The theme of love is popular among writers and poets of all times and peoples. Tolstoy was no exception. The reader will see the destinies of people of different social status, position in society, character, and priorities. The theme of love in the novel “War and Peace” is one of the leading ones. In the life of each character there was or is love, forcing them to suffer, hate or completely surrender to the slavery of the overwhelming feelings, living exclusively by emotions, without thinking about the consequences. The heroes of this work have their own, one and only, leaving some with a wound in their hearts, and some with pleasant memories in their souls.

Love to motherland

Love for the Motherland is clearly visible in the heroes of the novel. Andrei Bolkonsky, through spiritual quest, came to the conclusion that the Russians could not be defeated. For a long time he dreamed of a feat, of doing something for the Fatherland and the people. A great desire to become a hero pushed him onto the battlefield. He will be remembered in the Battle of Austerlitz, where he managed to prove himself as a real soldier. During military operations, he led soldiers into battle, holding a banner in his hands, but the feat could not make him happy. His soul was tormented. The love drama again pushes him into the hellish heat of war. Already in the role of regimental commander, he earned the respect and love of the soldiers. Now he did not dream of a feat, becoming a simple defender of the Motherland. The war took his life. During the battle, Andrei dies, but before his death he clearly understood that he was doing everything for the sake of the people, for the sake of the future of the Motherland.

Peter Rostov was brought up in the spirit of true patriotism. He ended up at the front as a very young guy. A fifteen-year-old boy died in the name of the Motherland, remembered for his uncontrollable thirst to accomplish a feat. His life was cut short by an enemy bullet, but he fulfilled his dream of becoming a hero, albeit at such a high price.

Natalya Rostova helped by donating carts to transport soldiers seriously wounded in battle. The girl believed that victory was just around the corner and did not doubt at all the strength of the Russian people, their unity and power.

Pierre Bezukhov managed to become a real man, proving his love for the Motherland with his actions. The war hardened him, turning him from a soft-bodied and vulnerable young man into a real hero.

Kutuzov is an example of true patriotism. He loved the soldiers like his own sons. His actions were not a desire to glorify himself in the eyes of others. He fought not for regalia, for the people, for the Motherland, being the bearer of the people's spirit and will.

Love in the life of the novel's heroes

Andrey Bolkonsky

Andrei had to go through a thorny path before he found himself, his purpose in life. Family life with Lisa did not bring family happiness. The lifestyle they led was disgusting to him, as was his wife herself. Even Lisa’s pregnancy could not be kept within her own walls. The soul was eager to fight. War, Austerlitz, homecoming. Lisa is dying at home. Again pain, melancholy, an unbearable feeling of uselessness and worthlessness of life. The death of his wife and disappointment in Napoleon devastated him. He was lost and pathetic.

Meeting Natalya Rostova turned his life upside down. These were real, sincere feelings. She was not like other women. The time spent with her was the happiest of his life, but Natalya turned out to be unfaithful to him. Having learned about this, he could not forgive her. Only on his deathbed, dying in her arms, was he able to understand her action, to see sincere repentance and regret for what she had done in her eyes. The last words addressed to her were

“I love you more, better than before.”

At that moment, he realized that he forgave her and no longer held grudges or grudges. Bolkonsky died, but his soul was able to find long-awaited peace, freeing him from torment. Andrei realized that Natalya was the most dear and beloved person in his life.

Natalia Rostova

Since childhood, Natalia has been surrounded by love and care from family and friends. The girl longed for love. She lived by emotions and feelings. The heart trembled, the soul was eager to meet new sensations. The first love was with Boris Drubetsky, then there was Denisov, who was serious about her and even offered his hand and heart to the girl.

Natalya experienced real feelings when she met Bolkonsky. Dreams of a future with my loved one were shattered after Andrei left. Before leaving, he proposed to her. He was gone for a year. During this time, Natalya meets Kuragin, who was nearby in time. Betrayal to Bolkonsky in his absence weighed heavily on Natalya. She was tormented by remorse and could not forgive herself for acting on her feelings. The relationship with Kuragin ended as quickly as it began.

The last man in her life will be Pierre Bezukhov. At first, the girl did not have any special feelings for him. Much later she will realize that he is her true love. Pierre managed to surround her with love and care, becoming support and support. With him she will find and understand what family happiness means.

