War and peace of Napoleon's troops. Comparison with a historical figure

In 1867, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy completed work on the work “War and Peace”. The main theme of the work is the wars of 1805 and 1812 and military figures who took part in the confrontation between two great powers - Russia and France.

The outcome of the War of 1812 was determined, from Tolstoy’s point of view, not mysterious and inaccessible human understanding fate, and “club people's war”, acting with “simplicity” and “expediency”.

Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, like any peace-loving person, denied armed conflicts and heatedly argued with those who found the “beauty of horror” in military actions. When describing the events of 1805, the author acts as a pacifist writer, but, telling about the war of 1812, he already moves to the position of patriotism.

The novel offers Tolstoy's view of the First Patriotic War and its historical participants: Alexander I, Napoleon and his marshals, Kutuzov, Bagration, Bennigsen, Rastopchin, as well as other events of that era - Speransky’s reforms, the activities of the Freemasons and political secret societies. The view of the war is fundamentally polemical with the approaches of official historians. The basis of Tolstoy’s understanding is a kind of fatalism, that is, the role of individual individuals in history is insignificant, the invisible historical will consists of “billions of wills” and is expressed as the movement of huge human masses.

The novel shows two ideological center: Kutuzov and Napoleon. These two great commanders are pitted against each other as representatives of two superpowers. The idea of debunking the legend of Napoleon arose from Tolstoy in connection with the final understanding of the nature of the war of 1812 as fair on the part of the Russians. It is on the personality of Napoleon that I want to dwell in more detail.

The image of Napoleon is revealed by Tolstoy from the position of “popular thought.” For example, S.P. Bychkov wrote: “In the war with Russia, Napoleon acted as an invader who sought to enslave the Russian people, he was an indirect killer of many people, this gloomy activity did not give him, according to the writer, the right to greatness.”

Turning to the lines of the novel in which Napoleon is described ambiguously, I agree with this characterization given to the French emperor.

Already from the first appearance of the emperor in the novel, they reveal deeply negative traits his character. Tolstoy carefully, detail by detail, paints a portrait of Napoleon, a forty-year-old, well-fed and lordly pampered man, arrogant and narcissistic. “Round belly”, “fat thighs of short legs”, “white plump neck”, “fat short figure” with wide, “thick shoulders” - here character traits Napoleon's appearance. When describing Napoleon's morning toilet on the eve of the Battle of Borodino, Tolstoy strengthens the revealing nature of the original portrait characteristics Emperor of France: “Thick back”, “overgrown fat chest”, “groomed body”, “swollen and yellow” face - all these details depict a person far from working life, deeply alien to the basics folk life. Napoleon was an egoist, a narcissistic man who believed that the entire universe obeyed his will. People were of no interest to him.

The writer, with subtle irony, sometimes turning into sarcasm, exposes Napoleon's claims to world domination, his constant posing for history, his acting. The emperor played all the time; there was nothing simple and natural in his behavior and in his words. This is expressively shown by Tolstoy in the scene of Napoleon admiring the portrait of his son on the Borodino field. Napoleon approached the painting, feeling “that what he will say and do now is history.” “His son played in a billbok the globe“- this expressed Napoleon’s greatness, but he wanted to show “the simplest fatherly tenderness.” Of course, this was pure acting, the emperor did not express here sincere feelings“fatherly tenderness,” namely, he posed for history and acted. This scene clearly reveals the arrogance of Napoleon, who believed that with the conquest of Moscow all of Russia would be conquered and his plans for conquest of world domination would be realized.

As a player and actor, the writer portrays Napoleon in a number of subsequent episodes. On the eve of the Battle of Borodino, Napoleon says: “Chess is set, the game will begin tomorrow.” On the day of the battle, after the first cannon shots, the writer remarks: “The game has begun.” Tolstoy further shows that this “game” cost the lives of tens of thousands of people. This revealed the bloody nature of Napoleon’s wars, which sought to enslave the whole world. War is not a “game”, but a cruel necessity, thinks Prince Andrei. And this was a fundamentally different approach to war, expressing the point of view of a peaceful people forced to take up arms under exceptional circumstances, when the threat of enslavement loomed over their homeland.

