War and Peace · Chapter
The Death of Count Bezukhov explained
The chapter depicts the final moments and immediate aftermath of Count Bezukhov's death.
What happens
The chapter depicts the final moments and immediate aftermath of Count Bezukhov's death. A tense struggle erupts between Anna Mikháylovna and the eldest princess over a portfolio, believed to contain a will, at the dying count's threshold. Pierre is a passive, confused witness. After the count's death, Prince Vasíli breaks down in sincere grief, while Anna Mikháylovna takes charge, comforts Pierre, and later subtly pressures him to honor his father's supposed wishes regarding Boris.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Legacy
The central drama revolves around securing the count's legacy. The physical struggle over the portfolio symbolizes the fight for control of his will and immense fortune, exposing familial greed and ambition.
Corruption and Morality
Anna Mikháylovna's calculated interference and the princess's vicious accusations highlight the moral compromises and intrigue that accompany the pursuit of wealth and status, even at a deathbed.
Characters to notice
- Count Pyotr Kirílych Bezúkhov
A passive, grief-stricken witness to the deathbed drama and the ensuing struggle over the will. He is comforted by Anna Mikháylovna, who later hints at his new responsibilities and fortune.
- Anna Pávlovna
Not present in this chapter. The active character is Anna Mikháylovna Drubetskaya.
- Prince Vasíli Sergéevich Kurágin
Initially involved in the tense discussion over the portfolio. After the count's death, he displays unexpected, sincere grief and weakness, lamenting the futility of life to Pierre.
- Prince Borís Drubetskóy
Mentioned indirectly as the subject of his mother's machinations; Anna Mikháylovna reminds Pierre of the late count's promise 'not to forget Boris' and hopes Pierre will carry out this wish.
Key passages
“"Death is awful..."”
Prince Vasíli, overcome with genuine emotion after the count's death, confesses the terror and futility he feels, seeing all his scheming rendered meaningless by mortality.
Shows a rare moment of vulnerability and philosophical reflection from a typically calculating character.
“"I hope, my dear friend, you will carry out your father’s wish?"”
Anna Mikháylovna subtly pressures the newly wealthy Pierre, hinting that the late count wished to provide for her son, Boris, and that Pierre now has a duty to fulfill this.
Demonstrates her persistent social maneuvering and attempt to capitalize on the situation for her son's benefit.
“"Intriguer!" she hissed viciously, and tugged with all her might at the portfolio.”
The eldest princess accuses Anna Mikháylovna of being a schemer as they physically fight over the document case, revealing the raw hostility and high stakes of the moment.
Captures the breakdown of aristocratic decorum in the face of greed and desperation.