War and Peace · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Natasha orchestrates a series of encounters in the conservatory.
What happens
Natasha orchestrates a series of encounters in the conservatory. She first hides and observes as Nikolai comforts the tearful Sonya, declaring his love for her. After they leave, Natasha calls Boris to her hiding spot and, after a moment of playful hesitation, impulsively kisses him. Boris confesses his love but proposes waiting four years to marry, which Natasha happily agrees to, considering them officially engaged.
Themes in this chapter
Youth and Innocence
Natasha's impulsive kiss, her counting on her fingers to calculate the four-year wait, and her immediate belief in a 'forever' engagement perfectly capture the unguarded emotions and naive sincerity of adolescence.
Love and Courtship
The chapter contrasts two forms of youthful romance: the earnest, comforting love between Nikolai and Sonya, and the playful, impulsive, yet solemnly pledged 'engagement' between Natasha and Boris.
Characters to notice
- Countess Natálya Ilyínichna Rostóva
Orchestrates the conservatory scenes, observes Nikolai and Sonya's intimate moment, then impulsively kisses Boris and secures a promise of future marriage, displaying youthful impulsivity and romantic idealism.
- Prince Borís Drubetskóy
Responds to Natasha's call, is kissed by her, and confesses his love but cautiously proposes a four-year wait before marriage, showing a more calculated and socially aware approach.
- Count Nikoláy Ilyítch Rostóv
Comforts the crying Sonya in the conservatory, declares she alone is everything to him, and kisses her, revealing his sincere but impulsive affection.
- Sófya Alexándrovna
Enters the conservatory upset and in tears, is comforted by Nikolai who declares his love for her, highlighting her emotional vulnerability and deep attachment to him.
Key passages
“"What is anyone in the world to me? You alone are everything!" said Nikoláy.”
Nikolai declares to Sonya that she is the only person who truly matters to him in the entire world.
Highlights the intensity and exclusivity of his youthful romantic feeling.
“"In another four years... then I will ask for your hand."”
Boris tells Natasha he loves her but wants to wait four years before formally proposing marriage.
Shows Boris's cautious, socially conventional approach compared to Natasha's immediacy.
“"Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen... All right! Then it's settled?"”
Natasha quickly counts the years on her fingers and eagerly accepts Boris's conditional proposal.
Illustrates her childlike logic and quick transition to seeing herself as betrothed.