War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

Second Epilogue: Ch. 8: Hauling the Log

Tolstoy addresses how divided opinions persist through the ages. There will be a prominent crisis grabbing Your attention where every opinion under the sun is stated.  He posits there is a perception afforded to a select few people involved in whatever conflict is at hand.  There will naturally be some who get close to an accurate prediction of how a matter turns out and are often mistaken with being responsible for the event. For example, if Napoleon orders an advance and wins the field, he will get credit for taking ground.  Tolstoy has us examine if there is more to the story.     To illustrate this, Tolstoy has us imagine the hypothetical of men hauling a log, where each expresses an opinion as to how and where to take it. Eventually, the log will be hauled to some location in a manner most similar to how one, or a small group, predict.  We are led to the conclusion that those who predict most accurately are responsible for the task.    However, Tolstoy’s goal is to relate to the complexity of attributing causes for events.  He proffers that there is merely a perception of command and illusory nature of power. With the Log-haul, there will be various men doing most of the physical work and because of their attention to the task, do not often think so much about what they are doing. Tolstoy proposes that they are as much responsible for the result as so-called decision makers.   Tolstoy infers that certain men who take initiative to “talk more” are often given accolades and find themselves with decision-making capacity and work less with his hands. Napoleon was one such man. In affairs of the military or other large-scale enterprises, masses direct themselves with grander objectives than hauling a log. The commanding is often done in small teams, who do little of the actual fighting.  Tolstoy attributes to this group similar attributes to how man perceives himself when he works alone and develops values to draw from. Basically, considerations which directed past activity, justify present activity, as serve as a guide for his future actions.   Tolstoy finds that this analytical process does not take the overriding values bestowed through the Gospel into account and allows us to devise justifications or rationalizations for collective activity.  Tolstoy provides an example through the French Revolution. He notes: for reasons known or unknown the French began to drown and kill one another in that affair of 1789. There was an overriding belief that such was necessary for the welfare of France and for Liberty, Fraternity, and Equality.    The People later felt differently and ceased to kill one another. It was then believed that a centralization of power was necessary as well as resistance to those who desired to stay attached to monarchies. This resolve led to another effort that involved marching out of country to kill at the behest of men like Napoleon. This was accompanied by phrases about the glory of France and baseness of England. It is such that every movement that occurs inevitably coincides with someone’s expressed wish and receives some justification. Tolstoy proclaims that the justifications made for such wars have no logic but have formidable significance. They serve to release people from moral responsibility for our collective crimes, such as how we kill millions of our fellows.  Our intellect can excuse, reframe, or justify anything! Tolstoy is wrestling with the nature of life, like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, who Tolstoy often cites.  He is expressing that man must rely on more than what other men say -- no matter how convincing.  As Andrei realized on the field of Austerlitz, man must look above and beyond himself and act as if he is accountable to the Almighty even when he is flowing with the strongest currents of conventional thinking. We all have a voice in where we are going and for the wars and oppression around us. We share the responsibility of not justifying the unjustifiable.  He uses a metaphor to make the point: Think of a person on a boat who  does not perceive the degree to which he is moving, as compared to someone who can see the ship from the shoreline. We are moving but do not feel it. We are all akin to passengers being led somewhere. This can be the narrow path of virtue or the wider path of frailty and sin.  Tolstoy essentially is asking you to consider, while on board and looking at the sky: What is Your North Star?  This is a stark reminder to not lose sight of the essential connection that those few names in history have to the masses. Power also lies with the people. It was not one man who led to the excesses of any movement. It was a combination of those considered leaders and the rest of us who actually haul the log.

