How did Tolstoy depict Bolkonsky’s feat? Andrei Bolkonsky in the battles of Schöngraben and Austerlitz Bolkonsky’s opinion about the feat and real heroes.
Each of Tolstoy's heroes has his own path of quest - often complex, painful, contradictory. This also applies to the hero of War and Peace, Andrei Bolkonsky.
Let's start our conversation about Prince Andrei with a question: have you ever wondered why he was inactive during the Battle of Borodino? In the Battle of Austerlitz, he accomplishes a real feat: alone, with a banner in his hands, he runs forward, hoping to captivate the retreating soldiers with his example. However, according to the deep conviction of the writer, that war was completely unnecessary for Russia, Andrei’s feat was meaningless. But the Battle of Borodino had a completely different meaning. The fate of Russia was decided there. That's when Prince Andrei needed to accomplish a feat! Nothing like that actually happens. Why?
Andrei Bolkonsky adopted the rationalistic type of consciousness from his father. It is no coincidence that the old Prince Bolkonsky tortures his daughter Marya with geometry and laughs at her religious views. He is a follower of the ideas of the 18th century. (century of Enlightenment). We must assume that this also explains a lot about Andrei - a certain dryness, the desire to live with the mind, and not with feelings.
In the first half of the novel, Andrei Bolkonsky combines contempt for aristocratic society with an ambitious desire for personal glory. He is ready to give everything in the world “for a moment of glory, triumph over people, for people’s love for themselves.” That is why Prince Andrei even feels jealous of Napoleon. Thus, from the very beginning of War and Peace, the “Napoleonic theme” arises in its relationship with the destinies of the main characters.
The hero of the novel is convinced that historical events may well be subject to the will of one person. Having learned during the war of 1805 about the hopeless situation of the Russian army, Andrei dreams of how “at the military council he will present an opinion that alone will save the army, and how he alone will be entrusted with the execution of this plan.”
The courage of Captain Tushin and his soldiers for the first time made the arrogant Prince Andrei imbued with respect for people who committed truly heroic deeds, without thinking at all about fame or exploits. And yet the desire to glorify himself, to compare with Napoleon does not leave Andrei Bolkonsky. This is the only reason why he accomplishes his feat at Austerlitz.
However, when he, seriously wounded, lay on the Field of Austerlitz, the light of the eternal, unchanging, high sky helped him realize that everything he had dreamed about before was empty and a deception, everything turned out to be insignificant in comparison with this endless sky. Even Napoleon, his recent idol, now seems small and insignificant to him, and the pompously beautiful phrases of the French emperor seem false and inappropriate.
The ideological crisis leads Andrei to disappointment in his ambitious plans and even to disappointment in life in general. He will have to go through a lot before he finds his way.
This state of depression, pessimism, caused by the collapse of hopes, the death of his wife, is violated by Pierre Bezukhov. Pierre at that time was interested in Freemasonry, which he understood as “the teaching of Christianity, freed from state and religious shackles.” He says to his friend: "Na earth, it is on this earth (Pierre pointed in the field) that there is no truth - everything is lies and evil; but in the world, in the whole world, there is a kingdom of truth, and we are now children of the earth, and forever - children of the whole world... We must live, we must love, we must believe... that we live not now only on this piece of earth, but lived and will live forever there, in everything (he pointed to the sky).”
These words struck Prince Andrei: “... for the first time after Austerlitz he saw that high, eternal sky... and something that had long fallen asleep, something better that was in him, suddenly woke up joyfully and youthfully in his soul "
This is how Andrey’s meeting with Natasha was psychologically prepared, which returned him to the fullness of the feeling of living life. And ahead of him is disappointment in civic activities, the burning pain of Natasha’s betrayal... In a state of gloomy depression, he faces the Patriotic War. But it is now that joining the great universal cause helps it to truly be reborn.
Andrei Bolkonsky perceives the war with Napoleon as a nationwide, and not just his personal tragedy: the personal organically and naturally merges with the historical and popular. He finally overcomes the false idea of a lone hero, comes to a decisive condemnation of the “Napoleonic idea”, to comprehend the spirit of the Russian people, people's truth, people's understanding of historical events.
