War and Peace Overview
War and Peace (1869), Leo Tolstoy's epic novel, intertwines the
lives of Russian aristocratic families against Napoleon's 1812 invasion,
blending historical events, philosophy, and personal growth across battles,
balls, and domestic drama.
Main Characters
·
Pierre Bezukhov: Illegitimate
son turned reluctant Count; awkward idealist seeking life's meaning through
Freemasonry, duels, and war, ultimately finding peace in simplicity and family.
·
Natasha Rostova: Vibrant,
impulsive young noblewoman; evolves from naive girl infatuated with Anatole to
devoted wife and mother after heartbreak, nursing, and wartime trials.
·
Prince Andrei Bolkonsky:
Ambitious, disillusioned officer craving glory; wounded at Austerlitz, he
rejects society, briefly loves Natasha, and dies reconciled after Borodino.
Minor Characters
·
Sonya: Natasha's selfless
cousin and Nikolai's unrequited love; loyal family anchor who sacrifices
marriage prospects to support the Rostovs.
·
Nikolai Rostov: Natasha's
dashing hussar brother; honorable but gambling-prone soldier who marries Marya
to save his family's estate.
·
Princess Marya Bolkonskaya:
Andrei's pious, plain sister; dutiful caregiver enduring an abusive father,
later finds love and fulfillment with Nikolai.
·
Platon Karataev: Simple
peasant Pierre meets in captivity; embodies folk wisdom and acceptance,
profoundly influencing Pierre's spiritual awakening.
Plot Summary
From 1805 salons to Austerlitz,
Pierre inherits wealth and duels Dolokhov; Andrei seeks glory but wounds
disillusion him; Natasha debuts amid Rostov festivities.
Natasha's jilting of Andrei for Anatole scars her; 1812
invasion scatters families—Moscow burns, Pierre witnesses horrors and is
captured, learning from Platon.
War ends with French retreat; survivors rebuild: Nikolai weds
Marya, Natasha marries Pierre (with children), as Tolstoy philosophizes on
history's forces.
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