Military events in L. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace. Depiction of war in the novel by L
DEPICTION OF WAR ON THE PAGES OF THE NOVEL
L.N. TOLSTOY “WAR AND PEACE”
THE PURPOSE OF THE LESSON: ideological and artistic features of the depiction of war; trace the image of the Patriotic War based on Tolstoy’s views on history.
METHODOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES: lecture with elements of conversation, student messages
EQUIPMENT: individual cards, video fragments, table “Depiction of war on the pages of a novel”
DURING THE CLASSES
1. Org. moment.
2. Checking homework.
3. introduction teachers.
Following Tolstoy, we must understand the nature of the war, which is clearly depicted on the pages of the novel, we will get acquainted with the historical events of the era, we will see how differently people behave in war, how the author relates to war. And again we will meet with Tolstoy’s “tearing off all and every mask” and the contrasting comparison of different groups of heroes.
4. Conversation.
IMAGE OF THE WAR OF 1805-1807.
The narrative moves to the battlefields in Austria, many new heroes appear: Alexander I, the Austrian Emperor Franz, Napoleon, the commanders of the armies Kutuzov and Mak, military leaders Bagration, Weyrother, ordinary commanders, staff officers... and the bulk - soldiers: Russian, French, Austrian , Denisov's hussars, infantry (Timokhin's company), artillerymen (Tushin's battery), guards. Such versatility is one of the features of Tolstoy’s style.
- What were the goals of the war and how did its direct participants view the war?
The Russian government entered the war out of fear of the spread of revolutionary ideas and the desire to prevent Napoleon's aggressive policy. Tolstoy successfully chose the scene of the review in Branau for the initial chapters of the war. There is an inspection of people and equipment.
- What will he show? Is the Russian army ready for war? Do the soldiers consider the goals of the war just, do they understand them? (Read chapter 2)
This crowd scene conveys the general mood of the soldiers. The image of Kutuzov stands out in close-up. Starting the review in the presence of Austrian generals, Kutuzov wanted to convince the latter that the Russian army was not ready for a campaign and should not join the army of General Mack. For Kutuzov, this war was not a sacred and necessary matter, so his goal was to keep the army from fighting.
CONCLUSION: the soldiers’ lack of understanding of the goals of the war, Kutuzov’s negative attitude towards it, mistrust between the allies, the mediocrity of the Austrian command, lack of provisions, the general state of confusion - this is what the review scene in Branau gives. The main feature of the depiction of war in the novel is that the author deliberately shows the war not in a heroic way, but focuses on “blood, suffering, death.”
What way out can be found for the Russian army?
The Battle of Shengraben, undertaken on the initiative of Kutuzov, gave the Russian army the opportunity to join forces with its units coming from Russia. The history of this battle once again confirms the experience and strategic talent of Kutuzov, the commander. His attitude towards the war, as when reviewing the troops in Branau, remained the same: Kutuzov considers the war unnecessary; but here we were talking about saving the army, and the author shows how the commander acts in this case.
BATTLE OF SHENGRABEN.
- Briefly describe Kutuzov’s plan.
This “great feat,” as Kutuzov called it, was needed to save the entire army, and therefore Kutuzov, who was so protective of people, went for it. Tolstoy once again emphasizes Kutuzov’s experience and wisdom, his ability to find a way out in a difficult historical situation.
What is cowardice and heroism, feat and military duty - these moral qualities are clear to everyone. Let us trace the contrast between the behavior of Dolokhov and the staff, on the one hand, and Tushin, Timokhin and the soldiers, on the other (chap. 20-21).
Timokhin's company
Timokhin's entire company showed heroism. In conditions of confusion, when the troops taken by surprise fled, Timokhin’s company “alone in the forest remained in order and, having sat down in a ditch near the forest, unexpectedly attacked the French.” Tolstoy sees the heroism of the company in their courage and discipline. Quiet and seemingly awkward before the battle, company commander Timokhin managed to keep the company in order. The company rescued the rest, took prisoners and trophies.
Dolokhov's behavior
After the battle, Dolokhov alone boasted of his merits and wounds. His courage is ostentatious; he is characterized by self-confidence and pushing himself to the fore. True heroism is accomplished without calculation and exaggeration of one’s exploits.
Battery Tushin.
In the hottest area, in the center of the battle, Tushin’s battery was located without cover. No one had a more difficult situation in the Battle of Shengraben, while the battery’s firing results were the greatest. In this difficult battle, Captain Tushin did not experience the slightest fear. Talk about the battery and Tushino. In Tushino, Tolstoy opens wonderful person. Modesty, selflessness, on the one hand, determination, courage, on the other, based on a sense of duty, this is Tolstoy’s norm of human behavior in battle, which determines true heroism.
BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ (Part 3, Ch. 11-19)
This is the compositional center; all the threads of the inglorious and unnecessary war go to it.
The lack of moral incentive for waging war, the incomprehensibility and alienness of its goals to the soldiers, distrust between the allies, confusion in the troops - all this was the reason for the defeat of the Russians. According to Tolstoy, it is in Austerlitz that the true end of the war of 1805-1807 lies, since Austerlitz expresses the essence of the campaign. “The era of our failures and shame” - this is how Tolstoy himself defined this war.
Austerlitz became an era of shame and disappointment not only for all of Russia, but also for individual heroes. N. Rostov behaved not at all the way he would have liked. Even the meeting on the battlefield with the sovereign, whom Rostov adored, did not bring him joy. Prince Andrei lies on Pratsenskaya Mountain with a feeling of great disappointment in Napoleon, who used to be his hero. Napoleon appeared to him as a small, insignificant man. A feeling of disappointment in life as a result of realizing the mistakes made by the heroes. In this regard, it is noteworthy that next to the Austerlitz battle scenes there are chapters telling about Pierre’s marriage to Helen. For Pierre, this is his Austerlitz, the era of his shame and disappointment.
CONCLUSION: General Austerlitz - this is the result of volume 1. Terrible, like any war, destruction human life, this war did not have, according to Tolstoy, even a goal that explained its inevitability. Started for the sake of glory, for the sake of the ambitious interests of Russian court circles, it was incomprehensible and not needed by the people and therefore ended with Austerlitz. This outcome was all the more shameful because the Russian army could be courageous and heroic when the goals of the battle were at least somewhat clear to it, as was the case at Shangreben.
IMAGE OF THE WAR OF 1812
1. “The French crossing the Neman” (part 1, ch. 1-2)
French camp. Why did “millions of people, having renounced their human feelings and their reason, have to go to the East from the West and kill their own kind?”
There is unity in the French army - both among the soldiers and between them and the emperor. BUT this unity was selfish, the unity of the invaders. But this unity is fragile. Then the author will show how it disintegrates at the decisive moment. This unity is expressed in the soldiers’ blind love for Napoleon and Napoleon’s taking it for granted (the death of the lancers during the crossing! They were proud that they were dying in front of their emperor! But he didn’t even look at them!).
2. The Russians abandoned their lands. Smolensk (part 2, chapter 4), Bogucharovo (part 2, chapter 8), Moscow (part 1, chapter 23)
The unity of the Russian people is based on something else - on hatred of the invaders, on love and affection for native land and the people living on it.
BATTLE OF BORODINO(vol. 3, part 2, ch. 19-39)
This is the culmination of the whole action, because... firstly, the Battle of Borodino was a turning point, after which the French offensive fizzled out; secondly, this is the intersection point of the destinies of all the heroes. Wanting to prove that the Battle of Borodino was only a moral victory for the Russian army, Tolstoy introduces a battle plan into the novel. Most of the scenes before and during the battle are shown through the eyes of Pierre, since Pierre, who understands nothing about military affairs, perceives the war from a psychological point of view and can observe the mood of the participants, and this, according to Tolstoy, is the reason for victory. Everyone talks about the need for victory at Borodino, about confidence in it: “One word - Moscow,” “Tomorrow, no matter what, we will win the battle.” Prince Andrei expresses the main idea for understanding the war: we're talking about not about abstract living space, but about the land in which our ancestors lie; soldiers go into battle for this land.
And under these conditions you can neither “pity yourself” nor “be generous” with the enemy. Tolstoy recognizes and justifies the defensive and liberation war, the war for the lives of fathers and children. War is “the most disgusting thing in life.” This is Andrei Bolkonsky speaking. But when they want to kill you, deprive you of your freedom, you and your land, then take a club and defeat the enemy.
1. The mood of the French camp (chap. 26-29)
2. Raevsky’s battery (chap. 31-32)
3. The behavior of Napoleon and Kutuzov in the battle (chap. 33-35)
4. The wounding of Prince Andrei, his courage (chap. 36-37)
As a result of the Battle of Borodino, Tolstoy’s conclusion about the moral victory of the Russians sounds (chapter 39).
