the French. So in the novel “War and Peace” by Tolstoy shows the senselessness of war and the horror it brings.

Natasha and Bolkonsky

Prince Andrei admires the statesman Speransky - this is how the plot of “War and Peace” continues. The events are briefly described as follows: Pierre at this time becomes disillusioned with Freemasonry and reconciles with Helen (at least outwardly). Prince Andrei goes to the Rostovs and hears Natasha’s enthusiastic conversation.

Count Rostov and Natasha go to visit the Bolkonskys, but they do not favor them. This is very unpleasant for Natasha. She's in the theater meets Anatole, son of Karagin. He wants to steal her secretly from everyone (Anatole is already married by this time, but is in no hurry to talk about it).

But his plans are not destined to come true - Sonya finds out about Anatole’s lies, and the kidnapping is disrupted. Bolkonsky learns about Natasha’s refusal, about her affairs with Anatole and returns all the letters that she once wrote to him. Unexpectedly for myself Pierre admits his tender feelings for Rostova. Already at this stage, one can make an assumption about how the novel “War and Peace” will end - namely, with whom Natasha Rostova will have a happy life.

Third volume

Events in this volume:

Natasha finds peace in religion.
Pierre goes to the battlefield.
Bolkonsky is wounded.
Kutuzov retreats, the French occupy Moscow.
Natasha Rostova takes care of the wounded prince, their feelings come to life again.

In June 1812 hostilities begin. The Emperor sends his adjutant named Balashev to Napoleon, but he is not honored and has to wait 4 days. Bolkonsky wants to challenge Kuragin to a duel.

The Rostovs live in Moscow at this time. Natasha feels very bad, but on July 12 the family goes to church. Prayer has a beneficial effect on her state of mind, the girl calms down.

Hostilities

In Smolensk shelling begins, and then a fire. No one is yet thinking about how the war will end. Old Bolkonsky is dying. Kutuzov proposes to Andrey remain to serve at headquarters, but he asks to remain with the regiment.

Pierre Bezukhov is arrested. Before becoming captive, he performs many noble deeds.

He saves a girl from a fire, protects Armenians - all this suggests that Pierre sincerely wants to help people. In fact, an attentive reader of the novel will see that Bezukhov takes the child out from under the bench.

Pierre Bezukhov, who saves a girl from a fire, is a slightly incorrect formulation. Reading the text carefully, one cannot say that Pierre really saves the girl from the fire, although he undoubtedly commits a noble act.

Kutuzov is confident: the outcome of the battle is determined by the spirit of the army. After the battle, Kutuzov's army heads to Fili. The French army enters Moscow. They report to Napoleon: the city is empty. Shortly before this, the Rostovs are planning to leave. Natasha takes care of the wounded Bolkonsky.

Attention! It is around Natasha that the main ideas of L.N. Tolstoy are concentrated; the author endows the girl with extraordinary ethical strength. Natasha loses loved ones, but does not break down spiritually.

Volume four

Main events:

Pierre is captured.
Bolkonsky dies.
Napoleon moves towards Smolensk.
Petya dies.
Pierre is released.
He admits his tender feelings for Rostova.

Pierre in captivity

Nikolai travels to Voronezh, where he meets Bolkonsky's sister, Marya. Andrey is dying. Pierre Bezukhov is captured and must be interrogated by a marshal known for his cruelty named Davout.

However, Pierre meets Davout's eyes, and this saves him - they both feel that are brothers in spirit. The French shoot five prisoners, but Bezukhov is taken to the barracks.

Denisov, together with Dolokhov, attacks an enemy transport in which prisoners of war are being held. Among them is Pierre. Petya Rostov dies. After his rescue, Pierre is in Orel - deprivation affects his health. Bezukhov talks to Marya about whether his happiness with Natasha is possible. She also awakens bright feelings for Pierre.

Epilogue

We reviewed the summary of the novel “War and Peace”. How many volumes are there in the book? “War and Peace” has 4 volumes, but the epic is supplemented by an epilogue. In it, the reader has the opportunity to learn about two weddings - Pierre and Natasha, as well as Nikolai and Marya. In the winter of 1820, Natasha comes to visit her brother with her children. A conversation takes place between Pierre, Denisov and Nikolai, Pierre talks about need for change.

