The images of Napoleon and Kutuzov are key. Essay on the topic “Images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace”

The author of the novel openly speaks of his rejection of Napoleon and his aggressive policy, thereby belittling the dignity and merits of this commander. The writer's sympathies are on the side of Kutuzov, a truly people's commander, who was not accepted by high society, which condemned his war tactics. Simplicity, kindness, modesty, closeness to a simple soldier - these are the feelings that Tolstoy highlights in Kutuzov. That is why the field marshal does not correspond to the world’s ideas about the commander of the Russian army.

Kutuzov and Napoleon are antipodes in the novel. The writer's attitude towards them is also different.

Napoleon is the idol of his time; people worshiped him, imitated him, saw him as a genius and a great man. His fame spread almost all over the world. But Tolstoy did not idealize this universal idol; the novel gradually dethrones him as a commander and as a great personality. This is how Tolstoy describes Napoleon’s “great army”: “It was a crowd of marauders, each of whom was carrying or carrying a bunch of things that seemed valuable and necessary to him.” The man who imagined himself to be the ruler of the world was very far from the simple soldier and his army, thanks to which he reached the heights of greatness. This is an egoist who thinks only about himself and his desires, subordinating everything only to his whims. “Everything that was outside of him did not matter, because everything in the world, as it seemed to him, depended only on his will.” Tolstoy shows that all this is just a whim, self-deception. Along with arrogance, Bonaparte is characterized by hypocrisy, posing, and falsehood: “With the ability, characteristic of Italians, to change his facial expression at will, he approached the portrait and pretended to be thoughtfully tender.” Even in front of the portrait of his son, he plays a role.

Napoleon is cruel and treacherous. He is indifferent to the fate of the army. He indifferently looks at the death of the lancers crossing the river, he is indifferent to the death of ordinary soldiers, since they are only a tool for him to achieve his goals. He is flattered by the love of the people, but at the same time Bonaparte does not feel a drop of gratitude, everyone was obliged to unquestioningly obey his will: “Millions of people killed and tortured each other because Napoleon was power-hungry.”

What is most striking is the attitude of the French emperor towards this war, which has as its goal the enslavement of Europe, Russia, and the whole world. He refers to war as something natural in human history: “War is a game, people are pawns that should be correctly placed and moved,” “Chess is placed; the game starts tomorrow.”

The author expresses his attitude towards Napoleon through portrait sketches, which are distinguished by their realism and irony: “A little man in a gray frock coat... He was in a blue uniform, open over a white vest that went down to his round stomach, in white leggings that hugged the fat thighs of his short legs.”

Tolstoy’s attitude towards Kutuzov is completely different. Here there is love, and respect, and understanding, and compassion, and delight, and admiration. With each new meeting, the author reveals more and more the image of the people's commander. From the first minutes of our acquaintance, we begin to respect this person, just like the author himself. He is close to the people, true patriotism is inherent in him, he is devoid of any panache. We see his modesty and simplicity; a simple soldier is close and dear to him. We feel how Kutuzov suffers, seeing Russian soldiers fleeing from the battlefield. He is one of the few who understood the absurdity, unnecessaryness and cruelty of this war. The great commander lives the same life with ordinary soldiers, their thoughts. He is modest and simple in everyday life. Kutuzov has military wisdom, he is laconic, does not shout or try to prove that he is right, he always waits. He is loved and respected by ordinary soldiers. The commander and his army are united, this is what the author showed in his work.

Napoleon and Kutuzov appear so different before us in L. N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace.” With the help of these images, the writer wanted to show his attitude towards great personalities and their role in history.

Essay on the topic “Images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” updated: June 28, 2019 by: Scientific Articles.Ru

Napoleon's quest for European dominance resulted in a series of wars. Russian Emperor Alexander I sent an army to help the losing Prussian king. After several battles, none of which turned the tide of the war, the Battle of Friedland took place on June 2, 1807. The battle ended with the defeat of the Russian troops and the conclusion of the Peace of Tilsit. An unfavorable treaty for Russia led to the Patriotic War of 1812, the causes, course and results of which have been discussed for two centuries.

Prerequisites for the conflict

The agreement, concluded on June 25, 1807, was called “shameful” among the Russian nobility. The main condition was Russia's obligation to join the continental blockade against Great Britain, Napoleon's enemy. The Russian emperor, who did not want to spoil relations with a long-time partner, continued trade using the help of intermediaries. Alexander's actions and the increase in customs duties on French goods angered Napoleon.