5. Answer the questions:
1. War of 1805-1807. Give a description.
2. Is the Russian army ready for war?
3. Why was the victory won in the Battle of Shengraben?
4. Why was the Russian army defeated at Austerlitz?
5. Which of the novel’s heroes endures his Austerlitz?
6. Patriotic War of 1812. Give a description.
7. Are her goals clear to Russian soldiers?
8. Why, according to Tolstoy, did the Russian army win a moral victory at Borodino?
9. Describe guerrilla warfare? What role did she play in the victory of the Russian army over the French invaders?
10. What role did the Patriotic War of 1812 play in the fate of the heroes of the novel?
6. Summing up the lesson.
7. Homework.
1. Answer the questions:
Do the images of Kutuzov and Napoleon in the novel correspond to real historical figures?
Who are these heroes opposed to and similar to in the novel?
4. Why does Tolstoy have a negative attitude towards Napoleon and love Kutuzov?
5. Does Kutuzov claim to be a hero in history? And Napoleon?
2. Prepare a message: “Napoleon” and “Kutuzov” Historical background.
“I don’t know anyone who writes about war better than Tolstoy”
Ernest Hemingway
Many writers use real historical events for the plots of their works. One of the most frequently described events is war - civil, domestic, world. The Patriotic War of 1812 deserves special attention: the Battle of Borodino, the burning of Moscow, the expulsion of the French Emperor Napoleon. Russian literature presents a detailed depiction of war in the novel “War and Peace” by L.N. Tolstoy. The writer describes specific military battles, allows the reader to see real historical figures, and gives his own assessment of the events that took place.
Causes of war in the novel "War and Peace"
L.N. Tolstoy in the epilogue tells us about “this man”, “without convictions, without habits, without traditions, without a name, not even a Frenchman...”, who is Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted to conquer the whole world. The main enemy on his way was Russia - huge, strong. Through various deceitful ways, brutal battles, and seizures of territories, Napoleon slowly moved away from his goal. Neither the Peace of Tilsit, nor Russia's allies, nor Kutuzov could stop him. Although Tolstoy says that “the more we try to rationally explain these phenomena in nature, the more unreasonable and incomprehensible they become for us,” nevertheless, in the novel “War and Peace” the cause of the war is Napoleon. Standing in power in France, having subjugated part of Europe, he lacked great Russia. But Napoleon made a mistake, he did not calculate his strength and lost this war.
War in the novel "War and Peace"
Tolstoy himself presents this concept as follows: “Millions of people committed such countless atrocities against each other..., which the chronicle of all the courts of the world will not collect for centuries and which, during this period of time, the people who committed them did not look at as crimes.” . Through the description of the war in the novel “War and Peace,” Tolstoy makes it clear to us that he himself hates war for its cruelty, murder, betrayal, and meaninglessness. He puts judgments about war into the mouths of his heroes. So Andrei Bolkonsky says to Bezukhov: “War is not a courtesy, but the most disgusting thing in life, and we must understand this and not play at war.” We see that there is no pleasure, pleasure, or satisfaction of one’s desires from bloody actions against another people. It is definitely clear in the novel that war, as depicted by Tolstoy, is “an event contrary to human reason and all human nature.”
Main battle of the War of 1812
Even in volumes I and II of the novel, Tolstoy talks about the military campaigns of 1805-1807. The battles of Schöngraben and Austerlitz pass through the prism of the writer’s reflections and conclusions. But in the War of 1812, the writer puts the Battle of Borodino at the forefront. Although he immediately asks himself and his readers the question: “Why was the Battle of Borodino fought?
It didn’t make the slightest sense either for the French or for the Russians.” But it was the Battle of Borodino that became the starting point for the victory of the Russian army. L.N. Tolstoy gives a detailed idea of the course of the war in War and Peace. He describes every action of the Russian army, the physical and mental state of the soldiers. According to the writer’s own assessment, neither Napoleon, nor Kutuzov, nor even more so Alexander I expected such an outcome of this war. For everyone, the Battle of Borodino was unplanned and unexpected. The heroes of the novel do not understand what the concept of the War of 1812 is, just as Tolstoy does not understand, just as the reader does not understand.
Heroes of the novel "War and Peace"
Tolstoy gives the reader the opportunity to look at his heroes from the outside, to see them in action in certain circumstances. Shows us Napoleon before entering Moscow, who was aware of the disastrous position of the army, but moved forward towards his goal. He comments on his ideas, thoughts, actions.
We can observe Kutuzov, the main executor of the people's will, who preferred “patience and time” to the offensive.
Before us is Bolkonsky, reborn, morally grown and loving his people. Pierre Bezukhov, in a new understanding of all the “causes of human troubles,” arrived in Moscow with the aim of killing Napoleon.
Militia men “with crosses on their hats and in white shirts, talking loudly and laughing, animated and sweaty,” ready at any moment to die for their homeland.
Before us is Emperor Alexander I, who finally gave “the reins of control of the war” into the hands of the “all-knowing” Kutuzov, but still does not fully understand the true position of Russia in this war.
