Prince Andrew's father - war and peace. Old Prince Bolkonsky

There are two fathers and two sons of the Bolkonskys in the book. The essay will talk about the old Prince Bolkonsky, his relationship with his son, and about Prince Andrei in the role of a father. Only in the theme one should see not just family issues, associated in Tolstoy’s book also with the images of the Rostovs, Kuragins, and the plot of the “Epilogue,” but also a special biblical reflection. The theme of God the Father and God the Son sounds with particular force in the “Epilogue”, in the episode of Nikolenka’s oath.
But first, let's look at the images of the two older Bolkonskys. Prince Nikolai Andreevich is, of course, an extraordinary person, one of those who built a powerful Russian state in the 18th century, a close associate of Catherine II, a general-in-chief, who occupied a prominent position precisely because of his talents, and not the desire to make a career. He is one of those who served the Fatherland and was never served, as evidenced by his resignation and even exile under Paul. His appearance reflected the features of Tolstoy’s noble and wealthy maternal grandfather, General N.S. Volkonsky, a proud man, an atheist, about whom there is a legend that he fell out of favor by refusing to marry Pavel’s mistress, for which he was first exiled to the distant northern Grumant, and then to his estate near Tula. Bolkonsky - ancient princely family, Rurikovich, aristocrats, to whom royal family- not a decree, they are rightfully proud of their more ancient family and services to the Fatherland. The old prince passed on his high concept of honor, pride, independence, nobility and sharpness of mind to his son. Both despise upstarts, careerists like Kuragin, although Bolkonsky, apparently, made the only exception for the old Count Bezukhov, who apparently belonged to new nobility, to Catherine’s favorites (his prototype to some extent was Count Bezborodko). The titles of these “new people” were, like their wealth, not generic, but granted. Friendship with Pierre, the son of old Bezukhov, went to Prince Andrei, apparently also inherited from the friendship of his father with Pierre's father.
It should also be noted that both Bolkonskys are versatile, educated, gifted people who are close to the ideas of humanism and enlightenment; they treat their serfs humanely, despite their outward severity and demandingness towards themselves and others. Princess Marya knew that her father’s peasants were prosperous, that the needs of the peasants were primarily taken into account by her father, which prompted her to primarily take care of the peasants when leaving the estate due to an enemy invasion.
When comparing Prince Andrey and his father, however, they forget that the characters of both are given in development. Prince Andrei, of course, has gone much further than Nikolai Andreevich, for whom he always respects and admires (it is not for nothing that he asks his father not to leave his grandson when he leaves for the war). Bolkonsky the father believed in progress and the future greatness of the Motherland, which he served with all his might. Bolkonsky the son - Tolstoy's main ideological hero - is skeptical about the state and power in general. High idea service to the Fatherland, which inspired his father, is transformed by Prince Andrei into the idea of ​​serving the world, the unity of all people, the idea of ​​universal love and the unification of humanity with nature. Old Prince lives in Russia, and his son feels like a citizen, even, better said, part of the Universe. He accomplishes a feat, but not a feat of a patriot. This is the asceticism of the apostle, and it is not for nothing that Tolstoy gives him the apostolic name - Andrei, but this name is synonymous with the word Russia, because the Apostle Andrei is the patron saint of Russia, who predicted a great future for the Slavs who inhabited these lands. Russia must give the world an example of love and non-resistance, open new era unity of all people, continuing the covenant of Christ: “there is neither Greek nor Jew...” Christianity was a step forward in spiritual development humanity, because it recognized all people as brothers in Christ, sons of the one God, and did not single out any chosen people. In this sense, Tolstoy's Apostle Andrei curses war, not dividing wars into just and aggressive. War is murder, according to Tolstoy’s hero, and murder is always (in any war) contrary to God and the law of love. In the name of these ideas, Tolstoy’s apostle Andrei accepted martyrdom with his regiment, which did not fire a single shot, but survived.