Bolkonsky's son, Nikolenka, dreams that he is leading a huge army. The epilogue introduces the reader to the further life of the characters, lets them know how the unusual events that took place on the pages of the immortal work of Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, the author of the book “War and Peace,” ended.

Read quickly - “War and Peace” in half an hour

Conclusion

Tolstoy's epic was hailed as a masterpiece world literary heritage. Galsuori called the work the best that has ever been written. The novel is the result of Tolstoy's spiritual search, his desire to find the truth and meaning of life.

A.E. In 1863, Bersom wrote a letter to his friend, Count Tolstoy, reporting on a fascinating conversation between young people about the events of 1812. Then Lev Nikolaevich decided to write a grandiose work about that heroic time. Already in October 1863, the writer wrote in one of his letters to a relative that he had never felt such creative forces in himself; the new work, according to him, would not be like anything he had done before.

Initially, the main character of the work should be the Decembrist, returning from exile in 1856. Next, Tolstoy moved the beginning of the novel to the day of the uprising in 1825, but then the artistic time moved to 1812. Apparently, the count was afraid that the novel would not be released for political reasons, since Nicholas the First tightened censorship, fearing a repeat of the riot. Since the Patriotic War directly depends on the events of 1805, it was this period that in the final version became the foundation for the beginning of the book.

“Three Pores” - that’s what Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy called his work. It was planned that the first part or time would tell about the young Decembrists, participants in the war; in the second - a direct description of the Decembrist uprising; in the third - the second half of the 19th century, the sudden death of Nicholas 1, the defeat of the Russian army in the Crimean War, an amnesty for members of the opposition movement who, returning from exile, expect changes.

It should be noted that the writer rejected all the works of historians, basing many episodes of War and Peace on the memoirs of participants and witnesses of the war. Materials from newspapers and magazines also served as excellent informants. In the Rumyantsev Museum, the author read unpublished documents, letters from ladies-in-waiting and generals. Tolstoy spent several days in Borodino, and in letters to his wife he enthusiastically wrote that if God grants health, he will describe the Battle of Borodino in a way that no one has described before.

The author spent 7 years of his life creating War and Peace. There are 15 variations of the beginning of the novel; the writer repeatedly abandoned and started his book again. Tolstoy foresaw the global scope of his descriptions, wanted to create something innovative and created an epic novel worthy of representing the literature of our country on the world stage.

Themes of War and Peace

Family theme. It is the family that determines the upbringing, psychology, views and moral principles of a person, and therefore naturally occupies one of the central places in the novel. The forge of morals shapes the characters' characters and influences the dialectic of their souls throughout the entire narrative. The description of the Bolkonsky, Bezukhov, Rostov and Kuragin families reveals the author’s thoughts about house building and the importance he attaches to family values.
The theme of the people. The glory for a won war always belongs to the commander or emperor, and the people, without whom this glory would not have appeared, remain in the shadows. It is this problem that the author raises, showing the vanity of the vanity of military officials and elevating ordinary soldiers. became the topic of one of our essays.
Theme of war. Descriptions of military operations exist relatively separately from the novel, independently. It is here that phenomenal Russian patriotism is revealed, which became the key to victory, the boundless courage and fortitude of a soldier who goes to any length to save his homeland. The author introduces us to war scenes through the eyes of one or another hero, plunging the reader into the depths of the bloodshed taking place. Large-scale battles echo the mental anguish of the heroes. Being at the crossroads of life and death reveals the truth to them.
Theme of life and death. Tolstoy's characters are divided into “living” and “dead”. The first include Pierre, Andrey, Natasha, Marya, Nikolai, and the second include old Bezukhov, Helen, Prince Vasily Kuragin and his son Anatole. The “living” are constantly in motion, and not so much physical as internal, dialectical (their souls come to harmony through a series of trials), while the “dead” hide behind masks and come to tragedy and internal split. Death in “War and Peace” is presented in 3 forms: bodily or physical death, moral death, and awakening through death. Life is comparable to the burning of a candle, someone’s light is small, with flashes of bright light (Pierre), for someone it burns tirelessly (Natasha Rostova), Masha’s wavering light. There are also 2 hypostases: physical life, like that of “dead” characters, whose immorality deprives the world of the necessary harmony within, and the life of the “soul”, this is about the heroes of the first type, they will be remembered even after death.

