Andrei Bolkonsky, his spiritual quest, personality evolution are described throughout Leo Tolstoy's novel. For the author, changes in the consciousness and attitude of the hero are important, because, in his opinion, this is what speaks about the moral health of the individual. Therefore, all the positive heroes of "War and Peace" go through the path of searching for the meaning of life, the dialectic of the soul, with all the disappointments, loss and finding of happiness. Tolstoy points out the presence of a positive beginning in the character by the fact that, despite the troubles of life, the hero does not lose his dignity. Such are Andrei Bolkonsky and Pierre Bezukhov. The general and main thing in their searches is that the heroes come to the idea of ​​unity with the people. Let us consider what the spiritual searches of Prince Andrew led to.

Focus on Napoleon's ideas

Prince Bolkonsky first appears before the reader at the very beginning of the epic, in the salon of Anna Scherer, the maid of honor. Before us is a short man, with somewhat dry features, very handsome in appearance. Everything in his behavior speaks of complete disappointment with life, both spiritual and family. Having married a beautiful selfish woman, Lisa Meinen, Bolkonsky soon gets tired of her and completely changes his attitude towards marriage. Even Pierre Bezukhov's friend, he conjures never to marry.

Prince Bolkonsky longs for something new, for him constant appearances, family life is a vicious circle from which a young man strives to escape. How? Going to the front. This is the uniqueness of the novel "War and Peace": Andrei Bolkonsky, as well as other characters, their dialectic of the soul, are shown within a certain historical setting.

At the beginning of Tolstoy's epic, Andrei Bolkonsky is an ardent Bonapartist, admiring Napoleon's military talent, an adherent of his idea of ​​gaining power through military exploit. Bolkonsky wants to get "his Toulon".

Service and Austerlitz

With the arrival in the army, a new milestone in the search for the young prince is read. Life path Andrei Bolkonsky made a decisive U-turn in the direction of the bold, courageous deeds... The prince shows exceptional talent in the officer corps, he shows courage, valor and courage.

Even in the smallest details, Tolstoy emphasizes that Bolkonsky did right choice: his face became different, it ceased to express fatigue from everything, feigned gestures and manners disappeared. The young man did not have time to think about how to behave correctly, he became real.

Kutuzov himself makes a note of what Andrei Bolkonsky is a talented adjutant: the great commander writes a letter to the young man's father, where he notes that the prince is making exceptional progress. Andrey takes all victories and defeats to heart: he sincerely rejoices and experiences pain in his soul. He sees in Bonaparte the enemy, but at the same time continues to admire the genius of the commander. He still dreams of "his Toulon". Andrei Bolkonsky in the novel "War and Peace" expresses the author's attitude to outstanding personalities, it is from his lips that the reader learns about the most important battles.

The center of this stage in the life of the prince is the one who showed high heroism, seriously wounded, he lies on the battlefield and sees the bottomless sky. Then Andrey comes to the realization that he must reconsider his life priorities, turn to his wife, whom he despised and humiliated by his behavior. Yes, and once an idol, Napoleon, he sees as an insignificant human being. Bonaparte appreciated the feat of the young officer, only Bolkonsky did not care. He dreams only of quiet happiness and an impeccable family life. Andrey decides to end his military career and return home, to his wife, in

The decision to live for yourself and your loved ones

Fate prepares Bolkonsky with another heavy blow. His wife, Lisa, dies in childbirth. She leaves Andrei a son. The prince did not have time to ask for forgiveness, because he arrived too late, he is tormented by a sense of guilt. The life path of Andrei Bolkonsky further is taking care of his loved ones.

Raising a son, building an estate, helping his father in forming the ranks of the militia - that's on this stage his life priorities. Andrei Bolkonsky lives in seclusion, which allows him to focus on his spiritual world and the search for the meaning of life.

The progressive views of the young prince are manifested: he improves the life of his serfs (replaces corvee with quitrent), gives three hundred people a status Yet he is still far from accepting a sense of unity with the common people: every now and then in his speech thoughts of disdain for the peasantry and ordinary soldiers slip through ...

Fateful conversation with Pierre

The life path of Andrei Bolkonsky turns into another plane during the visit of Pierre Bezukhov. The reader immediately notes the kinship of the souls of young people. Pierre, in a state of elation due to the reforms carried out on his estates, infects Andrei with enthusiasm.

Young people discuss for a long time the principles and meaning of changes in the life of the peasantry. Andrei disagrees with something; he does not accept Pierre's most liberal views on serfs at all. However, practice has shown that, unlike Bezukhov, Bolkonsky was able to really make the life of his peasants easier. All thanks to his active nature and practical view of the serf system.

Nevertheless, the meeting with Pierre helped Prince Andrei to penetrate well into his inner world, to start moving towards transformations of the soul.

Rebirth to a new life

A breath of fresh air, a change in outlook on life was made by a meeting with Natasha Rostova - the main character the novel "War and Peace". Andrei Bolkonsky visits the Rostovs' estate in Otradnoye on business of acquiring land. There he notices the calm, cozy atmosphere in the family. Natasha is so pure, spontaneous, real ... She met him on a starry night during the first ball in her life and immediately captured the heart of the young prince.

Andrei is, as it were, being born again: he understands what Pierre once told him: you need to live not only for yourself and your family, you need to be useful to the whole society. That is why Bolkonsky goes to St. Petersburg to submit his proposals to the military regulations.

Awareness of the meaninglessness of "state activity"

Unfortunately, Andrei did not succeed in meeting the emperor; he was directed to Arakcheev, an unprincipled and stupid man. Of course, he did not accept the young prince's ideas. However, there was another meeting that influenced Bolkonsky's worldview. We are talking about Speransky. He saw in the youth good potential for public service... As a result, Bolkonsky was appointed to a position related to drafting In addition, Andrei heads the commission for drafting martial law laws.

But soon Bolkonsky was disappointed with his service: a formal approach to work did not satisfy Andrei. He feels that here he is doing unnecessary work, he will not provide real help to anyone. Increasingly, Bolkonsky recalls life in the countryside, where he was really useful.

Having initially admired Speransky, Andrei now saw pretense and unnaturalness. Increasingly, Bolkonsky is haunted by thoughts about the idleness of Petersburg life and the absence of any meaning in his service to the country.

Break with Natasha

Natasha Rostova and Andrei Bolkonsky were a very beautiful couple, but they were not destined to get married. The girl gave him the desire to live, to create something for the good of the country, to dream of a happy future. She became Andrey's muse. Natasha favorably differed from other girls in Petersburg society: she was pure, sincere, her actions came from the heart, they were devoid of any calculation. The girl sincerely loved Bolkonsky, and did not just see him as a profitable party.

Bolkonsky makes a fatal mistake by postponing the wedding with Natasha for whole year: this provoked her passion for Anatol Kuragin. The young prince could not forgive the girl. Natasha Rostova and Andrei Bolkonsky break off their engagement. The blame for everything is the prince's excessive pride, unwillingness to hear and understand Natasha. He is again as egocentric as the reader observed Andrei at the beginning of the novel.

The final turning point in consciousness - Borodino

It was with such a heavy heart that Bolkonsky entered 1812, a turning point for the Fatherland. Initially, he wants revenge: he dreams of meeting Anatol Kuragin among the military and avenging his failed marriage, challenging him to a duel. But gradually the life path of Andrei Bolkonsky is once again changing: the impetus for this was the vision of the tragedy of the people.

Kutuzov trusts the young officer in command of the regiment. The prince is completely devoted to his service - now it is his life's work, he is so close to the soldiers that they call him "our prince."

Finally, the day of the apotheosis of the Patriotic War and the searches of Andrei Bolkonsky is coming - battle of Borodino... It is noteworthy that his vision of this great historical event and the absurdities of wars L. Tolstoy puts into the mouth of Prince Andrew. He reflects on the pointlessness of so many sacrifices for the sake of victory.