It must be said that the old prince, at first somewhat skeptical of these apostolic, ascetic aspirations of his children - his son, in whom he anxiously finds something more than selfless service to the Fatherland, and his Christian daughter - at the end of his life, perhaps, I am inclined to admit that they are right. At first, the father is very harsh towards Prince Andrei and Princess Marya, in whom, for all their devotion to their father, some kind of spiritual independence is felt. The father mocks the princess’s religiosity, but in his son, with anxiety and internal rejection, he generally finds some spiritual resources and aspirations that are incomprehensible to him. The father, for example, approves of Prince Andrei’s desire for glory and his departure to war in 1805, but explains this with the desire to “conquer Bonaparte.” Having instilled in his son moral purity and se-
A serious attitude towards the family, the old man Bolkonsky, however, does not take into account his feelings for Natasha, trying in every possible way to prevent his son’s new marriage. And Prince Andrei’s father astutely notices Prince Andrei’s feelings about misunderstanding on Liza’s part and immediately consoles his son with the fact that “they are all like that.” In a word, from the point of view of the old prince, there is no love, there is only strict fulfillment of duty. For old Bolkonsky, Prince Andrei has too much living life, spiritual sophistication, and striving for ideals. Bolkonsky's father does not want to marry his daughter at all, not believing in the possibility of happiness in marriage, also believing that to continue the family name, one grandson is enough - the child of Prince Andrei and Lisa. However, before his death, the old prince's usual harshness towards children disappears. He asks forgiveness for his crippled life from his daughter and, in absentia, from his son. Princess Marya will still be happy, and the old prince speaks prophetic words about his son before his death: “Russia is lost!” Maybe he only now realized that his son brought into the world an idea greater than patriotism and service to the Fatherland.
Another Nikolai Bolkonsky - Nikolenka - will continue the ideas of his father. In "Epilogue" he is 15 years old. For six years he was left without a father. And even before the age of six, the boy spent little time with him. In the first seven years of Nikolenka’s life, his father participated in two wars, stayed abroad for a long time due to illness, devoted a lot of effort to transformative activities in the Speransky commission (of which the old prince was proud, who would probably have been upset if he had learned about Prince Andrei’s disappointment in state activities) .
The dying Bolkonsky leaves his son something like an old encrypted will about the “birds of the sky.” He does not pronounce these gospel words out loud, but Tolstoy says that the prince’s son understood everything, even more than an adult, wise person with life experience, could understand. As a “bird of heaven”, which in the Gospel is a symbol of the soul, not having “image and form”, but constituting one essence - love - Prince Andrei comes, as promised, to Nikolenka after his death. The boy dreams of the Father - love for people, and Nikolenka takes an oath to sacrifice herself (it is not for nothing that Mucius Scaevola comes to mind) at the command of the Father (Father is a word written, of course, not by chance with a capital letter).
Thus, “War and Peace” ends with the theme of the Father and the Son, the theme of apostolic service to God, the theme of the unity of people. Tolstoy does not give clear outlines of the Christian idea, because Andrei for him is the apostle of the new, Tolstoy religion. This is shown in great detail in B. Berman’s book “The Hidden Tolstoy”. But most importantly, the theme of the Father and the Son, which is very important for Russian literature (“Fathers and Sons”), is not developed as a theme in “War and Peace” prodigal son, but as a theme of the divine service of God the Son to God the Father.