Impressed by a conversation with Kutuzov on the eve of the Battle of Borodino, fully accepting his views, Bolkonsky says to Pierre: Material from the site
“Success has never depended and will not depend either on position, or on weapons, or even on numbers; and least of all from the position.
- And from what?
“From the feeling that is in me, in him,” he pointed to Timokhin, “in every soldier.”
Now on the Borodino field, Prince Andrei no longer thinks that he alone is able to decide the fate of the battle. In full accordance with the author’s understanding of the laws of war, he feels himself (just like Kutuzov) only a part of that enormous force that is destined to defeat the enemy. “He had nothing to do or order,” the novel says about the behavior of regimental commander Andrei Bolkonsky during the Battle of Borodino. “Everything was done on its own.” As you can see, the external inaction of Prince Andrey is a manifestation of the highest wisdom that he acquired as a result of many life trials, as a result of understanding the great truth of Kutuzov, but not Napoleon. The quest of Andrei Bolkonsky in the period from Austerlitz to Borodin is his path from Napoleon to Kutuzov.
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On this page there is material on the following topics:
- Andrei's dreams on the eve of the Battle of Austerlitz
- why Bolkonsky remains alive after Austerlitz
- the sky of Austerlitz in the fate of Andrei Bolkonsky
- Bolkonsky on Borodin Field + quotes
- Andrey Bolkonsky overcomes the crisis
Prince Andrei is one of the best, favorite heroes of Leo Tolstoy. We get to know him from the first pages of the novel, in the salon of Anna Pavlovna Sherer. He differs from other secular guests in his business-like appearance and clear movements. These external qualities are a direct reflection of his character: businesslike, independent.
At the beginning of the novel, Andrei Bolkonsky is 26 years old. He is in the prime of his powers. But at the same time, the hero is unhappy. He is married to a “little princess” whom he has not loved for a long time. The spiritual interests of the spouses do not coincide. His wife thinks only about his court career. And soon they should have a child. Andrei Bolkonsky is burdened by deceitful high society. He looks at its representatives with contempt. “This life that I lead here, this life is not for me,” he tells Pierre. In the earliest description of the hero in the first notes of the novel it is said: “The young prince led an impeccable life of moral purity, contrary to the customs of the youth of that time.” This trait remained central to his character. “He,” Tolstoy wrote, “with all the strength of his soul he always sought one thing: to always be good.”
Initially, Bolkonsky's role in the novel was very modest. The proud individualist was supposed to die on the battlefield, to become part of the general mass. In the final version, the hero's importance increased. He has made a huge evolution. Andrei Bolkonsky has character traits that have always been in him. These include the impossibility of merging with secular society and being like everyone else. The hero is distinguished by directness, sometimes reaching the point of rudeness. One of its main features is patriotism. The Bolkonsky family never separated themselves from their homeland.
Many people note that Prince Andrei looks like Pechorin. But that's not true. Their main difference is that the hero of Leo Tolstoy sympathizes with sincerity. He loves Pierre's simplicity and naivety. At his appearance, the prince’s face suddenly “beamed up with a kind and pleasant smile.” Friends are brought together by their uncompromising attitude towards lies and love of truth. Perhaps the defining feature of Prince Andrei is his consciousness in all his aspirations. He always wanted to take an “active part in life.” In his soul he dreamed of the glory of Napoleon. Bolkonsky sincerely dreamed of a feat that other people would notice and appreciate. He considered Napoleon, to whom Toulon had brought glory, his idol. Prince Andrey sought approval and recognition. For this reason, he takes part in the campaign of 1805. Bolkonsky serves on the headquarters of the commander-in-chief. He is actively developing plans for military action, considering the best dispositions before the Battle of Shengraben. From Bilibin, the hero learns about the difficult situation of the army. Prince Andrei decided to save the situation. But during the battle he becomes convinced that it is physically impossible for one person to lead such a huge number of people. Plans and dispositions do not work. He experiences a second disappointment when he sees the discrepancy between true heroism and other people’s assessment of it. The real hero of the battle was the modest captain Tushin. His position on the field was the worst from the point of view of military theory. Despite this, Tushin showed miracles of courage. They did not have time to convey the order to retreat to him in time. Zharkov got cold feet and turned his horse. Only Prince Andrei helped the entire battery retreat. After the battle, Bagration shouted at Tushin for acting without orders and leaving the gun on the battlefield. Here, for the first time, Prince Andrei realized that real exploits do not always receive general recognition. Tushin was silent, afraid to let others down. Only Andrei Bolkonsky rightly asserts that “we owe the outcome of the entire battle” to Tushin. The behavior of this man puzzles Prince Andrei.
