Relation to the battle of Napoleon. Essay on the topic “The image of Kutuzov and Napoleon

Comparative characteristics of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel by L.N. Tolstoy "War and Peace". The comparison table is at the end of the article.

What kind of commanders-in-chief: Kutuzov and Napoleon appear in Tolstoy’s depiction?

L. N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace” is, according to famous writers and critics, “the greatest novel in the world.” In his work, the writer glorified Commander-in-Chief Kutuzov as the inspirer and organizer of the victories of the Russian people. Tolstoy repeatedly emphasizes that Kutuzov is a real folk hero. Kutuzov appears to us in the novel as a simple Russian man and at the same time as a wise historical figure and commander. For Tolstoy, the main thing in Kutuzov is his blood connection with the people - “that national feeling that he carries within himself in all its purity and strength.” The author presents Kutuzov as a wise commander who deeply and correctly understands and assumes the course of events. It is no coincidence that Kutuzov’s correct assessment of the course of events is always confirmed later. For example, he correctly assessed the significance of the Battle of Borodino, noting that it was a victory. In Tolstoy's depiction, Kutuzov is a living person. The author shows his gait, gestures, facial expressions, his famous eye, which is either affectionate or mocking.

The opposite figure to Kutuzov is Napoleon. Tolstoy strongly opposes the “cult” of Napoleon. For the writer, Napoleon is an aggressor who attacked Russia. He burned cities and villages, killed Russian people, robbed, destroyed great cultural values, and even gave the order to destroy the Kremlin. Napoleon is a narcissistic, domineering commander who strives for world domination. In the first parts of the novel, Tolstoy ironically talks about servility to Napoleon, which arose and spread in the highest secular circles of Russia. From the very beginning of the novel, Tolstoy clearly expresses his attitude towards this statesman. Thus, he shows that in Napoleon’s actions there was nothing but whim. However, Napoleon “believed in himself and the whole world believed in him.”

Each character in the novel thinks about Napoleon in his own way. The writer depicts this famous commander as a “little man” with an unpleasantly feigned smile on his face, with a “round belly.” Napoleon appears before us as a man in love with himself, who is far from thinking about the people. It is no coincidence that the word “I” is Napoleon’s favorite word. In this one can see the contrast between Kutuzov and Napoleon. According to the author, the real hero is the people's commander, the one who really cares for the freedom of his Fatherland.

Thus, the reader concludes that the two commanders are diametrically opposed. Napoleon is the embodiment of self-confidence and ambition. The only positive thing about this character is his acting ability. Tolstoy helps the reader conclude that Napoleon became famous in Europe only thanks to these abilities. The sharp contrast between Kutuzov and Napoleon is presented by the author of the novel from the point of view of the attitude of each of them to the people, as well as to their own personality. Tolstoy believes that Kutuzov embodied the best features of a public figure of that time - patriotism, simplicity, modesty, sensitivity, determination and sincerity in achieving goals, subordinating his own interests and goals to the will of the people. At the same time, Napoleon, according to Leo Tolstoy, is a selfish man who neglects the interests of the people.

All thoughts, feelings and actions of Kutuzov are aimed at achieving a goal that meets the interests of the people - to preserve their independence, to get rid of an evil and insidious enemy. All his activities are of a national character, determined by his love for the Motherland, the people, and faith in their strength. Appointed commander-in-chief against the will of the tsar, but at the request of the people, Kutuzov sees the patriotism of the army and the population as a decisive prerequisite for victory.
The activities of Napoleon have a completely different, anti-national character. It is directed against the interests of the European peoples whom he robbed and killed.

He presented himself as a superman who is not fit to care about the spiritual state of the people who surround him.

In the behavior of the Russian commander, Tolstoy notes modesty and accessibility to the people. Moreover, for Kutuzov, the opinion of ordinary people about himself is important. Napoleon appears to us completely differently. He cannot meet high moral standards, so he lacks true majesty.

And finally, the main difference between these two commanders is that Kutuzov always tried to act in complete unity with the entire Russian people in battles. Leo Tolstoy sees this as the main reason for Russia's victory in the difficult war of 1812. In contrast to Kutuzov, Napoleon not only did not understand, but did not even try to understand the mood of his people.
Based on the above, we can conclude that an outstanding figure becomes a real winner only if he is unified with the people. The unity of the leader and the people is the key to victory. The absence of such unity leads to defeat.

