90 pages • 3 hours read
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
The characters in War and Peace search for meaning in a complex, chaotic world. This meaning takes many forms, from Pierre’s intellectualism to Marya’s religion to Nikolai’s patriotism. The search for meaning is an essential need, but not every character finds it.
Pierre’s search for meaning is mostly intellectual. Unhappy with his aristocratic trappings—a beautiful wife he doesn’t love and a wealth that allows him to indulge in endless physical comforts—he joins the Freemasons and allows himself to be mentored by Iosif Alexeevich Bazdeev. The secret spiritualism of the Freemasons is only a temporary reprieve. When he sees through the hypocrisy of the order, Pierre decides to focus on patriotism and the war effort, obsessed with killing Napoleon. This too fails. Pierre only finds meaning as a French prisoner—a horrific ordeal that teaches him to value the more mundane aspects of existence. This time of physical and psychological suffering is transformative. Pierre sees the flaws in his intellectual pursuits. After he marries Natasha, he blends the purposeful action of raising a family with the intellectual demands of the civil service. This simple, satisfying life makes him truly happy.
Andrei is a counterpoint to Pierre. He searches for meaning in the same places: He has a family, joins the army, and falls in love.
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By Leo Tolstoy
Books About Leadership
View Collection
Books Made into Movies
View Collection
European History
View Collection
Historical Fiction
View Collection
Marriage
View Collection
Memorial Day Reads
View Collection
Military Reads
View Collection
Order & Chaos
View Collection
Philosophy, Logic, & Ethics
View Collection
Realism
View Collection
School Book List Titles
View Collection
War
View Collection