Under Austerlitz, Bolkonsky understands that he can get everything or nothing. Prince Andrei dreams of accomplishing a feat. A unique opportunity opens up before him. The hero already imagines how he runs with the banner and saves the entire army. The day of battle arrives. The dream becomes reality. Andrei Bolkonsky sees chaos and panic in the troops. He takes the banner and leads the army. But his unexpected injury interrupts his ambitious plans. The eternal, endless sky appears before the prince in all its grandeur. In comparison, earthly battles seem meaningless and insignificant. The hero felt the immensity of the universe in comparison with personal interests. A spiritual turning point occurs in the soul of Prince Andrei. He returns to Bald Mountains as a different person. Prince Andrei wants to change the life of the country and participates in Speransky’s reforms. But soon he becomes disappointed in them too. Then he decides to devote himself to his native estate, family. Now the hero acutely feels the suffering of his wife, who dies during childbirth. Prince Andrei loves his son Nikolenka with all his heart. He forever abandoned his former arrogance and lost faith in social transformations.
During this difficult time for the hero, his famous conversation with Pierre takes place. Pierre's projects turned out to be unviable. But the narrowly practical activities of Prince Andrei brought a lot of benefit to the peasants. The hero improves their lives because it benefits him. He believes that the construction of hospitals and schools for peasants is useless. The man is already happy, because he is simpler, more patient. Prince Andrei condemns Pierre's abstract philanthropy.
In Otradnoye he compares himself to an old oak tree. It seems to the hero that his life is over. But a meeting with Natasha Rostova gave him new hope. On a moonlit night in Otradnoye, he heard her ringing voice. At the ball, he wished that he would marry this amazing girl, so different from everyone he had met before. He loved and was loved again. Even the old oak tree was transformed. He became covered with green leaves and, just like Prince Andrei, began a new life. Natasha's misdeed painfully wounded the hero's heart. On the Borodino field, he came to the most important conclusion of his life - understanding the role of the people. In a conversation with Pierre on the eve of the battle, he tells his friend that the success of the upcoming battle depends on the spirit and attitude of each soldier. Prince Andrei is no longer on the front line. His regiment is in reserve. He is virtually doomed to inaction.
The heroism of Prince Andrei is special: he is ready to sacrifice himself, to accept historical patterns without reward with glory. But, trying to understand the people's truth, Prince Andrei could not overcome class prejudices, could not completely merge with the people. All the soldiers called him: “Our prince.” But his status, pride, and coldness prevented him from living a truly popular life. On the Borodino field, Bolkonsky feels not like the center of events, but a part of the general movement. He wanted an epic feat. But history has a different, human character. Andrei Bolkonsky accomplishes a feat by being an example for the soldiers. He is mortally wounded. Before his death, the hero forgives Anatole, whom he hates, and forgives Natasha. His heart is filled with love for people. He regards death as a merger with something common, limitless. Love for everything, for God, means for him victory over his own self. Prince Andrei leaves worldly life for the “common, eternal source.” Prince Andrei dies, but the glorious dynasty of the Bolkonsky family will be continued by his little son Nikolenka.