Antithesis in the novel

The images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace” occupy one of the central places. Depicting the war with France, the author populates his novel with real historical figures: Emperor Alexander, Speransky, General Bagration, Arakcheev, Marshal Davout. Chief among them, of course, are two great commanders. Their large-scale figures appear before us as if alive. We respect and sympathize with Kutuzov and despise Napoleon. When creating these characters, the writer does not give detailed characteristics. Our impression is formed based on the actions, individual phrases, and appearance of the characters.

The main technique of the composition of the work is the technique of antithesis. The opposition sounds already in the title itself, as if anticipating events. The figures of Kutuzov and Napoleon in “War and Peace” are also opposed to each other. Both, according to Tolstoy, played a big role in history. The difference is that one of them is a positive hero, and the other is negative. When reading a novel, one must keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, not a documentary work. Some features of the characters are deliberately exaggerated and grotesque. This is how the writer achieves the greatest effect and evaluates the characters.

Portrait of heroes

First of all, Kutuzov and Napoleon are compared externally. The Russian field marshal is an old, overweight, sick man. It is difficult for him to move and lead an active lifestyle, which is required by the wartime situation. A half-blind old man, tired of life, cannot, according to representatives of secular society, stand at the head of the army. This is the first impression of Kutuzov.

Whether it’s the cheerful young French emperor. Healthy, active, full of strength and energy. Only the reader strangely feels sympathy for the elderly man, and not for the brilliant hero. The writer achieves this effect with the help of minor details in the portrait of his characters. Kutuzov's description is simple and truthful. The description of Napoleon is imbued with irony.

the main objective

The life goals of the heroes are also contrasted. Emperor Napoleon strives to conquer the whole world. Confident in his genius, he considers himself an impeccable commander, capable of controlling the course of historical events. “He imagined that by his will there was a war with Russia, and the horror of what had happened did not strike his soul.” This person will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He is ready to sacrifice people's lives in order to please his pride and vanity. Doubts, remorse, repentance for what they have done are concepts and feelings unfamiliar to the hero. For Napoleon, “only what was happening in his soul” was important, and “everything that was outside of him did not matter to him, because everything in the world depended only on his will.”

Field Marshal Kutuzov sets himself completely different goals. He does not strive for power and honors, and is indifferent to people's rumors. The old man found himself at the head of the army at the request of the Russian people and at the behest of duty. His goal is to protect his homeland from the hated invaders. His path is honest, his actions are just and prudent. Love for the Fatherland, wisdom and honesty guide the actions of this person.

Attitude towards soldiers

Two great generals lead two great armies. Millions of lives of ordinary soldiers depend on them. Only the old and feeble Kutuzov understands the full extent of responsibility. He is attentive to each of his fighters. A striking example is the review of troops near Braun, when the commander, despite his poor eyesight, notices worn-out boots, tattered uniforms of the army, recognizes familiar faces in the total mass of the army of many thousands. He will not risk the life of a simple soldier for the approval of the sovereign emperor or another award. Speaking with his subordinates in a simple and understandable language, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov instills hope in the soul of everyone, well understanding that victory in the battle depends on the mood of each soldier. Love for the Motherland, hatred of the enemy and the desire to defend one’s independence and freedom unite the commander with his subordinates and make the Russian army stronger, raising its spirit. “They will eat my horse meat,” Kutuzov promises and fulfills his promise.

The narcissistic Emperor Napoleon has a different attitude towards his brave army. For him, only his own person has value. The fate of the people around him is indifferent to him. Napoleon enjoys looking at the battlefield littered with dead and wounded bodies. He does not pay attention to the lancers swimming across the stormy river, ready to die in front of their adored emperor. Without feeling responsible for the lives of people who blindly believe in him, Napoleon cares about his comfort, well-being and glory as a winner.

Strengths and weaknesses of commanders

History has put everything in its place. The Patriotic War of 1812 was lost in disgrace by the French army, despite Napoleon's great plans. In the decisive battle of Borodino, the emperor was confused and depressed. His brilliant mind is unable to understand what force forces the enemy to rise to the attack again and again.

The motives for the heroism and courage of his soldiers are well understood by Field Marshal Kutuzov. He feels the same pain for Russia, the same determination to go as millions of people around him did during the great battle of Moscow. “What... what have they brought us to!” – Kutuzov exclaims excitedly, worried about the country. An elderly, exhausted man, with his wisdom, experience and fortitude, leads Russia to victory over its strongest enemy. Kutuzov, contrary to the will of the emperor and the majority of the generals, courageously takes responsibility at the council in Fili. He makes the only correct, but very difficult decision to retreat and leave Moscow. This manifestation of great fortitude and self-denial saved the Russian army and subsequently helped to deliver an indestructible blow to the enemy.