To control Alexander, Napoleon threatened to restore Poland to the borders outlined before the creation of his vassal Duchy of Warsaw, which would deprive Russia of part of its territory. Napoleon's pressure irritated the Russian emperor.

Political disagreements and the double refusal of the Russian Emperor Napoleon, who wanted to enter into a monarchical marriage with one of Alexander’s sisters, led to a final deterioration in Russian-French relations.

Progress of the war

On June 12, 1812, battle-hardened, trained French troops crossed the Neman River and invaded Russia. Napoleon planned to defeat the Russian troops piecemeal and capture Moscow. The Russian command was faced with the task of uniting the main forces under the leadership of M. B. Barclay de Tolly and P. Bagration. The meeting took place on July 22, 1812 near Smolensk. The command of the combined forces was entrusted to M.I. Kutuzov.

A brilliant strategist, M.I. Kutuzov, decided to give the French a battle, which began on August 26, 1812, 100 km from Moscow, near the town of Borodino. Opinions differ about who won the Battle of Borodino: losses on both sides amounted to 50 thousand people. None of the military leaders solved the tasks set for themselves: Kutuzov was unable to defend Moscow, Napoleon did not advance further. The moral victory of the Russian troops, who defended their positions at the cost of shed blood, became indisputable.

On September 1, 1812, the military council decided to leave Moscow. When the French entered the city, abandoned by residents and troops, fires began. Russian troops set up a camp near the village of Tarutino, blocking the French from entering the southern provinces. The people joining the partisan movement fiercely resisted. Napoleon left Moscow and sent a not very combat-ready army south to Kaluga. The battle of Maloyaroslavets broke his plans. The French turned. The battle of Vyazma put the retreat to flight. The battle near the Berezina River forced the Great Army to forget its plans of conquest and leave Russian lands. On December 25, 1812, Alexander 1’s manifesto about the end of the war was published.

Reasons for the victory of the Russian Empire

The victory in the Patriotic War of 1812, the course and results of which changed the fate of Russia, would not have happened without the active participation of representatives of all social strata.

The partisan movement that unfolded in the occupied territories caused significant damage to the Great Army;
A general patriotic upsurge rallied the people;
The dedication of the participants in the hostilities was demonstrated.

Even if we briefly consider the results of the Patriotic War of 1812, we cannot fail to mention its participants. The names of officers who showed heroism in defending their native land are forever inscribed in Russian history:

cavalry general N.N. Raevsky, who distinguished himself in the battles of Saltanovka and Smolensk;
Infantry General P.I. Bagration, under whose command in the Battle of Borodino the left wing of the army repelled all French attacks;
Field Marshal General M.B. Barclay de Tolly, who commanded the center and right wing of the Russian army in the battle of Borodino;
Infantry General A.P. Ermolov, who at the critical moment of the Battle of Borodino personally led the soldiers to a commanding height;
Field Marshal General M.I. Kutuzov, who put the advance of the Great Army to flight and was popularly called the savior of the Fatherland.

The high level of Russian commanders and economic potential for creating a combat-ready army played a significant role.

The final defeat of the French as one of the results of the War of 1812

The liberation of Russian land did not promise protection from a second attempt at conquest by the French emperor. Alexander decided on the further movement of the army. Russian troops entered European lands at the beginning of 1813; they were joined by Prussia and Austria. In the Battle of Leipzig, called the “Battle of the Nations,” Napoleonic troops were defeated. At the beginning of 1814, allied troops entered France. Napoleon signed his abdication.

In March 1815, Napoleon managed to regain power for a short time. The Allies crushed his army at the Battle of Waterloo (June 1815).

Representatives of the allied countries gathered in Vienna in September 1815 (Congress of Vienna) to discuss the future of Europe and resolve controversial issues. At the suggestion of the Russian emperor, the European monarchies united in the “Holy Alliance”. The main positions in it were occupied by Russia, Prussia and Austria, which played a major role in the fall of Bonaparte. The territorial division of Europe was revised: France was deprived of its conquered lands. almost entirely went to Russia, which also applies to the results of the War of 1812.

The impact of the war on the Russian economy

Briefly speaking about the results of the War of 1812, Russia paid a high price for victory - the Russian economy suffered significant losses: agriculture and infrastructure were destroyed. The part of Russia through which Napoleonic troops passed had to be completely restored. The damage amounted to about a billion rubles, a lot of money for the Russian budget.

