Thursday's with Tolstoy: Weeks 39-42

Week 39 

Book 13

Chapters 1-5

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tarutino

I read these chapters before my mom passed away (Oct. 5) and I’m having difficulty recalling the details and since I don’t want to go back and reread I’ll just mention that these chapters detailed the beginning movements of the Flank March and not the battle. The Flank March of Tarutino was significant in determining the outcome of the war. It seems to me that this is when Napoleon’s already decimated army (from the forced march) was cut off from their supplies and this caused a large amount of Napoleon’s men to die. There was a battle as well. If you want to know more you can go to Wikipedia and read more about it.

Chapter One was another of Tolstoy’s essay’s on the war in which he analyzes Napoleon’s decisions to move his army out of Moscow instead of settling in for the winter. From Chapter Two:

"The famous flank movement merely consisted in this: after the advance of the French had ceased, the Russian army, which had been continually retreating straight back from the invaders, deviated from that direct course and, not finding itself pursued, was naturally drawn toward the district where supplies were abundant."

Week 40 

Book 13

Chapters 6-10

Kutuzov issues the order for the battle of Tarutino. Chapter Six begins with a beautifully descriptive verse (I like it when Tolstoy writes like this)

"It was an autumn night with dark purple clouds, but no rain. The ground was damp but not muddy, and the troops advanced noiselessly, only occasionally a jingling of the artillery could be faintly heard. The secrecy of the undertaking heightened its charm and they marched gaily."

Chaos reigns as usual for the Russians but they are well-rested and stronger than Napoleon’s army. The battle goes well for Kutuzov and he is decorated for his efforts.

Week 41 

Book 13

Chapters 11-19

These chapters are all about Pierre who has been taken captive by the French. I was confused earlier when I thought he had been released. Conditions in the Prison are deplorable but Pierre discovers for the first time in his life he is really happy. I think he finally takes time to think about what is important in his life and puts things into perspective. He finds himself appreciating simple pleasures like food and sleep, and the companionship of people and even a little dog that he becomes attached to. When the French leave Moscow they force the prisoners to march with them treating them cruelly. Pierre is not disturbed by this behavior. Pierre has found a peace with God and feels protected from the malicious acts of the French because he realizes that even though they can harm and even kill his body they can do nothing to his soul. This inner strength allows Pierre to suffer indignities patiently. I think I see a shift in Pierre that I like.

Book Thirteen was a time of spiritual growth for the characters. Natasha grows spiritually as she is reunited with Andrew and realizes that she loves him a great deal and serves him as he dies. Watching a person die brings one naturally closer to God. Watching a person die causes one to question and commit to their own beliefs. I agree with Tolstoy, serving a loved one as death approaches brings spiritual strength and a greater strength to the soul. Nicholas also grows up as he courts Mary; she is a refined spiritual woman. Her inner strength causes him to look inward and evaluate his own strength. I am still hoping he marries Sonya.

One last character I’d like to mention is Platon Karataev. He is in prison with Pierre. Platon is a character at peace with himself quietly going about serving the other prisoners. His example and friendship is what helps Pierre to focus on what is important in life. Pierre has had other guides along the way as he has waffled between pleasing others and being his own man. Platon seems to be the push that Pierre needed to finally figure out that he alone can determine his own course in life.

Week 42 

Book 14

Chapters 1-7

Tolstoy begins this book with another essay on war reiterating the fact that he believes war is not planned but kind of happens of its own accord. Once the ball gets rolling downhill it is difficult to plan its course. Tolstoy describes the complete breakdown of Napoleon’s army as they leave Moscow. I thought it was interesting that as Napoleon’s army retreated the Russian’s gained courage. Russian units independently without orders began attacking the French army thus harassing them and decimating them further. This type of guerilla warfare was something that Napoleon had never dealt with. Tolstoy states that the Russian army broke all the rules of civil warfare.

The rest of the chapters in this week’s reading follow Denisov who is the commander of an infantry unit (I think). Petya Rostov is a member of his unit. They are following a French unit and capture the drummer boy. Petya befriends the drummer boy.