Pierre Bezukhov

Pierre walked for a long time towards his happiness. The relationship with Helen was false and caused nothing but disgust in him. He liked Natalya Rostova, but the girl was passionate about Bolkonsky at that time, and he did not dare to stand in his friend’s way. Seeing that she was beginning a relationship with Kuragin in Andrei’s absence, he made an attempt to reason with her, sincerely believing that Natalya was not one of those people. His love will go through many obstacles before he finds true happiness. Happiness with the woman you love. Only in his marriage to Natalya did he realize that he was not mistaken in choosing her.

Helen Kuragina

Helen is like a girl from the cover of a fashion magazine. A high society beauty. Men easily fell under the influence of her charms, but soon realized that there was nothing more hidden behind her attractive appearance. Empty and stupid. For her, money, position in society, and social gatherings come first. This was her way of life. This was all she was.

Marriage to Pierre did not affect Helen. Flirting and coquetry were in her blood. Pierre was too naive and inexperienced in matters of love to bring his wife to clean water. The marriage with Pierre will be dissolved. He will understand that they have different paths. It is unlikely that Helen will be happy with someone until she changes her life position and truly loves.

Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy in his famous novel “War and Peace” singled out “folk thought” as the main idea. This theme is most comprehensively and vividly reflected in the passages from the work that describe the war. As for the “peace,” the “family thought” predominates in its depiction. She also plays a very important role in the work that interests us. The theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" largely helps the author to reveal this idea.

Love in the life of the characters in the novel

Almost all the characters in the work are tested by love. Not all of them come to moral beauty, mutual understanding and true feeling. Moreover, this does not happen immediately. The heroes have to go through mistakes and suffering, which redeems them, cleanses and develops their souls.

The life of Andrei Bolkonsky with Lisa

The theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" is revealed through the example of several heroes, one of which is Andrei Bolkonsky. His path to happiness was thorny. At the age of 20, being an inexperienced young man, blinded by external beauty, he decides to marry Lisa. But Andrei very quickly comes to a depressing and painful understanding that he made a cruel and unique mistake. In a conversation with his friend, Pierre Bezukhov, he utters words almost in despair that he should not get married before he has done everything he could. Andrei says that he would give a lot to not be bound by family ties now.

For Bolkonsky, family life with his wife did not bring peace and happiness. Moreover, he was burdened by her. Andrei did not love his wife. He rather despised her, treating her like a child from a stupid, empty world. Bolkonsky was oppressed by the feeling that his life was useless, that he had become an idiot and a court lackey.

Andrey's mental breakdown

This hero had ahead of him the sky of Austerlitz, the death of Lisa, a spiritual crisis, melancholy, fatigue, disappointment, contempt for life. At that time, Bolkonsky resembled an oak tree, which stood like a contemptuous, angry and old freak between smiling birch trees. This tree did not want to submit to the charm of spring. However, suddenly a confusion of young hopes and thoughts arose in Andrei’s soul, unexpected for himself. As you probably guessed, the theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" is further developed. The hero leaves the estate transformed. Again there is an oak tree on the road in front of him, but now it is not ugly and old, but covered with greenery.

Bolkonsky's feelings for Natasha

The theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" is very important for the author. According to Tolstoy, this feeling is a miracle that revives us to a new life. Bolkonsky did not immediately develop a real feeling for Natasha, a girl so unlike the absurd and empty women of the world. It renewed his soul, turned it upside down with incredible force. Andrey has now become a completely different person. It was as if he had stepped into the light from a stuffy room. True, even his feelings for Natasha did not help Bolkonsky humble his pride. He never managed to forgive Natasha for her “betrayal.” Only after he received a mortal wound did he rethink his life. Bolkonsky, after a mental turning point, understood Natasha’s suffering, repentance and shame. He realized that he had been cruel in breaking off his relationship with her. The hero admitted that he loves her even more than before. However, nothing could keep Bolkonsky in this world, not even Natasha’s fiery feeling.