Natasha Rostova, who abandoned all family property and gave carts to wounded soldiers so that they had time to leave the destroyed city. She takes care of the wounded Bolkonsky, giving him all her time and affection.
Petya Rostov, who died so absurdly without real participation in the war, without a feat, without a battle, who secretly “enlisted in the hussars” from everyone. And many, many more heroes who meet us in several episodes, but are worthy of respect and recognition of true patriotism.
Reasons for victory in the War of 1812
In the novel, L.N. Tolstoy expresses thoughts about the reasons for Russia’s victory in the Patriotic War: “No one will argue that the reason for the death of Napoleon’s French troops was, on the one hand, their entry at a late time without preparation for a winter campaign deep into Russia, and on the other hand, on the other hand, the character that the war took on from the burning of Russian cities and the incitement of hatred of the enemy among the Russian people.” For the Russian people, victory in the Patriotic War was a victory of the Russian spirit, Russian strength, Russian faith in any circumstances. The consequences of the War of 1812 were severe for the French side, namely for Napoleon. It was the collapse of his empire, the collapse of his hopes, the collapse of his greatness. Napoleon not only failed to take over the whole world, he could not stay in Moscow, but fled ahead of his army, retreating in disgrace and the failure of the entire military campaign.
My essay on the topic “Depiction of war in the novel “War and Peace”” very briefly talks about the war in Tolstoy’s novel. Only after carefully reading the entire novel can you appreciate all the skill of the writer and discover interesting pages in the military history of Russia.
Work test
L.N. Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace” is dedicated to the glorious era of the Patriotic War of 1812 and its prehistory.
In his depiction of war, Tolstoy used the same artistic principle, which was the basis of “Sevastopol Stories”. All events are given from the point of view of a direct participant in the battle. This role is played first by Prince Andrei Bolkonsky (Battle of Shengraben and Austerlitz), and then by Pierre Bezukhov (Borodino). This technique allows the reader to plunge into the thick of events, to come closer to understanding the course and meaning of the battle. At the same time, L.N. Tolstoy follows Pushkin’s principle of covering historical events. The author seems to pass through his novel a grandiose stream of life, in which large-scale events and individual destinies are intertwined. Turning points in the lives of the heroes directly depend on the outcome of major military battles. For example, after Austerlitz, Prince Andrei radically changed his views on life. After the Battle of Borodino, Pierre became closer to the people than ever before. The figurative disclosure of an era helps to imagine its course and significance more clearly and clearly.
The war pictures of the novel are unique scenes. They are relatively independent in relation to other episodes of the work. Each battle opens with its own exposition. In it, the author talks about the reasons for the battle, the balance of forces, and provides dispositions, plans, and drawings. He often argues with military theory. Then the reader observes the entire battlefield from a certain height and sees the deployment of troops. The battle itself is described in several short, vivid scenes. After this, the author sums up what is happening.
It is the military episodes that are the compositional centers of the entire novel. They are all interconnected. The culmination of the entire work is the Battle of Borodino. Everyone converges here storylines.
The participants in the battle and historical events are given from the point of view of the common people. Tolstoy was the first to show the true heroes of the war, its real appearance.
The key battles of the epic novel are Shengraben, Austerlitz, and Borodino. The author clearly divides the military environment into careerists who only want ranks and awards, and humble war workers, soldiers, peasants, and militias. It is they who decide the outcome of the battle, every minute performing an unknown feat.
We observe the first battle of Shengraben through the eyes of Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. Field Marshal Kutuzov was heading with his troops along the road from Krems to Olmins. Napolin wanted to surround him halfway, in Znaim. To save the lives of soldiers, Kutuzov makes a wise decision. He sends a detachment of Bagration to Znaim by a roundabout mountain route and gives the order to hold a huge army of the French. Bagration managed to do the incredible. In the morning, his troops approached the village of Shengraben earlier than Napoleon's army. General Murat got scared and mistook Bagration's small detachment for the entire Russian army.
The center of the battle itself is Tushin's battery. Before the battle, Prince Andrey drew up a battle plan and considered the best steps. But at the scene of hostilities I realized that everything was not happening at all as planned. During a battle, organized leadership and complete control over events are simply impossible. Therefore, Bagration achieves only one thing - raising the morale of the army. It is the spirit, the attitude of each soldier that determines the entire battle.
Among the general chaos, Prince Andrei sees the battery of the modest Tushin. Just recently, in the sutler’s tent, he looked like an ordinary, peaceful person, standing with his shoes off. And now, occupying the most unfavorable position, being under continuous fire, he shows miracles of courage. Tushin seems big and strong to himself. But instead of reward or praise, he is reprimanded at the council after the battle for daring to speak without orders. If not for the words of Prince Andrei, no one would have known about his feat.
