# Endnotes explained — War and Peace

> Chapter companion for War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

A collection of translated phrases, quotes, and footnotes from the novel, providing context for foreign language dialogue, cultural references, and significant utterances by characters.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and History

The notes are saturated with military quotes, reactions to battles ('Forty thousand men massacred'), and the rhetoric of commanders and emperors, framing the historical narrative.

### Social Class and Privilege

Notes reveal the language of aristocracy and diplomacy ('The principle of monarchies is honor'), the pursuit of position, and the privileges of the elite.

### Love and Courtship

Multiple notes capture romantic declarations ('I love you'), social flirtations ('A little bit in love with the young man'), and the interplay of personal attraction within high society.

## Character check-ins

### Count Pyotr Kirílych Bezúkhov

Referenced in notes about his friendships and actions ('that good-for-nothing fellow of whom you have made a friend').

### Prince Andréy Nikoláevich Bolkónski

Mentioned in a note quoting his reproach to a woman: 'Andréy, why didn’t you warn me?'

### Countess Natálya Ilyínichna Rostóva

Referenced as 'The little one is charming' and in the context of a romantic note: 'That girl shall be my wife.'

### Count Nikoláy Ilyítch Rostóv

Directly named in a note ('Nikoláy') and associated with military exclamations.

### Anna Pávlovna

Directly named in a note, anchoring the social world of the novel.

### Prince Borís Drubetskóy

Implied in notes about careerism and government income ('You expect to make an income out of the government.').

### Prince Vasíli Sergéevich Kurágin

Referenced in the cynical proverb about relationships: 'Cousinhood is a dangerous neighborhood.'

## Key lines

> "Forty thousand men massacred and the army of our allies destroyed, and you find that a cause for jesting!"

A character expresses horror and condemnation at treating a major military defeat as a subject for lighthearted jokes.

_Highlights the grim reality of war versus salon frivolity._

> "You expect to make an income out of the government."

A cynical observation about using government service for personal financial gain.

_Critique of careerism and corruption within the system._

> "Cousinhood is a dangerous neighborhood."

A proverb warning that close familial relations can lead to complicated or risky entanglements.

_Encapsulates the tangled, often manipulative personal relationships among the nobility._

> "That girl shall be my wife."

A decisive, possessive declaration of intent to marry a particular woman.

_Reflects the direct, often transactional nature of marriage proposals among the aristocracy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/war_and_peace/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/war_and_peace
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/war_and_peace/chapters