How Tolstoy depicted Andrei Bolkonsky's feat. why this feat is not poeticized in the novel and received the best answer
Answer from Maxim Yu. Volkov[guru]
The feat he accomplished during the Battle of Austerlitz, when he runs ahead of everyone with a banner in his hands, is full of external effect: even Napoleon noticed and appreciated it. But why, having committed a heroic act, does Andrei not experience any delight or elation? Probably because at that moment when he fell, seriously wounded, a new lofty truth was revealed to him, along with the high endless sky, spreading a blue vault above him. Against his background, all his former dreams and aspirations seemed small and insignificant to Andrey, the same as his former idol. A reassessment of values took place in his soul. What seemed beautiful and sublime to him turned out to be empty and vain. And what he so diligently fenced himself off from - a simple and quiet family life - now seems desirable to him, full of happiness and harmony. It is not known how Bolkonsky’s life with his wife would have turned out. But when, having risen from the dead, he returned home kinder and gentler, a new blow fell upon him - the death of his wife, to whom he was never able to make amends. Andrei tries to live a simple, calm life, touchingly caring for his son, improving the lives of his serfs: he made three hundred people free cultivators, and replaced the rest with dues. These humane measures, testifying to Bolkonsky’s progressive views, for some reason still do not convince of his love for the people. Too often he shows contempt for a peasant or a soldier, whom one can pity, but cannot respect. In addition, the state of depression and the feeling of the impossibility of happiness indicate that all the transformations cannot completely occupy his mind and heart. Changes in Andrei's difficult mental state begin with the arrival of Pierre, who, seeing his friend's depressed mood, tries to instill in him faith in the existence of a kingdom of goodness and truth that should exist on earth. Andrei's final revival to life occurs thanks to his meeting with Natasha Rostova. The description of the moonlit night and Natasha’s first ball emanates poetry and charm. Communication with her opens up a new sphere of life for Andrey - love, beauty, poetry. But it is with Natasha that he is not destined to be happy, because there is no complete mutual understanding between them. Natasha loves Andrei, but does not understand and does not know him. And she, too, remains a mystery to him with her own, special inner world. If Natasha lives every moment, unable to wait and postpone until a certain time the moment of happiness, then Andrei is able to love from a distance, finding a special charm in anticipation of the upcoming wedding with his beloved girl. The separation turned out to be too difficult a test for Natasha, because, unlike Andrei, she is not able to think about something else, to keep herself busy with something. The story with Anatoly Kuragin destroys the possible happiness of these heroes. Proud and proud Andrei is unable to forgive Natasha for her mistake. And she, experiencing painful remorse, considers herself unworthy of such a noble, ideal person. Fate separates loving people, leaving bitterness and pain of disappointment in their souls. But she will unite them before Andrei’s death,
because the Patriotic War of 1812 will change a lot in their characters.
Now correcting the previously created part about Austerlitz, Tolstoy worked a lot on Bolkonsky, especially in the last episode: the wounded Prince Andrei on the Field of Austerlitz. Brief notes appeared, as always, explaining a lot: “Prince Andrei hears, the battle is lost everywhere. He thinks: I did everything that depended on me, and still nothing.” Another: “Prince Andrei lies on the Field of Austerlitz, suffers, sees the suffering of others and then suddenly sees the calm triumphant face of Napoleon, holds back the pain in order to despise.” The following shows Bolkonsky’s new attitude towards Napoleon: “Bonaparte is a hero, but he hates him.” Prince Andrei saw that “Bonaparte with his chin is not a man,” that there was “no life” in him, and that he was a “machine.” And finally, the main thought that permeated the last scene: “He saw the high, indifferent sky, and the structure of his thoughts was consistent with the sky. Napoleon seemed small."
After the Battle of Shengraben, Prince Andrei felt that he could “find meaning and thought in these crowds.” The first month in the war, meetings with the highest circles of the army and approaching the rank and file were an important stage in the life of Prince Andrei. Bolkonsky's feat on the Field of Austerlitz now became the logical conclusion of the impressions and thoughts that preceded him. During this period, many of his views on military affairs and, most importantly, on the role of the people in war changed.
The thoughts captured in the notes are developed in the last chapter, dedicated to Prince Andrei in the war of 1805. According to the first version of the scene on the Field of Austerlitz, the only thing that was imprinted in the mind of Prince Andrei when he fell wounded was “a limited piece of stubble with crumpled straw.” Tolstoy replaced this image, which creates the impression of hopelessness and limits the event to the theme of physical death, with the sky. In the corrected text we read: “And suddenly there is nothing but the sky - a high sky with gray clouds crawling across it - nothing but a high sky.”