Napoleon - French Emperor, real historical figure, depicted in the novel, is a hero with whose image the historical and philosophical concept of L. N. Tolstoy is connected. At the beginning of the work, Napoleon is the idol of Andrei Bolkonsky, a man whose greatness Pierre Bezukhov bows to, a politician whose actions and personality are discussed in the high-society salon of A.P. Scherer. How actor In the novel, the French emperor appears at the Battle of Austerlitz, after which the wounded Prince Andrei sees “the radiance of complacency and happiness” on the face of Napoleon, admiring the view of the battlefield.

Even before the order to cross the borders of Russia, the emperor’s imagination was haunted by Moscow, and during the war he did not foresee its general course. Giving battle of Borodino, Napoleon acts “involuntarily and senselessly”, without being able to somehow influence its course, although he does not do anything harmful to the cause. For the first time during the Battle of Borodino he experiences bewilderment and hesitation, and after the battle the sight of the dead and wounded “defeated that mental strength, in which he believed his merit and greatness." According to the author, Napoleon was destined for an inhuman role, his mind and conscience were darkened, and his actions were “too opposite to goodness and truth, too far from everything human.”

In conclusion, it should be said that Tolstoy argued throughout the entire novel that Napoleon is a toy in the hands of history, and, moreover, not a simple one, but an evil toy. Napoleon also had defenders who tried to show him in better light, and those who had a negative attitude towards the emperor. Undoubtedly, Napoleon was big historical figure and a great commander, but still in all his actions only pride, selfishness and a vision of himself as a ruler are manifested

Many writers turn to historical figures in their work. The 19th century was full of various events in which prominent people took part. One of the leading leitmotifs for creating literary works became the image of Napoleon and Napoleonism. Some writers have romanticized this personality, endowing it with power, grandeur and love of freedom. Others saw in this figure selfishness, individualism, and a desire to dominate people.

The key image was Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” by Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy. The writer in this epic dispelled the myth of Bonaparte's greatness. Tolstoy rejects the concept of the "great man" because it is associated with violence, evil, meanness, cowardice, lies and betrayal. Lev Nikolaevich believes that only a person who has found peace in his soul, who has found the path to peace, can know true life.

Bonaparte through the eyes of the novel's heroes

The role of Napoleon in the novel "War and Peace" can be judged from the first pages of the work. The heroes call him Buonaparte. For the first time they start talking about him in Anna Scherer's living room. Many ladies-in-waiting and close associates of the empress actively discuss political events in Europe. From the mouth of the owner of the salon come the words that Prussia declared Bonaparte invincible, and Europe cannot oppose anything to him.

All representatives high society those invited to the evening have different attitudes towards Napoleon. Some support him, others admire him, and others do not understand him. Tolstoy showed the image of Napoleon in the novel "War and Peace" with different points vision. The writer depicted what kind of commander, emperor and person he was. Throughout the work, the characters express their opinions about Bonaparte. So, Nikolai Rostov called him a criminal. The naive young man hated the emperor and condemned all his actions. The young officer Boris Drubetskoy respects Napoleon and would like to see him. One of the representatives secular society, Count Rostopchin, compared Napoleon’s actions in Europe with those of pirates.

Vision of the great commander Andrei Bolkonsky

Andrei Bolkonsky's opinion about Bonaparte changed. At first he saw him as a great commander, a “great genius.” The prince believed that such a person was capable only of majestic deeds. Many actions French Emperor Bolkonsky justifies, but does not understand some. What finally dispelled the prince’s opinion about the greatness of Bonaparte? Battle of Austerlitz. Prince Bolkonsky is mortally wounded. He lay on the field, looking at blue sky and thought about the meaning of life. At this time, his hero (Napoleon) rode up to him on horseback and said the words: “Here beautiful death". Bolkonsky recognized Bonaparte in him, but he was the most ordinary, small and insignificant person. Then, when they examined the prisoners, Andrei realized how insignificant greatness was. He was completely disappointed in his former hero.