The reader sees here Bolkonsky, who went through a difficult life path: disappointment, death of loved ones, betrayal, rapprochement with the common people. He feels that he understands and realizes too much now, one might say, heralds his death: “I see that I have begun to understand too much. And it is not good for a man to eat of the tree of good and evil. "

Indeed, Bolkonsky is mortally wounded and, among other soldiers, is taken into the care of the Rostovs' house.

The prince feels the approach of death, he thinks about Natasha for a long time, understands her, "sees the soul", dreams of meeting his beloved, asking for forgiveness. He confesses his love to the girl and dies.

The image of Andrei Bolkonsky is an example of high honor, loyalty to the duty of the Motherland and people.

From the day of his wife's arrival in Moscow, Pierre was planning to leave somewhere, just so as not to be with her. Soon after the Rostovs arrived in Moscow, the impression Natasha made on him made him hurry to fulfill his intention. He went to Tver to the widow of Joseph Alekseevich, who promised long ago to give him the papers of the deceased. When Pierre returned to Moscow, he received a letter from Marya Dmitrievna, who called him to her in a very important business concerning Andrei Bolkonsky and his bride. Pierre avoided Natasha. It seemed to him that he had a stronger feeling for her than a married man should have for his friend's bride. And some fate constantly brought him to her. "What happened? And what do they care about me? He thought, dressing to go to Marya Dmitrievna's. "Prince Andrew would come as soon as possible and marry her!" - thought Pierre on the way to Akhrosimova. On Tverskoy Boulevard, someone called out to him. - Pierre! Have you arrived long ago? A familiar voice shouted at him. Pierre raised his head. In a pair of sleighs, on two gray trotters, throwing snow at the heads of the sleigh, Anatole flashed by with his everlasting comrade Makarin. Anatole was sitting upright, in the classic pose of military dandies, wrapping the bottom of his face in a beaver collar and bowing his head a little. His face was rosy and fresh, his hat with a white plume was pulled on one side, revealing his curled hair, pomaded and strewn with fine snow. “And really, here is a real sage! - thought Pierre, - he sees nothing beyond a real moment of pleasure, nothing worries him - and that is why he is always cheerful, contented and calm. What would I give to be like him! " Thought Pierre with envy. In Akhrosimova's hall, the footman, taking off Pierre's fur coat, said that Marya Dmitrievna was being asked to go to her bedroom. Opening the door to the hall, Pierre saw Natasha, sitting by the window, with a thin, pale and angry face. She looked back at him, frowned, and left the room with an expression of cold dignity. - What's happened? - asked Pierre, entering Marya Dmitrievna. “Good deeds,” answered Marya Dmitrievna. - I have lived for fifty-eight years, I have never seen such shame. - And, having taken Pierre's word of honor to be silent about everything that he learns, Marya Dmitrievna told him that Natasha had refused her fiancé without the knowledge of her parents, that the reason for this refusal was Anatol Kuragin, with whom her wife Pierre had brought her and with whom Natasha wanted to run away in the absence of his father in order to secretly get married. Pierre, raising his shoulders and gaping his mouth, listened to what Marya Dmitrievna was saying to him, not believing her ears. The bride of Prince Andrei, so much beloved, this formerly dear Natasha Rostova, exchange Bolkonsky for the fool Anatole, already married (Pierre knew the secret of his marriage), and fall in love with him so much to agree to run away with him! - this Pierre could not understand and could not imagine. The sweet impression of Natasha, whom he had known since childhood, could not unite in his soul with a new idea of ​​her baseness, stupidity and cruelty. He remembered his wife. "They are all the same," he said to himself, thinking that he was not alone in the sad fate of being associated with a nasty woman. But he still felt sorry for Prince Andrew to tears, he felt sorry for his pride. And the more he felt sorry for his friend, the more contempt and even disgust he thought of this Natasha, with such an expression of cold dignity now passing by him through the hall. He did not know that Natasha's soul was filled with despair, shame, humiliation, and that it was not her fault that her face inadvertently expressed calm dignity and severity. - How to get married! - said Pierre to the words of Marya Dmitrievna. - He could not get married: he is married. “Hour after hour is no easier,” said Marya Dmitrievna. - Good boy! What a bastard! And she waits, she waits for the second day. At least stop waiting, I must tell her. Having learned from Pierre the details of Anatole's marriage, pouring out her anger at him with swear words, Marya Dmitrievna told him what she had summoned him for. Marya Dmitrievna was afraid that the count or Bolkonsky, who could come at any moment, having learned the case that she intended to hide from them, would not challenge Kuragin to a duel, and therefore asked him to order his brother-in-law on her behalf to leave Moscow and not dare to show himself to her. on the eyes. Pierre promised her to fulfill her desire, only now understanding the danger that threatened the old count, and Nicholas, and Prince Andrew. Briefly and accurately setting out her demands to him, she let him out into the living room. - Look, the count knows nothing. You act as if you don't know anything, ”she told him. - And I'm going to tell her that there is nothing to wait! Yes, stay to dinner if you want, ”Marya Dmitrievna shouted to Pierre. Pierre met the old count. He was confused and upset. That morning Natasha told him that she refused Bolkonsky. “Trouble, trouble, mon cher,” he said to Pierre, “trouble with these girls without a mother; I'm so sorry that I came. I will be frank with you. We heard that she refused the groom, without asking anything. Suppose, I have never been very happy about this marriage. Suppose he is a good man, but well, against the will of his father, there would be no happiness, and Natasha will not be left without suitors. Yes, all the same, it went on like this for a long time, and how could it be without a father, without a mother, such a step! And now she is sick and God knows what! It's bad, count, bad with daughters without a mother ... - Pierre saw that the count was very upset, tried to turn the conversation to another subject, but the count again returned to his grief. Sonya, with an anxious face, entered the living room. - Natasha is not entirely healthy; she is in her room and would like to see you. Marya Dmitrievna is asking you too. - Yes, after all you are very friendly with Bolkonsky, surely he wants to convey something, - said the count. - Oh, my God, my God! How good it was! - And, grasping the sparse whiskey of gray hair, the count left the room. Marya Dmitrievna announced to Natasha that Anatole was married. Natasha did not want to believe her and demanded confirmation of this from Pierre himself. Sonya told Pierre this while she was escorting him through the corridor to Natasha's room. Natasha, pale and stern, was sitting beside Marya Dmitrievna and from the very door met Pierre with a feverishly brilliant, questioning look. She did not smile, did not nod her head to him, she only stubbornly looked at him, and her gaze asked him only about whether he was a friend or the same enemy as everyone else in relation to Anatol? Pierre himself obviously did not exist for her. “He knows everything,” said Marya Dmitrievna, pointing to Pierre and turning to Natasha. - Let him tell you if I was telling the truth. Natasha, like a shot, driven animal, looks at the approaching dogs and hunters, looked first at one, then at the other. - Natalya Ilyinichna, - began Pierre, lowering his eyes and feeling a feeling of pity for her and disgust for the operation that he was supposed to do, - is it true or not, it should be all the same for you, because ... - So it's not true that he is married? - No, its true. - He was married, and how long? She asked. - Honestly? Pierre gave her his word of honor. "Is he still here?" She asked quickly. - Yes, I just saw him. She was obviously unable to speak and made signs with her hands to leave her.

PRINCE ANDREY BOLKONSKY

The first time a reader meets this hero in St. Petersburg in the living room of Anna Pavlovna Sherer with his pregnant wife Liza. After a dinner party, he goes to his father in the village. Leaves his wife there in the care of his father and younger sister Marya. He went to the war of 1805 against Napoleon as an adjutant to Kutuzov. Participates in the Battle of Austerlitz, in which he was wounded in the head. Upon arrival home, Andrei finds his wife Liza giving birth.

