Military events in L. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace. Depiction of war in the novel by L
“I don’t know anyone who writes about war better than Tolstoy”
Ernest Hemingway
Many writers use real historical events for the plots of their works. One of the most frequently described events is war - civil, domestic, world. The Patriotic War of 1812 deserves special attention: the Battle of Borodino, the burning of Moscow, the expulsion of the French Emperor Napoleon. Russian literature presents a detailed depiction of war in the novel “War and Peace” by L.N. Tolstoy. The writer describes specific military battles, allows the reader to see real historical figures, and gives his own assessment of the events that took place.
Causes of war in the novel "War and Peace"
L.N. Tolstoy in the epilogue tells us about “this man”, “without convictions, without habits, without traditions, without a name, not even a Frenchman...”, who is Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted to conquer the whole world. The main enemy on his way was Russia - huge, strong. Through various deceitful ways, brutal battles, and seizures of territories, Napoleon slowly moved away from his goal. Neither the Peace of Tilsit, nor Russia's allies, nor Kutuzov could stop him. Although Tolstoy says that “the more we try to rationally explain these phenomena in nature, the more unreasonable and incomprehensible they become for us,” nevertheless, in the novel “War and Peace” the cause of the war is Napoleon. Standing in power in France, having subjugated part of Europe, he missed great Russia. But Napoleon made a mistake, he did not calculate his strength and lost this war.
War in the novel "War and Peace"
Tolstoy himself presents this concept as follows: “Millions of people committed such countless atrocities against each other..., which the chronicle of all the courts of the world will not collect for centuries and which, during this period of time, the people who committed them did not look at as crimes.” . Through the description of the war in the novel “War and Peace,” Tolstoy makes it clear to us that he himself hates war for its cruelty, murder, betrayal, and meaninglessness. He puts judgments about war into the mouths of his heroes. So Andrei Bolkonsky says to Bezukhov: “War is not a courtesy, but the most disgusting thing in life, and we must understand this and not play at war.” We see that there is no pleasure, pleasure, or satisfaction of one’s desires from bloody actions against another people. It is definitely clear in the novel that war, as depicted by Tolstoy, is “an event contrary to human reason and all human nature.”
Main battle of the War of 1812
Even in volumes I and II of the novel, Tolstoy talks about the military campaigns of 1805-1807. The battles of Schöngraben and Austerlitz pass through the prism of the writer’s reflections and conclusions. But in the War of 1812, the writer puts the Battle of Borodino at the forefront. Although he immediately asks himself and his readers the question: “Why was the Battle of Borodino fought?
It didn’t make the slightest sense either for the French or for the Russians.” But it was the Battle of Borodino that became the starting point for the victory of the Russian army. L.N. Tolstoy gives a detailed idea of the course of the war in War and Peace. He describes every action of the Russian army, the physical and mental state of the soldiers. According to the writer’s own assessment, neither Napoleon, nor Kutuzov, nor even more so Alexander I expected such an outcome of this war. For everyone, the Battle of Borodino was unplanned and unexpected. The heroes of the novel do not understand what the concept of the War of 1812 is, just as Tolstoy does not understand, just as the reader does not understand.
Heroes of the novel "War and Peace"
Tolstoy gives the reader the opportunity to look at his heroes from the outside, to see them in action in certain circumstances. Shows us Napoleon before entering Moscow, who was aware of the disastrous position of the army, but moved forward towards his goal. He comments on his ideas, thoughts, actions.
We can observe Kutuzov, the main executor of the people's will, who preferred “patience and time” to the offensive.
Before us is Bolkonsky, reborn, morally grown and loving his people. Pierre Bezukhov, in a new understanding of all the “causes of human troubles,” arrived in Moscow with the aim of killing Napoleon.
Militia men “with crosses on their hats and in white shirts, talking loudly and laughing, animated and sweaty,” ready at any moment to die for their homeland.
Before us is Emperor Alexander I, who finally gave “the reins of control of the war” into the hands of the “all-knowing” Kutuzov, but still does not fully understand the true position of Russia in this war.
Natasha Rostova, who abandoned all family property and gave carts to wounded soldiers so that they had time to leave the destroyed city. She takes care of the wounded Bolkonsky, giving him all her time and affection.