The Bolkonsky family in the novel “War and Peace” is one of the key themes in the study of this work. Its members are central to the narrative and play a decisive role in the development storyline. Therefore, the data characterization characters seems particularly important for understanding the concept of epic.

Some General Notes

The Bolkonsky family in the novel “War and Peace” is typical for its time, that is, for the beginning of the 19th century. The author depicted people in whose images he tried to convey the state of mind of a significant part of the nobility. When describing these characters, one must first of all remember that these heroes are representatives of the aristocratic class at the turn of the century, a time that was a turning point in the history of Russia. This was clearly shown in the description of the life and everyday life of this ancient family. Their thoughts, ideas, views, worldview and even household habits serve as a clear demonstration of how a significant part of the nobility lived during the time in question.

The image of Nikolai Andreevich in the context of the era

The Bolkonsky family in the novel “War and Peace” is interesting because in it the writer showed how and with what a thinking society lived at the beginning of the 19th century. The father of the family is a hereditary military man, and his whole life is subject to a strict routine. In this image one can immediately discern the typical image of an old nobleman from the time of Catherine II. He is a man of the past, the 18th century, rather than the new. You can immediately feel how far he is from the political and social life of his time; it seems that he lives by old orders and habits, which are more appropriate for the era of the previous reign.

About the social activities of Prince Andrei

The Bolkonsky family in the novel “War and Peace” is distinguished by its solidity and unity. All its members are very similar to each other, despite the age difference. However, Prince Andrei is more enthusiastic modern politics and public life, he even takes part in the project of drawing up government reforms. In him one can very well discern the type of young reformer that was characteristic of the beginning of the reign of Emperor Alexander Pavlovich.

Princess Marya and society ladies

The Bolkonsky family, whose characteristics form the subject of this review, was distinguished by the fact that its members lived under intense mental and moral life. The daughter of the old prince Marya was completely different from the typical society ladies and young women who then appeared in high society. Her father took care of her education and taught her a variety of sciences that were not included in the program for raising young ladies. The latter learned home crafts, fiction, fine arts, while the princess, under the guidance of her parent, studied mathematics.

Place in society

The Bolkonsky family, whose characterization is so important for understanding the meaning of the novel, occupied a prominent position in high society. Prince Andrei was quite active social life, at least until he became disillusioned with his career as a reformer. He served as Kutuzov's adjutant and took an active part in military operations against the French. He could often be seen at social events, receptions, and balls. However, from his very first appearance in the salon of a famous socialite, the reader immediately understands that he does not belong in this society. He keeps somewhat aloof and is not very talkative, although, apparently, he is an interesting conversationalist. Only person with whom he himself expresses a desire to enter into a conversation is his friend Pierre Bezukhov.

A comparison of the Bolkonsky and Rostov families further highlights the peculiarity of the former. The old prince and his young daughter led a very secluded life and almost never left their estate. Nevertheless, Marya maintained contacts with high society, exchanging letters with her friend Julie.

Characteristics of Andrey's appearance

The description of the Bolkonsky family is also very important for understanding the character of these people. Prince Andrei is described by the writer as a handsome young man of about thirty. He is very attractive, carries himself superbly, and in general is a real aristocrat. However, at the very beginning of his appearance, the author emphasizes that there was something cold, aloof and even callous in his facial features, although it is quite obvious that the prince is not an evil person. However, heavy and gloomy reflections left their mark on the features of his face: he became gloomy, thoughtful and unfriendly with others and even with his own wife behaves extremely arrogantly.

About the princess and the old prince

The description of the Bolkonsky family should be continued briefly portrait characteristic Princess Marya and her stern father. The young girl had a spiritual appearance, as she lived an intense inner and mental life. She was thin and slender, but not beautiful in the generally accepted sense of the word. A secular person, perhaps, would hardly call her a beauty. In addition, the old prince’s serious upbringing left its mark on her: she was thoughtful beyond her age, somewhat withdrawn and concentrated. In a word, she did not at all resemble society lady. The lifestyle that the Bolkonsky family led left its mark on her. Briefly it can be characterized as follows: isolation, severity, restraint in communication.

Her father was a thin person short stature; he behaved just like a military man. His face was distinguished by severity and severity. He had the appearance of a hardy man, who, moreover, was not only in great physical fitness, but was also constantly busy with mental work. Such an appearance indicated that Nikolai Andreevich was an extraordinary person in all respects, which was reflected in communication with him. At the same time, he could also be bilious, sarcastic and even somewhat unceremonious. This is evidenced by the scene of his first meeting with Natasha Rostova, when she visited their estate as his son’s bride. The old man was clearly dissatisfied with his son’s choice and therefore gave the young girl a very inhospitable reception, making a couple of witticisms in her presence that deeply hurt her.