And on the culture of Russia

Even if we briefly describe the results of the War of 1812, we cannot help but touch on this topic. The French emperor wrote to Alexander after the capture of Moscow: “The beautiful, magnificent city of Moscow no longer exists.” This state of affairs did not last long. Burnt chaotic buildings were replaced by new ones, old narrow streets were replaced by wide boulevards, and theater buildings appeared. The Russian diplomat and writer A. S. Griboyedov wrote about the renewed Moscow: “The fire contributed a lot to its decoration.” Alexander I made the decision to build the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on Vorobyovy Gory in Moscow in honor of the victory of the Russian troops immediately after the end of hostilities.

The themes of war and love for the Fatherland became central to his work for decades. Artists, writers, musicians, and theater directors raised it in their creativity. The world-famous novel by L. N. Tolstoy “War and Peace”, P. I. Tchaikovsky’s overture “1812”, the Alexander Column on Palace Square in St. Petersburg are dedicated to the victory of the Russian people. Rejection of the foreign and glorification of the domestic has become fashionable. The French language, which before the war occupied first place in Russian noble society, gave way to the Russian language, which by the middle of the 19th century had firmly entered into everyday life.

Development of freethinking

The war of liberation united Russian society and aroused patriotic sentiments. Representatives of all social strata gave their lives, offered money and food, and courtyards and estates to house troops. The publicist V. G. Belinsky called 1812 the year of a great era in the life of Russia, which awakened previously dormant forces.

The rank and file who reached Paris saw a life alien to their usual way of life. Returning home, ordinary participants in the war believed that they had earned gratitude by uncomplainingly enduring difficulties and heroism and were waiting for the abolition of serfdom. Not wanting to tolerate the power of the nobility any longer, they staged riots.

The aspirations of the people did not bring results; the victory did not lead to socio-economic reforms. The sovereign, called a “liberator” in Europe, did nothing to liberate his people.

Doubts about the state structure resulted in the development of a social movement whose goal was the achievement of tsarism. Faced with the European order, the enlightened part of society, the nobility, felt the difference between the appearance of a great empire and the outdated foundations of society. The leading part of the Russian nobility united in secret societies, the first of which was the “Order of Russian Knights,” created in 1815. The Decembrists called themselves “children of 1812,” their first organization, the “Union of Salvation,” was formed under the leadership of Colonel of the General Staff A.M. Muravyov in 1816. The ruling circles, on the contrary, strengthened their assessment of the existing system as a durable and even advanced state structure.

The changes caused by the results of the Patriotic War of 1812 can briefly be called a complete breakdown of stereotypes and the beginning of the transformation of Russian society.

Implications for Russian domestic policy

Due to the annexation of new territories, the Russian Empire expanded and the composition of the population grew. Because of the Polish people's struggle for sovereignty, Poland became a problem for the next hundred years. Serfdom spread to new territories, which worsened the situation.

The importance of war for foreign policy

The causes, course and results of the War of 1812 showed Russia’s tough position in protecting its own interests and helped it take its rightful place in European politics. Russia's international authority, which had seriously fallen after the conclusion of the Peace of Tilsit, grew noticeably and over the next 10 years the country occupied an important place in world politics.

Formed at the suggestion of Alexander 1, the “Holy Alliance” assumed the interaction of European monarchs and became the forerunner of the European Parliament. The Vienna system lasted four decades; During this period, Europe was able to refrain from serious military conflicts.

In short: the results of the War of 1812 for Europe were the end of the era of the Napoleonic wars and the establishment of a new European order.

Images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the epic novel by L.N. Tolstoy "War and Peace"

An important feature of the style of artistic prose of L.N. Tolstoy is the technique of contrasting comparisons. The writer contrasts lies with truth, the beautiful with the ugly. The principle of antithesis underlies the composition of the epic novel War and Peace. Tolstoy here contrasts war and peace, false and true life values, Kutuzov and Napoleon, two heroes representing two polar points of the novel.

