Kutuzov and Napoleon comparative conclusion. Kutuzov and Napoleon: comparative characteristics (based on the novel by L.N.

The much-wise Litrekon has prepared for you not only a short essay-discussion on the comparative characteristics of Kutuzov and Napoleon, but also a table indicating such evaluation criteria as appearance, character traits, behavior, goals and other important aspects.

(367 words) L.N. Tolstoy in his epic novel “War and Peace” revealed the image of the people. This concept included nobles, peasants, soldiers, and the greatest commanders. In the work, the author not only creates a fascinating plot, showing the behavior of the people at a turning point, but also gives his assessment of historical events. Thus, comparing two commanders - Kutuzov and Napoleon, the author leads the reader to the reasons for the Russian victory over the “Great” French army during the Patriotic War of 1812.

L.N. Tolstoy compares Napoleon to a child. For him, war is a game. The commander is concerned not so much with the fate of his army as with his own greatness. All the hero’s actions are unnatural; he is characterized by “theatrical behavior.” He believes that he has the right to play with people's lives, because, in his opinion, it is he who creates history. This phenomenal self-confidence initially attracted Prince Andrei. Napoleon was his idol. However, after the meeting at Austerlitz, the hero saw in him only a little man, and not a great arbiter of other people's destinies. Andrei realized how insignificant the aspirations of this commander were. Napoleon lives by posturing, pretense, as if he is playing for posterity. The author has a negative attitude towards this historical figure. Tolstoy could never accept the cruelty and selfishness of the emperor, who went to power over people's heads.

Kutuzov, the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, appears completely different. This is a true commander. He worries not about how history will remember him, but about the main value - the lives of soldiers. That is why he accepted responsibility for the decision to leave Moscow to the enemy during the Patriotic War of 1812. Kutuzov understood that it is not commanders who make history, but ordinary people. During the battle, he “did not make any orders,” but only observed the condition of his army. He treats his soldiers with kindness and tenderness. Kutuzov also shows a special attitude towards Andrei Bolkonsky: after the death of the old prince, he affectionately tells him: “...Remember, my friend, that I am your father, another father...”. The commander does not seek glory for himself in war, he only cares about the happiness and peace of the Russian people.

Kutuzov, unlike Napoleon, understood that the outcome of the battle is decided not by weapons, not by the number of soldiers, not by location, but by the feeling that every soldier has inside. This is the spirit of the army. It is he who decides how the battle will end. It is impossible to lead alone hundreds of thousands of people who are going to their death. The main tasks of the commander-in-chief are maintaining the morale of the army and caring for the life of every soldier. Therefore, it was the spirit of the army that became one of the reasons for the Russian victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.

In the novel "War and Peace" Tolstoy created two symbolic characters completely opposite to each other, concentrating polar features. These are the French Emperor Napoleon and the Russian commander Kutuzov. The contrast of these images, embodying two different ideologies - ambitious, aggressive and humane, liberating - prompted Tolstoy to retreat somewhat from the historical truth. The importance of Napoleon as one of the greatest commanders in the world and the greatest statesman of bourgeois France is well known. But the French emperor organized a campaign against Russia at a time when he had turned from a bourgeois revolutionary into a despot and conqueror. While working on War and Peace, Tolstoy sought to debunk the unjustified greatness of Napoleon. The writer was an opponent of artistic exaggeration, both in the depiction of good and in the depiction of evil. Tolstoy managed to debunk the French emperor without violating historical and everyday authenticity, removing him from the pedestal and showing him at normal human height.

Kutuzov and Napoleon- the main human and moral-philosophical problem of the novel “War and Peace”. These figures, deeply connected to each other, occupy a central place in the narrative. They are compared not only as two outstanding commanders, but also as two extraordinary personalities. They are connected with many of the novel's characters by different threads, sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden. The writer embodied the ideal idea of ​​a people's commander in the image of Kutuzov. Of all the historical figures shown in the novel, only Kutuzov is called by Tolstoy a truly great man.