Petya Rostov, who died so absurdly without real participation in the war, without a feat, without a battle, who secretly “enlisted in the hussars” from everyone. And many, many more heroes who meet us in several episodes, but are worthy of respect and recognition of true patriotism.
Reasons for victory in the War of 1812
In the novel, L.N. Tolstoy expresses thoughts about the reasons for Russia’s victory in the Patriotic War: “No one will argue that the reason for the death of Napoleon’s French troops was, on the one hand, their entry at a late time without preparation for a winter campaign deep into Russia, and on the other hand, on the other hand, the character that the war took on from the burning of Russian cities and the incitement of hatred of the enemy among the Russian people.” For the Russian people, victory in the Patriotic War was a victory of the Russian spirit, Russian strength, Russian faith in any circumstances. The consequences of the War of 1812 were severe for the French side, namely for Napoleon. It was the collapse of his empire, the collapse of his hopes, the collapse of his greatness. Napoleon not only failed to take over the whole world, he could not stay in Moscow, but fled ahead of his army, retreating in disgrace and the failure of the entire military campaign.
My essay on the topic “Depiction of war in the novel “War and Peace”” very briefly talks about the war in Tolstoy’s novel. Only after carefully reading the entire novel can you appreciate all the skill of the writer and discover interesting pages in the military history of Russia.
Work test
Russia's historical path has been very difficult. Over its centuries-old history, Russia has repeatedly been tested by wars. The theme of war is present in many works of Russian literature - from “The Lay of Igor’s Campaign” to the works of modern authors. In the novel “War and Peace” this theme is expressed especially clearly; without it it is impossible to understand JI.H.’s philosophy of life. Tolstoy.
In his novel, Tolstoy describes two wars of the early 19th century - the war of 1805-1807. in Europe and the Patriotic War of 1812. The first is carried out on foreign soil and has goals incomprehensible to the common man. The second one affects everyone, because not only the political balance in Europe, the career or family happiness of individual people, but also the existence of the world in general depends on the outcome of this war.
The fates of almost all the characters in the novel are connected with the war. War tests their worldview and moral strength. For example, Prince Andrei, who took part in both wars, at Austerlitz wanted to accomplish a feat alone, to save the entire army, strove for glory and greatness, for his “Toulon”. And after the battle, “all the interests that occupied Napoleon seemed so insignificant to him, his hero himself seemed so petty to him, with this petty vanity and joy of victory, in comparison with that high, fair and kind sky that he saw and understood, that he could not answer him.” Near Borodino, Prince Andrei, together with his regiment, together with the entire Russian army, is doing everything necessary to save Russia, he is one of many. “Prince Andrei, just like all the people of the regiment, frowning and pale, walked back and forth... with his hands behind him and his head down. There was nothing for him to do or order. Everything happened by itself.”
Young Nikolai Rostov at first perceived the war as a holiday, a parade of beautiful uniforms, he wanted to accomplish a feat in the name of the Fatherland and his beloved emperor. “The thought of defeat and flight could not enter Rostov’s head.” A real war with her blood, sweat, and the possibility of imminent death revealed Rostov’s life from the other side, as something confusing and terrible, contrary to common sense and human nature. At the same time, the war and life in the regiment help Rostov to get away from the “mess of life” and avoid its difficult questions. It is the war that gives him the opportunity to experience life and mature.
Another hero of the novel, Pierre Bezukhov, although he did not directly participate in the hostilities, was still present on the Borodino field and saw the battle. In Moscow he was captured by the French, and while in captivity he met Platon Karataev. During the war, Pierre's entire inner world changed. “He learned in his captivity, not by words, not by reasoning, but by direct feeling, what his nanny had long ago told him: that God is here, here, everywhere. In captivity, he learned that God in Karataev is greater, infinite and incomprehensible than in the Architect of the Universe recognized by the Freemasons... he threw down the pipe into which he had been looking until now through the heads of people, and joyfully contemplated around him the ever-changing, ever-great, incomprehensible and endless life."