The essay “Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” makes it possible to analyze the actions of the great commanders, their role in the historical events of 1812, to understand whose side is right and what is the greatness and strength of human character.

Work test

The main images of the novel “War and Peace” include the historical figures of Napoleon and Kutuzov. There are many other historical figures on the pages of Tolstoy’s work, as the author narrates the course of military events in the fight against France. So, among the other heroes you can find Emperor Alexander, General Bagration, Marshal Davout, and others. But still, commanders occupy a special central place among all of them. Leo Tolstoy describes these two figures on a large scale, they appear before the reader as if alive. The author creates such images that allow you to admire Kutuzov, respect and sympathize with him, hate and despise Napoleon. Antithesis helps the writer to more fully show these two images. But at the same time, it is impossible to find detailed author’s characteristics of the generals in the novel. Impressions about them are formed from the actions they perform, the phrases they utter, and even the appearance of these heroes.

Antithesis is the main compositional device. This opposition already begins in the very title of Tolstoy’s work. It continues on the pages of his novel. Therefore, two large-scale historical figures are opposed to each other, only as opponents, as the world of positive and negative. But we should not forget that the reader is faced with a novel, which is a work of fiction, which means that these historical figures are also shown through fiction.

You can see that the author exaggerates some of the characters' traits. This allows you to achieve a great effect, and gives the reader the opportunity to evaluate their actions. How are these two heroes contrasted? Their portrait characteristics are compared. Kutuzov is depicted by the author as an old and overweight man. He is sick. It’s hard for the field marshal to move, his active lifestyle weighs on him, but the war requires him to move. It seems like how can a sick old man, with poor eyesight and tired of life, as secular society thinks in the novel, manage the army.

Napoleon looks completely different. The Emperor of France is alive and active; a strong flow of energy simply flows from his body. The author describes it in such a way that it seems that only such active people can control the army. But the reader’s sympathy is not on his side. The author achieves this by giving small and very insignificant details of the portrait characteristics. Thus, when describing Kutuzov, Tolstoy conveys his appearance and character in simple language. But the portrait description of Napoleon is given with irony.

The life goals of these two characters are different. Napoleon, who believed in his strength, considering himself a famous commander, decides to conquer the whole world. He even imagined that he could change history. The French commander does not feel any remorse at all because it was on his initiative that the war with Russia began, that he brought two nations into conflict and now people are dying. He has his own unattainable goals and for the sake of them he is ready to sacrifice people. For Napoleon, what comes first is not people and their lives, but his own vanity and pride. Throughout the entire novel, the reader does not see this man's repentance. Neither doubts nor remorse torment him. All these are moral concepts alien to the hero. He only monitors what is happening inside him, how his soul feels. Nothing else mattered to him. He thought that everything and always in the whole world would depend on his will.

Kutuzov is completely different. He sets himself other goals, not at all similar to Napoleon. He is not interested in power, honors or fame among the people. He commands the Russian army because his duty to his Motherland dictates so. It is important for him that people believe and trust him. And his goal is not to glorify himself for centuries, but to expel the enemy from his native land. Honor is important to him, all his actions are thoughtful and fair. He doesn't make hasty decisions. He values ​​the lives of soldiers, so he already commands respect.

These two great commanders, who remain in history, lead the greatest armies. The life of an ordinary soldier in war depends only on them. Kutuzov understands and realizes this very well. He tries to be attentive to each of his soldiers. Tolstoy's description in the novel of the review of soldiers under Braun perfectly resembles. A weak and sick commander walks through the entire line of soldiers and notices everything: boots that are already completely worn out, shabby clothes. In the crowd of soldiers, he recognizes those with whom he was personally acquainted or encountered.

Kutuzov tries to talk with the soldier to understand his needs. He speaks the same language with them. The commander does not strive for glory and the praise of the sovereign is not as important to him as the life of a soldier. Mikhail Illarionovich tries to talk to each soldier, to instill in him hope that everything will be fine. The commander understands that much depends on the mood of the soldiers in battle. Kutuzov and ordinary soldiers have common goals: hatred of the invader of their native land, love for their homeland, the desire to gain their independence from the French. These common goals help to unite all the soldiers of the Russian army into a single and invincible army, commanded by a wise commander.