Views of Pierre Bezukhov

Being young and naive, Pierre Bezukhov zealously defended Napoleon's views. He saw in him a person who stood above the revolution. It seemed to Pierre that Napoleon gave citizens equality, freedom of speech and press. At first Bezukhov saw the French emperor great soul. Pierre took into account the murders of Bonaparte, but admitted that for the good of the empire this was permissible. The revolutionary actions of the French emperor seemed to him the feat of a great man. But Patriotic War 1812 showed Pierre true face his idol. He saw in him an insignificant, cruel, powerless emperor. Now he dreamed of killing Bonaparte, but believed that he did not deserve such a heroic fate.

Napoleon before the Battle of Austerlitz and Borodino

At the beginning of hostilities, Tolstoy shows the French emperor, endowed human traits. His face is filled with self-confidence and self-satisfaction. Napoleon is happy and looks like a "loving and successful boy." His portrait radiated "thoughtful tenderness."

With age, his face becomes colder, but still expresses well-deserved happiness. How do readers see him after the invasion of Russia? Before the Battle of Borodino he changed a lot. The appearance of the emperor was impossible to recognize: his face was yellow, swollen, his eyes were cloudy, his nose was red.

Description of the emperor's appearance

Lev Nikolaevich, drawing the image of Napoleon in the novel "War and Peace", very often resorts to his description. First he shows him among the marshals on a gray mare and in a gray overcoat. At that time, not a single muscle moved on his face, nothing betrayed his nervousness and worries. At first Bonaparte was thin, but by 1812 he had gained a lot of weight. Tolstoy describes his round big belly, white leggings on fat short thighs, high boots. He is a pompous man with a white, plump neck who smells of cologne. Readers later see Napoleon as fat, small, broad-shouldered, and clumsy. Several times Tolstoy focuses on the short stature of the emperor. He also describes the ruler's small, plump hands. Napoleon's voice was sharp and clear. He pronounced every letter. The emperor walked decisively and firmly, taking quick steps.

Quotes from Napoleon in the novel "War and Peace"

Bonaparte spoke very eloquently, solemnly, and did not hold back his irritability. He was sure that everyone admired him. Comparing himself and Alexander I, he said: “War is my craft, and his business is to reign, and not to command troops...” The emperor talks about luck with the following phrase: “... fortune is a real minx...” He spoke about military actions compares it with ordinary things that need to be completed: "... the wine is uncorked, you need to drink it..." Discussing reality, the ruler said: "Our body is a machine for life." The commander often thought about the art of war. He considered the most important thing to be stronger than the enemy at a certain moment. The words belong to him: “It’s easy to make a mistake in the heat of fire.”

Napoleon's goals in the novel "War and Peace"

The French emperor was a very purposeful person. Bonaparte moved step by step towards his goal. At first, everyone was delighted that this man, from an ordinary lieutenant, became a great ruler. What was it that drove him? Napoleon had an ambitious desire to conquer the whole world. Being a power-hungry and grandiose nature, he was endowed with egoism and vanity. The inner world of this person is frightening and ugly. Wanting to dominate the world, he dissolves in vanity and loses himself. The Emperor has to live for show. Ambitious goals turned Bonaparte into a tyrant and conqueror.

Bonaparte's indifference, depicted by Tolstoy

Napoleon's personality in the novel "War and Peace" gradually degrades. His actions are the opposite of good and truth. The fate of other people does not interest him at all. Readers are struck by Napoleon's indifference in War and Peace. People turn out to be pawns in his game with power and authority. In reality, Bonaparte does not notice people. His face did not express a single emotion as he drove around the Field of Austerlitz after the battle, all strewn with corpses. Andrei Bolkonsky noticed that the misfortunes of others gave the emperor pleasure. Scary picture The Battle of Borodino gives him a slight joy. Taking for himself the slogan “Winners are not judged,” Napoleon steps over corpses to power and glory. This is shown very well in the novel.

Other traits of Napoleon

The French Emperor considers war his profession. He loves to fight. His attitude towards the soldiers is feigned and pompous. Tolstoy shows how important luxury is to this person. Bonaparte's magnificent palace was simply amazing. The writer portrays him as a pampered and spoiled ghoul. He loves to be admired.