For the writer, Kutuzov is a type of military leader who exists in inextricable connection with the people. Appointed commander-in-chief against the will of Alexander I, he set himself a goal that, at a decisive moment for Russia, coincided with the will of the entire people. Based on historical materials, in the process of working on the novel, Tolstoy created the image of a military leader, in all of whose actions there was a national and therefore true and great principle. There are completely no personal motives in Kutuzov’s activities. All his actions, orders, instructions were dictated by the humane and noble task of saving the Fatherland. Therefore, the highest truth is on his side. He appears in the novel as an exponent of patriotic “people's thought”, relying on the support and trust of the broad masses.

Tolstoy deliberately focuses on the apparent indifference of the commander at defining moments for Russia. And in the scene before the Battle of Austerlitz, and during the military council in Fili, and even on the Borodino field, he is depicted as a dozing old man. He didn't even listen to what other military leaders suggested. But this external passivity of Kutuzov is a unique form of his wise activity. After all, Kutuzov categorically told the emperor that the battle at Austerlitz could not be fought, but they did not agree with him. Therefore, when the Austrian General Weyrother read out his disposition, Kutuzov was openly asleep, because he understood that it was already impossible to change anything. But still, already during the battle, which ended in the defeat of the Allied army, the old general honestly fulfilled his duty, giving clear and expedient orders. When Alexander I arrived during the formation of the army, Kutuzov, giving the command “at attention”, took on the appearance of a subordinate and unreasoning person, for he really was put in such a position. Unable to interfere with the imperial will, Kutuzov nevertheless managed to express his attitude towards it with incomprehensible courage. When the emperor asked why he did not start the battle, Kutuzov replied that he was waiting for all the columns to gather. The tsar did not like the defiant answer, who noticed that they were not in Tsarina’s Meadow. “That’s why I’m not starting, sir, that we are not at the parade and not in Tsaritsyn’s Meadow,” Kutuzov said clearly and distinctly, causing murmurs and glances in the sovereign’s court retinue. The Russian Tsar poorly understood the nature of the war, and this greatly bothered Kutuzov.

Despite the fact that outwardly Kutuzov looks passive, he acts intelligently and concentratedly, trusts the commanders - his military comrades-in-arms, and believes in the courage and fortitude of the troops entrusted to him. His independent decisions are balanced and deliberate. At the right moments, he gives orders that no one would dare to make. The Battle of Shengraben would not have brought success to the Russian army if Kutuzov had not decided to send Bagration’s detachment forward through the Bohemian Mountains. The remarkable strategic talent of the great commander was especially clearly manifested in his firm decision to leave Moscow without a fight. At the council in Fili, the words of the foreigner Bennigsen: “the sacred ancient capital of Russia” sound false and hypocritical. Kutuzov avoids loud patriotic phrases, transferring this issue to a military plane. He shows firmness, determination and amazing courage, taking the burden of a difficult decision on his senile shoulders. When he gave the order to leave Moscow, he understood that the French would scatter throughout the huge city, and this would lead to the disintegration of the army. And his calculation turned out to be correct - the death of Napoleonic troops began in Moscow, without battles and losses for the Russian army.

Talking about the events of the Patriotic War of 1812, Tolstoy introduces Kutuzov into the narrative at the moment of the retreat of the Russian army: Smolensk has been surrendered, the enemy is approaching Moscow, the French are ruining Russia. The commander-in-chief is shown through the eyes of various people: soldiers, partisans, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and the author himself. The soldiers consider Kutuzov a folk hero, capable of stopping the retreating army and leading it to victory. The Russian people believed in Kutuzov and worshiped him. At decisive moments for Russia, he is always next to the army, speaking to the soldiers in their language, believing in the strength and fighting spirit of the Russian soldier.

