War and Peace

Natasha and Pierre marry in 1813. The marriage is the final moment of happiness in Count Rostov’s life, and he dies a short time later. Nikolai becomes the head of the Rostov family, taking on responsibilities and large debts. Even though he hates the idea of civilian life, he resigns from the army and accepts a job in the civil service. He works hard to maintain the family on a tight budget but feels guilty whenever he is around Sonya. He no longer feels the same love toward her. After an awkward reunion, Nikolai marries Marya Bolkonsky in 1813. He moves his family (including his mother and Sonya) to Bald Hills. Marya’s fortune allows Nikolai to repay all the money his family owes. Then, he grows the family estate and repurchases the land his father was forced to sell. Nikolai’s innate understanding of the serfs’ mindset allows him to make his lands more profitable. He earns the serfs’ respect, and they revere his intelligence. Marya is less passionate about Nikolai’s dedication to the family estate, but she loves him anyway. She provides unfaltering support, and they spend many happy years together. Nikolai is perpetually in awe of his good fortune, wondering what he did to deserve such a dedicated, loving wife. Sonya lives with them and never marries, almost as though she is a family pet. She accepts her position in life and satisfies herself by carrying out small favors for everyone else. Nikolai and Marya occasionally argue, but their love for one another helps them overcome difficult moments.

Natasha has three daughters and a son. Her appearance changes—her slim, youthful figure of the prewar period is now impossible to recognize. Natasha is completely devoted to Pierre. She understands his strange, sometimes obtuse character and loves him all the more for his strangeness. The only interest she has is her family, and she is very possessive about her children. Pierre, believing that families operate in a specific way, allows Natasha to keep a close guard over him. When Denisov comes to visit, he hardly recognizes the young girl he once loved. All she can talk about is her children and the nursery, quickly boring him.

Andrei’s orphaned son Nikolai Bolkonsky lives with the Rostovs. Little Nikolai does not develop a strong bond with his uncle and namesake, Nikolai Rostov, but he considers Pierre a hero. One night, little Nikolai is delighted to stay up late with Pierre and the other men to discuss politics. Pierre and Nikolai Rostov have a long, complicated argument about being a citizen. Pierre believes that people should stand up to their government when they believe the government is wrong. Nikolai Rostov disagrees and expects loyalty from citizens at all times. When the young Nikolai asks whether his father Andrei would have agreed with Pierre, he is delighted when Pierre responds that Andrei would.

Later that night, Nikolai and Marya discuss the evening’s events. Marya keeps a diary in which she charts the children’s development. Her diligence and care astonishes Nikolai. She assures Nikolai that she is entirely in agreement with him about what it means to be a citizen. In another room, Pierre tells Natasha that he cannot comprehend Nikolai’s lack of intellectual curiosity. Natasha asks whether Platon Karataev would agree with Pierre or Nikolai. Pierre admits that the old man would not have appreciated Pierre’s insistence on engaging with big ideas, but he insists that his deceased friend would have appreciated the domestic life that Pierre and Natasha have built together. The young Nikolai falls asleep thinking about Pierre and his father Andrei. He decides that he will work and study hard to become someone great and make his father proud.