Andrei Bolkonsky is an image that embodies the best features of representatives of the advanced noble society of his time. This image has multiple connections with other characters in the novel. Andrei inherited a lot from the old Prince Bolkonsky, being the true son of his father. He is related in spirit to his sister Marya. He is given in complex comparison with Pierre Bezukhov, from whom he differs in greater realism and will.
The younger Bolkonsky comes into contact with commander Kutuzov and serves as his adjutant. Andrei sharply opposes secular society and staff officers, being their antipode. He loves Natasha Rostova, he is directed towards the poetic world of her soul. Tolstoy's hero moves - as a result of persistent ideological and moral quests - towards the people and towards the worldview of the author himself.
We first meet Andrei Bolkonsky in the Scherer salon. Much in his behavior and appearance expresses deep disappointment in secular society, boredom from visiting living rooms, fatigue from empty and deceitful conversations. This is evidenced by his tired, bored look, the grimacing that spoiled his handsome face, the manner of squinting when looking at people. He contemptuously calls those gathered in the salon “stupid society.”
Andrei is unhappy to realize that his wife Lisa cannot do without this idle circle of people. At the same time, he himself is here in the position of a stranger and stands “on the same level as a court lackey and an idiot.” I remember Andrei’s words: “Drawing rooms, gossip, balls, vanity, insignificance - this is a vicious circle from which I cannot get out.”
Only with his friend Pierre is he simple, natural, filled with friendly sympathy and heartfelt affection. Only to Pierre can he admit with all frankness and seriousness: “This life that I lead here, this life is not for me.” He experiences an irresistible thirst for real life. His sharp, analytical mind is attracted to her; broad requests push him to great achievements. According to Andrey, the army and participation in military campaigns open up great opportunities for him. Although he could easily stay in St. Petersburg and serve as an aide-de-camp here, he goes to where military operations are taking place. The battles of 1805 were a way out of the deadlock for Bolkonsky.
Army service becomes one of the important stages in the quest of Tolstoy's hero. Here he is sharply separated from the numerous seekers of a quick career and high awards who could be met at headquarters. Unlike Zherkov and Drubetsky, Prince Andrei organically cannot be a servitor. He does not look for reasons for promotion in ranks or awards and deliberately begins his service in the army from the lower ranks in the ranks of Kutuzov’s adjutants.
Bolkonsky acutely feels his responsibility for the fate of Russia. The Ulm defeat of the Austrians and the appearance of the defeated General Mack gives rise to disturbing thoughts in his soul about what obstacles stand in the way of the Russian army. I noticed that Andrei had changed dramatically in army conditions. He has lost all pretense and fatigue, the grimace of boredom has disappeared from his face, and energy is felt in his gait and movements. According to Tolstoy, Andrei “had the appearance of a man who does not have time to think about the impression he makes on others and is busy doing something pleasant and interesting. His face expressed great satisfaction with himself and those around him.” It is noteworthy that Prince Andrei insists that he be sent to where it is especially difficult - to Bagration’s detachment, of which only one tenth can return after the battle. Another thing is noteworthy. Bolkonsky’s actions are highly appreciated by commander Kutuzov, who singled him out as one of his best officers.
Prince Andrei is unusually ambitious. Tolstoy's hero dreams of such a personal feat that would glorify him and oblige people to show him enthusiastic respect. He cherishes the thought of glory, similar to that which Napoleon received in the French city of Toulon, which would lead him out of the ranks of unknown officers. One can forgive Andrei for his ambition, understanding that he is driven by “the thirst for such a feat that is necessary for a military man.” The Battle of Shengraben had already, to some extent, allowed Bolkonsky to show his courage. He boldly travels around positions under enemy bullets. He alone dared to go to Tushin's battery and did not leave until the guns were removed. Here, in the Battle of Shengraben, Bolkonsky was lucky enough to witness the heroism and courage shown by the artillerymen of Captain Tushin. In addition, he himself discovered military endurance and courage here, and then one of all the officers stood up to defend the little captain. Shengraben, however, had not yet become Bolkonsky’s Toulon.
