Book Twelve
The proverbs, of which his talk was full,
were . . . those folk sayings which taken without a context seem
so insignificant, but when used appositely suddenly acquire a significance
of profound wisdom.
(See Important Quotations Explained)
St. Petersburg high society continues its glittering life,
almost unaware of the nation’s sufferings. Helene has fallen ill
and is being treated by an Italian doctor, though everyone knows
her trouble results from her marital dilemma. At one of Anna Pavlovna’s
parties, Vasili Kuragin reads a solemn greeting to the tsar from
a bishop, praying for military victory. Anna predicts that good
news will arrive the next day, the tsar’s birthday.
Indeed, the next day, a great deal of news breaks: the
victory at Borodino, the deaths of several generals, and the sudden
death of Helene, the result of a drug overdose. The tsar receives
a letter from Rastopchin, recounting Kutuzov’s decision to leave
Moscow. The tsar writes to Kutuzov, expressing his great regret
at this decision. Kutuzov responds with a messenger, Colonel Michaud,
to tell the tsar of the burning of Moscow. The tsar tearfully vows
to do everything possible to save his country and defeat Napoleon.
The narrator reminds us that even in such dire times,
patriotism and heroism were still less important in people’s lives
than their own trivial, everyday, private interests. Nicholas, getting
by like everyone else, travels to Voronezh to buy remounts for his
regiments. After conducting his business, Nicholas attends a local
governor’s ball and flirts with another man’s attractive wife. Then,
Mary’s aunt Malvintseva, who is also present, invites Nicholas to
visit her and Mary. The governor’s wife offers to arrange a marriage
between Nicholas and Mary. Nicholas admits he is attracted to Mary,
but says that he loves and is engaged to Sonya. The governor’s wife counters
that marrying Sonya would not be beneficial in the long run. The
governor’s wife’s plan disturbs Mary, who is still overcome with
grief about her father. Though Mary is worried about how to speak
to Nicholas, she is nonetheless charming to him when he visits,
and seems illuminated by love. Nicholas is attracted to Mary, but
is confused by his promises to Sonya and by his inability to imagine
being married to Mary. He is impressed by her moral seriousness,
but also a bit scared of her.
Nicholas receives a letter from Sonya graciously ending
her engagement with him and informing him that Natasha is nursing the
wounded Andrew. Sonya has written the letter under pressure from
Countess Rostova, who has demanded that Sonya repay her debts to
the family by giving up Nicholas so he can marry Mary. Secretly,
however, Sonya feels that Nicholas is destined to be hers. She reminds
Natasha of her supposed vision of Andrew lying down, saying that
the prophecy has come true, and implying that Natasha and Andrew
are destined to be together.
Meanwhile, the French treat Pierre with hostile respect
while they hold him captive on suspicions of espionage. Pierre feels
sad when his captors make fun of him. The authorities try his case
with a guilty verdict as a foregone conclusion. Pierre refuses to
state his name, which annoys the French. They lead Pierre through
the burning streets of Moscow to the office of the marshal, Davout.
Pierre establishes a human connection with Davout, but is nonetheless
led out to his execution. Pierre reflects that some kind of system
beyond his understanding has condemned him to death. Pierre and
five other prisoners are led into a field. The other prisoners are
shot and buried by riflemen, some of whom are sickened by their
crimes. Pierre is unexpectedly pardoned and taken as a prisoner
to a dirty shed. Stupefied by the experience, Pierre does not understand
what has happened. One of the other prisoners, Platon Karataev, impresses
Pierre with his sincerity, simplicity, good sense, faith, and kindness
to his dog. The middle-aged Platon never complains, and he treats
everyone with unfailing good cheer.
Princess Mary, receiving news that the Rostovs are at
Yaroslavl, sets off immediately to see her brother Andrew, who is
with them. She arrives at the home where the Rostovs are staying,
and the Countess greets her warmly. Natasha tearfully speaks to
Mary about Andrew’s condition. Natasha takes Mary into the room where
Andrew is lying, and Mary is shocked to see her brother looking
soft and gentle. Mary knows this appearance to be a sign of his approaching
death. Andrew quietly tells Mary that fate has brought him together
with Natasha after all. Andrew also speaks to Mary about Nicholas,
giving his approval of their marriage. Mary prays to God for Andrew’s
soul. Andrew, aware he is dying, contemplates life and death. He
confesses his love to Natasha, who cares for him tirelessly. Wavering
between consciousness and oblivion, Andrew thinks of love as a unifying
force, but he is aware that his ideas are cerebral and lack something.
Under Natasha’s and Mary’s loving watch, Andrew dies.