Bk. 2, Pt. 1. Ch. 3: The Cuckold

The magnificent banquet honoring General Bagration was held in Moscow on March 3, 1806 at the English Club, a great marble hall with a series of smaller saloons. This celebration is remembered for its fervor amidst defeat.  A source Tolstoy used for this was the first-hand account by the English writer & diplomat, Robert Ker Porter, who ironically notes that by 1806, there were not three English members of this social club.  Tolstoy has all the rooms humming with conversation, like bees swarming in Spring.  Many guests were elderly and respected personages who could be found at their usual places. A smaller set were younger, some returning from Austerlitz. This is symbolized by Denísov, Rostov and Dolokhov— the latter who is said to be having an affair with Pierre’s wife. The faces of youth expressed “We honor and respect you, our elders, but remember, the future belongs to us.”  Pierre was surrounded by subservience to his wealth. He now belonged to a class he quickly grew contemptuous of. He was no longer that vibrant clumsy character when he had little to his name. He was fashionably dressed but appeared sullen. At his wife’s insistence, he let his hair grow and abandoned his spectacles.  Many of the historic figures at the event rationalized the loss at Austerlitz.  The night was filled with a passion for revival with much of the zeal directed toward Bagration. It was the most animated Porter ever recalled seeing aristocrats of Europe get.   Count Rostov is presented as having the honor of hosting this event and he enthusiastically greets all who attend. His son was accompanied by Dolokhov, whose acquaintance Nicholas had come to value.  When Bagration arrived, bells rang, servants rushed around and the better part of the 300 guests crowded to witness the arrival. Bagration was described as short and with a dark complexion, indicative of the warm climates he had served in. His face was perfectly Georgian and expressed an affability and sweetness. He was dressed in a green uniform covered with various awards. Bagration had the honor of entering the dining area first and walked reticently. He would look more comfortable in a field under fire. He was soon escorted by Count Rostov, who appealed for the guests to make way. Ilya carried a large silver tray, on top of which lied written verses that were read aloud and continued through the dinner announcement.  The sentiment expressed was: You Bring Glory to Alexandr’s Reign; You are a Dreaded Foe, which Napoleon has Learned So Well; You carry the Wisdom and Tactics of Caesar; You are a Rhipheus (hero of Troy); But are in essence, a Good and Kind-Hearted Man. The guests grew hungry and found their seats, which corresponded to their rank and importance. The Count with a few choice peers sat facing Bagration. Ilyá presented his son to Bagration and was filled with joy when the two chatted.  Nicholas, Denísov and Dolokhov sat almost at the middle of the table. Facing them were Pierre and Prince Nesvitski, Every selection at dinner was splendid. Between the courses was a stream of toasts. At one point, the Host shouted, “To the health of our Sovereign, the Emperor!” The band immediately struck up a traditional patriotic song, which led all to rise and shout “Hurrah!”  Young Rostov’s ecstatic voice could be heard above the rest during his own toast to Alexandr. He emptied his glass at one gulp he thrashed it on the floor. Many followed the example and it was the job of the footmen to clean up the mess.  Various officers were then toasted and the glasses continued to shatter. As I have been stressing, Bagration was embraced as National Hero and redeemer. However, Bagration did have his own embarrassments, which Tolstoy knew of and some scholars believe the author addresses indirectly.  Notably, Bagration was shamed by his wife, the alluring Ekaterina, who carried the nickname, le Bel Ange Nu, the Beautiful Naked Angel, for her revealing and often translucent attire. They separated in 1805 and she was renowned for her liaisons. This included a long-term relationship with Clemence Von Metternich, the Austrian diplomat, by whom she bore her only child, Marie. Metternich informally adopted the child, allowing Marie to live with his family.  Ekaterina remained married and Marie was raised with Bagration’s name – as mandated by Czar Alexandr, who was also said to have relations with Ekaterina years later. These the widely known affairs of Ekaterina appear to be thrust upon the fictional Hélène, Pierre’s wife. Rumors are swirling that Hélène is making a fool of Pierre, who is in many senses, is Tolstoy’s hero of the novel.  In this chapter, we have Pierre present, stewing in anger and seated across from his new rival, while the historic hero, who had a similar problem, is honored.

Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 2: In Need of a Hero

On his return as a lieutenant in a fancy military jacket laced with silver as well as possessing a St. George’s Cross for bravery, Nicholas is treated magnificently. Nicholas gets used to it and develops an ego that leaves him open to being taken advantage of. The finances of his aristocratic family are brought out, noting how his affable father, Ilya, was bestowing a trove on his Prodigal son, as well as other celebratory events after remortgaging his estates. Illya purchased his son a fine horse that could enter races and also the most fashionable outfits.  With his new look and demeanor, Nicholas would be seen at the elite social events. He also visited a woman on the boulevard…a fairly clear reference to a prostitute. He relished being home as a young man aware of the world.  He left behind childish things, such as once feeling disconcerted about sneaking around his mansion kissing Sonya. He also visited the historical English Club – a social institution started by English merchants around 1770 that gathered at various stately houses. Men used the Club to socialize, drink, gamble and make connections. Tolstoy, Pushkin and Nikolai Gogol were members. Gogol is a writer with Ukrainian roots, from a Cossack family, which both Ukraine & Russia claim as theirs.  Like much of Moscow, Rostov’s passion for the Czar cooled but he still expressed that there was something in his feelings for Alexandr that could not be understood by others. Rostov drifted even away further from Sonya, as Tolstoy expertly catches the nature of a young man who must have his freedom. He knew there were more women to know and Love would come later.  It was now early March, and Ilya is arranging a dinner in honor of General Bagration at the aforementioned English Club. Ilya is presented as a long-time member.     This celebration for actually happened and it is important to recognize why. The reason was that Bagration was viewed as the saving grace of the recent war. Tolsoty reveals how the news of Austerlitz traveled. High Society had generally been accustomed to victories, especially from era of Catherine the Great & General Suvorov, where the triumphs were common over the Ottomans and Poles. On receiving news of the absolute defeat at Austerlitz – much of Moscow did not believe it or chose not to.  However, the truth could not be contained. When it spread, it had to be dealt with.  Blame was cast on many, including Kutuzov. Many felt it was the general’s age, health, and lack of ingenuity that led to defeat. More quietly blame was cast the Czar, by way of his youth, inexperience and trust in worthless advisors. Still, a good portion considered Alexandr as the “angel incarnate.” Most vocally, the Austrians were blamed. The public felt compelled to throw their support behind the army.  Some were singled out for having performed miracles of valor. The chief hero of was General Bagration, hailed for his effort at Schön Grabern and command of the rear-guard. It also helped that Moscow’s new hero was a stranger to the City. Tolstoy has Shinshin (a quick wit and relative of the Rostovs) parody the master of satire, Voltaire by voicing, “Had there been no Bagration, it would have been necessary to invent him.” The original quote was “Had there been no God, it would have been necessary to invent him.” The Frenchman reached something profound in few words.    Tales of valor of numerous men were embellished and spread and characters like Rostov, Boris and Berg symbolized that wave. One may have saved a standard, another had reportedly killed five Frenchmen, while another was said to fight valiantly with an injury. There is a reference that nobody spoke of Andrei. Reports were that he was killed, leaving a pregnant wife with his eccentric father. Tolstoy references Andrei to symbolize the many, with such promise, who were wasted. This chapter plays up the elaborateness of the preparation for the event at the English Club, going through the choice of cook, food and entertainment. Nicholas jokes with his father that Bagration prepared less for battle at Schön Grabern. Ilya tells his son to go to Pierre’s, invite him and obtain the best fruit – strawberries and pineapples, as they are not available anywhere else.   Anna Drubetskaya shows up and introduces the sordid affair that Pierre is affected by. There is a rumor that Dolokhov, who survived Austerlitz, is having an affair with Helene, Pierre’s wife.  Helene, has always been presented as the type of woman who is a snare -- something of Delilah to the Biblical Sampson. She reveals that Pierre gave Dolokhov a place to stay upon his return and was betrayed. This has filled Pierre with a rage of biblical proportions.

Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 1: Welcome Home

We are brought to early 1806, where Tolstoy uses Nicholas and Denisov to transition the story to Peace.  Rostov has went from witnessing Czar Alexander crying under a tree near Austerlitz to returning to his Moscow estate. This chapter addresses his warm embrace. Nicholas was traveling with Denisov, who is partially based on the literary Hussar, Dennis Davydov. Rostov persuaded Denisov to accompany him and the wild hussar enjoyed a great deal of wine on the journey.  During the home stretch, it meant a great deal for Rostov to notice recognizable streets, stores and most especially his mansion. Rostov runs into the Great Hall but his family already retired. When servants notice Nicholas, they become elated. Word spread like joyful lightening and from all angles Rostov was attacked with hugs, kisses and shouts of ecstasy. The initial welcome included his father, Natasha, Vera, Sonya and little Petya, who clutched his brother’s leg.  Finally, the entire hold household was flocking the room, including maids, serfs and footman. Tolstoy’s attention focuses on Sonya, now 16 and noted to be radiant. She looked eagerly at Nicholas and waited for an unspoken signal. At last, Rostov’s mother approached with uncharacteristic quick steps. He ran to her and when they met, she fell on his chest, sobbing. Denisov was overcome with emotion and wiped away tears. The family knew Denisov from letters and Natasha soon lunged at the Captain and delivered a hug and a kiss. It was a glorious moment that ended when the soldiers went off to bed.   The travelers slept until ten the next morning. It was as if they were sleeping off the ill affects of war.  Petya woke them up, breaching decorum by entering the room and exposing Denisov in his sleeping attire. Petya was soon playing with his brother’s saber and Natasha put on his spurred boots. The men were waited on hand and foot, including servants fetching hot water for shaving and providing a clean supply of clothes. Rostov felt the love and his childlike and soulful smile returned. A little later Natasha delivers a selfless message from Sonya, who Tolstoy uses to illustrate a most pure love. He is bestowed the type of affection a young man is fortunate to have but apt be careless with. Nicholas is ready to take on life and whatever else is bound to come his way. Natasha explains, in a childlike way, how devoted Sonya remains. Sonya has made it clear that she will always love Nicholas, but frees him of any obligations from previous vows. Tolstoy imbues her with wisdom beyond her years.  Nicholas realizes that there are so many other pleasures before him and it is right to remain free.  When Nicholas turns the tables and inquires of Natasha’s interest in Boris, Natasha brushes off any previous commitment. She does not think about Boris or anyone else in that way. She is now enamored with a celebrity dancer and wants to pursue dancing as her passion.  She then demonstrates some amateurish steps and changes the topic to inquire of Denisov. When Rostov again meets Sonya in the drawing room in the presence of the rest of the family, Rostov did not know how to behave. He felt a different type of nervousness than on the battlefield but it was still very real. He kissed her hand and addressed her with an uncharacteristic formalness. Her eyes begged forgiveness for having dared, through Natasha, to remind Nicholas of his promise. His eyes thanked Sonya for offering him his freedom and relayed that, in one way but likely not the another, he would never cease to love her. It was his eldest sister Vera, the un-beloved member of the family, who announces …. “How strange it is that Sonya and Nicholas now use formal terms to address one another… and meet like strangers.” Vera’s remark was correct, as her remarks always were, but, like most of her observations, it made everyone feel uncomfortable.

Sevastopol Sketch II (Part 2 of 3): Mikhailov & Co.

