# Part II: 1812 explained — War and Peace

> Chapter companion for War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

The narrative shifts to the onset of the 1812 war with Napoleon's invasion of Russia. It depicts the Russian military and political response, including Emperor Alexander's address to the Moscow nobility, and introduces the strategic and personal preparations for the coming conflict.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and History

The chapter is framed by the monumental historical event of Napoleon's invasion, exploring its impact on the nation and the characters.

### Personal vs. Public Life

Characters like Andrei and Pierre are drawn from their private struggles into the public, national crisis of war.

## Character check-ins

### Count Pyotr Kirílych Bezúkhov

Present at the assembly where Emperor Alexander addresses the Moscow nobility, reflecting on the historical significance of the moment.

### Prince Andréy Nikoláevich Bolkónski

Reports to Kutuzov, re-entering military service and preparing for the war.

### Count Nikoláy Ilyítch Rostóv

Actively serving in the army as the war begins, participating in early engagements like the charge against French dragoons.

### Prince Borís Drubetskóy

Part of the military-political apparatus, likely maneuvering as the war commences.

### Prince Vasíli Sergéevich Kurágin

Implied to be among the Moscow nobility reacting to the Emperor's call and the unfolding war.

## Key lines

> Part II 1812

The title marks a definitive historical pivot to the year of Napoleon's invasion of Russia.

_Sets the stage for the central conflict of the latter part of the novel._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/war_and_peace/chapters/part-ii-1812
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/war_and_peace
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/war_and_peace/chapters