As the series is moving towards its conclusion, the genius of Tolstoy becomes apparent in character transformation at the time of the invasion of Russia by Napoleon in 1812.
Pierre has begun his recognition of Russian patriotism, the power of Russian Orthodoxy, and his deep affection for Natasha. Princess Marya too begins to appreciate Natasha after the Bolkonsky family has been forced to leave their estate, due to the invasion. Even the reprobate Dolokhov offers a sincere apology to Pierre for his disgraceful conduct. Perhaps the most striking transformation is the maturity of young Nikokai Rostov, who conducts himself admirably as a soldier in assisting Princess Marya at a time when her serfs were in near revolt. But the question remains of how young Nikolai will treat the long-suffering Sonia, who waits for him with the patience of Penelope.
The solitary character who remains rigid and unbending is Andrei Bolkonski. The lowest point of his characters is apparent when he refers to Natasha as a "fallen woman," after her brief tryst with Anatole Kuragin. His unforgiving nature and his nearly self-destructive approach to the war in leading the avant-garde at Borodino demonstrate his intransigence.
The episode ends with the approach of the French and the preparation of the Russian army at Borodino. Everyone, including the Cyclopian General Kutuzov, anticipates at best a stand-off between the two enormous armies. The surprising development in the narrative is the sudden arrival of Pierre who wishes only to "observe" the nature of war. He will soon have his opportunity.
Pierre has begun his recognition of Russian patriotism, the power of Russian Orthodoxy, and his deep affection for Natasha. Princess Marya too begins to appreciate Natasha after the Bolkonsky family has been forced to leave their estate, due to the invasion. Even the reprobate Dolokhov offers a sincere apology to Pierre for his disgraceful conduct. Perhaps the most striking transformation is the maturity of young Nikokai Rostov, who conducts himself admirably as a soldier in assisting Princess Marya at a time when her serfs were in near revolt. But the question remains of how young Nikolai will treat the long-suffering Sonia, who waits for him with the patience of Penelope.
The solitary character who remains rigid and unbending is Andrei Bolkonski. The lowest point of his characters is apparent when he refers to Natasha as a "fallen woman," after her brief tryst with Anatole Kuragin. His unforgiving nature and his nearly self-destructive approach to the war in leading the avant-garde at Borodino demonstrate his intransigence.
The episode ends with the approach of the French and the preparation of the Russian army at Borodino. Everyone, including the Cyclopian General Kutuzov, anticipates at best a stand-off between the two enormous armies. The surprising development in the narrative is the sudden arrival of Pierre who wishes only to "observe" the nature of war. He will soon have his opportunity.