While working on the novel, the writer was amazed that Napoleon aroused the constant interest and even admiration of some Russian historians, while Kutuzov was viewed by them as an ordinary, unremarkable person. “Meanwhile, it is difficult to imagine a historical person whose activity would be so invariably and constantly directed towards the same goal. It is difficult to imagine a goal more worthy and more consistent with the will of the entire people,” the writer notes. Tolstoy, with his inherent great insight as an artist, correctly guessed and perfectly captured some of the character traits of the great commander: his deep patriotic feelings, love for the Russian people and hatred of the enemy, sensitive attitude towards the soldier. Contrary to the opinion of official historiography, the writer shows Kutuzov at the head of a just people's war.

Kutuzov is depicted by Tolstoy as an experienced commander, a wise, straightforward and courageous person who sincerely cares for the fate of the Fatherland. At the same time, his appearance is ordinary, in a certain sense “down to earth.” The writer emphasizes the characteristic details in the portrait: “fat neck”, “plump old hands”, “stooped back”, “bleak white eye”. However, this hero is very attractive to readers. His appearance is contrasted with the spiritual strength and intelligence of the commander. “The source of this extraordinary power of insight in the sense of occurring phenomena lay in that popular feeling that he carried within himself in all its purity and strength. Only the recognition of this feeling in him made the people, in such strange ways, choose him, an old man in disgrace, against the will of the tsar as representatives of the people’s war,” notes L.N. Tolstoy.

In the novel, Kutuzov first appears before us as the commander of one of the armies in the military campaign of 1805-1807. And here the writer outlines the character of the hero. Kutuzov loves Russia, cares about the soldiers, and is easy to deal with them. He strives to protect the army and opposes senseless military operations.

He is a sincere, straightforward, courageous person. Before the Battle of Austerlitz, having heard from the sovereign a demand for immediate action, Kutuzov was not afraid to hint at the tsar’s love for ostentatious shows and parades. “After all, we are not in Tsaritsyn Meadow,” noted Mikhail Illarionovich. He understood the doom of the battle at Austerlitz. And the scene at the military council when reading Weyrother’s disposition (Kutuzov was dozing at this military council) also has its own explanation. Kutuzov did not agree with this plan, but understood that the plan had already been approved by the sovereign and a battle could not be avoided.

During the difficult time of the Napoleonic army’s attack on Russia, the people elect a commander “against the will of the tsar as representatives of the people’s war.” And the writer explains what is happening this way: “While Russia was healthy, a stranger could serve her, and there was an excellent minister; but as soon as she is in danger, she needs her own, dear person.” And Kutuzov becomes such a person. This war reveals the best qualities of an outstanding commander: patriotism, wisdom, patience, insight and foresight, closeness to the people.

On the Borodino field, the hero is depicted in the concentration of all moral and physical forces, as a person who cares, first of all, about preserving the morale of the army. Having learned about the capture of the French marshal, Kutuzov conveys this news to the troops. And vice versa, he tries to prevent unfavorable news from leaking into the mass of soldiers. The hero carefully monitors everything that happens, being in firm confidence in victory over the enemy. “He knew from long military experience and understood with his senile mind that it is impossible for one person to lead hundreds of thousands of people fighting death, and he knew that the fate of the battle is not decided by the orders of the commander-in-chief, not by the place where the troops stand, not by the number of guns and killed people , and that elusive force called the spirit of the army, and he watched over this force and led it, as far as it was in his power,” writes Tolstoy. Kutuzov attaches great importance to the Battle of Borodino, since it is this battle that becomes the moral victory of the Russian troops. Assessing the commander, Andrei Bolkonsky thinks about him: “He will have nothing of his own. He won’t come up with anything, won’t do anything, but he will listen to everything, remember everything and won’t allow anything harmful. He understands that there is something stronger and more significant than his will - this is the inevitable course of events, and he knows how to see them, knows how to understand their meaning, and in view of this meaning knows how to renounce participation in these events, from his personal will aimed at different."

Tolstoy's depiction of Napoleon and Kutuzov is contrasting. Napoleon always counts on the audience, he is spectacular in his speeches and actions, strives to appear before others in the image of a great conqueror. Kutuzov, on the contrary, is far from our traditional ideas about a great commander. He is easy to communicate with and his behavior is natural. And the writer emphasizes this idea by depicting him at the military council in Fili, before the surrender of Moscow. Russian generals, together with the commander-in-chief, gather in a simple peasant hut, and the peasant girl Malasha sees them. Kutuzov here decides to leave Moscow without a battle. He surrenders Moscow to Napoleon in order to save Russia. When he then finds out that Napoleon has left Moscow, he cannot contain his feelings and cries with joy, realizing that Russia has been saved.