The real appearance of Bonaparte becomes obvious after comparing him with Kutuzov. Both of them are exponents of the historical trends of the time. The wise Kutuzov was able to lead the people's liberation movement. Napoleon stood at the head of the war of conquest. Napoleonic army died. He himself became a nonentity in the eyes of many, losing the respect of even those who once admired him.

The role of personality in the historical movement in the image of Bonaparte

The characterization of Napoleon in the novel "War and Peace" is needed in order to show the real meaning of events. Unfortunately, masses sometimes they become a tool in the hands of great personalities. Tolstoy in his epic tried to show his vision of who leads historical process: accidents, leaders, people, higher intelligence? The writer does not consider Napoleon great because he lacks simplicity, truth and goodness.

Tolstoy's attitude towards the French emperor

Napoleon in War and Peace is depicted by Tolstoy as follows:

A limited person. He is too confident in his military glory.
Human-attributed genius. In battles, he did not spare his army.
A cheater whose actions cannot be called great.
An upstart and a personality without convictions.
Bonaparte's stupid behavior after the capture of Moscow.
Sneaky man.

What concept of Napoleon’s life did Lev Nikolaevich show? The French emperor denied the expediency of historical will. He takes individual interests as the basis for history, so he sees it as a chaotic clash of someone’s desires. Napoleon is overcome by the cult of personality; he does not believe in the inner wisdom of existence. To achieve his own goals, he uses intrigue and adventure. His military campaign in Russia is the establishment of adventure as a world law. In an attempt to impose his will on the world, he is powerless, and therefore fails.

Leo Tolstoy is amazed at the complacency, false chivalry, arrogance, false gallantry, irritability, imperiousness, theatricality, delusions of grandeur of the French ruler, who threatens to erase Prussia from European map. Tolstoy really wanted to prove that all great rulers are evil toys in the hands of history. After all, Napoleon is a very good commander, why did he lose? The writer believes that he did not see the pain of other people, was not interested inner world others, had no mercy. With the image of Napoleon in the novel War and Peace, Tolstoy showed a morally mediocre man.

Lev Nikolaevich does not see a genius in Bonaparte, because there is more of a villain in him. Depicting the personality of Napoleon in the novel "War and Peace", Tolstoy applied humanistic moral principle. Power endowed the emperor with egocentrism, which developed in him to the extreme. Napoleon's victories were based on tactics and strategy, but he did not take into account the spirit Russian troops. According to Tolstoy, the course of history is determined by the people.

The personality of the Emperor of France excites the minds of historians and writers of all times. Secret evil genius that killed millions human lives, many scientists and writers tried to reveal.

Leo Tolstoy spoke an objective critic, the image and characterization of Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” is highlighted comprehensively, without warning.

What does the Emperor of France look like?

Napoleon's thin face in 1805 near Austerlitz testified to his busy schedule, fatigue, and youthful enthusiasm. In 1812, the Emperor of France looks different: a round belly indicates a passion for fatty foods. A plump neck peeks out from the collar of his blue uniform, and the bulges of his thick thighs are clearly visible through the tight fabric of his white leggings.

Military trained posture allowed Bonaparte to last days look majestic. He was distinguished by his short stature, stocky figure and involuntarily protruding belly; he always wore boots - he lived on horseback. The man became famous for his well-groomed dandy with white beautiful hands, loved perfume, his body was constantly enveloped in the thick aroma of cologne.

Napoleon launched a military campaign against Russia at the age of forty. His dexterity and movements became less agile than in his youth, but his step remained firm and fast. The emperor's voice sounded loud, he tried to clearly pronounce each letter, especially beautifully finishing the last syllable in words.

How do the heroes of the novel “War and Peace” characterize Napoleon?

The owner of the St. Petersburg salon, Anna Scherrer, repeats rumors spread from Prussia that Bonaparte is invincible, Europe will not be able to stop his army. It's only 1805, and some of the guests invited to the party speak admiringly of the activities of the new French government and its ambitious leader.