Prince and his daughter

Relations in the Bolkonsky family could not be called cordial. This was especially evident in the communication between the old prince and his young daughter. He behaved with her in much the same way as with his son, that is, without any ceremony or discounts for the fact that she was still a girl and needed softer and more gentle treatment. But Nikolai Andreevich, apparently, did not make much difference between her and his son and communicated with both in approximately the same way, that is, sternly and even harshly. He was very demanding of his daughter, controlled her life and even read letters that she received from her friend. In classes with her, he was stern and picky. However, based on the above, it cannot be said that the prince did not love his daughter. He was very attached to her and appreciated all the best in her, but due to the severity of his character, he could not communicate otherwise, and the princess understood this. She was afraid of her father, but she respected him and obeyed him in everything. She accepted his demands and tried not to contradict anything.

Old Bolkonsky and Prince Andrei

The life of the Bolkonsky family was distinguished by solitude and isolation, which could not but affect the communication of the protagonist with his father. From the outside, their conversations could be called formal and even somewhat official. Their relationship did not seem cordial; rather, the conversations were similar to an exchange of opinions between two very smart people who understand each other. Andrei behaved with his father very respectfully, but somewhat coldly, aloof and stern in his own way. The father, in turn, also did not indulge his son with parental tenderness and caresses, limiting himself to remarks of an exclusively business nature. He spoke to him only to the point, deliberately avoiding anything that could affect personal relationships. All the more valuable is the final scene of Prince Andrei’s farewell to the war, when the father’s icy equanimity breaks through deep love and tenderness for his son, which he, however, immediately tried to hide.

Two families in the novel

It is all the more interesting to compare the Bolkonsky and Rostov families. The first led a secluded, secluded lifestyle, were strict, stern, and taciturn. They avoided social entertainment and confined themselves to each other's company. The latter, on the contrary, were sociable, hospitable, cheerful and cheerful. All the more significant is the fact that Nikolai Rostov eventually married Princess Marya, and not Sonya, with whom he was connected by childhood love. These must have failed to see better positive traits each other.

After reading L.N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace,” readers encounter some images of heroes who are morally strong and give us life example. We see heroes who go through a difficult path to find their truth in life. This is how the image of Andrei Bolkonsky is presented in the novel “War and Peace”. The image is multifaceted, ambiguous, complex, but understandable to the reader.

Portrait of Andrei Bolkonsky

We meet Bolkonsky at the evening of Anna Pavlovna Scherer. L.N. Tolstoy gives him the following description: “...short stature, a very handsome young man with certain dry features.” We see that the prince’s presence at the evening is very passive. He came there because it was supposed to: his wife Lisa was at the evening, and he had to be next to her. But Bolkonsky is clearly bored, the author shows this in everything “... from a tired, bored look to a quiet, measured step.”

In the image of Bolkonsky in the novel “War and Peace,” Tolstoy shows an educated, intelligent, noble secular man who knows how to think rationally and be worthy of his title. Andrei loved his family very much, respected his father, the old Prince Bolkonsky, called him “You, father...” As Tolstoy writes, “... cheerfully endured his father’s ridicule of new people and with visible joy called his father to a conversation and listened to him.” He was kind and caring, although he may not seem like that to us.

Heroes of the novel about Andrei Bolkonsky

Lisa, the wife of Prince Andrei, was somewhat afraid of her strict husband. Before leaving for the war, she told him: “...Andrey, you have changed so much, you have changed so much...”

Pierre Bezukhov “...considered Prince Andrei an example of all perfections...” His attitude towards Bolkonsky was sincerely kind and gentle. Their friendship remained faithful to the end.

Marya Bolkonskaya, Andrei’s sister, said: “You are good to everyone, Andre, but you have some kind of pride in thought.” By this she emphasized her brother’s special dignity, his nobility, intelligence, and high ideals.

Old Prince Bolkonsky had high hopes for his son, but he loved him like a father. “Remember one thing, if they kill you, it will hurt me, an old man... And if I find out that you did not behave like the son of Nikolai Bolkonsky, I will be... ashamed!” - the father said goodbye.

Kutuzov, the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, treated Bolkonsky in a fatherly manner. He received him cordially and made him his adjutant. “I need good officers myself...” said Kutuzov when Andrei asked to be released into Bagration’s detachment.