Main characters

Andrey Bolkonsky- a nobleman, disillusioned with the world and seeking glory. The hero is handsome, has dry features, short stature, but athletic build. Andrei dreams of being famous like Napoleon, and that’s why he goes to war. He is bored with high society; even his pregnant wife does not give him any relief. Bolkonsky changes his worldview when, wounded at the battle of Austerlitz, he encountered Napoleon, who seemed like a fly to him, along with all his glory. Further, the love that flared up for Natasha Rostova also changes the views of Andrei, who finds the strength to live a full and happy life again after the death of his wife. He meets death on the Borodino field, because he does not find the strength in his heart to forgive people and not fight with them. The author shows the struggle in his soul, hinting that the prince is a man of war, he cannot get along in an atmosphere of peace. So, he forgives Natasha for betrayal only on his deathbed, and dies in harmony with himself. But finding this harmony was possible only in this way - for the last time. We wrote more about his character in the essay "".
Natasha Rostova– a cheerful, sincere, eccentric girl. Knows how to love. He has a wonderful voice that will captivate the most picky music critics. In the work, we first see her as a 12-year-old girl, on her name day. Throughout the entire work, we observe the growing up of a young girl: first love, first ball, Anatole’s betrayal, guilt before Prince Andrei, the search for her “I”, including in religion, the death of her lover (Andrei Bolkonsky). We analyzed her character in the essay "". In the epilogue, the wife of Pierre Bezukhov, his shadow, appears before us from a cocky lover of “Russian dances”.
Pierre Bezukhov- a plump young man who was unexpectedly bequeathed a title and a large fortune. Pierre discovers himself through what is happening around him, from each event he learns a moral and a life lesson. His wedding with Helen gives him confidence; after being disappointed in her, he finds interest in Freemasonry, and in the end he gains warm feelings for Natasha Rostova. The Battle of Borodino and capture by the French taught him not to philosophize and find happiness in helping others. These conclusions were determined by acquaintance with Platon Karataev, a poor man who, while awaiting death in a cell without normal food and clothing, looked after the “little baron” Bezukhov and found the strength to support him. We've already looked at it too.
Graph Ilya Andreevich Rostov- a loving family man, luxury was his weakness, which led to financial problems in the family. Softness and weakness of character, inability to adapt to life make him helpless and pitiful.
Countess Natalya Rostova– the Count’s wife, has an oriental flavor, knows how to present herself correctly in society, and loves her own children excessively. A calculating woman: she strives to upset the wedding of Nikolai and Sonya, since she was not rich. It was her cohabitation with a weak husband that made her so strong and firm.
NickOlai Rostov– the eldest son is kind, open, with curly hair. Wasteful and weak in spirit, like his father. He squanders his family's fortune on cards. He longed for glory, but after participating in a number of battles he understands how useless and cruel war is. He finds family well-being and spiritual harmony in his marriage to Marya Bolkonskaya.
Sonya Rostova– the count’s niece – small, thin, with a black braid. She had a reasonable character and good disposition. She has been devoted to one man all her life, but lets her beloved Nikolai go after learning about his love for Marya. Tolstoy exalts and appreciates her humility.
Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky- Prince, has an analytical mind, but a heavy, categorical and unfriendly character. He is too strict, therefore he does not know how to show love, although he has warm feelings for children. Dies from the second blow in Bogucharovo.
Marya Bolkonskaya– modest, loving her family, ready to sacrifice herself for the sake of her loved ones. L.N. Tolstoy especially emphasizes the beauty of her eyes and the ugliness of her face. In her image, the author shows that the charm of forms cannot replace spiritual wealth. are described in detail in the essay.
Helen Kuragina– Pierre’s ex-wife is a beautiful woman, a socialite. She loves male company and knows how to get what she wants, although she is vicious and stupid.
Anatol Kuragin- Helen's brother is handsome and belongs to high society. Immoral, lacking moral principles, wanted to secretly marry Natasha Rostova, although he already had a wife. Life punishes him with martyrdom on the battlefield.
Fedor Dolokhov- officer and leader of the partisans, not tall, has light eyes. Successfully combines selfishness and care for loved ones. Vicious, passionate, but attached to his family.