The Russian people won the War of 1812 thanks to Kutuzov. He turned out to be wiser than Napoleon, because he understood better the nature of the war, which was not similar to any of the previous wars. According to Tolstoy, it was detachment that helped Kutuzov see what was happening more clearly, maintain an independent mind, have his own point of view on what was happening and use those moments of the battle when the enemy was at a disadvantage in the interests of the Russian army. The defense of the Motherland and the salvation of the army are in the first place for Kutuzov. When inspecting a regiment on a march, he carefully notes the slightest details of the soldiers’ appearance in order to draw a conclusion about the state of the army on the basis of this. The high position of the commander-in-chief does not separate him from the soldiers and officers. Possessing a remarkable memory and deep respect for people, Kutuzov recognizes many participants in previous campaigns, remembers their exploits, names, and individual characteristics.

If Napoleon, in his tactics and strategy, completely does not take into account the moral factor, then Kutuzov, having taken command of the army, sees his first task as raising the morale of the troops, instilling in the soldiers and officers faith in victory. So, having approached the guard of honor, he uttered just one phrase with a gesture of bewilderment: “And with such fine fellows, keep retreating and retreating!” His words were interrupted by loud cries of “Hurray!”

Kutuzov, according to the author, was not only an outstanding historical figure, but also a wonderful person, an integral and uncompromising personality - “a simple, modest and therefore truly majestic figure.” His behavior is always simple and natural, his speech is devoid of pomposity and theatricality. He is sensitive to the slightest manifestations of falsehood and hates exaggerated feelings, sincerely and deeply worries about the failures of the military campaign of 1812. This is how he appears before the reader at the beginning of his activities as a commander. “What... have they brought us to!” “Kutuzov suddenly said in an excited voice, clearly imagining the situation in which Russia was.” And Prince Andrei, who was next to Kutuzov when these words were spoken, noticed tears in the old man’s eyes. “They will eat my horse meat!” - he promises the French, and at this moment it is impossible not to believe him.

Tolstoy portrays Kutuzov without embellishment, repeatedly emphasizing his senile decrepitude and sentimentality. So, at an important moment of a general battle, we see the commander at dinner, with fried chicken on his plate. For the first time, a writer will call Kutuzov decrepit, speaking about the Battle of Tarutino. The month of the French's stay in Moscow was not in vain for the old man. But the Russian generals are also forcing him to lose his last strength. On the day he appointed for the battle, the order was not transmitted to the troops and the battle did not take place. This infuriated Kutuzov: “Shaking, gasping for breath, the old man, having entered into that state of rage into which he was able to enter when he was rolling on the ground in anger,” he attacked the first officer he came across, “shouting and swearing in vulgar words. ..” However, all this can be forgiven for Kutuzov, because he is right. If Napoleon dreams of glory and feat, then Kutuzov first of all cares about the Motherland and the army.

The image of Kutuzov was influenced by Tolstoy’s philosophy, according to which a person’s actions are driven by a higher power, fate. The Russian commander in the novel "War and Peace" is a fatalist, convinced that all events are predetermined by a will from above, who believes that there is something in the world stronger than his will. This idea is present in many episodes of the novel. At the conclusion of the story, the author seems to sum it up: “...at the present time... it is necessary to abandon the perceived freedom and recognize the dependence that we do not feel.”

The personality of Napoleon, opposed to Kutuzov in the novel, is revealed differently. Tolstoy destroys Bonaparte's cult of personality, which was created as a result of the victories of the French army. The author's attitude towards Napoleon is felt from the first pages of the novel. Where the French emperor acts like one of the heroes of the novel, Tolstoy emphasizes his ineradicable desire to always look great, an outright thirst for glory. He “could not renounce his actions, praised by half the world, and therefore had to renounce truth, goodness and everything human,” says Tolstoy.

Until the Battle of Borodino, Napoleon was surrounded by an atmosphere of glorification. This is a vain, selfish person who thinks only about his own personal interests. Wherever he appears - on the Pratzen Heights during the Battle of Austerlitz, in Tilsit at the conclusion of peace with the Russians, on the Neman, when French troops crossed the Russian border - everywhere he is accompanied by a loud “Hurray!” and stormy applause. According to the writer, admiration and universal adoration turned Napoleon’s head and pushed him to new conquests.