Prince Bolkonsky and the war

In a conversation with Pierre Bezukhov, Bolkonsky expressed the thought: “Drawing rooms, gossip, balls, vanity, insignificance - this is a vicious circle from which I cannot get out. I'm going to war now, greatest war, which has only happened, but I don’t know anything and I’m no good.” But Andrei’s craving for fame, for his greatest destiny was strong, he was heading towards “his Toulon” - here he is, the hero of Tolstoy’s novel. “...we are officers who serve our Tsar and Fatherland...”, - with true patriotism Bolkonsky said.

At the request of his father, Andrei ended up at Kutuzov’s headquarters. In the army, Andrei had two reputations, very different from each other. Some “listened to him, admired him and imitated him,” others “considered him pompous, cold and unpleasant person" But he made them love and respect him, some were even afraid of him.

Bolkonsky considered Napoleon Bonaparte a “great commander.” He recognized his genius and admired his talent for warfare. When Bolkonsky was assigned the mission to report to the Austrian Emperor Franz about the successful battle of Krems, Bolkonsky was proud and glad that he was the one going. He felt like a hero. But having arrived in Brunne, he learned that Vienna was occupied by the French, that there was “the Prussian Union, betrayal of Austria, a new triumph of Bonaparte...” and no longer thought about his glory. He thought about how to save the Russian army.

In the Battle of Austerlitz, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky in the novel War and Peace is at the peak of his glory. Without expecting it, he grabbed the thrown banner and shouted “Guys, go ahead!” ran towards the enemy, and the whole battalion ran after him. Andrei was wounded and fell on the field, there was only the sky above him: “... there is nothing but silence, calm. And thank God!..” Andrei’s fate after the Battle of Austrelitz was unknown. Kutuzov wrote to Bolkonsky’s father: “Your son, in my eyes, with a banner in his hands, in front of the regiment, fell as a hero worthy of his father and his fatherland... it is still unknown whether he is alive or not.” But soon Andrei returned home and decided not to participate in any military operations anymore. His life acquired apparent calm and indifference. The meeting with Natasha Rostova turned his life upside down: “Suddenly such an unexpected confusion of young thoughts and hopes, contradictory to his whole life, arose in his soul...”

Bolkonsky and love

At the very beginning of the novel, in a conversation with Pierre Bezukhov, Bolkonsky said the phrase: “Never, never get married, my friend!” Andrei seemed to love his wife Lisa, but his judgments about women speak of his arrogance: “Egoism, vanity, stupidity, insignificance in everything - these are women when they show themselves as they are. If you look at them in the light, it seems like there is something, but there’s nothing, nothing, nothing!” When he first saw Rostova, she seemed to him like a joyful, eccentric girl who only knew how to run, sing, dance and have fun. But gradually a feeling of love came to him. Natasha gave him lightness, joy, a sense of life, something Bolkonsky had long forgotten. No more melancholy, contempt for life, disappointment, he felt something completely different, new life. Andrei told Pierre about his love and became convinced of the idea of ​​marrying Rostova.

Prince Bolkonsky and Natasha Rostova were matched. Separating for a whole year was torment for Natasha, and a test of feelings for Andrei. Having been carried away by Anatoly Kuragin, Rostova did not keep her word to Bolkonsky. But by the will of fate, Anatol and Andrei ended up together on their deathbed. Bolkonsky forgave him and Natasha. After being wounded on the Borodino field, Andrei dies. His last days Natasha spends her life with him. She looks after him very carefully, understanding and guessing with her eyes what exactly Bolkonsky wants.

Andrei Bolkonsky and death

Bolkonsky was not afraid to die. He had experienced this feeling twice already. Lying under the Austerlitz sky, he thought that death had come to him. And now, next to Natasha, he was absolutely sure that he had not lived this life in vain. Prince Andrei's last thoughts were about love, about life. He died in in complete calm, because he knew and understood what love is, and what he loves: “Love? What is love?... Love interferes with death. Love is life..."

But still, in the novel “War and Peace” Andrei Bolkonsky deserves special attention. That is why, after reading Tolstoy’s novel, I decided to write an essay on the topic “Andrei Bolkonsky - the hero of the novel “War and Peace.” Although there are enough worthy heroes in this work, Pierre, Natasha, and Marya.

