War and Peace · Chapter
Chapter XII explained
After the main guests depart, the Rostov family and a visitor discuss the younger generation.
What happens
After the main guests depart, the Rostov family and a visitor discuss the younger generation. Nikolai announces his decision to join the hussars, inspired by patriotism and a sense of vocation, rather than just following his friend Boris. The conversation reveals parental anxieties, differing approaches to child-rearing, and the romantic tensions among the young people. Sonya's jealousy is painfully evident when Nikolai flirts with Julie Karagina, leading to her tearful exit and Nikolai's pursuit.
Themes in this chapter
Youth and Innocence
The young characters' emotions are transparent and passionately felt—Nikolai's idealism about military service, Sonya's unguarded adoration and jealousy, Natasha's volcanic spirit. Anna Mikháylovna's comment about 'hearts on sleeves' underscores this theme.
Family and Legacy
Parental anxieties and differing philosophies on child-rearing are central. The Countess reflects on the suffering and joy of raising children, compares her strictness with Vera to her indulgence of Natasha, and worries about the 'dangerous' age.
War and History
Nikolai's choice of a military career is the chapter's catalyst, framed by the talk of declared war and the figure of Napoleon, who 'has turned all their heads.' It shows how historical forces shape personal destinies.
Characters to notice
- Count Nikoláy Ilyítch Rostóv
Declares his intention to join the Pávlograd Hussars, citing a sense of vocation, not just friendship. Flirts with Julie Karagina, unintentionally hurting Sonya, and leaves the room distressed to find her.
- Sófya Alexándrovna
Watches Nikolai with passionate adoration. Her heart is broken when he smiles at Julie Karagina; she leaves the room with an artificial smile, barely holding back tears.
- Prince Borís Drubetskóy
Mentioned as having become an officer, which is part of the impetus for Nikolai's decision to join the army. He is also the object of young Natasha's affection, as noted by the Countess.
- Countess Natálya Ilyínichna Rostóva
Described by the visitor as a 'little volcano.' Her mother reveals Natasha's youthful infatuation with Boris and her own permissive parenting style towards her.
- Anna Pávlovna
Observes the young people's transparent emotions and comments wryly, 'Cousinage—dangereux voisinage,' highlighting the dangers of close familial proximity and young love.
- Prince Vasíli Sergéevich Kurágin
Not present, but his character type is referenced by Countess Rostova when she hopes Nikolai will not become 'like those Petersburg young men,' a category Prince Vasili epitomizes.
Key passages
“'It is not from friendship at all; I simply feel that the army is my vocation.'”
Nikolai insists his decision to join the military stems from a personal calling, not merely a desire to follow his friend Boris.
Highlights Nikolai's youthful idealism and desire for a purposeful life, distinguishing him from mere social imitation.
“'How plainly all these young people wear their hearts on their sleeves!'”
Anna Mikháylovna observes that the emotions of Nikolai, Sonya, and the others are completely transparent and easily read.
Encapsulates the chapter's focus on the raw, undisguised feelings of youth.
“'and how much suffering, how much anxiety one has had to go through that we might rejoice in them now!'”
Countess Rostova reflects on the lifelong worries of parenthood, which she feels are greater than the joys, especially as children reach a dangerous age.
Reveals the perpetual anxiety underlying family life and the parental perspective on the children's dramas.