Those heroes of the novel who did not participate in the battles were also affected by the war. For example, the Rostovs were forced to leave Moscow, leaving all their property. Natasha gave away all the carts for transporting the wounded. Near Moscow, in Mytishchi, Natasha met with Prince Andrei, who was dying from a wound. It is this meeting that spiritually regenerates Natasha and renews her. Princess Marya left Bald Mountains, although the French offered her their protection. Before leaving, she met with Nikolai Rostov, and this meeting turned out to be very important in their fate.
Some of the heroes of the novel “War and Peace” are historical figures: Napoleon, Kutuzov, Alexander I. All of them were also directly related to the war - they were generals, commanders in chief. Napoleon, possessing great power, tried to control hundreds of thousands of people. He believed that the course of the battle depended only on his orders. Tolstoy showed Napoleon during the Battle of Borodino, where he reveals other character traits of the hero: “Napoleon did not see that in relation to his troops he was playing the role of a doctor who interferes with his medicines, a role that he so correctly understood and condemned,” showing that Napoleon could not influence the course of the battle. Alexander I also does not influence the course of the Battle of Austerlitz. He left the battlefield when it was clear that the battle was lost. But Kutuzov, on the contrary, did not seek to control the troops - he only carried out the will of the people. When many generals advised Kutuzov to attack the French, he refused, realizing that the fastest way to expel the French from Russia was to let them flee themselves. Kutuzov also realized that the people did not need the capture of French generals, but the liberation of Russia from the invaders. People perceived the War of 1805 and the War of 1812 differently. In the war of 1805-1807. soldiers fought for the interests of the emperors. The people did not need this war. Therefore, the Russians lost the Battle of Austerlitz and the war in Austria. And during the War of 1812, soldiers of the Russian army defended their Fatherland, and the French, on the contrary, were invaders. The morale of the Russian soldiers was higher, and this is the strength of the army, and therefore the Russians won this war. Tolstoy says that the course of history is influenced not by individual historical figures, but by the will of the people. Thus, using the example of two wars, Tolstoy confirms his philosophy of history.
In the novel War and Peace, Tolstoy amazingly accurately depicted the scenes of war in the Shengraben, Austerlitz and Borodino battles. For example, when describing the Battle of Shengraben, Tolstoy talks about the feat of Captain Tushin. The actions of Tushin's battery saved the Russian army, although Tushin himself did not realize that he had accomplished a feat, and did not even think about the danger to which he was exposed. “As a result of this terrible hum, noise, need for attention and activity, Tushin did not experience the slightest unpleasant feeling of fear, and the thought that he could be killed or painfully wounded did not occur to him.” Tolstoy contrasts Tushin's feat with Dolokhov's feat. Dolokhov, having captured the officer, immediately announced this to the commander: “Please remember, Your Excellency!” Dolokhov expected a reward for his action, and Tushin did not even know that he was performing a feat. Tolstoy emphasizes that Tushin’s actions are real heroism, and Dolokhov’s act is false.
Describing the battles, Tolstoy emphasizes the meaninglessness of war. For example, the novel gives the following picture of the Battle of Austerlitz: “On this narrow dam, now between the wagons and cannons, under the horses and between the wheels, people disfigured by the fear of death crowded, crushing each other, dying, walking over the dying and killing each other just so that , having walked a few steps, be killed in the same way.” Tolstoy shows another scene from the Battle of Austerlitz - a red-haired artilleryman and a French soldier are fighting for a banner. "What are they doing? - thought Prince Andrei, looking at them.” And, finally, Tolstoy’s depiction of the Borodino field after the battle: “Clouds gathered, and rain began to fall on the dead, on the wounded, on the frightened, and on the exhausted, and on the doubting people. It was as if he was saying: “Enough, enough, people. Stop it... Come to your senses. What are you doing?" Thus, Tolstoy, showing the horror and senselessness of war, says that war and murder are an unnatural state for humans and humanity.
In his novel, Tolstoy talks about the influence of war not only on the fate of individual people, but also on the life of the whole world, on the course of history. “During this twenty-year period of time, a huge number of fields are not plowed; houses were burned; trade changes direction, millions of people become poorer, richer, migrate, and millions of Christian people, professing the laws of love for their neighbors, kill each other.”
Tolstoy's traditions in depicting war as a phenomenon contrary to human nature and at the same time as a unifying principle in the life of the nation, Tolstoy's views on history, on the national characteristics of the Russian people, the genre itself, which later received the name epic novel, were used by Russian writers of the 20th century and adopted by world art.