Having given birth to a son, Nikolenka, Liza dies. Prince Andrew blames himself for being cold with his wife, not giving her due attention. After a long depression, Bolkonsky falls in love with Natasha Rostova. He offers her a hand and a heart, but at the insistence of his father postpones their marriage for a year and goes abroad. Shortly before his return, Prince Andrew received a letter from the bride with a refusal. The reason for the refusal is Natasha's romance with Anatoly Kuragin. This turn of events becomes a heavy blow for Bolkonsky. He dreams of challenging Kuragin to a duel. To numb the pain of disappointment in his beloved woman, Prince Andrew completely devotes himself to the service.

Participates in the war of 1812 against Napoleon. During the Battle of Borodino, he received a shrapnel wound in the stomach. While moving, the wounded man accidentally meets the Rostov family, and they take his custody. Natasha, without ceasing to blame herself for treason to the groom and realizing that she still loves him, asks for forgiveness from Andrey, in the Rostovs' house

Dreams and ideals	Looking for his Toulon; wants national glory and recognition; his idol is Napoleon.
For the sake of achieving his goal, he is ready to sacrifice	"... Father, wife, sister are the people most dear to me ... I will give all of them now for a minute of glory, triumph over people." "Death, wounds, loss of family, nothing is scary to me."
Appearance	"Prince Bolkonsky was short, a very handsome young man with definite and dry features."

The best moments of life	What changes in the hero
Sky under Austerlitz	Begins to understand insignificance "Petty vanity" Napoleon in comparison "High, fair and kind sky, which he saw and understood."
The prince realized the great truth - life is an absolute value. Felt my connection to infinity : "Nothing is true, except the insignificance of everything that I understand, and the greatness of something incomprehensible, but the most important."
Discovery of the wealth of peaceful life	Returning from French captivity, Bolkonsky learns about the death of his wife. In his memory will forever remain "Dead reproachful face" little princess. From this moment, Prince Andrey will be tormented by thoughts of the neglect with which he treated his wife, he will understand and realize the value of family happiness, the joy of everyday life among his relatives: father, sister, son Nikolenka.
The prince repents of his ambitious dreams, the natural needs of love and kindness rise in his soul.
Meeting with Pierre in Bogucharov

"The meeting with Pierre was for Prince Andrew the era from which, although in appearance it is the same, but in the inner world his new life." Pierre "Infects" Prince Andrew with his faith in people, in life not only on earth, but also eternal, in God.

Prince Andrew accepts some of Pierre's convictions, which have a beneficial effect on Bolkonsky. Now the prince can admit to himself: "How happy and calm I would be if I could say now:" Lord, have mercy on me. "

Meeting with Natasha Rostova in Otradnoye

Returns to "living life", begins to feel the joy of communicating with the big world, people. In this state, Prince Andrew hastens to enter the spheres close to him. state activities, converges with Speransky.

Emotionality of Natasha, her sincerity and delight give impetus to the spiritual revival of the prince.

Love for Natasha Rostova

Changes his attitude towards Speransky, whom he has already begun to regard as an idol, notices in himself a disregard for the matter, which he was so interested in before: "How can this make me happier and better?"

The prince becomes happier and better from the feeling that Natasha Rostova awakens in his soul

Participation in the war of 1812 In the army, the prince becomes a caring and attentive commander. He refuses an offer to serve in the army headquarters, he does not care about dreams of personal glory. The soldiers call him "Our prince".

During the Battle of Borodino, Bolkonsky performs his duty, he is motivated not by the desire for personal glory, but by the officer's sense of honor, hatred of the enemy who ruined him native land, its Bald Mountains.

Forgiveness of Anatol Kuragin

Seeing how Anatol Kuragin's leg was amputated, the prince felt sincere sympathy for the pain and suffering of this man: "It has blossomed ... a flower of love in spring, free, independent of this life ..."

The revival of love for Natasha Rostova After a severe injury, she experiences a passionate desire to live. It was at these moments that his love for Natasha Rostova returned to him. But this is a different feeling: “... for the first time he imagined her soul. For the first time I realized the cruelty of breaking with her. "

Death of Andrei Bolkonsky

“The more he, in those hours of suffering solitude and half-delirium, which he spent after his wound, pondered the new, open beginning of eternal love, the more he himself, without feeling it, renounced earthly life. To love everything, to always sacrifice oneself for love meant not to love anyone, it meant not to live this earthly life. "

The fate of Andrei Bolkonsky is the path of a person who makes mistakes and is able to atone for his guilt, striving for moral perfection. The introduction to the feeling of eternal love revived the strength of spirit in Prince Andrei, and he accomplished the most difficult thing, according to Tolstoy, - he died calmly and with dignity. And death became the "moment of truth" of his life.

Stages in the development of the personality of Andrei Bolkonsky

Battle of Austerlitz

The participation of Prince Andrew in the war of 1805 is associated with his ambitious dreams of glory, of his Toulone. The fascination with Napoleon was characteristic of many representatives of the progressive noble youth of the beginning XIX century. But Andrei craved not only personal glory, but also happiness for people. Tolstoy distinguishes him from the crowd of staff careerists (such as Zherkov and Drubetskoy). Overcoming the "Napoleonic" beginning, the desire to rise above the people around him, this stage in the life of Andrei ends. The sky of Austerlitz helped Prince Andrei understand that both admiration for Napoleon and his dream of becoming the savior of the Russian army are only delusion.

Meeting with Pierre and Natasha

Disappointed in the old ideals, having experienced the grief of loss, repentance, Prince Andrey is sure that he understood what happiness consists in: in the absence of disease and remorse. But Pierre (in a dispute on the ferry) proves to him that one must believe in the good and high destiny of man. And the meeting with Natasha saves Prince Andrei from a spiritual crisis, awakens in him love and the desire to live.

battle of Borodino

V Patriotic War In 1812, the fate of the prince merges with the fate of the people for the first time. He returns to the army, seized with the same feeling of outraged national pride that leads ordinary Russian soldiers into battle. In the Battle of Borodino (in contrast to Austerlitz), the prince performs a real moral feat, achieves harmony with himself and understands that the main purpose of a person is to serve the interests of his native people.

Prince Andrey dies of a wound received at the Borodino field. Tolstoy reconciles him not only with Natasha, but also with the whole world, including the wounded Anatol Kuragin. The writer put into the image of Prince Andrew his cherished idea that only love and kindness govern life and without them, neither true perfection nor deliverance from torment and contradictions is possible.

PIERRE BEZUKHOV

The bastard son of a great nobleman, who inherited the title of count and a huge fortune. Respect for him in the light is based on his financial situation. Openness of behavior and independence of thought distinguish him from the guests of the Scherer salon.

His spiritual qualities are revealed in the very first description: when he smiles, his "serious and even somewhat angular face disappears and another appears - childish, kind." Due to his youth and under the influence of the environment, he commits many mistakes: he leads a reckless life of a secular buffoon and a loafer, allows Prince Vasily Kuragin to rob himself and marry Helen.

Before us is a man, just like Andrei Bolkonsky, looking for a business to which he could devote his life. He does not want and cannot be satisfied with secular values. He is characterized by dramatic delusions, contradictory character, he combines intelligence with naivety and innocence, good and bad are intertwined (the image is largely autobiographical). He is a man of his era, living by its interests and spiritual mood.

Not seeing his place in life, not knowing what to do with his strength, at first he leads a riotous life in the company of Dolokhov and Kuragin. Open and kind, often turns out to be defenseless in front of the skillful play of others. He does not know how to correctly evaluate people and too often makes mistakes in them.

Like Andrei, his moral development begins with delusion - the deification of Napoleon. The novel shows several stages in the development of Pierre's personality. The main events in his life: entry into Freemasonry, the war of 1812 (Battle of Borodino, captivity, execution of arsonists), meeting with Platon Karataev, marriage to Natasha Rostova, passion for the ideas of the Decembrists.

