Bk. 1, Pt. 2, Ch. 5: A Matter of Honour (for Nikolai)
Word of Nikolai tracking down Lt. Telyanin and accusing him of stealing Denisov’s money spread through the army, reaching the Hussar Regimental Commander, Colonel Karl Bogdanych Schubert (a name evidencing German ancestry).
Bogdanych, a fictional leader who was well-respected, confronted Rostov and called the young ensign a liar. He did this not out of any affinity for Telyanin, but to protect the integrity of his Hussars. The Colonel desires to avoid a green officer like Rostov publicly accusing a superior, as the mere allegation of thievery reflects poorly on the unit.
In Denisov’s quarters, Rostov receives a lecture from his fellow officers on the reality of the situation. Leading this colloquy is Kirsten, a staff sergeant, who details the obligation to apologize.
Kirsten points out how Rostov is new to the regiment in contrast to a great number of the Hussars have known each other for years and expect to die in the unit. In contrast, with his aristocratic background, Rostov is likely to be called away to a more glamorous role his peers will never have the opportunity to pursue. He is expected to be “here today, gone tomorrow.”
The officers convey that Rostov should have never responded to Col. Bogdanych by alleging that it was the old man who was the liar. Rostov, however, sees the matter as one of personal honor and even considered demanding satisfaction.
Kirsten also points out how Rostov can be expected to leave the Hussars and damage their reputation through discussing how they steal from one another. The integrity of the group means as much to Kirsten and his fellows as Rostov’s personal reputation means to him. The greatest sin of this ordeal was Rostov shining light on it.
While Denisov wants to punish Telyanin man-to-man, even he sees the folly of Rostov and the need to account for his behavior. The overarching obligation is to promote regimental harmony.
Through the lecture, Rostov develops an understanding of the dynamic and is reduced to tears. He voices that will accept any punishment/extra duty and swears he can be relied on to demonstrate his courage and loyalty in the upcoming campaign. However, he will not apologize, saying “I will not allow ANYONE to call me a liar”.
The young man’s obstinacy causes Denisov to burst out laughing. Denisov informs Rostov that his posture will only make the situation worse as Bogdanych can be vindictive. Kirsten realizes the matter has reached an impasse but he and the other officers respect the young man’s defense of himself as well as his coming to the aid of Capt. Denisov.
Interrupting the gathering is Zherkov, who was transferred to the Hussars after being banished from headquarters. He has to pay the price for his own recent failings. He announces that the men are being sent to fight and orders are to march the next day.
Tolstoy conveys that in lulls of army life (where there is no active fight), a dispute like this will garner all the attention. The stealing of a few coins and recriminations over same can lead soldiers to nearly killing one another – when they should all be on the same side. However, once the fighting starts – it is the type of incident overtaken by much greater priorities involving immanent life and death.