Napoleon treats his soldiers differently. For him, the life of a soldier has no meaning, only his desires and glory come first. But those who surround him are completely indifferent to him. He often admires the battlefield where dead soldiers remain. He does not even provide assistance to his soldiers who fall into the turbulent current of the hand, although he could have saved them. He chooses the observer position. Napoleon does not feel responsible for the lives of people who believe him and go to die for him. For him, the main thing is his comfort, well-being and glory.

History itself put everything in its place. Napoleon lost this war of 1812 in disgrace, although he had great plans. The decisive battle took place near Borodino, after which the French commander received shame instead of glory, but he was never able to fully understand why the Russian army won. But Kutuzov understands this very well, who experiences the same feelings as the soldiers: pain for the Motherland, which is being trampled under the feet of the enemy. The motives of heroism and courage belong not only to the great Russian commander, but also to the soldiers.

The wisdom of the commander and his strong spirit and will lead the Russian army to victory over a strong enemy. Kutuzov makes a difficult decision when talking about retreating from Moscow, but this helps him save the Russian army, which then fights even better and wins.

The work “War and Peace” is one of the greatest in all Russian literature. In it, L.N. Tolstoy was able to paint a broad panorama of the life of Russian society from 1805 to 1820. And in the central part of this panorama is the defeat of Napoleonic troops, which until that time seemed completely invincible. On the pages of his novel, Tolstoy develops the idea of ​​​​the role of the people and the individual in the development of historical events.

Unity with the people

The image of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace” is one of the most noble in the entire work. The commander was a man who did not change his own convictions in a single action or word. He was an example of true selflessness, as well as the ability to understand the future significance of upcoming events. It is difficult to imagine a person whose activities were aimed at achieving the same goal for such a long time. And it is also difficult to imagine a more worthy task than Kutuzov had.

Kutuzov was not only wise, but also close to the people; he valued the life of every soldier. And therefore, of the other historical figures, only Kutuzov is called a truly great man. The writer raises the image of the commander to the highest level of purity of spiritual aspirations.

A good-natured and attentive commander

Describing the image of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace”, it is necessary to emphasize: the commander is endowed by Tolstoy with the features of a charismatic leader - he has authority, which is based on his personal qualities. This is wisdom and heroism, and even to some extent holiness. During meetings with soldiers, the commander knows how to find a common language with them, sometimes even telling an interesting and funny joke. You can also hear from Kutuzov “an old man’s good-natured curse.” For example, one can recall how soldiers shared their impressions of Kutuzov after the review at Braunau. One soldier says that Kutuzov is “crooked, with one eye.” Another echoes him - “Totally crooked.” But the answer to this is that Kutuzov was able to see everything - both the boots and the tucks.

Understanding the spirit of the army

In 1812, both the commander and every ordinary soldier were filled with patriotism. Describing the Battle of Borodino, Tolstoy emphasizes: Kutuzov understood that the outcome of the battle was not decided by the orders of the commander of the troops. Giving a description of the image of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace,” the student can emphasize: he understood that the main role is played by that elusive force that is called the “spirit of the army.” The commander can only observe and direct this force, but only to a certain extent. For example, when Kutuzov receives the news about Murat’s capture, he says that it is too early to rejoice. However, at the same time, he sends an adjutant to tour the troops and tell everyone this news.

For the same purpose of maintaining high morale in the army, Kutuzov, at the end of the day of the Battle of Borodino, gave the order to read out the order for tomorrow's offensive among the soldiers. When the ordinary soldiers heard this order, the meaning of which stemmed from the feelings of the commander-in-chief, they, although exhausted, were encouraged and consoled.

The image of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace” is deeply patriotic. This quality can be traced not only in the words of Kutuzov himself, but also in the words with which other heroes characterize him. For example, Prince Andrei finds peace after meeting Kutuzov. Bolkonsky reflects on the commander in this way: Kutuzov will not come up with anything, but he will be able to listen to everything and put it in its place. He will not interfere with what is useful, and he will not allow what is harmful.

The image of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace” by Tolstoy: the goals of the commander

Kutuzov gives the order to leave Moscow with only one goal - to achieve victory and expel enemy troops at any cost. It is no coincidence that the commander constantly repeats the same words: “I will force them to eat horse meat.” All Kutuzov’s actions are aimed at three main goals:

• exerting all one's strength for triumph over the enemy;
• winning;
• driving the enemy out of the country and alleviating, as far as possible, the consequences for the people and soldiers.