Pierre's love for Helen

The theme of love in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is also revealed through the example of Pierre. The fate of Pierre Bezukhov is somewhat similar to the fate of Andrei, his best friend. Like him, who was carried away by Lisa in his youth, Pierre, who had just returned from Paris, fell in love with Helen, who was doll-like beautiful. When exploring the theme of love and friendship in L. N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace,” it should be noted that Pierre’s feelings for Helen were childishly enthusiastic. Andrey's example taught him nothing. Bezukhov had to convince himself from his own experience that external beauty is not always internal, spiritual.

Unhappy marriage

This hero felt that there were no barriers between him and Helen, that this girl was terribly close to him. Her beautiful marble body had power over Pierre. And although the hero understood that this was not good, he still succumbed to the feeling that this depraved woman inspired in him. As a result, Bezukhov became her husband. However, the marriage was not happy. A feeling of gloomy despondency, disappointment, contempt for life, for himself and for his wife gripped Pierre some time after living with Helen. Her mystery turned into stupidity, spiritual emptiness and depravity. This is worth mentioning if you are writing an essay. The theme of love in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is illuminated from a new perspective in the relationship between Pierre and Natasha. We will now talk about how these heroes finally found their happiness.

Pierre's new love

Bezukhov, having met Natasha, like Andrei, was struck by her naturalness and purity. In his soul, the feeling for this girl began to grow timidly even when Natasha and Bolkonsky fell in love with each other. Pierre was happy for them, but this joy was mixed with sadness. Bezukhov's kind heart, unlike Andrei, understood Natasha and forgave her for the incident with Anatoly Kuragin. Despite the fact that Pierre tried to despise her, he was able to see how exhausted she was. And then for the first time Bezukhov’s soul was filled with a feeling of pity. He understood Natasha, perhaps because her infatuation with Anatole resembled his own infatuation with Helen. The girl believed that Kuragin had inner beauty. In communicating with Anatole, she, like Pierre and Helen, felt that there was no barrier between them.

Renewal of the soul of Pierre Bezukhov

Bezukhov’s path of life’s quest continues after a disagreement with his wife. He becomes interested in Freemasonry, then participates in the war. Bezukhov has a half-childish idea of ​​killing Napoleon. He sees Moscow burning. Next, he is destined for difficult moments of waiting for his death, and then captivity.

Pierre's soul, cleansed, renewed, having gone through suffering, retains its love for Natasha. Having met her again, he discovers that this girl has also changed a lot. Bezukhov did not recognize the old Natasha in her. Love awoke in the hearts of the heroes, and “long-forgotten happiness” suddenly returned to them. They were overcome, as Tolstoy put it, by “joyful madness.”

Finding Happiness

Life woke up in them along with love. The strength of feeling brought Natasha back to life after a long period of mental apathy, which was caused by the death of Prince Andrei. The girl thought that with his death her life was over. However, the love for her mother, which arose in her with renewed vigor, showed Natasha that love was still alive in her. The power of this feeling, which constituted the essence of Natasha, was capable of bringing to life the people whom this girl loved.

The fate of Princess Marya and Nikolai Rostov

The theme of love in Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is also revealed through the example of the relationship between Princess Marya and Nikolai Rostov. The fates of these heroes were not easy. Ugly in appearance, meek, quiet princess had a beautiful soul. During her father's lifetime, she did not even hope to ever get married or raise children. Anatole Kuragin was the only one who wooed her, and even then only for the sake of a dowry. Of course, he could not understand the moral beauty and high spirituality of this heroine. Only Nikolai Rostov managed to do this.

Tolstoy, in the epilogue of his novel, speaks of the spiritual unity of people, which is the basis of nepotism. At the end of the work, a new family appeared, where seemingly different beginnings - the Bolkonskys and the Rostovs - were united. Reading Lev Nikolaevich’s novel is very interesting. The eternal themes in the novel “War and Peace” by L. N. Tolstoy make this work relevant today.

What place does love occupy in the life of Tolstoy's heroes?

(based on Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace”)

Love is an amazing feeling that can heal or wound a person’s soul. In the works of L.N. For Tolstoy, the problem of love occupies a central place on the palette of moral issues. The author reveals both the bright feeling between a woman and a man, as well as love for parents and the Motherland. The images of Natasha Rostova, Andrei Bolkonsky, Helen Kuragina, Pierre Bezukhov, and Maria Bolkonskaya are most closely associated with this problem. All of them experienced a spiritual fall due to love and purification by it. This affected the fate of the heroes.