Work test

The old prince Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky is an outstanding representative of that mixture of the old Russian nobility with “Voltairianism”, which from the 18th century entered the 19th. This is one of those strong people, for whom the lack of faith in God has completely destroyed all obstacles to tyranny. But in his opinion, “there are only two sources of human vices: idleness and superstition,” on the other hand, “there are only two virtues: activity and intelligence.” But the circle of activity was closed for him and, complaining that the opportunity for social work was taken away from him, he could convince himself that he was forcibly forced to indulge in a hated vice - idleness.

With whims he rewarded himself for his, as it seemed to him, completely involuntary idleness. complete scope for whim - this was what activity consisted of for the old prince, this was his favorite virtue, while another virtue - intelligence - turned into embittered, sometimes unfair censure of everything that happened only outside the borders of his completely independent Bald Mountains. In the name of whim, says Tolstoy, for example, the architect of the old prince was allowed to sit at the table. The prince’s embittered and at the same time driven by whimsical mind led him to the conviction that all the current leaders were boys... and that Bonaparte was an insignificant Frenchman, who was successful only because there were no longer Potemkins and Suvorovs... Conquests and new orders in Europe were “insignificant” "Frenchies" seem to the old prince to be something of a personal insult. “They offered other possessions instead of the Duchy of Oldenburg,” said Prince Nikolai Andreich. “It’s like I resettled men from Bald Mountains to Bogucharovo...” When Prince Bolkonsky agrees to his son joining the active army, that is, to his participation “in a puppet comedy,” he agrees to this only conditionally and sees here an exclusively personal service relationship. “...Write how he [Kutuzov] will receive you. If you are good, serve. Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky’s son will not serve anyone out of mercy.” Those same peers of the prince who, without disdaining their connections, reached “high levels”, were not nice to him. When, at the beginning of the winter of 1811, Prince Nikolai Andreevich and his daughter moved to Moscow, there was a noticeable “weakening of enthusiasm for the reign of Emperor Alexander” in society, and thanks to this he became the center of the Moscow opposition to the government. Now, at the end of his days, a wide field of activity opened up before the old prince, or at least an opportunity appeared for what he could take for activity - a wide field for the exercise of his embittered, critical mind. But it was too late to distract him from his habitual inclination towards unlimited power within his family - that is, over his daughter, who silently submitted to him. He certainly needs Princess Marya, since he can take out his anger on her, he can nag her, and dispose of her at his own discretion. The old prince drove away the thought of the possibility of Princess Marya marrying, knowing in advance that he would respond fairly, and justice contradicted more than a feeling, but the whole possibility of his life. Noting this feature, Tolstoy also pointed out that justice existed in the consciousness of the old prince, but the transition of this consciousness into action was prevented by inflexible authority and habit of the once established conditions of life. “He could not understand that anyone would want to change life, to bring something new into it, when life was already ending for him.” That is why, with malice and hostility, he accepted his son’s intention to remarry. “... I ask you to postpone the matter for a year...” he resolutely declared to his son, obviously counting on the fact that within a year, perhaps, all this would go away on its own, but at the same time he did not limit himself to one such assumption, but To be on the safe side, he gave his son's bride a bad reception. In case, contrary to the will of his father, Prince Andrei still got married, the old man had a “joke thought” and would surprise people with a completely unforeseen change in his life - his own marriage with m-Ile Bourienne, his daughter’s companion. He liked this humorous idea more and more and little by little even began to take on a serious tone. “.. When the barman... according to his old habit... served coffee, starting with the princess, the prince flew into a rage, threw a crutch at Philip and immediately made an order to give him up as a soldier... Princess Marya asked for forgiveness... both for herself and for Philip.” . For herself in that she was, as it were, an obstacle for Mlle Bourienne, for Philip in that he could not guess the thoughts and desires of the prince. The discord between him and his daughter, created by the prince himself, persisted stubbornly. But at the same time, as can be seen, the need for justice has not died out. The old prince wanted to hear from his son that he was not to blame for this discord. Prince Andrei, on the contrary, began to justify his sister: “this Frenchwoman is to blame,” and this was tantamount to blaming his father. “And he awarded! .. awarded! - the old man said in a quiet voice, and, as it seemed to Prince Andrei, with embarrassment, but then suddenly he jumped up and shouted: “Get out, get out!” May your spirit be at ease!” Embarrassment in in this case flowed from consciousness, a cry from a will that did not tolerate any judgment or resistance. Consciousness, however, eventually prevailed, and the old man stopped allowing m-lIe Bouilleppe to come to him, and after his son’s apologetic letter, he completely alienated the Frenchwoman from him. But the imperious will still had its effect, and the unfortunate Princess Marya became the subject of pinning and sawing even more than before. It was during this domestic war that the war of 1812 overtook the old prince. For a long time he never wanted to recognize its real meaning. Only the news of the capture of Smolensk broke the old man’s stubborn mind. He decided to remain on his estate Bald Mountains and defend himself at the head of his militia. But the terrible, so stubbornly unacknowledged moral blow also causes a physical blow. Already in a semi-conscious state, the old man kept asking about his son: “Where is he?” In the army, in Smolensk, they answer him. “Yes,” he said, clearly quietly. - Ruined Russia! Ruined! And he began to sob again. What seems to the prince to be the death of Russia only gives him a new and powerful reason to reproach his personal enemies. A physical shock to the body - a blow - also shakes the old man’s powerful will: her constantly necessary victim is Princess Marya, only here, at the very last minutes life of the prince, ceases to be the subject of his sawing. The old man even gratefully takes advantage of her departure and, before his death, seems to ask her for forgiveness.