The Battle of Austerlitz, as Prince Andrei believed, was a chance to find his dream. It will certainly be a battle that will end in a glorious victory, carried out according to his plan and under his leadership. He will indeed accomplish a feat at the Battle of Austerlitz. As soon as the ensign carrying the regiment’s banner fell on the battlefield, Prince Andrei raised this banner and shouted “Guys, go ahead!” led the battalion into the attack. Having been wounded in the head, Prince Andrei falls, and now Kutuzov writes to his father that the son of the old Prince Bolkonsky “fell a hero.”
It was not possible to reach Toulon. Moreover, we had to endure the tragedy of Austerlitz, where the Russian army suffered a heavy defeat. At the same time, Bolkonsky’s illusion associated with the glory of the great hero disappeared. The writer turned here to the landscape and painted a huge, bottomless sky, upon contemplation of which Bolkonsky, lying on his back, experiences a decisive spiritual change. Bolkonsky’s internal monologue allows us to penetrate into his experiences: “How quietly, calmly and solemnly, not at all like how I ran... not like we ran, shouted and fought... Not at all like how the clouds crawl along this high, endless sky." The cruel struggle between people has now come into sharp conflict with the generous, calm, peaceful and eternal nature.
From this moment on, Prince Andrei’s attitude towards Napoleon Bonaparte, whom he revered so much, changed dramatically. Disappointment arises in him, which became especially acute at the moment when the French emperor rode past him, Andrei, with his retinue and theatrically exclaimed: “What a beautiful death!” At that moment, “all the interests that occupied Napoleon seemed so insignificant to Prince Andrei, his hero himself seemed so petty to him, with this petty vanity and the joy of victory,” in comparison with the high, fair and kind sky. And during his subsequent illness, “little Napoleon with his indifferent, limited and happy look from the misfortunes of others” began to appear to him. Now Prince Andrei severely condemns his ambitious aspirations of the Napoleonic type, and this becomes an important stage in the hero’s spiritual quest.
So Prince Andrei comes to Bald Mountains, where he is destined to endure new shocks: the birth of a son, the torment and death of his wife. At the same time, it seemed to him that it was he who was to blame for what had happened, that something had been torn away in his soul. The change in his views that arose at Austerlitz was now combined with a mental crisis. Tolstoy's hero decides never to serve in the army again, and a little later decides to completely abandon public activities. He isolates himself from life, takes care of only his household and his son in Bogucharovo, convincing himself that this is all that is left for him. He now intends to live only for himself, “without disturbing anyone, to live until death.”
Pierre arrives in Bogucharovo, and an important conversation takes place between friends on the ferry. Pierre hears from the lips of Prince Andrei words full of deep disappointment in everything, disbelief in the high purpose of man, in the possibility of receiving joy from life. Bezukhov adheres to a different point of view: “You have to live, you have to love, you have to believe.” This conversation left a deep imprint on the soul of Prince Andrei. Under her influence, his spiritual revival begins again, albeit slowly. For the first time after Austerlitz, he saw the high and eternal sky, and “something that had fallen asleep for a long time, something better that was in him, suddenly woke up joyfully and youthfully in his soul.”
Having settled in the village, Prince Andrei carries out noticeable transformations on his estates. He lists three hundred souls of peasants as “free cultivators”; on a number of estates he replaces corvée with quitrent. He appoints a learned grandmother to Bogucharovo to help mothers in labor, and the priest teaches peasant children to read and write for a salary. As we see, he did much more for the peasants than Pierre, although he tried mainly “for himself,” for his own peace of mind.
The spiritual recovery of Andrei Bolkonsky was also manifested in the fact that he began to perceive nature in a new way. On the way to Rostov, he saw an old oak tree, which “alone did not want to submit to the charm of spring”, did not want to see the sun. Prince Andrei feels the rightness of this oak, which was in harmony with his own moods, full of despair. But in Otradnoye he was lucky enough to meet Natasha.