- the main character of the novel and one of L. N. Tolstoy’s most beloved heroines. Natasha’s heart is filled with love for her family and others, thanks to which she knows how to sympathize and worry. Soon, a flame of love for a man, Andrei Bolkonsky, begins to flare up in the girl’s soul. Unfortunately, this feeling was not destined to have a happy ending. However, it showed the heroine what suffering is and that you cannot play with the hearts of other people.

love helped restore the soul after the defeat at Austerlitz. He realized that even in an environment of deception and intrigue there is a place for sincere feelings. Prince Andrei begins to value not exploits and glory, but what is truly important in human life. Love for Natasha later made him suffer, but the fire kindled by her did not completely go out.

For example And Lev Nikolaevich shows how the human soul is destroyed under the pressure of a loveless marriage. Helene married Pierre for money, but you can’t deceive your heart. A woman quickly gets tired of an unloved and ugly husband. Pierre suffers, guessing about betrayal and deception.

However, this pseudo-love of Pierre does not denigrate his soul. A man goes to serve, helps others. Finally, he finds true love, and with it, he finds the meaning of life. Helen Kuragina does not know how to love, which becomes one of the reasons for her death.

Maria Bolkonskaya is the sister of Andrei Bolkonsky, an ugly girl, but very fair. Suffering from unrequited love. But this doesn’t make her angry at the world; on the contrary, she cares about those around her, treating them with warmth and respect. Spiritual beauty, illuminated by love, does not go unnoticed, and fate gives the girl a second half.

Love for family is shown in the examples of the Bolkonsky, Rostov and Kuragin families. In the Kuragin family, children do not know how not only to love, but also to respect their relatives, which is why the atmosphere in the house is cold and there is a lack of family happiness. Restrained love for relatives in the Bolkonsky family and open love in the Rostovs makes their life happier.

Love for the Motherland is shown in the example of soldiers and officers. In the war of 1805-1807, it was practically unnoticeable, since the participants in the battles did not understand why they were suffering. But in the army there is a warm attitude towards colleagues. For example, A. Kutuzov treats his soldiers like a father treats his children, and tries with all his might to protect them. Officers Tushin and Timokhin risk their lives for the sake of their Motherland. In the War of 1812. Love for their native lands gives ordinary officers, soldiers and commanders the strength to win.

Thus, love in the novel “War and Peace” is shown as the best feeling that transforms a person.

The theme of love in the well-known novel is raised repeatedly and from different angles. It is worth noting that the word “love” has several meanings. In most cases, when a person hears this word, an association of a couple in love arises. This is one type of love.

Our work raises this topic in different contexts. In the novel one can trace the love of parents for children and children for parents, love between husband and wife, love for a brother or sister, love for one’s homeland and fatherland, love for people, love for those in need of help, the wounded and the disadvantaged.

The Rostov family is particularly open. Sensuality prevails in their home and life, which is why people are so drawn to them. The Rostovs always welcome guests, their house is always open to those who wish. The Rostovs are distinguished by their mercy and compassion. In this family, parents love their children very much. The problem is that because of this, children lose their boundaries. For example, everyone’s favorite Nikolenka lost a very large amount of money at cards. Without thinking twice, Ilya Andreevich paid off the entire debt for his son. You could say that he didn't even scold him for it. This is an example of blind love.

Sometimes love can be very peculiar; an example of such a situation is Nikolai Andreevich’s love for his daughter Maria. He constantly criticized, ridiculed and blamed his daughter. Although deep down he had pure feelings for his daughter, however, he never showed them. The only example is the repentance of the old prince before his death. This is direct proof that one must demonstrate one’s love, otherwise regret will come at the end of life, but it will be too late.

Unconditional and sacrificial love is clearly illustrated by the example of Sonya Rostova, who loved only Nikolai with all her heart. The girl was faithful and devoted to him, no matter what. When necessary, she let him go and wished her beloved happiness. She was in great pain, but the girl did not blame anyone. She never married.

An example of the love of Andrey and Natasha. The couple loved each other very much, the lovers dreamed of marriage. However, the ordeal of separation ruined the plans of the engaged youth. Anatole broke the happiness of the young people. However, after life's upheavals and war, Andrei understood what true love is and forgave Natasha.