If Kutuzov constantly thinks about how to avoid the unnecessary death of soldiers and officers, then for Napoleon human life is of no value. Suffice it to recall the episode of the Napoleonic army crossing the Neman, when, hastening to carry out the emperor’s order to find a ford, many of the Polish lancers began to drown. Seeing the senseless death of his people, Napoleon makes no attempt to stop this madness. He calmly walks along the shore, occasionally glancing at the lancers who entertained his attention. His statement on the eve of the Battle of Borodino, which was to cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, emanates extraordinary cynicism: “The chess is set, the game will begin tomorrow.” People for him are chess pieces that he moves as he pleases, for the sake of his ambitious goals. And this reveals the main features of the French commander: vanity, narcissism, confidence in one’s own rightness and infallibility. With a feeling of satisfaction, he circles the battlefield, smugly examining the bodies of the killed and wounded. Ambition makes him cruel and insensitive to the suffering of people.

Revealing the character of Napoleon, Tolstoy focuses on his acting, because everywhere and in everything he tries to play the role of a great man. So, in front of the portrait of his son, which is brought to him, he “takes on an appearance of thoughtful tenderness,” because he knows that he is being watched and his every movement and word is recorded for history. Unlike Napoleon, Kutuzov is simple and humane. He does not cause awe or fear in his subordinates. His authority is based on trust and respect for people.

Kutuzov's strategy in Tolstoy's novel is sharply contrasted with Napoleon's limitations. The writer focuses on the tactical mistakes of the French emperor. So, Napoleon is rapidly advancing into the depths of such a huge and unknown country, not caring about strengthening the rear. In addition, the forced idleness of the French army in Moscow corrupted its discipline, turning soldiers into robbers and marauders. The ill-conceived actions of Napoleon are evidenced by his retreat along the Smolensk road, which he had destroyed. Tolstoy not only talks about these mistakes of Napoleon, but also comments on them, giving the French commander a direct authorial description. He does not hide his deep indignation at the meanness of the emperor-commander-in-chief, who, fleeing for his life, abandoned and doomed the army he had led to death in a foreign country.

Admiring Kutuzov’s humanity, wisdom, and leadership talent, the writer considers Napoleon an individualist and ambitious man who suffered a well-deserved punishment. In the images of Napoleon and Kutuzov, Tolstoy showed two human types that were important to him, embodying two worldviews. One of them, expressed in the image of Kutuzov, is close to the writer, the other, revealed in the image of Napoleon, is false. At the center of Tolstoy's epic is a high and deep thought about the dignity of the majority of humanity. For the author of War and Peace, the view “established to please the heroes” is a false view of reality, and “human dignity tells” him “that each of us, if not more, then no less, is a man than the great Napoleon.” Throughout his entire work, Tolstoy instills in the reader this conviction, which morally strengthens everyone who gets acquainted with the novel “War and Peace.”

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Turning to the characteristics of such characters as Kutuzov and Napoleon, we note that writers draw inspiration from the world of their own fantasies and dreams. But they are also interested in history. Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy followed the same path when he wrote out historical figures in the novel “War and Peace” - along with the fruits of the imagination. On the pages of the novel, the Russian Emperor Alexander and the great General Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration, the brilliant military leader Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov and the French commander and ruler Napoleon Bonaparte received an alternative life. As well as other persons who existed in reality.

Kutuzov and Napoleon represent two lines of unfolding of the war. Part of the world is devoted to everyday life, the search for an answer to the question of personal happiness, and romantic relationships. The war section includes questions about spiritual quests and social problems, about the War of 1812, which was somewhat different from other military actions. She was different. Just what? The author of the epic novel tries to answer these and other questions by writing out the images of the characters.

Literary method: meaningful antithesis

Antithesis in literature appears where the author uses opposition: describes polar things, refers to binary oppositions. Binaries, as we know, are the basis of mythological consciousness. No matter how a person denies that he is influenced by mythologies (Roland Barthes’ definition is used here), the influence of myths on us is very strong. And accordingly, binary oppositions.