And so he was deeply imbued with the power of life, the spiritual richness, spontaneity and sincerity that emanated from it. The meeting with Natasha truly transformed him, awakened in him an interest in life and gave birth to a thirst for active activity in his soul. When, returning home, he again met the old oak tree, he noticed how it had transformed - spreading its lush greenery like a tent, swaying in the rays of the evening sun. It turns out that “life does not end at thirty-one years old... It is necessary... so that “My life did not go on for me alone,” he thought, “so that it would be reflected on everyone and so that they all lived together with me.”
Prince Andrei returns to public activities. He goes to St. Petersburg, where he begins to work in the Speransky commission, drawing up state laws. He admires Speransky himself, “seeing in him a man of enormous intelligence.” It seems to him that “the future is being prepared here, on which the fate of millions depends.” However, Bolkonsky soon has to become disillusioned with this statesman with his sentimentality and false artificiality. Then the prince doubted the usefulness of the work that he had to do. A new crisis is coming. It becomes obvious that everything in this commission is based on official routine, hypocrisy and bureaucracy. All this activity is not at all necessary for the Ryazan peasants.
And here he is at the ball, where he meets Natasha again. This girl gave him a breath of purity and freshness. He understood the richness of her soul, incompatible with artificiality and falsehood. It is already clear to him that he is passionate about Natasha, and while dancing with her, “the wine of her charm went to his head.” Next, we watch with fascination how the love story of Andrei and Natasha develops. Dreams of family happiness have already appeared, but Prince Andrei is destined to experience disappointment again. At first, his family did not like Natasha. The old prince insulted the girl, and then she herself, carried away by Anatoly Kuragin, refused Andrei. Bolkonsky's pride was offended. Natasha's betrayal scattered dreams of family happiness, and “the sky began to press with a heavy arch again.”
The War of 1812 came. Prince Andrey again goes into the army, although he once promised himself not to return there. All petty concerns faded into the background, in particular, the desire to challenge Anatole to a duel. Napoleon was approaching Moscow. The Bald Mountains stood in the way of his army. This was an enemy, and Andrei could not be indifferent to him.
The prince refuses to serve at headquarters and is sent to serve in the “ranks”: According to L. Tolstoy, Prince Andrei “was entirely devoted to the affairs of his regiment,” cared about his people, was simple and kind in his interactions with them. The regiment called him “our prince,” they were proud of him and loved him. This is the most important stage in the development of Andrei Bolkonsky as a person. On the eve of the Battle of Borodino, Prince Andrei is firmly confident of victory. He tells Pierre: "We will win the battle tomorrow. Tomorrow, no matter what, we will win the battle!"
Bolkonsky becomes close to ordinary soldiers. His disgust for the highest circles, where greed, careerism and complete indifference to the fate of the country and people reign, is growing stronger. By the will of the writer, Andrei Bolkonsky becomes an exponent of his own views, considering the people to be the most important force in history and attaching special importance to the spirit of the army.
In the Battle of Borodino, Prince Andrei is mortally wounded. Together with other wounded, he is evacuated from Moscow. Once again he is experiencing a deep mental crisis. He comes to the idea that relationships between people should be built on mercy and love, which should be addressed even to enemies. What is necessary, Andrei believes, is universal forgiveness and firm faith in the wisdom of the Creator. And Tolstoy’s hero experiences another experience. In Mytishchi, Natasha unexpectedly appears to him and asks him for forgiveness on her knees. Love for her flares up again. This feeling warms the last days of Prince Andrei. He managed to rise above his own resentment, understand Natasha’s suffering, and feel the power of her love. He is visited by spiritual enlightenment, a new understanding of happiness and the meaning of life.
The main thing that Tolstoy revealed in his hero, after his death, continued in his son, Nikolenka. This is discussed in the epilogue of the novel. The boy is carried away by the Decembrist ideas of Uncle Pierre and, turning mentally to his father, he says: “Yes, I will do what even he would be pleased with.” Perhaps Tolstoy intended to connect the image of Nikolenka with the emerging Decembrism.
This is the result of the difficult life path of the remarkable hero of Tolstoy’s novel, Andrei Bolkonsky.
