War and Peace · Chapter
The Rostovs' Name Day explained
The chapter opens with the aftermath of Anna Pavlovna's soirée: Prince Vasili has secured Boris Drubetskoy's transfer to the Guards, but not to Kutuzov's staff.
What happens
The chapter opens with the aftermath of Anna Pavlovna's soirée: Prince Vasili has secured Boris Drubetskoy's transfer to the Guards, but not to Kutuzov's staff. Anna Mikhaylovna Drubetskaya visits her wealthy relatives, the Rostovs, in Moscow on the name day of Countess Natalya Rostova and her youngest daughter, Natasha. The Rostov household is bustling with visitors. The main topic of society gossip is the grave illness of the wealthy Count Bezukhov and the scandalous behavior of his illegitimate son, Pierre, who has been expelled from Petersburg. The conversation reveals the complex inheritance situation, with Prince Vasili and Pierre as potential heirs, and highlights the social maneuvering and judgments of Moscow high society.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Privilege
The chapter demonstrates how careers are made through connections (Vasili for Boris) and how immense wealth (Bezukhov's fortune) dictates social standing and marriage prospects, as seen in the visitor's refusal to receive Pierre despite his money.
Family and Legacy
Central drama revolves around Count Bezukhov's impending death and the disputed inheritance of his title and fortune, highlighting the importance of legal and biological lineage. The Rostovs' name day celebration also underscores family bonds and tradition.
Corruption and Morality
Society's hypocritical judgment is on display: while gossiping with delight about Pierre's immoral prank, the characters are deeply engaged in the amoral scramble for a dying man's wealth and social positioning.
Characters to notice
- Prince Borís Drubetskóy
His career is advanced by Prince Vasili's influence, securing a transfer to the Semënov Guards. He is in Moscow preparing to join his regiment.
- Anna Pávlovna
Her soirée is referenced as the starting point for the efforts to advance Boris's career.
- Prince Vasíli Sergéevich Kurágin
Fulfilled his promise to Princess Drubetskaya. He is in Moscow, ostensibly on inspection business, but really to see the dying Count Bezukhov, as he is a potential heir.
- Count Pyotr Kirílych Bezúkhov
The central subject of society gossip. His scandalous behavior in Petersburg (the bear and policeman incident) has led to his expulsion. He is the illegitimate but favored son of the dying Count Bezukhov, placing him at the center of a major inheritance dispute.
- Countess Natálya Ilyínichna Rostóva
It is her name day. She is among the young people in the inner rooms, not receiving visitors.
- Count Nikoláy Ilyítch Rostóv
Implied to be among the young people in the inner rooms during the name day celebrations.
- Sófya Alexándrovna
Implied to be among the young people in the inner rooms with the Rostov children.
- Prince Ippolit Kurágin
Mentioned indirectly via gossip about Anatole Kuragin's scandal and expulsion from Petersburg, establishing the Kuragin family's notorious reputation.
Key passages
“Prince Vasíli kept the promise he had given to Princess Drubetskáya who had spoken to him on behalf of her only son Borís on the evening of Anna Pávlovna’s soiree.”
Following the networking at Anna Pavlovna's party, Prince Vasili uses his influence to get Boris a commission in the prestigious Guards.
Shows the direct consequence of the soirée and the mechanics of patronage.
“The conversation was on the chief topic of the day: the illness of the wealthy and celebrated beau of Catherine’s day, Count Bezúkhov, and about his illegitimate son Pierre...”
The main gossip among the visitors concerns the dying Count Bezukhov and the scandalous behavior of his son Pierre, who was expelled from Petersburg.
Establishes the central plot of Pierre's inheritance and introduces his rebellious character to Moscow society.
“"Well, as I was saying, Prince Vasíli is the next heir through his wife, but the count is very fond of Pierre, looked after his education, and wrote to the Emperor about him..."”
Anna Mikhaylovna explains the inheritance dilemma: Prince Vasili has a claim through marriage, but the dying count favors his illegitimate son Pierre and has tried to legitimize him.
Clarifies the stakes of the inheritance struggle and Pierre's vulnerable yet potentially powerful position.
