War and Peace · Chapter
Farewells at Bald Hills explained
On the eve of his departure for war, Prince Andrei says goodbye to his family at Bald Hills.
What happens
On the eve of his departure for war, Prince Andrei says goodbye to his family at Bald Hills. He has a private, emotionally complex conversation with his sister Marya, who gives him a protective icon and defends her father and sister-in-law. He then receives a stern, practical, and revealing farewell from his father, the old Prince Bolkonsky, who gives him memoirs and advice. Andrei reflects somberly on his departure.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Legacy
Central theme. Explored through the strained but profound bonds between father, son, and daughter. The old prince's memoirs, the icon, and his final admonition ('behave like a son of Nikoláy Bolkónski') all concern family duty and legacy.
Personal vs. Public Life
Andrei's departure forces a conflict between his duty as a soldier (public) and his roles as husband, son, and brother (personal). His father prioritizes 'The Service before everything,' dismissing personal attachments.
Search for Meaning
Andrei's reflective, serious mood as he prepares to leave indicates a search for purpose in the coming war. Marya's religious faith, contrasted with her father's skepticism, represents another path in this search.
Characters to notice
- Prince Andréy Nikoláevich Bolkónski
Preparing to depart for war; shares intimate, thoughtful conversations with his sister and father; reveals his critical view of his wife and his father's harshness, but is moved by Marya's gift.
- Princess Márya Nikoláevna Bolkónskaya
Deeply devoted to her father and brother; gives Andrei a family icon for protection; defends her father's character and shows compassion for the little princess and Mademoiselle Bourienne.
- Count Pyotr Kirílych Bezúkhov
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
- Countess Natálya Ilyínichna Rostóva
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
- Count Nikoláy Ilyítch Rostóv
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
- Prince Borís Drubetskóy
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
- Anna Pávlovna
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
- Prince Ippolit Kurágin
Not present in the chapter excerpts.
Key passages
“'We don’t love people so much for the good they have done us, as for the good we have done them.'”
Affection grows from our own acts of kindness towards others, not just from what they do for us.
Princess Marya quotes Sterne to explain her father's attachment to Mademoiselle Bourienne, whom he helped.
“'Remember this, Prince Andréy, if they kill you it will hurt me, your old father… but if I hear that you have not behaved like a son of Nikoláy Bolkónski, I shall be ashamed!'”
The old prince expresses that his son's death would cause him pain, but his son dishonoring the family name would cause him shame.
The old prince's emotionally charged farewell underscores the paramount importance of family honor and legacy over mere personal loss.
“'One must be indulgent to little weaknesses; who is free from them, André? ... Tout comprendre, c’est tout pardonner.'”
Everyone has faults, so we must be forgiving. To understand all is to forgive all.
Princess Marya urges Andrei to be more compassionate and understanding towards his wife, the little princess.