Tolstoy's favorite hero

In the novel, the author's sympathy and antipathy for the characters is clearly felt. As for female characters, the writer gives his love to Natasha Rostova and Marya Bolkonskaya. Tolstoy valued the true feminine in girls - devotion to a lover, the ability to always remain blooming in the eyes of her husband, the knowledge of happy motherhood and caring. His heroines are ready for self-denial for the benefit of others.

The writer is fascinated by Natasha, the heroine finds the strength to live even after the death of Andrei, she directs love to her mother after the death of her brother Petya, seeing how hard it is for her. The heroine is reborn, realizing that life is not over as long as she has a bright feeling for her neighbor. Rostova shows patriotism, without a doubt helping the wounded.

Marya also finds happiness in helping others, in feeling needed by someone. Bolkonskaya becomes a mother for Nikolushka’s nephew, taking him under her “wing”. She worries about ordinary men who have nothing to eat, passing the problem through herself, and does not understand how the rich can not help the poor. In the final chapters of the book, Tolstoy is fascinated by his heroines, who have matured and found female happiness.

The writer’s favorite male characters were Pierre and Andrei Bolkonsky. Bezukhov first appears to the reader as a clumsy, plump, short young man who appears in Anna Scherer’s living room. Despite his ridiculous, ridiculous appearance, Pierre is smart, but the only person who accepts him for who he is is Bolkonsky. The prince is brave and stern, his courage and honor come in handy on the battlefield. Both men risk their lives to save their homeland. Both are rushing around in search of themselves.

Of course, L.N. Tolstoy brings his favorite heroes together, only in the case of Andrei and Natasha, happiness is short-lived, Bolkonsky dies young, and Natasha and Pierre find family happiness. Marya and Nikolai also found harmony in each other's company.

Genre of the work

“War and Peace” opens the genre of the epic novel in Russia. The features of any novels are successfully combined here: from family novels to memoirs. The prefix “epic” means that the events described in the novel cover a significant historical phenomenon and reveal its essence in all its diversity. Typically, a work of this genre has a lot of plot lines and characters, since the scale of the work is very large.

The epic nature of Tolstoy’s work lies in the fact that he not only invented a story about a famous historical event, but also enriched it with details gleaned from the memories of eyewitnesses. The author did a lot to ensure that the book was based on documentary sources.

The relationship between the Bolkonskys and the Rostovs was also not invented by the author: he depicted the history of his family, the merger of the Volkonsky and Tolstoy families.

Main problems

The problem of finding real life. Let's take Andrei Bolkonsky as an example. He dreamed of recognition and glory, and the surest way to earn authority and adoration was through military exploits. Andrei made plans to save the army with his own hands. Bolkonsky constantly saw pictures of battles and victories, but he was wounded and went home. Here, in front of Andrei’s eyes, his wife dies, completely shaking the prince’s inner world, then he realizes that there is no joy in the murders and suffering of the people. This career is not worth it. The search for oneself continues, because the original meaning of life has been lost. The problem is that it is difficult to find.
The problem of happiness. Take Pierre, who is torn away from the empty society of Helen and the war. He soon becomes disillusioned with a vicious woman; illusory happiness has deceived him. Bezukhov, like his friend Bolkonsky, tries to find a calling in the struggle and, like Andrei, abandons this search. Pierre was not born for the battlefield. As you can see, any attempts to find bliss and harmony result in the collapse of hopes. As a result, the hero returns to his former life and finds himself in a quiet family haven, but only by making his way through thorns did he find his star.
The problem of the people and the great man. The epic novel clearly expresses the idea of commanders-in-chief inseparable from the people. A great man must share the opinion of his soldiers and live by the same principles and ideals. Not a single general or king would have received his glory if this glory had not been presented to him on a “platter” by the soldiers, in whom the main strength lies. But many rulers do not cherish it, but despise it, and this should not happen, because injustice hurts people painfully, even more painfully than bullets. The People's War in the events of 1812 is shown on the side of the Russians. Kutuzov protects the soldiers and sacrifices Moscow for their sake. They sense this, mobilize the peasants and launch a guerrilla struggle that finishes off the enemy and finally drives him out.
The problem of true and false patriotism. Of course, patriotism is revealed through images of Russian soldiers, a description of the heroism of the people in the main battles. False patriotism in the novel is represented in the person of Count Rostopchin. He distributes ridiculous pieces of paper throughout Moscow, and then saves himself from the wrath of people by sending his son Vereshchagin to certain death. We have written an article on this topic, called “”.