It is worth noting that the novel reveals the views of L.N. Tolstoy on history, on the art of war. The writer claims that “the course of world events is predetermined from above, depends on the coincidence of all the arbitrariness of the people participating in these events, and that the influence of Napoleon on the course of these events is only external and fictitious.” Thus, Tolstoy denies the role of the commander’s personality in this war, his military genius. Kutuzov in the novel also underestimates the role of military science, attaching importance only to the “spirit of the army.”

The commander Kutuzov is opposed in the novel by Napoleon Bonaparte. From the very beginning, the writer debunks Napoleon, highlighting everything small and insignificant in his appearance: he is a “little man”, “with small hands” and an “unpleasantly cloying smile” on his “swollen and yellow face.” The author persistently emphasizes Napoleon’s “physicality”: “fat shoulders”, “thick back”, “overgrown fat chest”. This “physicality” is especially emphasized in the morning toilet scene. By undressing his hero, the writer, as it were, removes Napoleon from his pedestal, brings him down to earth, and emphasizes his lack of spirituality.

Tolstoy's Napoleon is a gambler, a narcissistic, despotic man, thirsty for fame and power. “If Kutuzov is characterized by simplicity and modesty, then Napoleon is like an actor playing the role of the ruler of the world. His theatrically false behavior in Tilsit during the awarding of the Russian soldier Lazarev with the French Order of the Legion of Honor. Napoleon behaves no less unnaturally before the Battle of Borodino, when... the courtiers present him with a portrait of his son and he pretends to be a loving father.”

On the eve of the Battle of Borodino, the emperor says: “Chess is set, the game will begin tomorrow.” However, the “game” here turns into defeat, blood, and human suffering. On the day of the Battle of Borodino, “the terrible sight of the battlefield defeated the spiritual strength in which he believed his merit and greatness.” “Yellow, swollen, heavy, with dull eyes, a red nose and a hoarse voice, he sat on a folding chair, involuntarily listening to the sounds of gunfire and not raising his eyes... He endured the suffering and death that he saw on the battlefield. The heaviness of his head and chest reminded him of the possibility of suffering and death for him. At that moment he did not want Moscow, victory, or glory for himself.” “And never, however,” writes Tolstoy, “until the end of his life he could understand neither goodness, nor beauty, nor truth, nor the meaning of his actions, which were too opposite to goodness and truth, too far from everything human...”

Tolstoy finally debunks Napoleon in the scene on Poklonnaya Hill, before entering Moscow. “Waiting for a deputation from Moscow, Napoleon is thinking about how he should appear before the Russians at such a majestic moment for him. As an experienced actor, he mentally played out the entire scene of the meeting with the “boyars” and composed a speech to them with his generosity. Using the artistic device of the hero’s “internal” monologue, Tolstoy reveals in the French emperor the petty vanity of the player, his insignificance, his posturing.” “Here it is, this capital; she lies at my feet, awaiting her fate... And this is a strange and majestic minute!” “...One word of mine, one movement of my hand, and this ancient capital perished... Here it lies at my feet, playing and trembling with golden domes and crosses in the rays of the sun.” The second part of this monologue contrasts sharply with the first. “When it was announced to Napoleon with due caution that Moscow was empty, he looked angrily at the person who reported this and, turning away, continued to walk in silence... “Moscow is empty. What an incredible event!” - he spoke to himself. He did not go to the city, but stopped at an inn in the Dorogomilovsky suburb.” And here Tolstoy notes that the denouement of the theatrical performance was unsuccessful - “the power that decides the fate of peoples does not lie in the conquerors.” Thus, Tolstoy denounces Bonapartism as a great social evil, “contrary to human reason and all human nature.”

It is characteristic that the writer strove for an objective assessment of Napoleon's military talent. Thus, before the Battle of Austerlitz, Bonaparte was able to correctly assess the military situation: “his assumptions turned out to be correct.” But still, according to Tolstoy, “in historical events, great people are only labels that give a name to the event...” “Napoleon,” the writer notes, “during all this time of his activity, he was like a child who, holding on to the ribbons tied inside the carriage , imagines that he rules."

Thus, the main driving force of history, according to Tolstoy, is the people. And the writer’s truly great personalities are simple, natural, and bearers of “national feeling.” Kutuzov appears as such a person in the novel. And “there is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth,” therefore Napoleon appears in Tolstoy as the embodiment of extreme individualism, aggression, and lack of spirituality.