At the beginning of the novel, Andrei Bolkonsky considers the military leader promising. At the mentioned evening, the young prince recalls noble deeds commander, respectful: visiting hospitals, communicating with plague-infected soldiers.

After the Battle of Borodino, when a Russian officer had to die among many killed soldiers, he heard Napoleon above him. He spoke about the picture of death unfolding before his eyes, admiringly, with delight, with inspiration. Prince Andrei realized that he was hearing the words of a sick man, obsessed with the suffering of others, vile and grounded by unhealthy instincts.

Pierre Bezukhov was similarly disappointed in the image of the French military leader. The young count emphasized the state professionalism of a figure who managed to separate the abuses of the revolution and accepted the equality of citizens as the basis of a new political government. Pierre especially diligently tried to explain to the Russian nobility the positive meaning of freedom of speech, which originated in young France.

In the ashes of Moscow, Bezukhov changed his opinion to the opposite. Under the theatrical greatness of Napoleon's soul, Pierre saw the scale of lawlessness committed single-handedly by the emperor. The consequence of the actions of the person in power was inhuman cruelty. Mass lawlessness was the result of greed and insignificance.

Nikolai Rostov, due to his youth and straightforwardness, considered Napoleon a criminal, and as an emotionally mature representative of youth, he hated the commander of the enemy army with all the strength of his youthful soul.

The Russian statesman Count Rostopchin compares the activities of the evil genius with the pirate traditions that took place on the ships they captured.

Napoleon's Character Traits

The future conqueror of Europe had Italian roots and, like most representatives of this nation, could spontaneously change his facial expressions. But contemporaries argued that an expression of complacency and happiness was present on the face little man often, especially in moments of battle.
The author repeatedly mentions narcissism, self-adoration this character, selfishness reaches the level of madness. An outright lie escapes his lips, emphasized by the sincere expression in his eyes. War for him is a noble craft, he does not notice that behind these words there is a red picture of millions of lives lost, rivers of blood flowing from the battlefields.

The mass murder of peoples is turning into a habit, a passionate addiction. Napoleon himself calls war his craft. Military career became his life goal since my youth. Having reached power, the emperor values luxury, organizes a magnificent court, and demands honor. His orders are carried out unquestioningly; he himself, according to Tolstoy, began to believe in the correctness of his thoughts, as the only correct ones.

The Emperor is under the delusion that his beliefs are infallible, ideal and perfect in their truth. Tolstoy does not deny that Bonaparte has significant experience in warfare, but the character is not educated person, on the contrary, is a limited personality in many respects.

Introduction
Heroes of the novel about Napoleon
Andrey Bolkonsky
Pierre Bezukhov
Nikolay Rostov
Boris Drubetskoy
Count Rastopchin
Characteristics of Napoleon
Portrait of Napoleon

Introduction

Historical figures have always been of particular interest in Russian literature. Dedicated to some individual works, others are key images in the plots of novels. The image of Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” by Tolstoy can be considered as such. We meet the name of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Tolstoy wrote precisely Bonaparte, and many heroes called him only Buonoparte) already on the first pages of the novel, and part only in the epilogue.

Heroes of the novel about Napoleon

In the living room of Anna Scherer (maid of honor and close associate of the Empress) with great interest discuss Europe's political actions towards Russia. The owner of the salon herself says: “Prussia has already declared that Bonaparte is invincible and that all of Europe can do nothing against him...”. Representatives of secular society - Prince Vasily Kuragin, the emigrant Viscount Mortemar invited by Anna Scherer, Abbot Moriot, Pierre Bezukhov, Andrei Bolkonsky, Prince Ippolit Kuragin and other members of the evening were not unanimous in their attitude towards Napoleon.
Some did not understand him, others admired him. In War and Peace, Tolstoy showed Napoleon from different sides. We see him as a general-strategist, as an emperor, as a person.

