Book Two, Chapters 1–5
In October 1805, the Russian army,
led by General Kutuzov, is settled near Braunau in Austria, the
home of their ally, the Archduke Ferdinand. The soldiers are clean
and orderly despite holes in their boots. Pierre’s friend Dolokhov,
demoted to the ranks, is criticized for inappropriate clothing,
and he becomes resentful. The one-eyed General Kutuzov inspects
the troops accompanied by his adjutant, Andrew Bolkonski. Kutuzov
promises Dolokhov a promotion should he distinguish himself in battle.
In conference with the Austrian commander, Kutuzov insincerely expresses
regret that the tsar has not ordered the Russian troops to join
the Austrian forces. Bolkonski rebukes a Russian who jokes about
a recent major Austrian defeat.
At the Russian hussar (light cavalry) camp near Braunau,
Nicholas Rostov and his commanding officer, Denisov, enjoy leisure
time until a fellow officer, Telyanin, steals Denisov’s purse and
Nicholas demands it back. Nicholas accuses Telyanin publicly, which
earns Nicholas charges of insubordination from his superior. Nicholas refuses
to apologize.
The Russian troops retreat over a river, pursued by the
enemy. The military scene is chaotic. A Russian officer, Nesvitski,
is nearly crushed on a bridge as the troops march over it, and he
hears snatches of their various conversations. He does not recognize
a cannonball when it splashes in the water. Orders are misunderstood.
The Russian hussars, including Nicholas, succeed in burning the
bridge under enemy fire, although three Russians are shot. The commanding
officers somewhat selfishly weigh the lost lives against praise
for the platoon.
Book Two, Chapters 6–10
Despite rumors of Napoleon’s retreat, the French troops
are gaining ground against Kutuzov’s beleaguered Russian forces.
Andrew Bolkonski is sent to the Austrian government-in-exile with
news of a recent Russian victory. Along the way he gives money to
wounded soldiers and dreams of the battle. Disappointed that the
Austrian Minister of War seems more affected by the death of Schmidt,
an Austrian general, than by the Russian victory, Andrew then chats with
his friend Bilibin, a highly regarded diplomat. Andrew shares his
astonishment that the blundering Austrians are not appreciating Kutuzov’s
victories. Andrew reflects that the recent victory is not significant
compared to the loss of Vienna to the French. Bilibin speculates
darkly about the fact that Austria is considering a separate peace
with the French, though Andrew refuses to believe this rumor. Andrew
and Bilibin’s officer friends chat about women and Andrew’s upcoming
meeting with the Austrian emperor. The officers advise Andrew to
praise the emperor’s supply of provisions for the Russian army,
even if he must lie in order to do so.
During the meeting, the emperor, pleased with Andrew’s
news, confers state honors upon him. Returning from official visits, Andrew
is surprised to find that Napoleon is again pursuing the Russian
troops. Bilibin advises Andrew to stay with him rather than heroically
join his own army on the move. Andrew, however, staunchly remains
faithful to his army. But when he watches the Russian soldiers on
the road, rudely refusing right of way to a helpless doctor’s wife,
he muses that the army is a chaotic mob. Meeting with Kutuzov, Andrew
expresses his wish to join the imperiled battalion commanded by
Prince Bagration. Kutuzov warns that the battalion is doomed, but
Andrew says that is exactly why his presence is needed there. Meanwhile,
Kutuzov tricks the French commander Murat into believing a ploy,
ultimately weakening the French and earning Murat a chastising letter
from Napoleon.
Book Two, Chapters 11–16
A battle looms. Andrew witnesses Dolokhov chatting and
laughing with the enemy across the battle lines. Drinking vodka,
the troops muse upon life and death. The battle begins. Andrew rides
beside Prince Bagration, noting that Bagration reacts to news of
events on the field as though he had planned for them to happen,
and that his manner improves the morale of all who speak to him.
The two men encounter many wounded soldiers at a site where a Russian
detachment has been overwhelmed. The commanding officer begs Bagration
to turn back, but Bagration refuses.