Dear readers! We invite you to read L. N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace”

L. Tolstoy's novel is structured in such a way that the reader sympathizes with Kutuzov, but, on the contrary, he develops antipathy towards Napoleon. If the writer describes such characters as Andrei Bolkonsky, Pierre Bezukhov, Natasha Rostova in detail, then the commanders appear as heroes, the impression of which the reader gets as he reads the text. This impression is influenced not by the author’s characterization of the figures, but by actions and decisions. Let’s also pay attention to actions, thoughts, words, fragmentary descriptions of appearance.

But let’s make a remark: the images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” are not those historical figures. This is the artistic development of reality, and therefore those individuals who actually existed are presented here through the lenses of such development: some qualities are hidden, while others, on the contrary, are too prominent. Using this technique, the author presents to the reader his assessment of the characters.

Kutuzov and Napoleon as commanders in chief

So, both heroes lead the fighting during the War of 1812. Kutuzov defends his own country and land from Napoleon’s aggressive intentions. Already here the reader develops sympathy for the Russian military leader, and at least hostility towards the Frenchman, and at maximum even hateful disgust.

But commanders make decisions not only about strategy and tactics in battle. The fate of thousands of people and their lives depend on their actions. However, at the head of the military meat grinder, the heroes also stand differently: Kutuzov is on an equal footing with his subordinates, does not consider himself different from the soldiers, does not observe the battle while standing on a hill; the second clearly outlines the role of the emperor. However, Napoleon himself began as a soldier, and therefore he still had strict discipline and high demands on himself. But in a fit of paranoia and in a desire for safety, he allows only selected and close associates into the tent.

Portrait of Kutuzov

Simplicity, kindness, modesty - these are the features of Kutuzov, which were especially outlined by L. Tolstoy. However, not only the literary character Kutuzov, but also Kutuzov the historical figure possessed the same traits. High society did not accept him: it did not recognize either him or his methods of warfare. But it was impossible to disagree with the effectiveness of Mikhail Illarionovich’s tactics.

The field marshal appears on the pages of the novel as a tired man: he has aged, his body is filled with illnesses, a burden - not only physiological, but also psychological. Kutuzov defeats Napoleon in defiance of everyone, because those around him believed that the sick old commander, blind in one eye, would not defeat the younger and more active Frenchman. In Kutuzov, life seems to compete with itself: matter with form.

Dear readers! We invite you to read the article by L.N. Tolstoy.

L.N. Tolstoy favors Kutuzov. We see that the writer loves this character, he respects him, shows him understanding and sympathy. In addition, the writer admires Mikhail Illarionovich. Kutuzov is the exponent of the main idea of ​​the novel, as conceived by the author, namely, “folk thought.” Therefore, Kutuzov, and not Napoleon, is the people’s commander here.

It is interesting that Kutuzov was appointed commander-in-chief not by the will of the Russian emperor, but in spite of it.

It is a rare case when the goal of one person (Kutuzov) coincides with the goal of the people. Everything that Kutuzov does, all the decisions he makes, are based on only one task - saving the fatherland.

Kutuzov appears in the novel during the height of the crisis: the Russian army lost Smolensk, Napoleon began moving towards Moscow... The reader sees the commander, trying on the “glasses” of different people: soldiers, representatives of the partisan movement, the author of War and Peace, as well as Andrei Bolkonsky.

L.N. Tolstoy focuses on the image of Kutuzov as a “slumbering old man.” It seems that during the Battle of Austerlitz, the council of generals in Fili, and also at Borodino, he was passive and did not take an obvious part in the events. But this was only an appearance: this is the form of wisdom of a military leader. For example, at first Kutuzov dissuaded Emperor Alexander from the battle of Austerlitz, but he did not listen to him. The general’s behavior is a consequence of the fact that he realized: nothing can be changed and one should not regret, but think about the next steps.