Stages in the development of the personality of Pierre Bezukhov

Freemasonry

The duel with Dolokhov led Pierre to shock: he realized that he was able to "encroach" on a person's life, and was trying to find moral support. He becomes hated by the falsity of secular society, the search for the meaning of life begins. This leads to Freemasonry, which he perceived as teaching about equality, brotherhood and love. He sincerely seeks to alleviate the situation of the peasants (up to their liberation from serfdom). But he soon became convinced of the futility of the Masonic movement and departed from it.

War of 1812

The war aroused patriotic feelings in Pierre and sharpened national consciousness. With his own money, he equips a thousand militia, and he himself remains in Moscow to kill Napoleon and "To end the misfortunes of all of Europe." Having decided to execute the French emperor, he, according to Tolstoy, became the same madman as Prince Andrew was at Austerlitz, intending to save the army alone. Finding himself on the Borodino field at the time of the battle, Pierre realizes that history is created not by a person, but by the people.

Meeting with Platon Karataev

Platon Karataev brings peace to the souls of all people. This is an amazing person: he does not grumble about anything, does not blame anyone - kindness itself. Pierre gains wisdom from him, in communication with him "Gains the calmness and self-satisfaction for which he had vainly sought before." Karataev becomes the main moral criterion for Pierre.

Marriage, passion for the ideas of the Decembrists

Having married Natasha, for the first time he feels truly happy. Carried away by radical ideas, he believes that society can be changed through the efforts of several thousand honest people... Decembrism is his new delusion, close in meaning to Andrey's attempt to get involved in the change in Russian life "from above". Not a genius, not an "order" of the Decembrists, but the moral efforts of the entire nation - this is the way to a real change in society. According to L.N. Tolstoy, the hero was to be exiled to Siberia. Having survived the collapse of false hopes, he will come to the final understanding of the true laws of life.

After the matchmaking of Prince Andrew and Natasha, Pierre felt that he could not live as before. He stopped keeping a diary, began to avoid the company of brother-Masons, began to go to the club again, drink a lot, and became close to bachelor companies. His wife made a remark about his lifestyle, and in order not to compromise her, Pierre left for Moscow.

In Moscow, having driven through the city streets, Count Bezukhov felt at home, in a quiet haven. Moscow society accepted Pierre as its own, in the eyes of the world he was a sweet and good-natured eccentric, a simple Russian gentleman.

On Pierre, as before, they did not find moments of despair, blues and disgust for life; but the same illness, which had formerly been expressed in sharp fits, was driven inside and did not leave him for an instant. "For what? What for? What's going on in the world? " he asked himself in bewilderment several times a day, involuntarily beginning to ponder the meaning of the phenomena of life; but knowing by experience that there were no answers to these questions, he hastily tried to turn his back on them, took up a book, or hurried to the club, or to Apollo Nikolaevich to chat about urban gossip ... It was too scary to be under the yoke of these insoluble questions of life, and he gave himself up to the first hobbies, only to forget them. He went to all kinds of societies, drank a lot, bought paintings and built, and most importantly read ...

At the beginning of winter, the old prince Bolkonsky, together with Princess Marya and her grandson, also arrived in Moscow. The prince has grown much older for Last year, his character is even worse than before. For the princess, life in Moscow was very difficult: here she was deprived of her two main joys - communication with God's people and solitude. She did not go out into the world, since her father was sick, and he would not let her go alone.

Princess Marya in Moscow had no one to talk to, no one to believe her grief, and a lot of new grief was added during this time. The deadline for the return of Prince Andrei and his marriage was approaching, and his order to prepare his father for that was not only not fulfilled, but the matter, on the contrary, seemed completely ruined, and the reminder of Countess Rostova pissed off the old prince, who had not been in the spirit.

The old military men periodically came to Count Bolkonsky, for whom politics was the main topic of conversation. Princess Marya, listening to the conversations of the old people, did not understand anything, and only thought about whether they noticed her father's attitude towards her. Immersed in her experiences, she did not even notice that Boris Drubetskoy, who had recently arrived from St. Petersburg in order to find a rich bride, was trying to persistently look after her.

One evening Pierre stopped by the Bolkonskys. He and the princess were accidentally left alone in the drawing room, and Pierre spoke to Marya about Boris Drubetskoy. Bezukhov told the girl that Boris had set himself the goal of marrying profitably and now he just didn’t know "whom to attack" - Princess Marya or Julie Karagin.

Would you marry him? - asked Pierre.

Oh, my God, count, there are such moments that I would go for anyone, - suddenly, unexpectedly for herself, with tears in her voice, Princess Marya said. - Oh, how hard it is to love a loved one and feel that ... nothing (she continued in a trembling voice), you can do for him except grief, when you know that you cannot change it. Then one thing is to leave, but where should I go? ..

What are you, what is wrong with you, princess?

But the princess, without finishing, burst into tears.

I don’t know what’s the matter with me today. Don't listen to me, forget what I told you.

All Pierre's gaiety disappeared. He anxiously questioned the princess, asked her to express everything, to trust him with her grief; but she only repeated that she was asking him to forget what she had said, that she did not remember what she had said, and that she had no grief, except that which he knew - grief that the marriage of Prince Andrey threatened to embroil her father with son.

Have you heard about the Rostovs? she asked to change the conversation. - I was told that they will soon be. André I also wait every day. I would like them to see each other here.

And how does he look at this matter now? - asked Pierre, by he meaning the old prince. Princess Marya shook her head.

But what is to be done? Only a few months remain until a year. And it can't be. I would only wish to save my brother from the first minutes. I wish they would come sooner. I hope to get along with her ...

Princess Marya told Pierre her plan about how she, the Rostovs had just arrived, would get closer to her future daughter-in-law and try to accustom the old prince to her.

Princess Marya seemed to Drubetskoy more attractive than Julie Karagina, but noticing that the girl was immersed in her experiences and did not accept his courtship, Boris began to go to the Karagin's house.

The Karagins' house was the most pleasant and hospitable house in Moscow this winter. In addition to parties and dinners, every day a large company gathered at the Karagins, especially men who dined at 12 o'clock in the morning and stayed up until 3 o'clock. There was no ball, festivities, theater, which Julie would have missed ...

Julie had long been awaiting an offer from her melancholic admirer and was ready to accept it; but a secret feeling of disgust for her, for her passionate desire to get married, for her unnaturalness, and a feeling of horror at the renunciation of the possibility of true love still stopped Boris.

One day Boris came to Julie and, overcoming disgust, confessed his love to her and made an offer. Julie agreed and the young people began to prepare for the wedding, which was to take place in the near future.

In January, Count Rostov with Natasha and Sonya arrived in Moscow. From day to day in Moscow they were waiting for the arrival of Prince Andrey. Since the Rostovs arrived for a short time and their house was not heated in winter, they decided to stay with Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, who had been inviting them for a long time.

The next day, on the advice of Marya Dmitrievna, Count Ilya Andreevich went with Natasha to see Prince Nikolai Andreevich. The count with a gloomy spirit was going to this visit: in his soul he was scared. The last meeting during the militia, when the count, in response to his invitation to dinner, heard an ardent reprimand for failure to provide people, was remembered by Count Ilya Andreich. Natasha, dressed in her best dress, was opposite in the most cheerful frame of mind. “It cannot be that they do not love me, she thought: everyone has always loved me. And I am so ready to do for them whatever they want, so ready to love him - because he is a father, and her because she is a sister, that there is nothing for them not to love me! " They drove up to an old, gloomy house on Vzdvizhenka and entered the entrance.