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images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel War and Peace
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image of Kutuzov and Napoleon

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Depiction of historical figures in works of art Images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in L.N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace”

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Goal: Determine the features of the image of historical figures (Kutuzov and Napoleon) in a work of art. Objectives: Consider the images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the interpretation of L.N. Tolstoy; Find the distinctive features of Tolstoy’s interpretation of images; Draw conclusions

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Tolstoy's views on the role of personality in history The historical process is an element. A person in history plays only a leading role. A person can be great only when he submits to the general course of history. The course of history is decided by the masses. All historical events are predetermined from above.

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Kutuzov Kutuzov, like Suvorov, was one of the remarkable Russian people. Having an extensive education, he had eloquence and the ability to dominate minds. “Even Ribas won’t deceive him,” Suvorov said about his favorite, Kutuzov. Always cheerful, sociable, he was distinguished by amazing composure in the most difficult situations. Strict calculation and restraint were his hallmarks.

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He knew how to talk to a soldier and, like Suvorov, knowing that ceremonial tinsel and external splendor were not to the heart of the Russian commoner, he, being already the commander-in-chief, appeared before the troops on a small Cossack horse, in an old frock coat without epaulettes, in a cap and with a whip across shoulder.

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In the novel “War and Peace” he is presented as the inspirer and organizer of the victories of the Russian people. Kutuzov is a truly folk hero. He is guided in his actions by the national spirit. Kutuzov appears in the novel as a simple Russian man, alien to pretense, and at the same time as a wise historical figure and commander.

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The main thing in Kutuzov is his blood connection with the people, “that national feeling that he carries within himself in all its purity and strength.” He correctly assessed the significance of the Battle of Borodino, declaring that it was a victory.

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Tolstoy put him above Napoleon because he understood the course of history and accepted it. This is exactly the kind of commander that was needed to fight the Patriotic War of 1812.

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Tolstoy emphasizes that after the war moved to Europe, the Russian army needed another commander in chief: “The representative of the people’s war had no choice but death. And he died."

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Features of the image of Kutuzov Tolstoy deliberately distorts the image of Kutuzov. In Tolstoy's depiction, Kutuzov is a living face. Tolstoy gives this image in the perception of various individuals, delving into psychological analysis. Kutuzov “knew that the fate of the battle was decided not by the orders of the commander-in-chief, not by the place where the troops stood, not by the number of guns and killed people, but by that elusive force called the spirit of war, and he followed this force and led it, as far as it was in his power."

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The inconsistency of the image of Kutuzov Kutuzov appears in the novel as a commander, with all his passivity, accurately assessing the course of military events and unerringly directing them. That is, Kutuzov acts as an active figure, hiding enormous volitional tension behind external calm.

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Napoleon Napoleon worked extremely hard and read books in various fields of knowledge: travel, geography, history, strategy, tactics, artillery, philosophy. In addition, he achieved enormous success in mathematics.

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Bonaparte himself determined the order of his first two functions when he declared: “There are only two powerful forces in the world: the saber and the spirit. Ultimately the spirit conquers the saber.”

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Napoleon appears in the novel as the arrogant ruler of France, blinded by glory, considering himself the driving force of the historical process. He takes on actor's poses and utters pompous phrases. Tolstoy's Napoleon is a “superman” for whom “only what happened in his soul” is of interest. And “everything that was outside of him did not matter to him, because everything in the world, as it seemed to him, depended only on his will.”

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Tolstoy believed that Napoleon was like “a child who, holding on to the strings tied inside the carriage, imagines that he is ruling.” In the war with Russia, Napoleon turned out to be weaker than his opponent, the “strongest in spirit.”

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The writer depicts this famous commander and outstanding figure as a “little man” with an “unpleasantly feigned smile” on his face, with “fat breasts”, “a round belly” and “fat thighs of short legs”.

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Features of the portrayal of Napoleon Napoleon in the novel is the antipode of Kutuzov. Tolstoy opposed the cult of Napoleon. Napoleon is an aggressor who attacked Russia, an ambitious man striving for world domination. Napoleon "was already convinced that intelligence, constancy and consistency are not needed for success." There was no meaning in Napoleon’s actions other than whim, but “he believed in himself, and the whole world believed in him.”