Andrey Bolkonsky

In a conversation with his father, the old Prince Bolkonsky, Andrei says: “... but Bonaparte still great commander! He considered him a “genius” and “could not allow shame for his hero.” At an evening with Anna Pavlovna Sherer, Andrei supported Pierre Bezukhov in his judgments about Napoleon, but still retained and own opinion about him: “Napoleon as a person is great on the Arcole Bridge, in the hospital in Jaffa, where he gives his hand to the plague, but... there are other actions that are difficult to justify.” But after a while, lying on the Austerlitz field and looking into the blue sky, Andrei heard Napoleon’s words about him: “This is a beautiful death.” Bolkonsky understood: “... it was Napoleon - his hero, but at that moment Napoleon seemed so small to him, an insignificant person..." While examining the prisoners, Andrei thought “about the insignificance of greatness.” Disappointment in his hero came not only to Bolkonsky, but also to Pierre Bezukhov.

Pierre Bezukhov

Having just appeared in the world, young and naive Pierre zealously defended Napoleon from the attacks of the Viscount: “Napoleon is great because he rose above the revolution, suppressed its abuses, retaining everything good - the equality of citizens, and freedom of speech and the press - and only That’s why he acquired power.” Pierre recognized the “greatness of soul” of the French emperor. He did not defend the murders of the French emperor, but the calculation of his actions for the good of the empire, the willingness to take on such a responsible task - to start a revolution - this seemed to Bezukhov a real feat, the strength of a great man. But when he came face to face with his “idol,” Pierre saw all the insignificance of the emperor, cruelty and lawlessness. He cherished the idea of killing Napoleon, but realized that he was not worth it, since he did not even deserve a heroic death.

Nikolay Rostov

This young man called Napoleon a criminal. He believed that all his actions were unlawful and, out of the naivety of his soul, he hated Bonaparte “as best he could.”

Boris Drubetskoy

A promising young officer, a protégé of Vasily Kuragin, spoke of Napoleon with respect: “I would like to see a great man!”

Count Rastopchin

A representative of secular society, a defender of the Russian army, said about Bonaparte: “Napoleon treats Europe like a pirate on a conquered ship.”

Characteristics of Napoleon

The ambiguous characterization of Napoleon in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is presented to the reader. On the one hand, he is a great commander, a ruler, on the other, an “insignificant Frenchman,” a “servile emperor.” External features They lower Napoleon to the ground, he is not as tall, not as handsome, he is fat and unpleasant as we would like to see him. It was “a plump, short figure with broad, thick shoulders and an involuntarily protruding belly and chest.” Description of Napoleon is present in different parts novel. Here he is before the Battle of Austerlitz: “... thin face he didn't move a single muscle; his shining eyes were motionlessly fixed on one place... He stood motionless... and on his cold face there was that special shade of self-confident, well-deserved happiness that happens on the face of a loving and happy boy.” By the way, this day was especially solemn for him, since it was the anniversary of his coronation. But we see him at a meeting with General Balashev, who arrived with a letter from Emperor Alexander: “...firm, decisive steps,” “round belly... fat thighs of short legs... White plump neck... On a youthful appearance full face... an expression of gracious and majestic imperial greeting." The scene of Napoleon awarding the bravest Russian soldier with the order is also interesting. What did Napoleon want to show? Your greatness, the humiliation of the Russian army and the emperor himself, or admiration for the courage and steadfastness of the soldiers?

Portrait of Napoleon

Bonaparte valued himself very much: “God gave me the crown. Woe to anyone who touches her." These words were spoken by him during the coronation in Milan. Napoleon in War and Peace is an idol for some and an enemy for others. “The trembling of my left calf is a great sign,” Napoleon said about himself. He was proud of himself, he loved himself, he glorified his greatness over the whole world. Russia stood in his way. Having defeated Russia, it was not difficult for him to crush all of Europe under him. Napoleon behaved arrogantly. In the scene of a conversation with the Russian general Balashev, Bonaparte allowed himself to pull his ear, saying that it was a great honor to be pulled by the ear by the emperor. The description of Napoleon contains many words containing a negative connotation; Tolstoy characterizes the emperor’s speech especially vividly: “condescending”, “mockingly”, “viciously”, “angrily”, “dry”, etc. Bonaparte also speaks boldly about the Russian Emperor Alexander: “War is my craft, and his business is to reign, and not to command troops. Why did he take on such responsibility?”