The main character Andrei learned the highest degree of love, namely, love for enemies and for all people. After being wounded, the hero realized that people are so in need of love. There is nothing higher in life than it.

Nikolai Rostov and Marya Bolkonskaya

The love of these two people arises at a time of trouble looming over the Fatherland. Nikolai and Marya are characterized by a commonality in the perception of people (Marya’s disappointment in Anatole, and Nikolai’s disappointment in Alexander the First). This is a union in which husband and wife mutually enrich themselves spiritually. Nikolai expands and deepens the family's wealth, thereby making Marya's life happy. Marya brings kindness and tenderness to the family. She understands her husband very well and approves of his refusal to join a secret society. The path to self-improvement for Nikolai lies through hard work - he comprehends the true meaning of life only when he begins to farm, take care of the peasants, at the same time not disbanding them, for which they are truly grateful to him.

Pierre and Natasha

The purpose of their love is marriage, family and children. Here Tolstoy describes an idyll - an intuitive understanding of a loved one. The charm of Natasha the girl is clear to everyone, the charm of Natasha the woman is clear only to her husband.

Drubetsky

From the very beginning of the story, all the thoughts of Anna Mikhailovna and her son are directed towards one thing - the arrangement of their material well-being. For this sake, Anna Mikhailovna does not disdain either humiliating begging, or the use of brute force (the scene with the mosaic briefcase), or intrigue, etc. At first, Boris tries to resist his mother's will, but over time he realizes that the laws of the society in which they live are subject to only one rule - the one with power and money is right. Boris begins to “make a career.” He is not interested in serving the Fatherland; he prefers serving in those places where he can quickly move up the career ladder with minimal impact. For him there are neither sincere feelings (rejection of Natasha) nor sincere friendship (coldness towards the Rostovs, who did a lot for him). He even subordinates his marriage to this goal (description of his “melancholy service” with Julie Karagina, declaration of love to her through disgust, etc.). In the war of 12, Boris sees only court and staff intrigues and is only concerned with how to turn this to his advantage. Julie and Boris are quite happy with each other: Julie is flattered by the presence of a handsome husband who has made a brilliant career; Boris needs her money.

Female images in the novel

Natasha Rostova

The secret of her charming charm is in sincerity, in the fact that her “spiritual strength” does not tolerate violence against living life. The essence of Natasha's nature is love. A sincere feeling first visits her when she meets Prince Andrei, and especially during the period when she is caring for him before his death. It is Natasha who is able to support her mother, distraught with grief after Petya’s death. After marriage, family becomes the only meaning of life for Natasha - here Tolstoy argues with the idea of ​​women's emancipation. Natasha is not calculating; she is guided by “reasonable, natural, naive egoism.” Natasha is distinguished by her spiritual generosity and sensitivity (attitude towards Sonya, giving carts to the wounded), and a subtle understanding of nature (night in Otradnoye). She has the gift of having an ennobling effect on those around her (Nikolai listens to Natasha’s singing after losing to Dolokhov at cards).According to Tolstoy, Natasha is morally superior to Sonya (Sonya’s self-sacrifice is selfish - she strives to raise her value in the eyes of others in order to be worthy of Nikolai). Having made a mistake in Anatol, Natasha, through suffering, comes to purification, declaring to Andrey : “Before I was bad, but now I’m good, I know...” Natasha lives by instinct (her feeling for Prince Andrei does not stand the test of physical attraction that Anatole awakens in her), but even in this, according to Tolstoy, naturalness is manifested Natasha, her closeness to the natural. Natasha fulfills the natural purpose of a woman (home, family, children), the rest, according to Tolstoy, is superficial and unimportant. All her tossing ultimately has the goal of creating a family and having children (for Tolstoy this is the meaning of any woman’s life, and the less a woman deceives herself in this, the closer she is to the natural ideal, the ideal of life). The image of Natasha embodied the idea that there is no beauty and happiness where there is no goodness, simplicity and truth. It is from Natasha that the energy of renewal, liberation from. everything false, false, familiar. This is Tolstoy's ideal of life, without torment and the search for a cold mind.