“Peter I” by Alexei Tolstoy, “Doctor Zhivago” by Pasternak, many works by Hemingway and Remarque, cinema and painting of the 20th century would have been impossible without Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” especially without depicting the theme of war.
In the whole world, since the time of Homer to this day, there is no literary creation that would describe life with such comprehensive simplicity as Leo Tolstoy did in the epic “War and Peace.”
The novel is as deep as life
The work does not have main characters in the usual sense of the word. The Russian genius let into the pages of the book a stream of life, which sometimes rumbles with war, sometimes subsides with peace. And in this stream live ordinary people who are its organic parts. They sometimes influence him, but more often they rush along with him, solving their daily problems and conflicts. And even the war in the novel “War and Peace” is depicted truthfully and vitally. There is no glorification in the novel, but there is also no whipping up of passions. Ordinary people live in conditions of war and peace, and express themselves exactly in a way that is consonant with their inner state.
Without artistic simplification
The theme of war in the novel “War and Peace” is not artificially emphasized by the author. It occupies exactly as much space in the work as it occupied in the real life of the Russian people at the beginning of the 19th century. But Russia waged constant wars for 12 years, and thousands of people were involved in them. Europe is in turmoil, the essence of the European soul is looking for new ones. Many are sliding into “two-legged creatures”, of which there are millions, but who are “aimed at being Napoleons.”
For the first time, Prince Kutuzov appears on the pages of the novel before the Battle of Austerlitz. His conversation, deep and meaningful, with Andrei Bolkonsky, reveals to us the solution to the mystery of the role that Kutuzov played in the fate of his people. The image of Kutuzov in War and Peace is strange at first glance. This is a commander, but the writer does not seem to notice his military talents. Yes, they were in it, if compared with Napoleon and Bagration, they were not very outstanding. So how did he surpass the military genius? And with those feelings, that love that burst out of his heart at Austerlitz, when the Russian troops fled: “That’s what hurts!”
Leo Tolstoy mercilessly depicts the logic of war. The unknown Tushin, and not the military leadership talents of Bagration and Kutuzov, saved the Russian army from complete destruction in 1805. There is no doubt that the queen is a powerful figure, but her strength turns into the strength of a horseless horse when the pawns refuse to die for him: she kicks and bites, and that’s it.
A separate topic is battles
For writers before Leo Tolstoy, this was a fertile topic that helped reveal to readers the best spiritual qualities of the heroes of their works. But the count was not a writer and “ruined everything.” He caught the sound of human souls. His heroes act exactly in accordance with the sound of their souls, whether there is war or peace. The image of Napoleon in “War and Peace” is shown from the truest side, namely, in a human tone. He is no more significant than the same Natasha Rostova. They are both of equal size for life. And both go from battle to battle.
Only Napoleon's path ran through blood, and Natasha's - through love. Napoleon does not doubt for a moment that he controls the destinies of peoples. This is what his soul sounds like. But Napoleon was just chosen by that incredible coincidence of circumstances when a terrible idea was instilled into the brains of all the peoples of Europe - to kill each other. And who could be more consistent with this idea than Napoleon - an underdeveloped dwarf with an overdeveloped mind?
Battles big and small
Descriptions of battles in the novel “War and Peace” are present in full, large and small, during war and during peace. The retreat of Russian troops from the border was also a battle. “When will we stop?” - the young commanders impatiently ask Kutuzov. “And then when everyone wants to fight,” answered the wise old Russian man. For them, war is a game and a service in which they receive awards and career advancement. And for the one-eyed veteran and the people, this is only one life.
The Battle of Borodino is the apogee of the struggle between two great nations, but just an episode in the life of everyone who remained in this world after it. The battle raged for just a day. And something changed in the world after him. Europe has come to its senses. She chose the wrong path of development. And she no longer needed Napoleon. Then there is only withering. And neither the military genius nor the political mind could save him from this, because the whole people on the Borodino field said that he longed with all his heart to remain himself.