Introduction

Historical figures have always been of particular interest in Russian literature. Some are the subject of separate works, others are key images in the plots of novels. The image of Napoleon in Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace” can also be considered as such. We meet the name of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Tolstoy wrote precisely Bonaparte, and many heroes called him only Buonoparte) already on the first pages of the novel, and part only in the epilogue.

Heroes of the novel about Napoleon

In the living room of Anna Scherer (maid of honor and close associate of the Empress), the political actions of Europe in relation to Russia are discussed with great interest. The owner of the salon herself says: “Prussia has already declared that Bonaparte is invincible and that all of Europe can do nothing against him...”. Representatives of secular society - Prince Vasily Kuragin, the emigrant Viscount Mortemar invited by Anna Scherer, Abbot Moriot, Pierre Bezukhov, Andrei Bolkonsky, Prince Ippolit Kuragin and other members of the evening were not unanimous in their attitude towards Napoleon. Some did not understand him, others admired him. In War and Peace, Tolstoy showed Napoleon from different sides. We see him as a general-strategist, as an emperor, as a person.

Andrey Bolkonsky

In a conversation with his father, the old Prince Bolkonsky, Andrei says: “... but Bonaparte is still a great commander!” He considered him a “genius” and “could not allow shame for his hero.” At an evening with Anna Pavlovna Sherer, Andrei supported Pierre Bezukhov in his judgments about Napoleon, but still retained his own opinion about him: “Napoleon as a great man on the Arcole Bridge, in the hospital in Jaffa, where he gives his hand to the plague, but... there are other actions which are difficult to justify." But after a while, lying on the Austerlitz field and looking into the blue sky, Andrei heard Napoleon’s words about him: “This is a beautiful death.” Bolkonsky understood: “... it was Napoleon - his hero, but at that moment Napoleon seemed to him such a small, insignificant person...” While examining the prisoners, Andrei thought “about the insignificance of greatness.” Disappointment in his hero came not only to Bolkonsky, but also to Pierre Bezukhov.

Pierre Bezukhov

Nikolay Rostov

This young man called Napoleon a criminal. He believed that all his actions were unlawful and, out of the naivety of his soul, he hated Bonaparte “as best he could.”

Boris Drubetskoy

A promising young officer, a protégé of Vasily Kuragin, spoke of Napoleon with respect: “I would like to see a great man!”

Count Rastopchin

A representative of secular society, a defender of the Russian army, said about Bonaparte: “Napoleon treats Europe like a pirate on a conquered ship.”

Characteristics of Napoleon

The ambiguous characterization of Napoleon in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is presented to the reader. On the one hand, he is a great commander, a ruler, on the other, an “insignificant Frenchman,” a “servile emperor.” External features bring Napoleon down to earth, he is not as tall, not as handsome, he is fat and unpleasant as we would like to see him. It was “a plump, short figure with broad, thick shoulders and an involuntarily protruding belly and chest.” Descriptions of Napoleon are present in different parts of the novel. Here he is before the Battle of Austerlitz: “...his thin face did not move a single muscle; his shining eyes were motionlessly fixed on one place... He stood motionless... and on his cold face there was that special shade of self-confident, well-deserved happiness that happens on the face of a loving and happy boy.” By the way, this day was especially solemn for him, since it was the anniversary of his coronation. But we see him at a meeting with General Balashev, who arrived with a letter from Emperor Alexander: “...firm, decisive steps,” “round belly... fat thighs of short legs... White plump neck... On his youthful, full face... an expression of a gracious and majestic imperial greeting " The scene of Napoleon awarding the bravest Russian soldier with the order is also interesting. What did Napoleon want to show? Your greatness, the humiliation of the Russian army and the emperor himself, or admiration for the courage and steadfastness of the soldiers?

Portrait of Napoleon

The image of Napoleon in “War and Peace” revealed in this essay allows us to conclude: Bonaparte’s mistake was in overestimating his capabilities and excessive self-confidence. Wanting to become the ruler of the world, Napoleon could not defeat Russia. This defeat broke his spirit and confidence in his strength.

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