The time period of Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace” is one of the most significant eras in Russian history. But this specific historical theme does not stand alone in the novel; it is raised to the level of universal human significance. "War and Peace" begins with scenes depicting the highest noble society. Tolstoy reproduces his appearance and historical development over the course of three generations. Recreating without embellishment the “beautiful beginning of Alexander’s days,” Tolstoy could not help but touch on the previous Catherine’s era. These two eras are represented by two generations of people. These are old people: Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky and Count Kirill Bezukhov and their children, who are successors to their fathers. Relationships between generations are first and foremost family relationships. After all, in the family, according to Tolstoy, the spiritual principles of the individual and moral concepts are laid. Let's look at the son and father of the Bolkonskys and their relationship with each other.
Prince Nikolai Andreevich is a representative of the patrimonial Russian aristocracy, a man of Catherine’s era. This era is becoming a thing of the past, however, causing the respect that its representative, old Bolkonsky, rightfully enjoys among the neighboring landowners. Nikolai Andreevich is certainly an extraordinary person. He belongs to the generation that at one time built a powerful Russian statehood. Prince Bolkonsky occupied a special place at court. He was a close associate of Catherine II, but achieved his position not through sycophancy, like many in his time, but through personal business qualities and talents. The very fact that under Paul he received resignation and exile indicates that he served the fatherland, and not the kings. His appearance reflected the features of a noble and wealthy maternal grandfather - a military general. A family legend is associated with the name of this man: a proud man and an atheist, he refused to marry the Tsar’s mistress, for which he was exiled first to the distant northern Trumant, and then to his estate near Tula. Both old Bolkonsky and Prince Andrei are proud of the ancient family and its services to the fatherland. Andrei Bolkonsky inherited from his father a high concept of honor, nobility, pride and independence, as well as a sharp mind and sober judgment about people. Both father and son despise upstarts and careerists such as Kuragin. Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky did not make friends in his time with such people who, for the sake of their career, were ready to sacrifice the honor and duty of a citizen and a person. Old Bolkonsky, however, appreciates and loves Count Kirill Bezukhov. Bezukhov was Catherine’s favorite; he was once known as a handsome man and enjoyed success with women. But Count Kirill’s original philosophy of enjoying life has undergone changes over the years, perhaps that’s why he has now become closer and more understandable to old Bolkonsky.
Andrei has a lot in common in appearance and views with his father, although there are also plenty of disagreements regarding the latter. The old prince went through a harsh school of life and judges people from the position of the benefit that they bring both to the fatherland and to other people. He amazingly combines the morals of an imperious nobleman, before whom everyone at home trembles, an aristocrat proud of his pedigree, and the traits of a man of great intelligence and life experience. He raised his son and daughter in strictness and was accustomed to managing their lives. Old Bolkonsky could not understand his son’s feelings for Natasha Rostova. Not believing in the sincerity of their love, he does everything he can to prevent their relationship. Something similar happened in the case of Lisa. Marriage, according to the old Bolkonsky’s concepts, exists only to give the family a legitimate heir. Therefore, when Andrei and Lisa had friction, the father consoled his son with the fact that “they are all like that.” Andrei had a lot of sophistication, a desire for a higher