Portrait of Napoleon

The French emperor seems to have won even before entering Russia: he is young, smart and cunning, full of vitality. He is healthy and ready to conquer the whole world. But despite this, the reader develops a completely different vision of Napoleon: he does not like the French commander, but, on the contrary, warm emotions arise for the old man Kutuzov - in contrast to the opinion of secular society depicted in the novel.

Napoleon Bonaparte was an idol for that era. He was perceived as a genius, as a great and talented military man, as a man who managed to become an emperor from a simple soldier. They imitated Napoleon, they inherited him, they envied him. Everyone wanted to take his place. But no one would want to take Kutuzov’s place, because it would be an unbearable burden for an ordinary person, living by himself and his own interests, thirsting for glory. Who will notice here other features inherent in Napoleon? For example, arrogance, boasting and posturing, falsehood, self-deception, pride.

But Napoleon, unlike Kutuzov, was far from his soldiers. His army, according to L. Tolstoy, was “a bunch of marauders” who were interested in things that seemed valuable. Meanwhile, in Kutuzov we find imperishable values ​​that cannot be stolen and taken away: this is respect for one’s neighbor, equality, justice, selfless service to the earth.

Thus, the figures of Kutuzov and Napoleon are people of the same profession and goal. They only achieved their goal by different means. If for Napoleon the end justified the means, then Kutuzov followed the ideas of I. Kant: he saw people as an end, but “never a means” (the reader noticed how Kutuzov was concerned about the problem of the soldiers’ lack of boots), and also did not put the end above the means.

Roman L.N. Tolstoy's War and Peace tells in detail about the military campaigns of 1805, 1809 and the War of 1812. Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy had his own view of the world order, and he also had his own theory about the role of man in history and his significance in the context of eternity. In this article we will analyze the image of Kutuzov and Napoleon in L.N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace”, and below we will present a table of comparative characteristics of Kutuzov and Napoleon.

The place of heroes in the novel

At first it seems that Napoleon has a much larger place in the novel than Kutuzov. His image is already revealed from the first lines. The majority argue that “...Bonaparte is invincible and that all of Europe can do nothing against him...”. Kutuzov is almost absent from entire parts of the work. He is mocked, reviled and often forgotten. In the novel, Vasily Kuragin mocked Kutuzov more than once, but they rely on him, although they do not say it out loud.

Comparative characteristics of Kutuzov and Napoleon

Comparison of Kutuzov and Napoleon

Kutuzov and Napoleon are two wise commanders in the novel who played a huge role in history. Each had a different goal and each used different approaches to defeat the enemy. L.N. Tolstoy gives us some idea of ​​the appearance, character of the heroes, as well as their thoughts. This view helps us put together a complete image of Kutuzov and Napoleon, as well as understand which priorities are more important for us.

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The novel “War and Peace” is one of the most popular and famous works of the 19th century, not only in Russia, but throughout the world. It was recognized by domestic and European critics immediately after publication. All this is thanks to the incredible talent of Lev Nikolaevich Tolstov, who created a multifaceted work that has no analogues in literature.

This article is dedicated to two characters of this incredible work. The focus of our attention will be Kutuzov and Napoleon, who are of great ideological importance. The novel will not be properly understood without understanding the roles of these characters.

Creativity L.N. Tolstoy

The first work that brought Tolstoy fame was the collection “Sevastopol Stories.” It is based on the writer’s years of military service during the Crimean War.

However, success did not prompt Tolstoy to start writing; on the contrary, after some time he decided to take up farming and left for Yasnaya Polyana. And here, after marriage, the greatest and most famous works are born: “Anna Karenina”, “War and Peace”, “The Kreutzer Sonata”, “Sunday”. At the same time, Tolstoy opened a school for children of all classes, including serfs, and created a special alphabet.

The writer ends in 1910. Throughout his life, Lev Nikolaevich tried to comprehend the world and understand the role of man in it. His concept of personality in history was reflected in the characters of the novel "War and Peace" (Kutuzov and Napoleon). The comparative characteristics of these heroes fully reflect the attitude of the writer himself not only to the causes of great events, but also to the war itself, as well as to those who start it.