Well, God bless, ”said the count, half in jest, half seriously; but Natasha noticed that her father was in a hurry, entering the hall, and timidly, quietly asked if the prince and the princess were at home. After the report on their arrival, confusion broke out between the prince's servants ... Madame Bourienne was the first to meet the guests. She greeted her father and daughter with particular courtesy and escorted them to the princess. The princess, with an agitated, frightened face covered with red spots, ran out, stepping heavily towards the guests, and in vain trying to seem free and welcoming. At first glance, Natasha did not like Princess Marya. She seemed to her too elegant, frivolously cheerful and vain. Princess Marya did not know that before she saw her future daughter-in-law, she was already ill-disposed towards her out of involuntary envy of her beauty, youth and happiness, and out of jealousy for her brother's love. In addition to this irresistible feeling of antipathy towards her, Princess Mary at that moment was also agitated by the fact that when reporting on the arrival of the Rostovs, the prince shouted that he did not need them, that let Princess Mary accept them if he wanted, but that they would not be allowed to him. ... Princess Marya decided to receive the Rostovs, but at every moment she was afraid that the prince would do some trick, since he seemed very agitated by the arrival of the Rostovs.

Well, I have brought you my songstress, my dear princess, ”said the count, bowing his feet and looking around uneasily, as if he was afraid that the old prince might ascend. “How glad I am that you met ... It’s a pity, it’s a pity that the prince is not well,” and having said a few more general phrases, he stood up. “If you will allow me, princess, to estimate my Natasha for a quarter of an hour, I would go, here two steps, to the Dog's Area, to Anna Semyonovna, and I’ll pick her up.”

Ilya Andreevich came up with this diplomatic trick in order to give room for the future sister-in-law to explain to his daughter-in-law (as he said after his daughter) and also in order to avoid the possibility of meeting with the prince, whom he feared ... The princess told the count that she was very glad and asks him only to stay longer with Anna Semyonovna, and Ilya Andreevich left. M-lle Bourienne, in spite of the restless glances thrown at her by Princess Marya, who wanted to talk privately with Natasha, did not leave the room and kept a firm conversation about Moscow's pleasures and theaters. Natasha was offended by the confusion in the hall, by her father's anxiety, and by the unnatural tone of the princess, who, it seemed to her, was doing mercy by accepting her. And therefore everything was unpleasant to her. Princess Marya did not like her. She seemed to her to be very ill-natured, feigned and dry. Natasha suddenly cringed morally and involuntarily adopted such a careless tone, which even more repelled Princess Marya from her. After five minutes of heavy, feigned conversation, they heard fast, slippery footsteps approaching. The face of Princess Marya expressed fear, the door of the room opened and the prince entered in a white cap and dressing gown.

Ah, madam, ”he began,“ madam, countess ... Countess Rostov, if I’m not mistaken ... I beg your pardon, excuse me ... I didn’t know, madam. God knows that you have honored us with your visit, he went to see his daughter in such a suit. I beg your pardon ... God doesn't know, ”he repeated so unnaturally, striking the word God and so unpleasant that Princess Marya stood with her eyes downcast, not daring to look either at her father or at Natasha. Natasha, getting up and sitting down, also did not know what to do. One mistress Bourienne smiled pleasantly.

I beg your pardon, I beg your pardon! God knows he didn’t know, ”the old man muttered and, having examined Natasha from head to toe, went out. M-lle Bourienne was the first to find herself after this appearance and began a conversation about the prince's ill health. Natasha and Princess Marya looked at each other in silence, and the longer they looked at each other in silence, without expressing what they needed to say, the more unkindly they thought of each other ... When the count was already leaving the room, Princess Marya was quick steps went up to Natasha, took her hands and, sighing heavily, said: "Wait, I need ..." Natasha mockingly, not knowing what she was, looked at Princess Marya.

Dear Natalie, - said Princess Marya, - you should know that I am glad that my brother found happiness ... - She stopped, feeling that she was telling a lie. Natasha noticed this stop and guessed the reason for it.

I think, princess, that it is now inconvenient to talk about this, ”said Natasha with outward dignity and coldness and with tears that she felt in her throat.

"What did I say, what did I do!" - she thought as soon as she left the room ...

Natasha, straightening her dress, walked along with Sonya and sat down, looking around the illuminated rows of opposite boxes. The sensation, which she had not experienced for a long time, that hundreds of eyes were looking at her bare arms and neck, suddenly and pleasantly and unpleasantly seized her, causing a whole swarm of memories, desires and worries corresponding to this sensation. Two remarkably pretty girls, Natasha and Sonya, with Count Ilya Andreich, who had not been seen in Moscow for a long time, attracted general attention. In addition, everyone knew vaguely about Natasha's conspiracy with Prince Andrey, knew that since then the Rostovs lived in the village, and looked with curiosity at the bride of one of the best suitors in Russia.

Natasha became prettier in the country, as everyone told her, and that evening, thanks to her agitated state, she was especially good. She amazed with the fullness of life and beauty, combined with indifference to everything around her. Her black eyes looked at the crowd, not looking for anyone, and a thin hand, bare above the elbow, leaned on a velvet ramp, obviously unconsciously, in time with the overture, clenched and unclenched, crumpling the poster.

Among those present, the Rostovs noticed many acquaintances: Boris and Julie, Dolokhov, who was "the center of attraction for the brilliant youth of Moscow." Now all of Moscow was "going crazy" for Dolokhov and Anatol Kuragin. Helen Bezukhova was also here, whose beauty amazed Natasha.

The last chords of the overture sounded and the bandmaster's baton rattled. In the stalls, belated men marched into their seats and the curtain went up. As soon as the curtain rose, everything fell silent in the boxes and the stalls, and all the men, old and young, in uniforms and tailcoats, all women in jewels on their naked bodies, with eager curiosity turned their attention to the stage. Natasha also began to look ...

Natasha looked in the direction of Countess Bezukhova's eyes and saw an unusually handsome adjutant, with a self-confident and at the same time courteous air, approaching their bed. It was Anatol Kuragin, whom she had long seen and noticed at the St. Petersburg ball. He was now in an adjutant's uniform with one epaulette and an excellence ... Glancing at Natasha, he went up to his sister, put his hand in a doused glove on the edge of her box, shook her head and bending over asked something, pointing at Natasha ...

Kuragin all this intermission stood with Dolokhov in front of the ramp, looking at the Rostovs' box. Natasha knew that he was talking about her, and this gave her pleasure. She even turned so that he could see her profile, in her opinion, in the most advantageous position ...

After the second act, Helen asked the count to introduce her to his daughters and invited Natasha to her box. In the next intermission, Anatole approached them, and Helen introduced him to Natasha.

Kuragin asked about the impression of the performance and told her about how in the last performance Semenova, playing, fell.

You know, Countess, ”he said, suddenly addressing her as to an old longtime acquaintance,“ we have a merry-go-round in suits; you should participate in it: it will be a lot of fun. All are collected from the Arkharovs. Please come, right, huh? he said. While saying this, he did not take his smiling eyes off his face, from his neck, from Natasha's bare hands ...

Natasha returned to her father in the box, already completely subordinated to the world in which she was ... Natasha saw only this from the fourth act: something worried and tormented her, and the cause of this excitement was Kuragin, whom she involuntarily followed with her eyes ... When they were leaving the theater, Anatole approached them, called their carriage and gave them a lift. Sitting Natasha up, he shook her hand above the elbow. Natasha, agitated and flushed, looked back at him. He, shining with his eyes and smiling tenderly, looked at her.

Only after arriving home, Natasha could clearly think over everything that happened to her, and suddenly remembering Prince Andrei, she was horrified, and in front of everyone at tea, for which everyone sat down after the theater, gasped loudly and ran out of the room, blushing. "Oh my God! I am lost! she said to herself. How could I allow this to happen? " she thought. For a long time she sat, covering her flushed face with her hands, trying to give herself a clear account of what happened to her, and could neither understand what happened to her, nor what she felt. Everything seemed to her dark, unclear and frightening.

Anatol Kuragin lived in Moscow because his father made him a condition to marry a rich bride. But the young man believed that rich brides are mostly bad-looking, so he did not want to get close to anyone and limited himself to short-term intrigues. In addition, he was married for two years: in Poland, a poor landowner forced Anatole to marry his daughter. However, Anatole left his wife and for the money he promised to send to his father-in-law, he got himself the right to become single again.