Knights of War
The war in the novel “War and Peace” is described from the points of view of various people. Among them there are those for whom war is their natural element. who wielded an ax like a wolf wielded his teeth; Dolokhov, buster and player; Nikolai Rostov, a balanced and infinitely brave man; Denisov, poet of drinking and war; the great Kutuzov; Andrei Bolkonsky is a philosopher and charismatic personality. What do they have in common? And the fact that, besides war, there is no other life for them. The image of Kutuzov in “War and Peace” in this regard is simply perfectly drawn. He was even, like Ilya Muromets, pulled from the stove to save the Fatherland.
These are all knights of war, in whose heads it is not a worldview or imagination, but an animal sense of danger. Kutuzov is not much different from Tikhon Shcherbaty. They both don’t think, don’t imagine, but feel like animals that there is danger and where it comes from. It’s not hard to imagine a drunken Tikhon begging near the church. At the end of the novel, Nikolai Rostov talks with Bezukhov about something, but in all conversations he sees only battle scenes.
In the novel “War and Peace” there are no ordinary lies, nor those told for the sake of Leo Tolstoy, who is ruthlessly fair in his portrayal of his heroes. He never condemns them, but he doesn’t praise them either. He doesn’t even make Andrei Bolkonsky, seemingly his favorite hero, a role model. Living next to him is torment, because he is also a knight of war, even in peacetime. Natasha's death and dying love were his reward, because he is essentially a Napoleon in his soul, who is more terrible than the real Napoleon. Everyone loved him, but he loved no one. The spiritual power of this knight of war was felt even when peace descended upon him before his death. Even the kindest man, Pierre Bezukhov, with a boundless heart, fell under his influence, and this is such a danger to the world that it is worse than the bloodiest war.
Rift in the skies
Andrei Bolkonsky lay on a field near Austerlitz and saw the heavens. Infinity opened up above him. And suddenly Napoleon and his retinue arrive. “Here is a wonderful death!” said the one who knew nothing about death, much less life. And what can someone who does not feel life in another person understand in this matter? The question is rhetorical. And the war scenes in the novel War and Peace are all rhetorical.
People rush around the earth, shoot at each other, tear out pieces of bread from other people's mouths, humiliate and deceive their loved ones. Why all this when the heavens are bottomlessly calm? The heavens are split because there is also a split in human souls. Everyone wants to live next to a good neighbor, but at the same time inflicts emotional wounds on the good person.
Why are war and peace close together in life?
Tolstoy's depiction of war in the novel War and Peace is inseparable from the depiction of the world, because in real life they are of the same essence. And the Russian genius paints real life, and not what he would like to see around him. His philosophical reasoning in the work is quite primitive, but there is more truth in them than in the thoughts of highbrow scientists. After all, a person is not a formula on paper.
Passions often speak louder than reason. Karataev is not wise because he is smart, but because he has absorbed life into every particle of his body: from the brain to the tips of his nails. The novel reflects the consubstantiality of the endless process of life, in which is the immortality of the human race, and therefore of each person individually.
And the world cracked in half - the rift smokes
Bolkonsky is on the operating table, and next to him they are sawing Anatoly Kuragin’s leg. And the first thought in Andrey’s head: “Why is he here?” With such thoughts, any scene in human life is ready to turn into a battle scene in a single moment. The war in the novel “War and Peace” is not only depicted there, where guns fire and people run into a bayonet attack. When a mother screams about her younger son being killed, isn't this a battle scene? And what could be more battle-like than when two people talk about the lives and deaths of millions of people whom both have never even seen? The heavenly light is split into war and peace, split.
The beauty of life in the novel "War and Peace"
Leo Tolstoy is merciless in his depiction of human images, and merciless in his depiction of human life itself. But its beauty is seen in every word of the great novel. Bezukhov pulls a child out of the fire, they are looking for the mother. Someone sleepily answers questions, petrified from troubles. But Bezukhov himself and his thoughtless actions are perceived by readers as the extraordinary beauty of the human soul.
And Bolkonsky overheard the delights of Natasha Rostova in the silence of the night! And even the unfortunate Sonya, with her childless, barren soul, also has her own melancholy, aching beauty. She fought for her happiness and lost the war to an inexorable fate. War in the novel “War and Peace” has thousands of shades, just like beauty.
