War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide

Bk. 1, Pt.1, Ch. 25: Death Before Dishonor


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Andrei is about to set out to become aide-de-camp to Gen. Kutuzov. He has on his traveling coat while meticulously packing his effects. He pays special attention to his Turkish pistols and a saber -- spoils of victory his father gifted him from the Siege of Ochakov in 1778. The weapons illustrate the significance of the conflicts of his (fictional) father. They also highlight the legacy Andrei feels pressured to live up to.   

Ochokov (presently Ochakiv) is on the winding southern coast of Ukraine, about 40 miles east and slightly north of Odessa.  Ochakiv has been attacked by Russia but valiantly holds as a Ukrainian port city of about 15K. Before 1778, it was the capital of an Ottoman province. 

Andrei was in the frame of mind one arrives at when embarking on one of life’s transcendent journeys. He contemplated the fear inherent in war as well as leaving his pregnant wife. His sister interrupted, initially visualizing her brother as a mischievous boy but realizing he was now a stern man. 

Marya relays what a treasure Andrei has for a wife. She begs him to look empathetically upon Lise’s plight of being left in the countryside. While Marya appreciates her quiet life; Lise is a young woman of society. In Bald Hills there will only be her and Amélie Bourienne to keep Lise company. Andrei describes not liking Amélie whereupon Marya defends her, lauding her good nature and providing Amélie’s backstory. Father adopted Amélie as a poor French orphan. She is very pretty and often reads aloud (in French) to their father. 

Marya tells her brother that he is a good man but suffers from an intellectual pride. When Andrei indirectly responds that life with father must be challenging, Marya expresses he should only inspire veneration. The only thing she finds lacking in father is his lack of religious devotion. She finds similar fault in Andrei.

Marya presents Andrei with a family heirloom, a small oval icon of Jesus Christ. It was worn by their paternal grandfather in all his military efforts.  Andrei jokes he will wear it if sufficiently light but observes his sister’s demeanor and meets the moment with proper sincerity.

Marya reminds Andrei not to judge Lise too harshly. Andrei picks up on the fact Lise has been complaining about their loveless marriage. Andrei reveals he is not happy and neither is his wife. Marya advices that he should turn to God to pray for the love that is lacking. 

Andrei leaves the room and meets, in a secluded hallway, Amélie. She presented a sweet smile but Andrei’s response was an expression of disgust so severe that Amélie quickly retreated.

Andrei was then summoned to his father. Nikolai commends his son on not being tied to his “wife’s apron strings” and recognizing the rule should be “the Service before everything.” As Nikolai speaks he writes various materials of import. One letter is to Gen. Kutuzov, directing him to make proper use of his son.  

Andrei requests that his father arrange for the optimum care for Lise, who has had bad premonitions about the birth.  His father agrees but senses Andrei's marriage is not healthy. Nikolai advises Andrei there is nothing to be done as one “cannot get unmarried.” 

Nikolai tells his son not to remain an adjunct for long, implying he should quickly take a command. He also gave his son his personal writings of military exploits to relay to the Emperor upon his death. Further, he asks his son to administrate a prize for one who writes a sufficient history of Gen. Suvorov’s campaigns.

Nikolai then imparts, “Remember ... If you get killed, it will be a grief to me in my old age. But if I were to hear that you had not behaved like the son of Nikolai Bolkonsky, I should be – ashamed!”

Andrei understands and replies that if he doesn't come back, to raise his child (if a son) in Bald Hills, under his father's tutelage. The General, not one for good-byes, tells Andrei to head off. As Andrei departs, he sees his wife and sister. He is dismissive of Lise, telling her to “go through her little performance.” She became weak and fainted. Andrei helped her to an armchair, kissed his sister and bid her “Adieu.” He then left for the front in a coach pulled by six horses.

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War & Peace Podnotes, A Study GuideBy Sean Roman

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