Portraits of Youth Maturing Amidst the Whirlwind of History
"War and Peace" portrays the remarkable portraits of young individuals growing amidst the whirlwind of history. The novel features a wide array of characters, including Pierre Bezukhov, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, Natasha Rostova, and many others. Set against the backdrop of Napoleonic Wars, "War and Peace" follows the lives of several aristocratic families in Russia. The narrative explores themes of love, war, politics, and the meaning of life as characters navigate through personal struggles and societal upheavals. "War and Peace" offers a rich tapestry of characters and events, providing deep insights into human nature and society. Tolstoy's meticulous attention to detail and his profound philosophical reflections make this novel a timeless masterpiece. "War and Peace" stands as a monumental work in literature, capturing the essence of life's complexities amidst the tumultuous backdrop of history.
Introduction
Characters
Plot Summary
Review
Conclusion
Introduction
"I'm not boasting, but lately I've been writing something like the 'Iliad'." Leo Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' is not only a historical novel documenting events but also a work of art recognized for its artistic value through the portrayal of life's meaning and love amidst war. One of Tolstoy's three major works, 'War and Peace,' is renowned enough that even those with a slight interest in literature may have heard of it.
Tolstoy was born in 1828 into a noble Russian family. However, he abandoned his studies and indulged in a reckless lifestyle in his youth, leaving his hometown to revel in Moscow and St. Petersburg. At the urging of his elder brother, he enlisted in the military and served as an officer, experiencing the battlefield firsthand. These experiences are woven into Tolstoy's works.
Dealing with significant historical events of the 19th century, 'War and Peace' boasts an extensive volume, which could be daunting to read. However, spurred on by numerous recommendations, I took on the challenge, and upon completing it, I feel a sense of accomplishment akin to finishing a task, along with the depth and emotional impact the novel provides.
Characters
Given its scope, 'War and Peace' features over hundreds of characters. The main storyline revolves around about six aristocrats. These include Andrei Bolkonsky and his sister Maria, Pierre Bezukhov and his wife Ellen of the Bezukhov family, and Nikolai and his sister Natasha of the Rostov family.
Summary
The story begins in the early 19th century, during the reign of Napoleon over Europe. The Russian upper class is preoccupied with Napoleon, criticizing him while praising and supporting their emperor, Alexander, as the defender of Europe's order.
Members of the Bolkonsky and Rostov families, Andrei and Nikolai respectively, become officers and join the war effort. Despite his wife's impending childbirth, Andrei resolves to fight.
Meanwhile, Pierre Bezukhov, an illegitimate son of Count Bezukhov, returns to Russia after spending some time in Paris. Initially unnoticed in Russian high society due to his status, Pierre unexpectedly inherits wealth and nobility upon the count's death. Seizing the opportunity, Basil Kuragin arranges for Pierre to marry his daughter Ellen.
In 1805, Andrei and Nikolai march to battle with France as allies of Austria. Russia suffers defeat in the war, and while Nikolai returns unscathed, Andrei is wounded and captured by the French. Meanwhile, Pierre, who does not participate in the war, experiences an unhappy marriage. His relationship with his wife Ellen deteriorates as she becomes involved with other men. Leaving Moscow for St. Petersburg, Pierre encounters Freemasons and becomes deeply involved with the organization. Upon returning home, Andrei, now released from captivity, tragically learns of his wife's death during childbirth.
Both Pierre, engrossed in Freemasonry, and the grieving Andrei attempt reforms in their respective domains. Amidst their struggles, Russia and France enter into a temporary peace agreement, bringing peace to Europe for a time.
Under Alexander's leadership, a series of reforms take place in Russia, with Andrei also participating in these reforms. Andrei continues his friendship with Nikolai Rostov's family, and falls in love with Nikolai's sister Natasha. Despite becoming engaged, their marriage is postponed due to opposition from Natasha's father, and their engagement is broken when Natasha plans to elope with another man.
In 1812, war breaks out again when France attacks Russia for violating Napoleon's Continental System, which demanded the cessation of trade with Britain. Napoleon's forces occupy Moscow, leading to the Rostov family aiding wounded soldiers and fleeing. Discovering Andrei among the wounded, Natasha nurses him devotedly. However, Andrei, resigned to fate, fails to recover from his severe injuries and peacefully passes away under Natasha's care.
As the harsh Russian winter approaches, Napoleon issues the order to retreat, and French soldiers begin their arduous journey back with prisoners and supplies. Among the captives is Pierre, who, while being led away, encounters a peasant named Platon and gains insights into the truths of life through their conversation.
Rescued by Russian guerrilla forces, Pierre regains his freedom as Russia restores peace. Having lost his wife Ellen, Pierre marries the admired Natasha, while Natasha's brother Nikolai marries Andrei's sister Maria, leading to a life of happiness for both couples.
Reflection
In "War and Peace," Tolstoy repeatedly presents his view of history. He believes that history is not driven by specific heroes like Napoleon, but rather by the collective will of the people living in that era. The numerous heroes in history represent the culmination of that collective will.
There's a saying that troubled times create heroes. If the heroes we know from history were born in peaceful times, they might have lived ordinary lives and passed away quietly. Similarly, the many heroes in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" might have just been farmers tilling their land if China hadn't been divided. Of course, this doesn't diminish the value of farming. When an era calls for heroes, they emerge somewhere and leave their mark on history. In this sense, my thoughts align with Tolstoy's.
Tolstoy often conveys to readers in the novel that orders from commanders are rarely transmitted exactly as intended. This is natural, as the larger an organization grows and the more people it encompasses, the harder it becomes for the will of the supreme authority to reach the frontline staff directly. Therefore, reforms such as checking the chain of command or adjusting approval lines are necessary. Even a genius like Napoleon couldn't escape this issue.
Napoleon, in his arrogance, believed he could control everything, leading to his downfall. Tolstoy suggests that even Napoleon, who had conquered Europe without a single defeat before his failed Russian campaign, couldn't defy the will of God.
As the title suggests, "War and Peace" deals with the themes of war and peace. The distinction between war and peace becomes increasingly blurred as the story progresses. Tensions akin to war escalate even during times of peace, and periods of peaceful stalemate sometimes occur during full-fledged battles.
The characters also reflect this ambiguity. Living through cycles of war and peace, they become indifferent, and their lives resemble the intense struggle of war. Through this ambiguous distinction, Tolstoy may be showing that both war and peace are part of our lives.
Conclusion
The portrayal of characters living their lives amidst the tumultuous whirlwind of history was striking. As wars described in history books unfolded in the background of the novel, contemplating the impact on individuals made me rethink my thoughts and feelings about war. Tolstoy's firsthand experiences of war seem vividly conveyed through his writing. Tolstoy rejects the notion of the "arrogant personality" like Napoleon, who believes he can control the fate of humanity, and instead champions the "humble submission to fate," embodied by Russian peasant soldiers and their commander Kutuzov, as the true victors of Russia. The phrase narrated in the book, "Not a single hair falls from a man's head without God's will," is particularly memorable.