The homely Tushin, who throws cannonballs at the enemy with his hands, grows into a mythical, beautiful giant not only in his imagination. He becomes akin to the oak tree with which Andrei Bolkonsky spoke. The scene of the meeting of the generals afterwards is presented in the novel through the perception of a child. And how beautiful it looks how the child saw and remembered the meeting: “Grandfather woke up, and everyone obeyed him”!
Reach for the skies
After writing the novel “War and Peace,” according to many critics, Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy only twice managed to rise to the top of super-truthful literary art - in “The Devil” and in “Confession,” but not for long.
In L. N. Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace,” one of the most important themes is war, as the title suggests. The writer himself indicated that the work implements “folk thought,” thereby emphasizing that he was interested in the fate of the country in difficult times of historical trials. War in the novel is not a background; it appears before the reader in all its terrible grandeur, long, cruel and bloody.
For the heroes of the novel, this is a holy war, because they are defending their homeland, their loved ones, their families. According to the writer, “for the Russian people there could be no question: whether it would be good or bad under the rule of the French in Moscow. It was impossible to be under French rule: that was the worst thing.” Of course, Tolstoy, as a patriot, sharply opposes predatory and aggressive war, unjust and aggressive. The writer calls this type of war “an event contrary to human reason and all human nature.” But a just war, caused by the need to defend one’s Fatherland, a war of liberation, of a defensive nature, is considered by Tolstoy as sacred. And the writer glorifies the people participating in such a war, performing feats in the name of freedom of their native land and in the name of peace. According to the author of the epic, “the time will come when there will be no more war.” But while it is going on, we need to fight. The war of 1812 - unlike previous campaigns of 1805-1807, which took place outside of his native country - Tolstoy reproduces and characterizes as a people's battle, significant and justified in the eyes of the Russians.
The Patriotic War united the numerous forces of Russia into a single whole. Not only the army, but the entire people rose to defend the Motherland. On the eve of the day when the French occupied Moscow, “the entire population, like one person, abandoning their property, flowed out of Moscow, showing with this negative action the full strength of their national feeling.” Similar unanimity was typical for residents of other places, other Russian lands. “Starting from Smolensk, in all cities and villages of the Russian land<…>the same thing happened that happened in Moscow.”
Tolstoy depicts war exclusively truthfully, avoiding idealization, showing it “in blood, in suffering, in death.” He does not turn a blind eye to scenes of wounds, mutilations, and the manifestation of vanity, careerism, ostentatious courage, and desire for ranks and awards among a certain part of the officers. But for the most part, Russian soldiers and officers show miracles of courage, heroism, courage, perseverance and valor. The author of the novel does not ignore the confusion, bustle, and panic that occurs during the war. This was the case at Austerlitz, when “an unpleasant consciousness of the ongoing disorder and confusion swept through the ranks, and the troops stood, bored and discouraged.” But the writer’s main attention is focused on the planned and clearly carried out heroic attacks of the Russian army.
The great artist of the word shows the people as the main participants in the holy war. He rejects the interpretation of the battles of 1812 as a clash between Alexander I and Napoleon. The fate of battles and the outcome of the entire war, according to Tolstoy, depends on people like Tushin and Timokhin, Karp and Vlas: strength, energy, offensive spirit, and the will to win come from them. Just not from each individual person, but from the entire people. The critic N.N. Strakhov expressively said in his letter to Tolstoy: “When the Russian kingdom no longer exists, new peoples will study through War and Peace what kind of people the Russians were.”
Reproducing the events of the war, the writer does not limit himself to depicting a panorama of what is happening on the battlefield, and is not content with detailed battle scenes, such as the heroic transition of Bagration’s detachment near Shengraben or the Battle of Borodino. Tolstoy rivets the reader's attention to individual participants in the battles, showing them in close-up and devoting entire pages of his novel to them. This is how Tolstoy depicts Staff Captain Tushin, the hero of the Battle of Shengraben: a small, thin, dirty artillery officer with large, intelligent and kind eyes. There is something not entirely military in his figure, “somewhat comic, but extremely attractive.” And this modest and shy man accomplishes a remarkable feat: with his battery, deprived of cover, he delays the French throughout the entire battle. “Nobody ordered Tushin where and with what to shoot, and he, after consulting with his sergeant major Zakharchenko,<…>I decided that it would be good to set the village on fire.” And he lights Shengraben, showing “heroic fortitude,” as Prince Andrei defined his actions.