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Conclusions Kutuzov expresses the interests of the people - Napoleon thinks about his own glory. Comparing two great commanders. Tolstoy concludes: “There is and cannot be greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth.” Therefore, it is Kutuzov who is truly great - a people’s commander who thinks about the glory and freedom of the Fatherland.

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Questions and tasks Compare the behavior of Kutuzov and Napoleon before the Battle of Austerlitz Compare the behavior of Kutuzov and Napoleon before the Battle of Borodino Compare the portraits of Kutuzov and Napoleon given in the novel Give a comparative description of the images of Kutuzov and Napoleon.

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Biographical information about Kutuzov Chronology September 5 (16), 1745 - born in St. Petersburg; 1759 - graduated with honors from the Noble Artillery School; 1764–1765 - took part in hostilities in Poland; 1768–1774 - took part in the Russian-Turkish war; 1774 - near Alushta received a bullet wound to the temple, lost his right eye; 1801 - military governor of St. Petersburg; 1805 - commander-in-chief of the Russian army at Austerlitz; 1806–1807 - was appointed Kyiv military governor; 1808 - corps commander of the Moldavian Army; March 7 (19), 1811 - Commander-in-Chief of the Moldavian Army; August 8 (20), 1812 – commander-in-chief of the Russian army; August 26 (September 7), 1812 - the battle of Borodino, followed by the surrender of Moscow; Winter 1812-1813 - the Russian army under the command of Kutuzov pursued the French and inflicted a decisive defeat on them in the battle on the Berezina River; April 16 (28), 1813 - before the start of the Foreign Campaign, Kutuzov fell ill and died in the German town of Bunzlau (Silesia) on April 16 (28), 1813.

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The noble family of Golenishchev-Kutuzov traces its origins to a certain Gabriel, who settled in the Novgorod lands during the time of Alexander Nevsky (mid-13th century). Among his descendants in the 15th century was Fyodor, nicknamed Kutuz, whose nephew was called Vasily, nicknamed Boots. His sons began to be called Golenishchev-Kutuzov and were in the royal service. Grandfather M.I. Kutuzov only rose to the rank of captain, his father was already promoted to lieutenant general, and Mikhail Illarionovich earned hereditary princely dignity. Children: Praskovya, Anna, Elizaveta, Ekaterina, Daria. Two of them (Liza and Katya) had their first husbands die fighting under the command of Kutuzov. Since the field marshal did not leave any descendants in the male line, the surname Golenishchev-Kutuzov was transferred to his grandson, Major General P.M., in 1859. Tolstoy, son of Praskovya.

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Contemporaries about Kutuzov “Only the recognition of this feeling in him made the people, in such strange ways, choose him, an old man in disgrace, against the will of the tsar as representatives of the people’s war.” L. N. Tolstoy “All the best, priceless features of the Russian national character distinguish the nature of this extraordinary personality, right down to the rare ability to treat a defeated enemy humanely, even compassionately, to recognize and respect the enemy’s courage and other military qualities.” Tarle

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Biographical information about Napoleon Chronology August 15, 1769 - Napoleon Bonaparte was born on the island of Corsica. 1793 - Organization of the successful siege of Toulon, which rebelled against the Revolution. 1796-1797 - Successful conduct of the Italian campaign. 1798-1799 - Conducting the Egyptian campaign and the campaign against Syria. June 14, 1800 - Defeat of Austrian troops at Marengo. December 2, 1805 - Destruction of the Russian-Austrian army at Austerlitz. July 8, 1807 - Conclusion of the Peace of Tilsit with Russia. 1808 - Conquest of Spain. June 1812 - The war with Russia begins. September 7, 1812 - Battle of Borodino. October 16-19, 1813 - Defeat near Leipzig in the “Battle of the Nations.” April 11, 1814 - Napoleon's first abdication. February 1815 - Napoleon's flight from Elba. March 20, 1815 - Entry into Paris, beginning of the “100 days” of rule. June 18, 1815 - Defeat in the battle with the troops of the anti-French coalition at Waterloo. October 15, 1815 - Napoleon arrives at St. Helena. May 5, 1821 - Death of the former Emperor of France Napoleon Bonaparte.

The victory of the army depends on the experience and skill of the military leader. Leo Tolstoy admires Kutuzov's military skill. At the cost of burning Moscow, the great commander managed to save the army, and therefore preserve the country’s statehood. A comparative description of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel “War and Peace” makes it possible to analyze the reasons for the defeat of the Russian army in the first half of the Patriotic War of 1812 and its victory during the second half of the military campaign.

