Recitation: Book 1 Part 1 (Chapters 1-25)

This is a 28-minute analysis of the 25 chapters of Part 1 of Book 1. It describes the context of the events Tolstoy brings to life, which starts in July of 1805. 

The analysis delves into major themes including war always seemingly on the horizon as well as the psychological battle of war & peace (voyna i mir) we all face. 

The discussion highlights how Tolstoy portrays the dying era of Catherine the Great (r. 1762-1796) with fictional characters such as Count Kirill Bezukhov (the first character to die) and retired General Nikolai Bolkonsky. Their sons, Pierre & Andrei, are the protagonists and two of the great characters of literature. At the outset of the novel, they are enamored with the chief adversary or the work, Napoleon. 

Russian aristocracy, as well as French exiles, view Napoleon as a malevolent threat. However, Pierre and Andrei view him of as a champion of a new era. More progressive minds of the time saw the status quo in the Russian Empire as a handful of nobles being supported by a peasant class tied to the land.

Given what Ukraine is being put through (and has historically suffered) by Russian aggression and policy, context is given to how a large number of the serfs referenced by Tolstoy were located in Ukraine and also how the Cossacks referenced have traditionally formed a basis of Ukrainian identity.

Pierre begins the novel as the illegitimate but favored son of Count Bezukhov and quickly winds up receiving the entire Bezukhov estate. This is despite efforts of the Count’s other relatives (Vissily Kuragin & the Count’s nieces) to deprive him of same. 

Tolstoy also contrasts the metropolitan areas, (St. Petersburg & Moscow) with the country-side, Smolensk, where General Bolkonsky lives. The General has two children, Andrei & Mayra. Andrei readies to set out in his father’s footsteps, taking his first military position as an aide to historic General Mikhail Kutuzov. 

Andrei admires Pierre as he sees within him a transcendent spirit.  Andrei has a beautiful wife who is pregnant, but he has never developed an affinity for her.   Andrie's sister, Mayra, is religiously devoted and exemplifies Tolstoy’s faith, as she runs her life by the teachings of Christ. This was not always the case but Scripture very much became Tolstoy’s guiding light. Marya faults her father and brother for not having sufficient devotion.

This section brings the reader closer to war with France. Russia is allied with Austria and plans are to march westward and link up. Most of the young men we meet, either already have or will take up a position that will get them involved in the conflict. This includes Andrei, Nikolai Rostov (Hussars); Boris (Imperial Guard); Lt. Alphonse Berg, Anatole Kuragin and Fyodor Dolokhov (Semyonovsky regiment), and Hippolyte Kuragin (Diplomat).  It remains a mystery where Pierre will find himself. 

In this early “peace” of the novel, we get a look at a soirée in St. Petersburg, the Rostov name-day celebration in Moscow, a night of gambling and hijinks, young love surrounding the Rostov children, as well as a lot of talk of the coming war.

Thank you very much for listening and it is my hope you find benefit of using this material as a supplement to your reading.