Reproducing the Battle of Borodino, the writer again highlights the courageous behavior and exploits of the heroes. These are the artillerymen of Raevsky’s battery, unitedly, “burlatskiy”, loading the guns and giving a crushing rebuff to the French. This is a feat of General Raevsky himself, who brought his two sons to the dam and, with them next to them, led the soldiers into the attack under terrible fire. This is the behavior of Nikolai Rostov, who captured a French officer.
But not only battle scenes are important for Tolstoy. The behavior of people in the rear also allows us to talk about their patriotism or, conversely, about the absence of it. Old man Bolkonsky, who due to his age cannot go to war, wholeheartedly supports his only son defending his native land: for him it is not so terrible to lose his son as to endure the shame because of his cowardice. However, such shame does not threaten him: he raised his son to be a true patriot. The act of Natasha, Tolstoy’s favorite heroine, was wonderful, giving carts to the wounded and selflessly caring for Prince Andrei. I admire the courage of the very young Petya Rostov, who decides to go to war. And one is struck by the spiritual callousness of people like Helen, who do not care about the fate of the Motherland in difficult times for it.
Wartime is a difficult time. Both by behavior in war and on the home front, people reveal different qualities. Tolstoy “tests” his heroes with war, and many of them withstand this difficult test with dignity: Andrei Bolkonsky, Nikolai Rostov, Natasha and, of course, Pierre Bezukhov, who, having gone through many trials, was able to gain life wisdom and truly feel and love your Fatherland.
Military events in L. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace”
Prepared by Sergey Golubev
Prince Adrey and the war
The novel describes the military events of 1805-1807, as well as the Patriotic War of 1812. We can say that war as a certain objective reality becomes the main plot line of the novel, and therefore the fate of the heroes must be considered in the same context with this event “hostile” to humanity. But at the same time, the war in the novel has a deeper understanding. This is a duel between two principles (aggressive and harmonious), two worlds (natural and artificial), a clash of two life attitudes (truth and lies).
Throughout his life, Andrei Bolkonsky dreams of “his Toulon.” He dreams of accomplishing a feat in front of everyone so that, having proven his strength and fearlessness, he can plunge into the world of fame and become a celebrity. “I will be sent there,” he thought, “with a brigade or division, and there, with a banner in my hand, I will go forward and break everything that is in front of me.” At first glance, this decision seems quite noble; it proves the courage and determination of Prince Andrei. The only repulsive thing is that he is focused not on Kutuzov, but on Napoleon. But the Battle of Shengraben, namely the meeting with Captain Tushin, becomes the first crack in the hero’s belief system. It turns out that a feat can be accomplished without knowing it, not in front of others; but Prince Andrei is not yet fully aware of this. It can be noted that in this case, Tolstoy sympathizes not with Andrei Bolkonsky, but with Captain Tushin, a good-natured man who comes from the people. The author even somewhat condemns Bolkonsky for his arrogance and somewhat contemptuous attitude towards ordinary people. (“Prince Andrei looked at Tushin and, without saying anything, walked away from him.”) Shengraben undoubtedly played a positive role in the life of Prince Andrei. Thanks to Tushin, Bolkonsky changes his view of the war.
It turns out that war is not a means of achieving a career, but dirty, hard work where an inhumane deed is committed. The final realization of this comes to Prince Andrey on the Field of Austerlitz. He wants to accomplish a feat and accomplishes it. But he later remembers not his triumph, when he ran towards the French with a banner in his hands, but the high sky of Austerlitz.
Battle of Shengraben
Depicting the war of 1805 at Shengraben, Tolstoy paints various pictures of military operations and various types of its participants. We see the heroic transition of Bagration's detachment to the village of Shengraben, the Battle of Shengraben, the courage and heroism of Russian soldiers and the poor work of the quartermaster, honest and courageous commanders and careerists who use the war for personal gain. Typical of staff officers is Zherkov, who at the height of the battle was sent by Bagration with an important assignment to the general of the left flank.