The Shengraben victory became the key to victory at Borodino.
On the eve of the Battle of Austerlitz, Prince Andrei was looking for laurels and dreamed of leading an army. The military leaders had no doubt that the enemy's forces were weakened. But the people were tired of the senseless bloodshed and were indifferent to the benefits of the headquarters and the two emperors. They were annoyed by the dominance of the Germans in their ranks. As a result, this resulted in chaos and disorder on the battlefield. Prince Andrei accomplished the long-awaited feat in full view of everyone, leading the fleeing soldiers with the flagpole, but this heroism did not bring him happiness. Even Napoleon's praise seemed insignificant to him in comparison with the endless and calm sky.
Tolstoy managed to surprisingly accurately and psychologically reflect the state of a wounded man. The last thing Prince Andrei saw before the exploding shell was a fight between a Frenchman and a Russian over a banner. It seemed to him that the shell would fly past and not hit him, but this was an illusion. The hero felt as if something heavy and soft had been thrust into his body. But the main thing is that Prince Andrei realized the insignificance of war and destruction in comparison with the vast world. On the Borodino field, he will tell Pierre the truth that he realized after participating in these events: “The battle is won by the one who is determined to win it.”
Russian troops won a moral victory in the Battle of Borodino. They could not retreat; then there was only Moscow. Napoleon was amazed: usually, if a battle was not won within eight hours, it could be said to be defeated. The French emperor saw for the first time the unprecedented courage of Russian soldiers. Although at least half the army was killed, the remaining warriors continued to fight as firmly as at the beginning.
The “club of the people’s war” also fell on the French.
The entire battle is conveyed through the eyes of Pierre, a non-military man. He is located in the most dangerous place - on the Raevsky battery. An unprecedented rise arises in his soul. Pierre sees with his own eyes that people go to their death, but they overcome their fear, stay in line, and fulfill their duty to the end.
Prince Andrei accomplishes his main feat. Even while in reserve, he sets an example of courage to his officers and does not bow his head. Here Prince Andrei receives a mortal wound.
The collective image of the people acts in the battle. Each participant in the battle is guided and warmed by that “hidden warmth of patriotism”, which is main feature Russian national character. Kutuzov managed to subtly feel the spirit and strength of the Russian army. He largely knew the outcome of the battles, but never doubted the victory of his soldiers.
In his novel, L.N. Tolstoy managed to masterfully combine reviews of large-scale historical battles and a description of a person’s emotional experiences in war. This feature revealed the author’s humanism.
Russia's historical path has been very difficult. Over its centuries-old history, Russia has repeatedly been tested by wars. The theme of war is present in many works of Russian literature - from “The Lay of Igor’s Campaign” to the works of modern authors. In the novel “War and Peace” this theme is expressed especially clearly; without it it is impossible to understand JI.H.’s philosophy of life. Tolstoy.
In his novel, Tolstoy describes two wars of the early 19th century - the war of 1805-1807. in Europe and Patriotic War 1812. The first is being conducted on foreign soil and has goals that are incomprehensible to the common man. The second one affects everyone, because not only the political balance in Europe, a career or family happiness individual people, but also the existence of the world in general.
The fates of almost all the characters in the novel are connected with the war. War tests their worldview and moral strength. For example, Prince Andrei, who took part in both wars, at Austerlitz wanted to accomplish a feat alone, to save the entire army, strove for glory and greatness, for his “Toulon”. And after the battle, “all the interests that occupied Napoleon seemed so insignificant to him, his hero himself seemed so petty to him, with this petty vanity and joy of victory, in comparison with that high, fair and kind sky that he saw and understood, that he could not answer him.” Near Borodino, Prince Andrei, together with his regiment, together with the entire Russian army, is doing everything necessary to save Russia, he is one of many. “Prince Andrei, just like all the people of the regiment, frowning and pale, walked back and forth... with his hands behind him and his head down. There was nothing for him to do or order. Everything happened by itself.”
Young Nikolai Rostov at first perceived the war as a holiday, a parade of beautiful uniforms, wanted to accomplish a feat in the name of the Fatherland and the beloved emperor. “The thought of defeat and flight could not enter Rostov’s head.” Real war with her blood, sweat, and the possibility of imminent death, life was revealed to Rostov from the other side, as something confusing and terrible, contrary to common sense and human nature. At the same time, the war and life in the regiment help Rostov to get away from the “mess of life” and avoid its difficult questions. It is the war that gives him the opportunity to experience life and mature.