What is the point of the book?

The writer himself speaks about the true meaning of the epic novel in the lines about greatness. Tolstoy believes that there is no greatness where there is no simplicity of soul, good intentions and a sense of justice.

L.N. Tolstoy expressed greatness through the people. In the images of battle paintings, an ordinary soldier shows unprecedented courage, which causes pride. Even the most fearful aroused in themselves a feeling of patriotism, which, like an unknown and frantic force, brought victory to the Russian army. The writer protests against false greatness. When put on the scales (here you can find their comparative characteristics), the latter flies up: its fame is lightweight, since it has very flimsy foundations. The image of Kutuzov is “folk”; none of the commanders has ever been so close to the common people. Napoleon is only reaping the fruits of fame; it is not without reason that when Bolkonsky lies wounded on the field of Austerlitz, the author, through his eyes, shows Bonaparte like a fly in this huge world. Lev Nikolaevich sets a new trend of heroic character. He becomes the “people's choice”.

An open soul, patriotism and a sense of justice won not only in the War of 1812, but also in life: the heroes who were guided by moral principles and the voice of their hearts became happy.

Thought Family

L.N. Tolstoy was very sensitive to the topic of family. Thus, in his novel “War and Peace,” the writer shows that the state, like a clan, transmits values and traditions from generation to generation, and good human qualities are also sprouts from roots going back to the forefathers.

Brief description of families in the novel “War and Peace”:

Of course, the beloved family of L.N. Tolstoy's were the Rostovs. Their family was famous for its cordiality and hospitality. It is in this family that the author’s values of true home comfort and happiness are reflected. The writer considered the purpose of a woman to be motherhood, maintaining comfort in the home, devotion and the ability to self-sacrifice. This is how all the women of the Rostov family are depicted. There are 6 people in the family: Natasha, Sonya, Vera, Nikolai and parents.
Another family is the Bolkonskys. Restraint of feelings, the severity of Father Nikolai Andreevich, and canonicity reign here. Women here are more like “shadows” of their husbands. Andrei Bolkonsky will inherit the best qualities, becoming a worthy son of his father, and Marya will learn patience and humility.
The Kuragin family is the best personification of the proverb “no oranges are born from aspen trees.” Helen, Anatole, Hippolyte are cynical, seek benefits in people, are stupid and not the least bit sincere in what they do and say. “A show of masks” is their lifestyle, and in this they completely took after their father, Prince Vasily. There are no friendly and warm relations in the family, which is reflected in all its members. L.N. Tolstoy especially dislikes Helen, who was incredibly beautiful on the outside, but completely empty on the inside.

People's thought

She is the central line of the novel. As we remember from what was written above, L.N. Tolstoy abandoned generally accepted historical sources, basing “War and Peace” on memoirs, notes, letters from ladies-in-waiting and generals. The writer was not interested in the course of the war as a whole. Individual personalities, fragments – that’s what the author needed. Each person had his own place and significance in this book, like pieces of a puzzle, which, when assembled correctly, will reveal a beautiful picture - the power of national unity.

The Patriotic War changed something inside each of the characters in the novel, each made their own small contribution to the victory. Prince Andrei believes in the Russian army and fights with dignity, Pierre wants to destroy the French ranks from their very heart - by killing Napoleon, Natasha Rostova without hesitation gives carts to crippled soldiers, Petya fights bravely in partisan detachments.

The people's will to victory is clearly felt in the scenes of the Battle of Borodino, the battle for Smolensk, and the partisan battle with the French. The latter is especially memorable for the novel, because volunteers who came from the ordinary peasant class fought in the partisan movements - the detachments of Denisov and Dolokhov personified the movement of the entire nation, when “both old and young” stood up to defend their homeland. Later they would be called the “club of the people’s war.”