He was not a gambler, at least he never wanted to win. He was not conceited. He didn't care what anyone thought of him. Still less could he be accused of ambition. He teased his father several times, spoiling his career, and laughed at all the honors. He was not stingy and did not refuse anyone who asked him. One thing that he loved was fun and women, and since, according to his ideas, there was nothing ignoble in these tastes, and he could not think about what came out for other people from satisfying his tastes, then in his soul he considered himself an impeccable person, sincerely despised scoundrels and bad people, and with a clear conscience carried his head high ...

Acquaintance with Natasha Rostova made a strong impression on Anatol. Having discussed the dignity of the girl with Dolokhov, he decided to “crawl after her,” not thinking what could come of it in the future. Dolokhov recalled that “once he had already been caught on a girl,” but Anatole only laughed in response, saying that he didn’t come across the same twice.

Natasha Rostova was still waiting for Andrei Bolkonsky, but at the same time she often remembered Anatoly Kuragin, trying to understand the feeling he caused her. Soon Helen herself came to the Rostovs. Despite the fact that before she had been annoyed with Natasha (she took Boris away from her in Petersburg), she tried to forget about it and decided to help her brother. Helene secretly informed Natasha that her brother was "sighing for her," and Rostova, blinded by the secular splendor, unwittingly found herself under her influence. Helene invited Natasha to the masquerade, which Anatole mentioned at the theater.

Count Ilya Andreevich took his girls to Countess Bezukhova. There were quite a lot of people at the evening. But the whole society was almost unfamiliar to Natasha. Count Ilya Andreevich remarked with displeasure that this whole society consisted mainly of men and women, known for their freedom of treatment ... Anatole was obviously at the door waiting for the Rostovs to enter. He immediately greeted the count, went up to Natasha and followed her. As soon as Natasha saw him, the same as in the theater, a feeling of vain pleasure that he liked her and fear of the absence of moral barriers between her and him, seized her. Helen happily accepted Natasha and loudly admired her beauty and dress. Shortly after their arrival, Mrs. Georges left the room to get dressed. In the living room they began to arrange chairs and sit down. Anatole pushed a chair for Natasha and wanted to sit down beside her, but the count, who did not take his eyes off Natasha, sat down beside her. Anatole sat in the back ...

Natasha looked at the fat Georges, but she heard nothing, did not see and did not understand anything of what was being done in front of her; she only felt again completely irrevocably in that strange, insane world, so far from the previous one, in that world in which it was impossible to know what was good, what was bad, what was reasonable and what was insane. Anatole was sitting behind her, and she, feeling his closeness, fearfully waited for something ...

After several receptions of recitation, m-lle Georges left and Countess Bezukhova asked for a company in the hall. The count wanted to leave, but Helen begged not to spoil her impromptu ball. The Rostovs remained. Anatole invited Natasha to a waltz and during the waltz he, shaking her waist and hand, told her that he loved her. During the ecossaise, which she again danced with Kuragin, when they were left alone, Anatole did not say anything to her and only looked at her. Natasha was in doubt if she had seen in a dream what he said to her during the waltz. At the end of the first figure, he again shook her hand. Natasha raised her frightened eyes to him, but such a self-confident expression was in his gentle gaze and smile that she could not, looking at him, say what she had to say to him. She dropped her eyes.

Do not tell me such things, I am engaged and love another, ”she said quickly ...“ She glanced at him. Anatole was not embarrassed or upset by what she said.

Don't tell me about it. What is it to me? - he said. - I say that I am madly, madly in love with you. Is it my fault that you are delicious? ..

She remembered almost nothing of what happened that evening. Ecossaise and gros-vater danced, her father invited her to leave, she asked to stay. Wherever she was, whoever she spoke to, she felt his gaze on her. Then she remembered that she asked her father for permission to go to the dressing room to straighten her dress, that Helene had gone after her, told her laughing about her brother's love and that in the little sofa room she again met Anatole, that Helen had disappeared somewhere, they were left alone and Anatole Taking her hand, he said in a gentle voice:

I cannot go to you, but will I never see you? I love you madly. Really never? .. - and he, blocking her path, brought his face closer to hers.

His shining, large, male eyes were so close to hers that she could not see anything except those eyes ...

Not staying for supper, the Rostovs left. Returning home, Natasha did not sleep all night: she was tormented by the insoluble question of whom she loved, Anatole or Prince Andrew. She loved Prince Andrew - she remembered clearly how much she loved him. But she loved Anatole too, that was beyond doubt. "Otherwise, how could all this be?" she thought. “If after that, saying goodbye to him, I could answer his smile with a smile, if I could admit it, it means that I fell in love with him from the first minute. It means that he is kind, noble and beautiful, and it was impossible not to love him. What should I do when I love him and love another? " she said to herself, finding no answers to these terrible questions.

The next day Marya Dmitrievna, calling Natasha and Count Rostov over to her, said that she had paid a visit to Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky yesterday, but had achieved nothing: he still did not want to hear about the Rostovs. Marya Dmitrievna advised them to return to Otradnoye and wait for the groom there. Ilya Andreevich agreed with this proposal, but Natasha was against it. Marya Dmitrievna gave Natasha a letter from Princess Marya, in which she apologized for her behavior at the last meeting and asked Natasha to believe that she could not help but love the one whom her brother loved.

After dinner Natasha went to her room to reread Princess Marya's letter once more. After reading, she wondered if her happiness with Andrey was possible now, after what happened between her and Anatol Kuragin. At this time, the maid brought her a letter from Anatole.

“Since yesterday evening, my fate has been decided: to be loved by you or to die. I have no other choice, ”the letter began. Then he wrote that he knew that her relatives would not give her to him, Anatol, that there are secret reasons for this that he alone can reveal to her, but that if she loves him, then she should say this word yes, and no human strength will not interfere with their bliss. Love will conquer everything. He will kidnap and take her to the ends of the world.

That evening Marya Dmitrievna was going to her acquaintances and invited Sonya and Natasha to go with her, but Natasha, saying that she had a headache, remained at home. Sonya, returning late in the evening, entered Natasha's room, and saw that she was sleeping naked on the sofa. Sonya noticed Anatole's letter that was lying on the table and read it.

Natasha, waking up, gently hugged her friend, but noticing embarrassment and suspicion on Sonya's face, she guessed that she had read the letter. Realizing that there was nothing to hide, she joyfully and delightedly revealed to Sonya that she and Anatole loved each other. Sonya tried to reason with her friend, convincing her that it’s impossible to forget the person she loved for a whole year in three days. But Natasha didn’t want to hear anything. The indignant Sonya promised to write a letter to Anatol and tell Natasha's father about everything. Frightened Natasha, shouting: “I don't need anyone! I don’t love anyone but him! ”Sonia chased away, and the girl burst into tears and ran away. Left alone, Natasha sat down at the table and wrote an answer to Princess Marya, explaining that all the misunderstandings between their families had been settled and she could not be Andrei's wife, and asked to forget her and forgive her.

On the day the count left, Sonya and Natasha were invited to a big dinner at the Karagin's, and Marya Dmitrievna took them. At this dinner Natasha met Anatole again, and Sonya noticed that Natasha was saying something to him, wishing not to be heard, and throughout the dinner she was even more agitated than before ...

On the eve of the day on which the count was supposed to return, Sonya noticed that Natasha had been sitting all morning by the drawing-room window, as if expecting something, and that she had made some sign to the passing soldier whom Sonya took for Anatole ...

Sonia, not knowing what to do and who to turn to for help, decided to do everything possible to prevent Natasha's escape.

