Second Epilogue

Anna Pávlovna greets Prince Vasíli with passionate denunciations of Bonaparte as an Antichrist and demands that the prince acknowledge the necessity of war against him.

Prince Vasíli responds with cold disinterest to Anna Pávlovna's passionate rhetoric about Bonaparte, speaking only in detached generalizations.

Anna Pávlovna launches into an extended critique of Austria's lack of commitment to the anti-Napoleonic alliance and expresses faith only in Russia and the Emperor Alexander.

Prince Vasíli, seemingly in jest but motivated by financial need, asks Anna Pávlovna to arrange a marriage between his son Anatole and the wealthy Princess Mary Bolkónskaya.

The text describes how Anna Pávlovna's drawing room gradually fills with members of the highest Petersburg society, each representing different types and personalities.

The text describes Pierre's lack of social grace upon entering Anna Pávlovna's reception, his failure to follow proper etiquette, and Anna Pávlovna's anxiety at his presence.

Pierre confronts the Abbé about his theory of perpetual peace, revealing his earnest but naïve approach to philosophical conversation.

The Vicomte tells an elaborate story about how the Duc d'Enghien was killed by Bonaparte due to a chance meeting with a woman, illustrating the dangers of magnanimity.

Pierre boldly argues that Napoleon's execution of the Duc d'Enghien was a political necessity demonstrating greatness of soul, shocking the assembled company.

Prince Andrew attempts to moderate the debate by distinguishing between Napoleon's military achievements and his moral failings, while defending Pierre's right to speak.

Prince Hippolyte interrupts the political debate with a nonsensical and barely comprehensible story about a stingy Moscow lady, effectively diffusing the tension.

The text reports that Count Bezúkhov has suffered a stroke and is dying, with various parties positioning themselves around his deathbed.

Prince Vasíli attempts to manipulate the count's eldest princess into revealing and possibly destroying the will that names Pierre as heir, revealing his concern for his own inheritance.

Anna Mikhaylovna strategically positions herself and her son Borís near the dying count, maneuvering to influence events for their benefit.

The text describes the gathering at the Rostóv household for the name-day celebration of the Countess and her daughter Natásha, showing family dynamics and social conventions.

The text describes thirteen-year-old Natásha with admiration for her natural grace, spontaneity, and infectious joy, contrasting her with the artificiality of adult society.

The text depicts Nicholas Rostóv's youthful flirtatiousness with both his cousin Sónya and the visiting Julie Karágina, causing jealousy and emotional distress.

Sónya is found in tears by Natásha, revealing her despair that Nicholas will leave with the army and marry someone else, particularly Julie.

Natásha reassures her friend Sónya that Nicholas truly loves her and that their marriage is still possible despite family opposition.

The elderly Count dances the Daniel Cooper with Márya Dmítrievna, displaying youthful vigor and bringing joy to all observers with his exuberant performance.

After Count Bezúkhov's death, it is revealed that Pierre, though illegitimate, has inherited the entire fortune and been recognized as legitimate heir, transforming his social status.

Nicholas defends his decision to leave the university to join the military, asserting that his vocation is in the army rather than in civil service or diplomacy.

The text describes the strictly ordered household of the eccentric old Prince Bolkónski, who controls every aspect of his daughter Mary's day through mathematics lessons and geometric studies.

Princess Mary is characterized by her profound faith and spiritual concerns, which she expresses through her letters and conversations with her friend Julie.

Julie's letters reveal her focus on romantic interests, particularly her feelings for young Nicholas Rostóv, and her engagement with the gossip of Moscow society.

Prince Andrew arrives at his father's estate with his pregnant wife Lise, renewing family relationships and preparing for his departure to war.

The old Prince dismisses contemporary military plans as inferior to those of Suvórov and mocks the attempt to defeat Bonaparte with Austrian and Prussian allies.

Lise expresses her dread of childbirth and her unhappiness at being left alone in the country while her husband goes to war, revealing emotional vulnerability.

Princess Mary gives Prince Andrew an icon blessed by their family's ancestors to protect him in battle, expressing her faith and concern through religious ritual.

The text describes a military regiment's inspection by Commander-in-Chief Kutúzov, revealing issues of military discipline and the importance of appearance over substance.

Dólokhov, recently reduced to the ranks for misconduct, stands out for his bold demeanor and is recognized by Kutúzov as someone worthy of redemption through proper service.

Captain Denísov is revealed to be in financial difficulty due to his losses at cards, relying on his orderly to conceal the extent of his debt.

Nicholas Rostóv discovers that the officer Telyánin has stolen Denísov's purse and confronts him, forcing the thief to return the money and exposing his desperation.

Nicholas Rostóv pursues the thief Telyánin despite personal discomfort, driven by his sense of duty to his comrade Denísov and the regiment's honor.

A senior officer attempts to convince Rostóv that he must apologize to the colonel for publicly accusing a fellow officer of theft, emphasizing regimental honor.

Rostóv, though initially defiant, comes to understand the broader implications of his actions and accepts the necessity of making peace with the regiment.

The arrival of General Mack with news of the Austrian army's complete defeat and surrender at Ulm fundamentally changes the military situation and confirms Russian fears.

Kutúzov realizes that defending Vienna is impossible and instead focuses on preserving his army and establishing communication with reinforcements from Russia.

Prince Andrew is sent as a special envoy to Vienna with dispatches reporting the victory over Mortier, anticipating rewards and recognition for good service.

The Minister of War receives Prince Andrew's war dispatches with apparent indifference and minimal interest, disappointing Andrew's expectations of recognition.

Diplomat Bilíbin explains to Prince Andrew that Austrian court politics make Russian military victories irrelevant and that negotiations for peace are already underway.

Bilíbin recounts how French marshals cunningly deceived Austrian General Auersperg into allowing them to cross the Vienna bridge without resistance through flattery and trickery.

Kutúzov sends Bagratión with a small detachment to hold the Vienna-Znaim road against overwhelming French forces to allow the main army time to retreat.

Murat, believing Bagratión's small force to be Kutúzov's entire army, offers a three-day truce to negotiate peace, which Kutúzov accepts to gain time.

Bonaparte, learning of Murat's truce offer, sends a scathing letter rebuking Murat for overstepping his authority and ordering him to continue the attack.

Prince Andrew reaches Bagratión's detachment and receives permission to observe the impending engagement, positioning himself to witness battle.

The text introduces Captain Túshin, an artillery officer of low rank who is drying his boots near the fires, embodying the hardships of army life.

Dólokhov engages in a heated dispute with French grenadiers at the picket line, defending Russian honor and taunting them about future defeat.

Despite being enemies, soldiers on both sides engage in light-hearted exchange and mockery, revealing the human connections that war cannot entirely sever.