Comparison of the appearance of the two heroes

Main facial feature Kutuzova is a smile and a lonely tear against the background of a one-eyed facial expression (the Russian field marshal lost an eye due to a wound received in a battle with a Turkish landing force in 1774). The hero met the Patriotic War of 1812 as a very old man in his seventh decade, and went through it with heavy steps. The plump, bright face of Mikhail Illarionovich was adorned with the wise expression of a lonely eye socket; he was corpulent and stooped due to his venerable age, but this did not prevent the prince from skillfully leading the army.

Napoleon was forty years old when he attacked Russia, his prominent belly looked ridiculous given his small stature. Bonaparte carefully monitored his appearance. The emperor's hands stood out with aristocratic whiteness, and his body was enveloped in the aroma of exquisite cologne. The excessive fullness of his legs was revealed by tight white leggings, and his fat neck was emphasized by the blue collar of his military jacket.

Character traits of Kutuzov and Napoleon

Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov He became famous among the soldiers for his kindness, often showing concern for the rank and file, for ordinary people. The prince was distinguished by his attentiveness, noticing individual details of what was happening around him. His Excellency was not embarrassed by the complexity of any situation; he remained calm and unperturbed under any circumstances. The field marshal moved slowly, sleepily shifting from foot to foot.

Kutuzov expressed his thoughts clearly, concisely, with special charm and fatherly intonation. Leo Tolstoy emphasizes the simplicity of the military leader and closeness with the people. Neither by his posture nor by his demeanor does the hero play any specific role, but remains an ordinary person. An old man tends to be interested in beautiful women and joke around with his subordinates.

Contemporaries noted Kutuzov's habit of addressing officers and soldiers kindly. Bolkonsky knows that the boss is weak to tears, capable of sincerely expressing sympathy, and a person who believes to the depths of his soul. The heroes of the novel speak of the field marshal as a wise commander who recognizes that in some moments of the war it is better not to interfere, giving history the opportunity to develop arbitrarily.

Napoleon On the contrary, he has a high opinion of his actions. The egocentrism of the Emperor of France makes him think that his own decisions are the only correct ones. Tolstoy paints a portrait of a narcissistic little man. Provoking the murder of millions of soldiers is baseness, insignificance and intellectual limitation, dictated by the whim of unlimited power.

Table of comparative characteristics of Kutuzov and Napoleon

Kutuzov:

The field marshal smiled sincerely at the corners of his lips, thereby decorating his disfigured face.
Unpretentious to the conditions of life in the field, he could stay in any hut.
He considers it his mission to save Russia from enslavement by an enemy army.
Fatherly attitude towards soldiers, parting words before battle are short and to the point. For example: “Get some sleep!”
Personally takes part in the main battles of the military campaign of 1812.
Understands that the outcome of the war depends on many factors, including the morale of ordinary soldiers.
How a religious person recognizes his small significance in the historical process.

Napoleon:

The imperial smile was deceitful, but his eyes remained indifferent.
Gravitating towards luxury, the courtyard amazes with its splendor.
He wants to conquer the whole world in order to impose his cultural values and enrich himself at the expense of other states.
He believes that the army wins only thanks to his craft of waging war, known for pathetic long speeches before battles.
Tries to stay at a distance from the line of fire.
He thinks that everything in life depends solely on his will.
He believes that the world revolves around him, his role in everything that happens is key, he is destined to change the picture of Europe.

Leo Tolstoy repeatedly reminds: Kutuzov kept his soldiers from bloody battles, tried in every possible way to avoid the death of the army, even at the cost of the surrender of Moscow. For the commander-in-chief, war is a national disaster, his fate is to help the people survive, to free themselves from the fate of suffering a foreign conqueror on their land.

Napoleon obsessed with war, he sees himself as a key figure in history who changed the map of the world in the literal sense of these words. Examining the Borodino field, strewn with the corpses of soldiers from both armies, the emperor admires the mortal appearance of the wounded Bolkonsky.

The reason for Russia's victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 lies in the unity of the state and the people. Leo Tolstoy shows each person, be it a peasant or a nobleman, as an insignificant grain of sand in society. As soon as people unite in a single historical process, their strength increases many times over and turns into a victorious wave, sweeping away in its path any campaign launched by an evil genius. Kutuzov loved his people and appreciated their patriotic power and natural will to freedom.