Novel "War and Peace"

"War and Peace" is a novel without precedent. This unique work deserved its success not only for the scope of the historical events described, but also for the way Tolstoy was able to present them. Secular receptions give way to battle scenes, images of kings and emperors alternate with images of soldiers. The writer depicts all aspects of Russian life, from cultural to military.

Tolstoy especially skillfully approached the depiction of characters, describing them to the last detail and the smallest feature of character. Each hero is an original person with his own strengths and weaknesses. In particular, Kutuzov and Napoleon, whose comparative characteristics interest us primarily, appear on the pages of the novel as completely different personalities. All their actions are completely natural and connected with their character and idea of ​​the world.

Kutuzov and Napoleon: comparative characteristics

First of all, it should be noted that for Tolstoy, Kutuzov and Napoleon have a clear moral assessment, which determined the victory of one and the defeat of the other. In essence, the outcome of the war is a natural victory of justice over inhumanity.

Therefore, these heroes are opposed to each other, as only good can be opposed to evil. Their appearance, speech, character, manners, aspirations, experiences are completely different. Kutuzov and Napoleon do not have any common features; a comparative description (quotes presented below) only confirms this.

Role in history: Kutuzov and Napoleon

Tolstoy had his own understanding. The great writer believed that the decisive role belongs to the people, while the individual, no matter how outstanding he may be, is not able to change anything.

It is in this concept that the main contradiction between Kutuzov and Napoleon lies. The Russian commander does not try to rule, he understands that everything depends on the people's strength, and his role is only to organize and inspire the soldiers. Bonaparte, on the contrary, considers himself the master of the situation. He imagines himself practically a god and does everything to fulfill his desire to become the ruler of the world. He doesn't care about the opinion of his people, Napoleon doesn't care about his soldiers, he doesn't care about anyone but himself.

“Kutuzov and Napoleon: a comparative description” - an essay on a similar topic can begin precisely by comparing the attitude of commanders towards their soldiers, since this also expresses their attitude towards their people. The affectionate, fatherly caring Kutuzov and the narcissistic, indifferent Napoleon are the main characteristics of these heroes.

Appearance of Kutuzov and Napoleon

Externally, Kutuzov and Napoleon are as different as they are internally. Kutuzov, guided in his actions by the wisdom of the people, is almost always calm, unhurried, simple in gestures and facial expressions. He smiles often, is grumpy like an old man, open and devoid of any pretense. His slowness is associated with an understanding of what is happening; Kutuzov always knows how the battle will end and what the disputes will lead to.

Napoleon is completely different, his image is full of falsehood, pretense and posturing. He is small, fat, fussy. His smiles are unpleasant and his speeches are feigned.

How heaven and earth differ from each other with quotes is presented below) only confirms this.

The character of Napoleon and Kutuzov

Tolstoy endows Kutuzov with folk, truly Russian wisdom. Patriotism, spiritual wealth, philanthropy and care - these are the main things in this character. He knows that war and death cannot be justified. Therefore, nature itself, embodied in the people’s strength, tries to prevent disastrous beginnings. Kutuzov feels his unity with the people, recognizes himself as only part of a great whole and submits to the course of history.

Napoleon, on the contrary, imagining himself to be an exceptional person, certainly desires to command what is happening. What different traits Kutuzov and Napoleon embodied in themselves, a comparative description (the table is presented below) confirms this. Bonaparte lives only for himself, he does not care about the number of victims and the losses of others, the main thing is to achieve his goal. Having imagined himself as the arbiter of destinies, the French emperor continues to care about how he looks. Tolstoy deliberately mocks him, making the reader understand the pettiness and insignificance of Napoleon.

Kutuzov and Napoleon: comparative characteristics. Quote table

Conclusion

Tolstoy clearly and unambiguously depicts Kutuzov and Napoleon. The comparative characteristics can be briefly expressed in one phrase: the confrontation between good and evil. And those who take the path of destruction deserve neither compassion nor understanding. It is from these positions that Lev Nikolaevich depicts the battle of these two great people, with his inherent idealism.