And only after these tasks have been solved does the commander leave the activities of the commander-in-chief of the troops. How could he achieve these goals without ever retreating from his noble goals? He was able to do this for the reason that in his soul there was a truly great national feeling, an invincible principle.

Fatalism or realism in the image of Kutuzov?

Giving a description of the image of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace,” the student can point out: to some extent, L.N. Tolstoy makes the commander a fatalist: after all, he submits to the course of events of history. The writer does not talk about how Kutuzov prepared soldiers for clashes after leaving Moscow and how he carried out his plan. Being a realist writer, Tolstoy nevertheless sought to overcome the philosophy of fatalism, and in many of his traits Kutuzov is shown correctly from a historical point of view: he is characterized by high strategic skill, he spends whole nights thinking about the upcoming military campaign, and acts as an active figure. Behind the apparent calm of Kutuzov lies a strong-willed tension.

The commander's position that led to victory

The image and characterization of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace” will be incomplete without a description of his moral and spiritual position, the source of the wisdom of this military leader. The commander takes care of his soldiers with all his might and wages a confrontation with the king and court generals. Soldiers and officers love him. Kutuzov knows the laws of war, he is quite capable of foreseeing the course of further events, since he takes into account the spiritual state of the army.

The main source of his wisdom is his closeness to the people. And the image of the commander is most clearly revealed during the description of the Battle of Borodino. Napoleon is already starting to get nervous, because crowds of upset and exhausted soldiers are returning to him. Kutuzov calmly ponders how the battle can be completed. This must be mentioned in the description of the image of Kutuzov in L. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace”. After all, with his calmness he gives birth to confidence in the soldiers. For example, to General Wolzogen, who is completely in a panic, he says: “Victory!” Even before the end of the battle, Kutuzov announces that the battle is won. He understands that it is necessary to give up Moscow in order to save the country. After all, the French in Moscow will begin to succumb to moral decay, they will become looters, their discipline will completely dry up.

Characteristics of Kutuzov in the novel “War and Peace”: the commander and his age

During the first war, Kutuzov was still presented as a brave general. However, during the Patriotic War, the commander was already old. And his enemies allow themselves to laugh at this. However, on the part of his troops, Kutuzov’s age only causes respect. Kutuzov is an old man with a white head, plump. He usually wears a white frock coat and a cap with a red band without a visor. During meetings of the military council, he falls asleep. It is difficult for a commander to mount a horse and just as difficult for him to get down. The writer also emphasizes that Kutuzov is “weak to tears.” He can cry, not only thinking about the fate of his country, but even at the sight of wounded soldiers. However, this quality of his does not diminish the image of the commander.

Image of Napoleon

The images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” are opposite to each other in the work. They are antipodes. Tolstoy talks about his rejection of the French commander and his strategy. All the reader’s sympathies, according to the author’s idea, should be on Kutuzov’s side. The fame of Napoleon spread throughout the world. However, Tolstoy writes about his army that it was “a crowd of marauders.” Napoleon himself was distinguished by cruelty and treachery.

The life of his army was deeply indifferent to him. He watches with complete indifference as his soldiers die. After all, they are just a tool to achieve his purely personal goals. Popular recognition flatters the French military leader. However, Napoleon does not feel gratitude. After all, everyone was obliged to obey only his will without any objections. Tolstoy writes that millions of people were forced to kill each other only because of Bonaparte’s lust for power.

One of the unique and brilliant writers known all over the world, “the great hope of Russian literature,” a man who tried to rethink life, understand its laws and unravel its mysteries. Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy had a special view of the world order, including his theory about the role of man in history and his significance in the context of eternity. In the novel War and Peace, this concept was embodied by the commanders of two great armies. A comparative description of Kutuzov and Napoleon (a table with brief conclusions on the topic will be presented below) allows us to fully reveal the writer’s attitude to the question: “Can one person create history?”

Life and work of L. N. Tolstoy

The life of Lev Nikolaevich is eventful. His youth was spent in St. Petersburg, where he was one of the main ringleaders and a famous rake. Then fate threw him into the Crimean War, after which the writer returned to the capital again. Here, already matured and having seen a lot, he begins to collaborate with the Sovremennik magazine, communicating closely with the editorial staff (N. A. Nekrasov, A. N. Ostrovsky, I. S. Turgenev). Tolstoy publishes Sevastopol Stories, where he paints pictures of the war he went through. Then he travels around Europe and remains very dissatisfied with it.