Another hero of the novel, Pierre Bezukhov, although he did not directly participate in the hostilities, was still present on the Borodino field and saw the battle. In Moscow he was captured by the French, and while in captivity he met Platon Karataev. During the war all inner world Pierre has changed. “He learned in his captivity, not by words, not by reasoning, but by direct feeling, what his nanny had long ago told him: that God is here, here, everywhere. In captivity, he learned that God in Karataev is greater, infinite and incomprehensible than in the Architect of the Universe recognized by the Freemasons... he threw down the pipe into which he had been looking until now through the heads of people, and joyfully contemplated around him the ever-changing, ever-great, incomprehensible and endless life."
Those heroes of the novel who did not participate in the battles were also affected by the war. For example, the Rostovs were forced to leave Moscow, leaving all their property. Natasha gave away all the carts for transporting the wounded. Near Moscow, in Mytishchi, Natasha met with Prince Andrei, who was dying from a wound. It is this meeting that spiritually regenerates Natasha and renews her. Princess Marya left Bald Mountains, although the French offered her their protection. Before leaving, she met with Nikolai Rostov, and this meeting turned out to be very important in their fate.
Some heroes of the novel "War and Peace" - historical figures: Napoleon, Kutuzov, Alexander I. All of them were also directly related to the war - they were generals, commanders in chief. Napoleon, possessing great power, tried to control hundreds of thousands of people. He believed that the course of the battle depended only on his orders. Tolstoy showed Napoleon during the Battle of Borodino, where he reveals other character traits of the hero: “Napoleon did not see that in relation to his troops he was playing the role of a doctor who interferes with his medicines, a role that he so correctly understood and condemned,” showing that Napoleon could not influence the course of the battle. Alexander I also does not influence the course of the Battle of Austerlitz. He left the battlefield when it was clear that the battle was lost. But Kutuzov, on the contrary, did not seek to control the troops - he only carried out the will of the people. When many generals advised Kutuzov to attack the French, he refused, realizing that the most quick way expelling the French from Russia means leaving them to escape on their own. Kutuzov also realized that the people did not need the capture of French generals, but the liberation of Russia from the invaders. People differently perceived the War of 1805 and the War of 1812. In the war of 1805-1807. soldiers fought for the interests of the emperors. The people did not need this war. Therefore, the Russians lost the Battle of Austerlitz and the war in Austria. And during the War of 1812, soldiers of the Russian army defended their Fatherland, and the French, on the contrary, were invaders. The morale of the Russian soldiers was higher, and this is the strength of the army, and therefore the Russians won this war. Tolstoy says that the course of history is influenced not by individual historical figures, but by the will of the people. Thus, using the example of two wars, Tolstoy confirms his philosophy of history.
In the novel War and Peace, Tolstoy amazingly accurately depicted the scenes of war in the Shengraben, Austerlitz and Borodino battles. For example, when describing the Battle of Shengraben, Tolstoy talks about the feat of Captain Tushin. The actions of Tushin's battery saved the Russian army, although Tushin himself did not realize that he had accomplished a feat, and did not even think about the danger to which he was exposed. “As a result of this terrible hum, noise, need for attention and activity, Tushin did not experience the slightest unpleasant feeling of fear, and the thought that he could be killed or painfully wounded did not occur to him.” Tolstoy contrasts Tushin's feat with Dolokhov's feat. Dolokhov, having captured the officer, immediately announced this to the commander: “Please remember, Your Excellency!” Dolokhov expected a reward for his action, and Tushin did not even know that he was performing a feat. Tolstoy emphasizes that Tushin’s actions are real heroism, and Dolokhov’s act is false.
Describing the battles, Tolstoy emphasizes the meaninglessness of war. For example, the novel gives the following picture of the Battle of Austerlitz: “On this narrow dam, now between the wagons and cannons, under the horses and between the wheels, people disfigured by the fear of death crowded, crushing each other, dying, walking over the dying and killing each other just so that , having walked a few steps, be killed in the same way.” Tolstoy shows another scene from the Battle of Austerlitz - a red-haired artilleryman and a French soldier are fighting for a banner. "What are they doing? - thought Prince Andrei, looking at them.” And, finally, Tolstoy’s depiction of the Borodino field after the battle: “Clouds gathered, and rain began to fall on the dead, on the wounded, on the frightened, and on the exhausted, and on the doubting people. It was as if he was saying: “Enough, enough, people. Stop it... Come to your senses. What are you doing?" Thus, Tolstoy, showing the horror and senselessness of war, says that war and murder are an unnatural state for humans and humanity.