Anatole had already lived with Dolokhov for several days. The plan to kidnap Natasha Rostova was thought out and prepared by Dolokhov. On the day when Sonya decided to protect her friend, Kuragin at ten o'clock in the evening was going to drive up to the back porch of the house, put Natasha, who had come out to him, in a troika, and take her to a village 60 miles from Moscow, where the prepared priest was supposed to marry them. After that, they had to go abroad - Anatol prepared both passports, and a road trip, and 10 thousand rubles, taken from his sister, and another 10 thousand, borrowed through Dolokhov.

When Dolokhov and Anatol secretly arrived at the house in which Natasha was waiting for them, a footman met them in the courtyard and asked "welcome to the lady." When Dolokhov and Anatol realized that their plan had failed, they ran back to the troika and disappeared.

Marya Dmitrievna, finding the tear-stained Sonya in the corridor, forced her to confess everything. Having intercepted Natasha's note and having read it, Marya Dmitrievna, with the note in her hand, went up to Natasha.

You bastard, shameless, ”she told her. “I don’t want to hear anything!” - Pushing aside Natasha, who was looking at her with astonished but dry eyes, she locked her with a key and ordered the janitor to let through the gates those people who would come this evening, but not let them out, and ordered the footman to bring these people to her, sat in the living room, waiting kidnappers.

When Gavrilo came to report to Marya Dmitrievna that the people who had come had run away, she got up with a frown and clasped her hands back, walked around the rooms for a long time, pondering what to do. At 12 o'clock in the morning she, feeling the key in her pocket, went to Natasha's room. Sonya, sobbing, was sitting in the corridor ...

Marya Dmitrievna entered the room with decisive steps. Natasha was lying on the sofa, covering her head with her hands, and did not move. She was lying in the very position in which Marya Dmitrievna had left her ...

Both Marya Dmitrievna and Sonya were surprised to see Natasha's face. Her eyes were shining and dry, her lips pursed, her cheeks drooped ...

Marya Dmitrievna tried to convince Natasha that everything that happened must be hidden from the count, no one would know anything if Natasha herself tried to forget everything and did not show others that something had happened. Natasha did not answer, but she did not cry either; she was chilled and shivering. Marya Dmitrievna brought the girl linden tea and covered her with two blankets.

Well, let him sleep, ”said Marya Dmitrievna, leaving the room, thinking that she was asleep. But Natasha did not sleep, and with her eyes still open, she looked straight ahead from her pale face. All that night Natasha did not sleep, and did not cry, and did not speak to Sonya, who got up several times and approached her.

The next day the count arrived. His affairs were gradually being settled, and in the near future he, Natasha and Sonya were going to return to the estate. Marya Dmitrievna, meeting him, said that Natasha was ill, but now she is better. Natasha did not leave the room that morning, sat by the window, and waited for news of Anatol. When her father came to her, she did not even rise to meet him. Natasha responded reluctantly to all her father's inquiries, saying that she was ill, and asked not to disturb her. The count, by the faces of Sonya and Marya Dmitrievna, as well as the mood of his daughter, saw that something had happened during his absence, but he did not want to disturb his peace of mind, so he tried to avoid questions.

From the day his wife returned to Moscow, Pierre promised himself to go somewhere so as not to see her. He went to Tver, to the widow of Joseph Alekseevich, his mentor in Freemasonry. Returning to Moscow, Pierre received a letter from Marya Dmitrievna with an invitation to talk about the case concerning Andrei Bolkonsky and his bride. For some time, Pierre had a stronger feeling for Natasha than a married man should have, and therefore tried to avoid communicating with her.

Arriving at Countess Akhrosimova, Pierre saw Natasha sitting by the window with a thin and angry face. Marya Dmitrievna, having taken Pierre's word of honor to be silent about what she had heard, told him about the latest events.

Pierre, raising his shoulders and opening his mouth, listened to what Marya Dmitrievna was saying to him, not believing her ears. The bride of Prince Andrei, so much beloved, this formerly dear Natasha Rostova, exchange Bolkonsky for the fool Anatole, already married (Pierre knew the secret of his marriage), and fall in love with him so much to agree to run away with him! - This Pierre could not understand and could not imagine.

The sweet impression of Natasha, whom he had known since childhood, could not unite in his soul with a new idea of ​​her baseness, stupidity and cruelty. He remembered his wife. "They are all the same," he said to himself, thinking that he was not alone in the sad fate of being associated with a nasty woman. But he still felt sorry for Prince Andrei to tears, he felt sorry for his pride. And the more he felt sorry for his friend, the more contempt and even disgust he thought of this Natasha, with such an expression of cold dignity now passing by him through the hall. He did not know that Natasha's soul was filled with despair, shame, humiliation, and that it was not her fault that her face inadvertently expressed calm dignity and severity.

Pierre told Marya Dmitrievna that Anatole could not marry Natasha because he was married. Fearing that Count Rostov or Andrei Bolkonsky might challenge Kuragin to a duel, Marya Dmitrievna asked Pierre to order Anatol to leave Moscow. Pierre promised her to carry out the order. When he was about to leave, Sonya came into the living room and said that Natasha was asking Pierre to come to her. Marya Dmitrievna told Natasha that Kuragin was married, but she did not believe it and demanded that Pierre tell her about it himself.

Natasha, pale, stern, was sitting beside Marya Dmitrievna and from the very door met Pierre with a feverishly brilliant, questioning look. She did not smile, did not nod her head to him, she only stubbornly looked at him, and her gaze asked him only about whether he was a friend or the same enemy as everyone else in relation to Anatol. Pierre himself obviously did not exist for her.

He knows everything, ”said Marya Dmitrievna, pointing at Pierre and turning to Natasha. - Let him tell you if I was telling the truth. Natasha, like a shot, driven animal, looks at the approaching dogs and hunters, looking first at one, then at the other.

Natalya Ilyinichna, - began Pierre, lowering his eyes and feeling a feeling of pity for her and disgust for the operation that he had to do, - is it true or not, it should be all the same for you, because ...

So it's not true that he is married!

No, its true.

Was he married for a long time? she asked. "Honestly?"

Pierre gave her his word of honor.

Is he still here? she asked quickly.

Yes, I saw him just now.

She was obviously unable to speak and made signs with her hands to leave her ...

Having left the house of Countess Akhrosimova, Pierre went to look for Kuragin in the city, "at the thought of which all his blood rushed to his heart and he found it difficult to catch his breath." Not finding him anywhere, Pierre came home and learned that Anatole, among other guests, was with his wife. Entering the living room and not greeting his wife, who, in his opinion, was the main culprit in the incident, Pierre approached Anatol and, saying that he urgently needed to talk to him, almost by force took him out of the room.

Anatole followed him with his usual, dashing gait. But there was concern on his face.

Entering his office, Pierre closed the door and turned to Anatol without looking at him ...

You are a scoundrel and a scoundrel, and I don’t know what is holding me back from the pleasure of crushing your head with this, ”said Pierre,“ speaking so artificially because he spoke French. He took a heavy paperweight in his hand and lifted it menacingly and at once hastily put it back.

Did you promise to marry her?

I, I, I didn't think; however, I never promised, because ...

Pierre interrupted him.

Do you have her letters? Do you have any letters? - repeated Pierre, moving towards Anatol.

Anatole glanced at him and immediately, thrusting his hand into his pocket, took out his wallet.

Pierre took the letter that was being handed to him and, pushing aside a table that stood on the road, fell onto the sofa ...

Letters - once, - said Pierre, as if repeating a lesson to himself. “Second,” he continued after a minute's silence, getting up again and starting to walk, “you must leave Moscow tomorrow.

But how can I ...

Third, ”Pierre continued without listening to him,“ you should never say a word about what happened between you and the Countess. This, I know, I cannot forbid you, but if you have a spark of conscience ... - Pierre several times silently walked across the room. Anatole was sitting at the table and biting his lip with a frown.

The next day, Anatol left for Petersburg.