ideal, perhaps that’s why he felt constant dissatisfaction with himself, which old Bolkonsky could not understand. But if he still took Andrei into account, even then listened to his opinion, then his relationship with his daughter was much more complex. Madly in love with Marya, he made exorbitant demands on her education, character, and talents. He also interferes in his daughter’s personal life, or rather completely deprives her of the right to this life. Because of his selfish motives, he does not want to marry off his daughter. And yet, at the end of his life, the old prince reconsiders his attitude towards children. He has great respect for his son’s views and looks at his daughter in a new way. If earlier Marya’s religiosity was the subject of ridicule from her father, then before his death he admits that she was right. He asks forgiveness for his crippled life from his daughter and, in absentia, from his son.
Old Bolkonsky believed in the progress and future greatness of his homeland, so he served it with all his might. Even while ill, he did not choose the position of an outside observer in the War of 1812. Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky created his own militia detachment from volunteer peasants.
Andrei’s views on the subject of glory and service to the homeland differ from his father’s. Prince Andrey is skeptical about the state and power in general. He has the same attitude towards people who are placed by fate at the highest level of power. He condemns Emperor Alexander for entrusting power to foreign generals. Prince Andrei eventually revised his views on Napoleon. If at the beginning of the novel he perceives Napoleon as the ruler of the world, now he sees in him an ordinary invader who has replaced service to his homeland with the desire for personal glory. The lofty idea of ​​serving the fatherland, which inspired his father, grows with Prince Andrei into the idea of ​​serving the world, the unity of all people, the idea of ​​universal love and the unity of man with nature. Andrey begins to understand those Christian motives, which guided his sister’s life and which he
I couldn't understand it before. Now Andrei curses the war, not dividing it into just and unjust. War is murder, and murder is incompatible with human nature. Maybe that’s why Prince Andrei dies without having time to fire a single shot.
We must remember one more similarity between both Bolkonskys. Both of them are comprehensively educated, gifted people who are close to the ideas of humanism and enlightenment. Therefore, with all their external severity, they treat their peasants humanely. The Bolkonsky peasants are prosperous; Prince Nikolai Andreevich always takes into account the needs of the peasants first. He takes care of them even when leaving the estate due to an enemy invasion. Prince Andrei adopted this attitude towards the peasants from his father. Let us remember that, having returned home after Austerlitz and taken up farming, he does a lot to improve the lives of his serfs.
At the end of the novel we see another Bolkonsky. This is Nikolinka Bolkonsky - Andrei's son. The boy hardly knew his father. When his son was little, Andrei first fought in two wars, then stayed abroad for a long time due to illness. Bolkonsky died when his son was 14 years old. But Tolstoy makes Nikolinka Bolkonsky the successor and continuer of his father’s ideas. After the death of Prince Andrei, the younger Bolkonsky has a dream in which his father comes to him, and the boy vows to live in such a way that “everyone will recognize him, everyone will love him, everyone will admire” him.
Thus, in the novel Tolstoy introduced us to several generations of Bolkonskys. First, a military general - the grandfather of old Prince Nicholas. We do not meet him on the pages of War and Peace, but he is mentioned in the novel. Then the old prince Nikolai Bolkonsky, whom Tolstoy described very fully. Representative younger generation Andrei Bolkonsky, one of Tolstoy's favorite heroes, is shown. And finally, his son Nikolinka. It is he who will have to not only preserve the traditions of the family, but also continue them.