The War of 1812 in Tolstoy's novel

The War of 1812, as a turning point in the lives of all the heroes of the novel War and Peace, has been mentioned several times above. It was also said that it was won by the people. Let's look at the issue from a historical perspective. L.N. Tolstoy draws 2 images: Kutuzov and Napoleon. Of course, both images are drawn through the eyes of a person from the people. It is known that the character of Bonaparte was thoroughly described in the novel only after the writer was convinced of the fair victory of the Russian army. The author did not understand the beauty of war, he was its opponent, and through the mouths of his heroes Andrei Bolkonsky and Pierre Bezukhov, he speaks of the meaninglessness of its very idea.

The Patriotic War was a national liberation war. It occupied a special place on the pages of volumes 3 and 4.

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How does Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" end?

Despite the fact that Tolstoy's novel War and Peace is called an epic, and it takes up more than one or two hundred pages, it eventually ends. To the delight of those readers who prefer brevity.

In the epilogue (which is the ending), Lev Nikolaevich immerses us in the vicissitudes of the history of the early 19th century. Having described the most significant historical events, Tolstoy moves on to the Rostov family, paying special attention to Natasha. This heroine ended up being a mother of many children. The family has become not much more important than all sorts of social events and other social events of any scale. And Pierre, her husband, was reciprocally devoted to his wife and did not allow himself to get carried away with anything other than his family.

The historical epic novel War and Peace by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy is a grandiose work. It ends with an epilogue, from which readers learn that Natasha Rostova is marrying Pierre Bezukhov. The son of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, Nikolenka, listens to the advice of his uncle Pierre Bezukhov and wants his father to be proud of him.

Despite the large volume of the work, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy’s novel ends very prosaically. Natasha Rostova becomes Pierre's wife, they have three children and the couple are completely immersed in their family affairs. Also, at the end of the four-volume work, we are talking about discussions about Napoleon and the War of 1812.

I don’t like the ending of Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy’s novel War and Peace. Because judging by him, Natasha Rostova cannot in any way be considered a true woman. She essentially lives according to Domostroy, allows herself not to take care of herself, and completely submits to her husband’s authority. Perhaps Tolstoy had such an idea of women, but personally she does not evoke any positive emotions for me.

At the end of the novel War and Peace, Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy reflects on the War of 1812. The whole world considers Napoleon great, but in essence he is an insignificant person, not spiritual, and not from God, but from the Devil.

Then Tolstoy describes the family of Natasha Rostova and Pierre Bezukhov - they have three children, both are involved in their family, living in their own world.

Vaughn's novel and the world was written in several volumes... but the discussion of this work of art takes up even more volumes and most likely has been discussed, discussed and will be discussed. The ending could not be simple, quick and unambiguous. Therefore, not everyone (including me) was able to delve into the events of the end, so tired we sank to the last pages of War and Peace.

At the very end of the novel, which ends with an epilogue, Tolstoy talks about the results of the Patriotic War of 1812. At the same time, he does not hesitate to call Napoleon a nonentity and a villain, from whom the French and others for some reason molded him into a genius.

Joy occurred in the Rostov family: Natasha married Pierre Bezukhov. But otherwise, the Rostovs’ life was not joyful; they were bogged down in debt. Which were later paid off thanks to Nikolai’s skillful housekeeping.

Natasha, who had four children, three daughters and a son, completely devoted herself to the family, because it could not have worked out any other way. My relationship with my husband was not very unusual. Beyond the threshold of the house, he had no right to even smile at a stranger; Natasha did not allow him to do this and behaved like the mistress of the situation.

But inside the house it was the other way around. There were almost no strangers there, and Pierre became the owner. When he did something, read or wrote, none of the family could utter a sound. And Natasha fulfilled his every whim and completely obeyed him. This was his reward for the fact that he behaved well on the street, did not go to all sorts of clubs and did not waste money. Both Pierre himself liked this, and Natasha, who became painfully jealous. This new quality of Natalia becomes very unexpected.

The heroes united their destinies and were happy. Pierre did not stop caring about the future of his country. He joins some secret society that criticizes the government. We learned all this from the epilogue. This line ends with Nikolenka’s oath.