Pierre went to the Rostovs to inform about Anatol's departure. Natasha was very ill. On the day she was told that Kuragin was married, she poisoned herself with arsenic. But after swallowing it a little, she got scared, woke Sonya and told her what she had done. All the necessary measures were taken, and now Natasha was out of danger. But she was still very weak and there was no question of taking her to the village.

Pierre dined at the club that day and heard conversations from all sides about unsuccessful attempt abduction by Rostova Kuragin. Bezukhov refuted these rumors as best he could, assuring everyone that there was nothing like this, but only that Anatol proposed to Natasha and was refused. He waited with fear for Andrey's return and every day he stopped by to see the old prince. Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky knew all the rumors that circulated around the city, and read Natasha's note to Princess Marya. Everything that happened made him happy and he was looking forward to his son. A few days after Anatole's departure, Pierre received a note from Prince Andrei, in which he announced his arrival and asked Pierre to visit him.

Prince Andrey, arriving in Moscow, at the very first minute received a note in which Natasha refused him, and heard from his father the story of the abduction. Pierre came to Andrei the next morning.

When Prince Meshchersky left, Prince Andrei took Pierre by the arm and invited him into the room that was reserved for him. The bed was broken in the room, there were open suitcases and chests. Prince Andrew went up to one of them and took out a box. From the box he took out a bunch of paper. He did everything in silence and very quickly. He sat up and cleared his throat. His face was furrowed and his lips pursed.

Forgive me if I bother you ... - Pierre understood that Prince Andrey wanted to talk about Natasha, and his broad face expressed regret and sympathy. This expression on Pierre's face angered Prince Andrew; he continued resolutely, loudly and unpleasantly:

I received a refusal from Countess Rostova, and I heard rumors about your brother-in-law seeking her hand, or the like. Is it true?

It’s true and not true, ”Pierre began; but Prince Andrew interrupted him.

Here are her letters and a portrait, ”he said. He took the bundle from the table and handed it to Pierre.

Give it to the Countess ... if you see her.

She is very ill, ”said Pierre.

So she's still here? - said Prince Andrey. - And Prince Kuragin? he asked quickly.

He left a long time ago. She was dying ...

I am very sorry about her illness, ”said Prince Andrey. - He is cold, evil, unpleasant, like his father, grinned ...

Natasha certainly wants to see Count Pyotr Kirillovich, '' she said ...

Natasha, emaciated, with a pale and stern face (not at all ashamed, as Pierre had expected her), stood in the middle of the drawing-room. When Pierre appeared at the door, she hurried, obviously indecisive, whether to approach him or wait for him.

Pierre hastily approached her. He thought that she, as always, would give him her hand; but, coming close to him, she stopped, breathing heavily and lifelessly dropping her arms, in exactly the same position in which she went out into the middle of the hall to sing, but with a completely different expression.

Pyotr Kirilich, - she began to speak quickly - Prince Bolkonsky was your friend, he is your friend, - she corrected herself (it seemed to her that everything had just happened, and that now everything is different). - He told me then to appeal to you ...

Pierre silently sniffled as he looked at her. Until now, in his soul he reproached and tried to despise her; but now he felt so sorry for her that there was no room for reproach in his soul.

He's here now, tell him ... to just ... forgive me. - She stopped and began to breathe even more often, but did not cry.

Yes ... I will tell him, - said Pierre, but ... - He did not know what to say ...

One thing I ask of you - consider me your friend, and if you need help, advice, you just need to pour out your soul to someone - not now, but when it is clear in your soul - remember me. He took and kissed her hand. - I will be happy if I am able to ... - Pierre was embarrassed.

Don't talk to me like this: I'm not worth it! Natasha screamed and wanted to leave the room, but Pierre held her hand. He knew he had something else to say to her. But when he said this, he was surprised at his own words.

Stop it, stop it, your whole life is ahead for you, ”he told her.

For me? Not! Everything is lost for me, ”she said with shame and self-deprecation.

Everything is lost? he repeated. - If I were not me, but the most beautiful, smartest and best person in the world, and I would be free, I would be on my knees this minute for your hand and your love.

For the first time after many days Natasha cried with tears of gratitude and affection and, looking at Pierre, left the room.

Pierre, too, almost ran out after her into the hall, holding back tears of emotion and happiness that pressed on his throat, without falling into his sleeves, put on a fur coat and sat down in the sleigh ...

It was frosty and clear. Over the dirty, half-dark streets, over the black roofs, stood a dark, starry sky. Pierre, just looking at the sky, did not feel the insulting baseness of everything earthly in comparison with the height at which his soul was. At the entrance to Arbat Square, a huge space of the starry dark sky opened up to Pierre's eyes. Almost in the middle of this sky above Prechistensky Boulevard, surrounded, strewn with stars on all sides, but differing from everyone by its proximity to the earth, white light, and a long, upturned tail, stood a huge bright comet of 1812, the same comet that foreshadowed , as they said, all sorts of horrors and the end of the world. But in Pierre, this bright star with a long, radiant tail did not arouse any terrible feeling. On the contrary, Pierre gazed joyfully, eyes wet with tears, at this bright star, which, as if, with inexpressible speed flying immeasurable spaces along a parabolic line, suddenly, like an arrow piercing the ground, slammed into one place she had chosen, in the black sky , and stopped, her tail lifted vigorously, glowing and playing with her white light between countless other twinkling stars. It seemed to Pierre that this star fully corresponded to what was in his soul, which blossomed into a new life, softened and emboldened.

Love for Prince Andrey is the first deep feeling that Natasha is destined to experience. An adorable young woman in anticipation and a smart adult who survived an unsuccessful marriage - they could not pass by each other. Prince Andrew sees a sincere, sensitive, life-loving nature and reaches out to her. Natasha meets the handsome prince at the ball and realizes that his happiness depends on her.

But the pink veil of dreams suddenly dissipates. The old prince Bolkonsky, not approving of the choice of his son, sets him a condition - to postpone for a year, to spend this time at the military.

"Why a year?"

For Prince Andrey, this year is an annoying obstacle on the path to happiness. He is a balanced person who carries love in his heart and does not want to upset his old father. But Natasha perceives the separation and the postponement of the wedding as a tragedy. She asks Andrey not to leave, as if she understands that this will not lead to anything good.

For Natasha, with her indomitable thirst for life, a year seems like an eternity. She wants to love today, now, not later. By the end of the year, there remains more confidence in love than love itself. She wants admiration and admiration, she wants to be needed by someone.

Fatal meeting

In this state, Natasha meets Anatol Kuragin in the theater. An empty poser, fanfare, he is handsome and knows how to charm women. Natasha is so fresh, sweet and not like the bored ladies of the world that he decides to "drag along after her." He immediately launches an attack, and his sister Helen Bezukhova, a man of the same kind, helps him.

Naive Natasha cannot assume that she has become the object of an empty affair. She had never been deceived before. She believes Anatole's exaggerated feelings. Even the strange behavior of her admirer does not bother her - Kuragin cannot go to the Rostovs' house and ask Natasha's hand in marriage, because he is secretly married to a Polish noblewoman.

"Since yesterday, my fate has been decided: to be loved by you or to die" - this is how the message from Anatole began, which was actually written by his friend.

In these circumstances, Natasha can no longer be the bride of Prince Andrew. She writes a letter of refusal to Bolkonsky and is going to flee with Anatole.

Who is to blame?

Fortunately for Natasha, the kidnapping will not take place. She is locked in a room, Kuragin leaves with nothing. Only the news that Anatole is married opens Natasha's eyes to his meanness.

Natasha tried to poison herself with arsenic, and, despite the fact that she was rescued, she was ill for a long time.

The offended prince Andrey blames the bride for treason. However, the sad outcome of this life situation- the work of the calm Prince Andrei, the impetuous, trusting Natasha, and the stupid selfish Anatole. They all acted according to their characters and could not do otherwise.