This is part 2 of 3 on Tolstoy’s 2nd Sevastopol Sketch, which focuses on May of 1855 and declares the ineffable value of Truth as hero. I’m presenting this episode after covering Austerlitz, a conflict symbolic of the vain pursuits of rulers.  Further, similar to the result of Austerlitz, the Crimean War was a extraordinary humiliation for Russia that forced societal change.  This sketch also contains memorable depictions of death amidst armed conflict. This story places the reader 6 months into the 11-month siege where “the Angel of Death hovers over all. “ This includes the 4.5 mile-long defensive line made of trenches with 8 major bastions.  Notably, the Crimean War marks one of the rare times in the 19th century where France, England & Ottomans where allies. The War is also notable for advances in technology by the victors, including in naval artillery and how it was documented using telegraphs and photos. Florence Nightingale also gained recognition for her approach to nursing.  This sketch focuses on a handful of fictional low-ranking officers.  The climax is an artillery shell landing between two, where time slows down. Tolstoy brings you into their souls. The book begins with an introduction then focuses on the lead, Mikhailov, who is unmarried and noted not to own land. He is physically awkward and simple, but still “a man of worth.” He is thinking of a letter from a friend and day-dreams how his macabre reality can be a ladder for advancement. He realizes how many men he knew perished and how many he will meet who will meet the same end. He is lamenting transferring to Crimea.  Mikhailov walks to the main boulevard an encounters his fellows - a small group imbued with basic decency as well as vice. In describing their hierarchy, it is pointed out how in any walk-of-life, there is someone higher – a so-called aristocrat.  The various characters profiled include: Kalugin - an adjunct depicted as having a Gentleman’s demeanor; Prince Galstin - who holds the highest rank among this group; and Col. Neferdoff and Calvary Captain Praskukhin, who share the designation as two of the “122 men of the world” who volunteered from retirement. The group commiserates about their war stories and complaints. In describing the superficial natures of these men, Tolstoy paraphrases the first chapter of Ecclesiastes, similar to how he did when Andrei was lying on his back at Austerlitz.  In a narrator’s voice, Tolstoy cries out: Vanity! vanity! Vanity everywhere, even on the brink of the grave, and among men ready to die for the highest convictions. Vanity! It must be a … peculiar malady of our century…Why did Homer and Shakespeare talk of love, of glory, of suffering, while the literature of our age is nothing but an endless narrative of aspiring elitists and vanity? Mikhailov, before his assignment, travels to his apartment and realizes his next trip to bastion would be his 13th. He felt he would be killed but would vacillate and fathom: “if I make it…..I will be promoted.” All the men had similar forebodings. Mikhailov then writes a farewell note to his father.  His servant of 12 years, Nikita, was inebriated and prepared his Master. This included dressing Mikhailov and putting together a bundle of cheese and vodka. Mikhailov insults Nikita yet an affection is portrayed and both share a poignant goodbye. The other men went to Prince Galtsin’s quarters, where he has multiple servants and a piano. The men have tea and crackers and discuss tales of heroic actions and the latest updates on casualties. Prince Galstin then sat at his piano and Praskukhin sings along. The men know what lies ahead and make the best of their situation. As they leave for their posts, they notice the bombs overhead, with Kalugin observing how the “real work of the night has begun.” Tolstoy has the men to regard the visual of artillery fire as a celestial show. A Cossack soldier arrives and mentions how reinforcements are needed to replace the many killed. Kalugin follows the Cossack but Prince Galtsin doesn’t have to and walks the streets, where the cannon and rifle fire are palpable. He passes wounded soldiers, many carried on stretchers, others supported by the arms of a comrade. He was able to question one of them. The wounded met the onrush of a contingent of the Ottomans, yelling Allah!   Nearly all of this unit were killed and the Ottomans took a valuable position. Galtsin was shocked and was nearly arguing with the man, hoping the hear that the enemy was repulsed. Others join in to relay the reality and Galtsin feels ashamed for impugning the man.  He follows the wounded to a vast hall serving as a triage center, where after being looked at, some would get transported to a hospital and others to a chapel serving as a morgue. Tolstoy then takes us to the Horror inside.