In his novel, Tolstoy talks about the influence of war not only on the fate of individual people, but also on the life of the whole world, on the course of history. “During this twenty-year period of time, a huge number of fields are not plowed; houses were burned; trade changes direction, millions of people become poorer, richer, migrate, and millions of Christian people, professing the laws of love for their neighbors, kill each other.”
Tolstoy's traditions in depicting war as a phenomenon contrary to human nature and at the same time as a unifying principle in the life of the nation, Tolstoy's views on history, on national characteristics Russian people, the genre itself, which later received the name epic novel, was used by Russian writers of the 20th century and adopted by world art.
“Peter I” by Alexei Tolstoy, “Doctor Zhivago” by Pasternak, many works by Hemingway and Remarque, cinema and painting of the 20th century would have been impossible without Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” especially without depicting the theme of war.
In the whole world, since the time of Homer to this day, there is no literary creation that would describe life with such comprehensive simplicity as Leo Tolstoy did in the epic “War and Peace.”
The novel is as deep as life
The work does not have main characters in the usual sense of the word. The Russian genius let into the pages of the book a stream of life, which sometimes rumbles with war, sometimes subsides with peace. And in this stream live ordinary people who are its organic parts. They sometimes influence him, but more often they rush along with him, solving their daily problems and conflicts. And even the war in the novel “War and Peace” is depicted truthfully and vitally. There is no glorification in the novel, but there is also no whipping up of passions. Ordinary people live in conditions of war and peace, and express themselves exactly in a way that is consonant with their inner state.
Without artistic simplification
The theme of war in the novel “War and Peace” is not artificially emphasized by the author. It occupies exactly as much space in the work as it occupied in the real life of the Russian people in early XIX century. But Russia waged constant wars for 12 years, and thousands of people were involved in them. Europe is in turmoil, the essence of the European soul is looking for new ones. Many are sliding into “ two-legged creatures“, of which there are millions, but who are “targeted as Napoleons.”
For the first time, Prince Kutuzov appears on the pages of the novel before the Battle of Austerlitz. His conversation, deep and meaningful, with Andrei Bolkonsky, reveals to us the solution to the mystery of the role that Kutuzov played in the fate of his people. The image of Kutuzov in War and Peace is strange at first glance. This is a commander, but the writer does not seem to notice his military talents. Yes, they were in it, if compared with Napoleon and Bagration, they were not very outstanding. So how did he surpass the military genius? And with those feelings, that love that burst out of his heart at Austerlitz, when the Russian troops fled: “That’s what hurts!”
Leo Tolstoy mercilessly depicts the logic of war. The unknown Tushin, and not the military leadership talents of Bagration and Kutuzov, saved the Russian army from complete destruction in 1805. There is no doubt that the queen is a powerful figure, but her strength turns into the strength of a horseless horse when the pawns refuse to die for him: she kicks and bites, and that’s it.
A separate topic is battles
For writers before Leo Tolstoy, this was a fertile topic that helped reveal to readers the best spiritual qualities of the heroes of their works. But the count was not a writer and “ruined everything.” He caught the sound human souls. His heroes act exactly in accordance with the sound of their souls, whether there is war or peace. The image of Napoleon in “War and Peace” is shown from the truest side, namely, in a human tone. He is no more significant than the same Natasha Rostova. They are both of equal size for life. And both go from battle to battle.
Only Napoleon's path ran through blood, and Natasha's - through love. Napoleon does not doubt for a moment that he controls the destinies of peoples. This is what his soul sounds like. But Napoleon was just chosen by that incredible coincidence of circumstances when a terrible idea was instilled into the brains of all the peoples of Europe - to kill each other. And who could be more consistent with this idea than Napoleon - an underdeveloped dwarf with an overdeveloped mind?
Battles big and small
Descriptions of battles in the novel “War and Peace” are present in full, large and small, during war and during peace. The retreat of Russian troops from the border was also a battle. “When will we stop?” - the young commanders impatiently ask Kutuzov. “And then when everyone wants to fight,” answered the wise old Russian man. For them, war is a game and a service in which they receive awards and career advancement. And for the one-eyed veteran and the people, this is only one life.
The Battle of Borodino is the apogee of the struggle between two great nations, but just an episode in the life of everyone who remained in this world after it. The battle raged for just a day. And something changed in the world after him. Europe has come to its senses. She chose the wrong path of development. And she no longer needed Napoleon. Then there is only withering. And neither the military genius nor the political mind could save him from this, because the whole people on the Borodino field said that he longed with all his heart to remain himself.