In 1956 he resigns and begins the life of a landowner in Yasnaya Polyana. He marries, takes care of the house and writes his most famous novels and stories: “War and Peace”, “Anna Karenina”, “Sunday”, “The Kreutzer Sonata”.

Novel "War and Peace"

The epic novel describes the events of the Napoleonic War (1805-1812). The work was a huge success both in Russia and in Europe. “War and Peace” is an artistic canvas that has no analogues in literature. Tolstoy managed to portray all social classes, from emperors to soldiers. An unprecedented evolution of characters and integrity of images, each hero appears as a living, full-blooded person. The writer managed to feel and convey all facets of the psychology of the Russian people: from sublime impulses to the ruthless, almost bestial moods of the crowd.

The image of Kutuzov, closely connected with Russia and its people, turned out to be surprising. The opposite of him in everything is the narcissistic and selfish Napoleon. It is these characters that will be examined in detail.

The role of personality in history: Kutuzov and Napoleon

Tolstoy, who always extolled the greatness and power of the Russian people, showed in his novel that it was he who won the war. Moreover, the feeling of nationality formed the basis for the main assessment of the actions of the characters in the novel. Therefore, Kutuzov - a commander and an outstanding military man - appears as one of the Russian people; he is not so much a person as a part of the country. It is unity with the people that guarantees Kutuzov’s victory.

The opposite of him is Napoleon, who separated himself from the world and considered himself practically a god. The differences between these characters are illustrated in more detail by Kutuzov and Napoleon (the table is located below). However, it can already be said that, according to Tolstoy, a person who decides to change the world alone is doomed to defeat.

Image of Kutuzov

Tolstoy portrayed Kutuzov in the novel as a kind of old man, who knows life very well and understands what lies ahead. He knows he will lose and talks about it calmly. He falls asleep during the council, knowing full well where all the conversations will ultimately lead. Kutuzov feels the beat of life, understands its laws. His inaction turns into folk wisdom; his actions are guided by intuition.

Kutuzov is a commander, but all his actions are subordinated to the great will of history itself, he is its “slave.” But this was the only way to win, by taking a wait-and-see attitude. It was this thought of Tolstoy that was embodied in the character of Kutuzov.

Image of Napoleon

Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte is the complete opposite of Kutuzov. In contrast to the integral personality of the Russian general, Tolstoy portrays the French emperor in two forms: a man and a commander. As a commander, Napoleon is talented, has rich experience and knowledge of military affairs.

But for Lev Nikolaevich, the main thing is the human component, spiritual qualities. It is in this regard that the writer debunks the romantic image of the enemy commander. Already in Napoleon one can see the attitude of the author: “small”, “fat”, unremarkable, a poser and an egoist.

Napoleon is the Emperor of France, but he has little power over his country, he sees himself as the ruler of the world, considers himself superior to others. The desire for possession has consumed him; he is morally poor and incapable of feeling, loving, or rejoicing. Napoleon walks over the corpses towards his goal, because it justifies any means. “Winners are not judged” is his motto.

Comparative characteristics of Kutuzov and Napoleon: table

Table summary

The comparative characteristics of Kutuzov and Napoleon (the table is presented above) are based on the opposition of individualism and nationality. Only a person who imagined himself higher and better than others could start a bloody war in order to achieve his selfish goals. Such a character cannot become a hero, so Tolstoy, with his humanism and faith in folk wisdom, paints him negatively and repulsively. Napoleon's appearance, gait, manners, even the character - all this is a consequence of his desire to become a superman.

Kutuzov, wise, calm, seemingly inactive, carries within himself all the power of the Russian people. He doesn't make decisions - he follows the course of events. He doesn't try to create history - he submits to it. This humility contained his spiritual and moral strength, which helped win the war.

Conclusion

L.N. Tolstoy encapsulated the incredible power of the people in his novel “War and Peace.” A brief description of this force is given using the example of the image of Kutuzov, which is contrasted with the spiritually poor Napoleon who does not understand his people. The great Russian commander and the French emperor embodied two principles: creative and destructive. And, of course, the humanist Tolstoy could not give Napoleon a single positive trait. Just as he could not denigrate the image of Kutuzov. The characters in the novel have little in common with real historical figures. But Lev Nikolaevich created them in order to illustrate his historical concept.