The order was to retreat immediately. Due to the fact that Zherkov did not find the general, the French cut off the Russian hussars, many were killed and Zherkov’s comrade Rostov was wounded.
As always, Dolokhov is daring and brave. Dolokhov “killed one Frenchman at point-blank range and was the first to take the surrendering officer by the collar.” But after that he will approach the regimental commander and say: “I stopped the company... The whole company can testify. Please remember...” Everywhere, always, he remembers first of all about himself, only about himself; everything he does, he does for himself.
They are not cowards, these people, no. But in the name of the common good, they cannot forget themselves, their pride, their careers, their personal interests, no matter how many loud words they speak about the honor of the regiment and no matter how they show their concern for the regiment.
Tolstoy shows with particular sympathy the commander Timokhin, whose company “alone remained in order” and, inspired by the example of its commander, unexpectedly attacked the French and drove them back, making it possible to restore order in the neighboring battalions.
Another unsung hero is Captain Tushin. This is a “small, stooped man.” In his figure “there was something special, not at all military, somewhat comical, but extremely attractive.” He has “big, smart and kind eyes.” Tushin is a simple and modest man who lives the same life as the soldiers. During the battle, he does not know the slightest fear, he commands cheerfully and animatedly, at decisive moments, consulting with Sergeant Major Zakharchenko, whom he treats with great respect. With a handful of soldiers, heroes just like their commander, Tushin carries out his job with amazing courage and heroism, despite the fact that the cover stationed next to his battery left on someone’s orders in the middle of the case. And his “battery... was not taken by the French only because the enemy could not imagine the audacity of firing four unprotected cannons.” Only after receiving the order to retreat, Tushin left the position, taking away the two guns that had survived the battle.
Battle of Austerlitz
Battle of Austerlitz 1805 The general battle between the Russian-Austrian and French armies took place on November 20, 1805 near the town of Austerlitz in Moravia. The Russian-Austrian army numbered almost 86 thousand people. with 350 guns. It was commanded by General M.I. Kutuzov. The French army numbered about 3 thousand people. with 250 guns. It was headed by Napoleon. The main forces of the allied army under the command of F. F. Buxhoeveden attacked the corps of Marshal L. Davout and, after stubborn battles, captured the Castle, Sokolnitsy, and Telnitz. Meanwhile, the 4th Allied column under the command of I.-K. Kolovrata, which formed the center of the allied forces, went on the offensive late, was attacked by the main forces of the French and left the Pratsen heights dominating the area. Under these conditions, Buxhoeveden received an order from Kutuzov to retreat, but did not carry it out. Meanwhile, Napoleon, having defeated the center of the allied forces, deployed his troops and attacked the left wing of the allies (Buxhoeveden) with the main forces both from the front and from the flank. As a result, the Allied forces withdrew with heavy losses. The losses of Russian troops amounted to 16 thousand killed and wounded, 4 thousand prisoners, 160 guns; Austrians - 4 thousand killed and wounded, 2 thousand prisoners, 26 guns; French - about 12 thousand killed and wounded. As a result of the defeat at Austerlitz, the 3rd anti-French coalition collapsed.
conclusions
One of the main lines of the book is Prince Andrei's disappointment in the very idea of war, in heroism, in the special calling of the military. From the dream of accomplishing a feat and saving the entire army, he comes to the idea that war is a “terrible necessity,” which is permissible only when “they have ruined my house and are going to ruin Moscow,” that the military class is characterized by idleness, ignorance, cruelty, debauchery, and drunkenness.
So, depicting military events, Tolstoy not only presents broad battle pictures of the Shengraben, Austerlitz and Borodino battles, but also shows the psychology of an individual human personality involved in the flow of military actions. Army commanders, generals, staff commanders, combat officers and the mass of soldiers, partisans - all these diverse participants in the war, bearers of very different psychology are shown by Tolstoy with amazing skill in the most diverse conditions of their combat and “peaceful” life. At the same time, the writer, himself a former participant in the defense of Sevastopol, strives to show the real war, without any embellishment, “in blood, in suffering, in death,” with deep and sober truth, depicting the wonderful qualities of the people’s spirit, alien to ostentatious courage, pettiness, vanity, and, on the other hand, the presence of all these traits in the majority of officers - nobles.