Knights of War
The war in the novel “War and Peace” is described from the points of view of various people. Among them there are those for whom war is their natural element. who wielded an ax like a wolf wielded his teeth; Dolokhov, buster and player; Nikolai Rostov, a balanced and infinitely brave man; Denisov, poet of drinking and war; the great Kutuzov; Andrei Bolkonsky is a philosopher and charismatic personality. What do they have in common? And the fact that, besides war, there is no other life for them. The image of Kutuzov in “War and Peace” in this regard is simply perfectly drawn. He was even, like Ilya Muromets, pulled from the stove to save the Fatherland.
These are all knights of war, in whose heads it is not a worldview or imagination, but an animal sense of danger. Kutuzov is not much different from Tikhon Shcherbaty. They both don’t think, don’t imagine, but feel like animals that there is danger and where it comes from. It’s not hard to imagine a drunken Tikhon begging near the church. At the end of the novel, Nikolai Rostov talks with Bezukhov about something, but in all conversations he sees only battle scenes.
In the novel “War and Peace” there are no ordinary lies, nor those told for the sake of Leo Tolstoy, who is ruthlessly fair in his portrayal of his heroes. He never condemns them, but he doesn’t praise them either. He doesn’t even make Andrei Bolkonsky, seemingly his favorite hero, a role model. Living next to him is torment, because he is also a knight of war, even in Peaceful time. Natasha's death and dying love were his reward, because he is essentially a Napoleon in his soul, who is more terrible than the real Napoleon. Everyone loved him, but he loved no one. The spiritual power of this knight of war was felt even when peace descended upon him before his death. Even came under his influence kindest person- Pierre Bezukhov with a boundless heart, and this is such a danger to the world that it is worse than the bloodiest war.
Rift in the skies
Andrei Bolkonsky lay on a field near Austerlitz and saw the heavens. Infinity opened up above him. And suddenly Napoleon and his retinue arrive. “Here is a wonderful death!” said the one who knew nothing about death, much less life. And what can someone who does not feel life in another person understand in this matter? The question is rhetorical. And the war scenes in the novel War and Peace are all rhetorical.
People rush around the earth, shoot at each other, tear out pieces of bread from other people's mouths, humiliate and deceive their loved ones. Why all this when the heavens are bottomlessly calm? The heavens are split because there is also a split in human souls. Everyone wants to live next to a good neighbor, but at the same time inflicts emotional wounds on the good person.
Why are war and peace close together in life?
Tolstoy's depiction of war in the novel War and Peace is inseparable from the depiction of the world, because in real life they are of the same essence. And the Russian genius paints real life, and not what he would like to see around him. His philosophical reasoning in the work is quite primitive, but there is more truth in them than in the thoughts of highbrow scientists. After all, a person is not a formula on paper.
Passions often speak louder than reason. Karataev is not wise because he is smart, but because he has absorbed life into every particle of his body: from the brain to the tips of his nails. The novel reflects the consubstantiality of the endless process of life, in which is the immortality of the human race, and therefore of each person individually.
And the world cracked in half - the rift smokes
Bolkonsky is on the operating table, and next to him they are sawing Anatoly Kuragin’s leg. And the first thought in Andrey’s head: “Why is he here?” With such thoughts, any scene in human life is ready to turn into a battle scene in a single moment. The war in the novel “War and Peace” is not only depicted there, where guns fire and people run into a bayonet attack. When a mother screams about her younger son being killed, isn't this a battle scene? And what could be more battle-like than when two people talk about the lives and deaths of millions of people whom both have never even seen? The heavenly light is split into war and peace, split.
The beauty of life in the novel "War and Peace"
Leo Tolstoy is merciless in his depiction of human images, and merciless in his depiction of human life itself. But its beauty is seen in every word of the great novel. Bezukhov pulls a child out of the fire, they are looking for the mother. Someone sleepily answers questions, petrified from troubles. But Bezukhov himself and his thoughtless actions are perceived by readers as the extraordinary beauty of the human soul.
And Bolkonsky overheard the delights of Natasha Rostova in the silence of the night! And even the unfortunate Sonya, with her childless, barren soul, also has her own melancholy, aching beauty. She fought for her happiness and lost the war to an inexorable fate. War in the novel “War and Peace” has thousands of shades, just like beauty.
The homely Tushin, who throws cannonballs at the enemy with his hands, grows into a mythical, beautiful giant not only in his imagination. He becomes akin to the oak tree with which Andrei Bolkonsky spoke. The scene of the meeting of the generals afterwards is presented in the novel through the perception of a child. And how beautiful it looks how the child saw and remembered the meeting: “Grandfather woke up, and everyone obeyed him”!
Reach for the skies
After writing the novel “War and Peace,” according to many critics, Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy only twice managed to rise to the top of super-truthful literary art - in “The Devil” and in “Confession,” but not for long.