According to Tolstoy, Natasha is the Russian national character - she has absorbed the spirit of the people since childhood (Christmas time, a trip to her uncle and dancing). False secular society is alien to Natasha (after marriage she practically ceases to be in society). An important moment in Natasha’s life is her acquaintance and friendship with Marya Bolkonskaya. In this pair, Marya personifies the Christian principle, and Natasha – the pagan one. Only through love for Pierre and finding a family does Natasha finally find peace.

Marya Bolkonskaya

The strict atmosphere of the parental home and misunderstanding on the part of the Father encourage Marya to seek peace in religion and communication with “God’s people.” Marya constantly opposes the old prince , how her faith is opposed to her father’s exact sciences, and her soul is opposed to reason. Marya has the ability for sincere self-sacrifice (her attitude towards Mademoiselle Burien). She, like Natasha, lives the “life of the heart”, she has developed intuition - having received the news of her brother’s death after Austerlitz, Marya does not believe it and does not tell the sad news to Lisa, Andrei’s wife, protecting her. However, Tolstoy does not idealize Marya, showing her weaknesses. In the scene of the peasant riot in Bogucharovo, Marya behaves naively, cannot distinguish truth from lies, and out of compassion tries to distribute the master's Bread to the peasants, taking their complaints about their hard life at face value.Marya, like the rest of Tolstoy’s heroes, is “tested” by the Patriotic War of 12. Her father's illness and death, and the need to choose, put Marya in a difficult position. However, she does not give in to temptation, rejects Mademoiselle Burien’s offer to remain in the power of the French and decides to leave Bogucharovo. Like Tolstoy's other heroines, Marya reveals her best qualities when experiencing love. Through communication with Nikolai, Marya is transformed, despite her external ugliness, repeatedly emphasized by Tolstoy, and becomes beautiful. Marya only benefits from comparison with Sonya. She is more sincere, more integral, an independent person. The family life of Nikolai and Marya brings happiness and peace to both of them, because the spouses mutually enrich each other

Helen

Helen is the only “quite beautiful” woman described by Tolstoy, but this is perhaps the most unattractive image in the novel. There is no soul-elevating element in her beauty; it arouses a “disgusting feeling.” Helen is extremely unprincipled and selfish; in all her actions she is guided solely by her own whims. In her unscrupulousness, she stops at nothing (the story with the nobleman and the prince). Helen is contrasted by Tolstoy with Princess Marya - Marya, despite her ugliness, is rich internally, Helen is brilliant externally, but spiritually ugly (form without content). Helen is undeveloped and vulgar, her judgment is primitive, but she accepts the laws by which secular society lives and turns them to her advantage. Helen is also “tested” by the war of the 12th year, revealing her own insignificance - all her thoughts about a new marriage with a living husband, for which she even converts to Catholicism, while the whole people unites against the enemy under the banner of Orthodoxy. Helen's death is natural. Tolstoy does not even give the true cause of her death, limiting himself to scandalous rumors about it, since this is not important to him - Helen has been spiritually dead for a long time.

The theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" by L. Tolstoy

Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy in his famous novel “War and Peace” singled out “folk thought” as the main idea. This theme is most comprehensively and vividly reflected in the passages from the work that describe the war. As for the “peace,” the “family thought” predominates in its depiction. She also plays a very important role in the work that interests us. The theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" largely helps the author to reveal this idea.

Love in the life of the characters in the novel

Almost all the characters in the work are tested by love. Not all of them come to moral beauty, mutual understanding and true feeling. Moreover, this does not happen immediately. The heroes have to go through mistakes and suffering, which redeems them, cleanses and develops their souls.

The life of Andrei Bolkonsky with Lisa

The theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" is revealed through the example of several heroes, one of which is Andrei Bolkonsky. His path to happiness was thorny. At the age of 20, being an inexperienced young man, blinded by external beauty, he decides to marry Lisa. But Andrei very quickly comes to a depressing and painful understanding that he made a cruel and unique mistake. In a conversation with his friend, Pierre Bezukhov, he utters words almost in despair that he should not get married before he has done everything he could. Andrei says that he would give a lot to not be bound by family ties now. For Bolkonsky, family life with his wife did not bring peace and happiness. Moreover, he was burdened by her. Andrei did not love his wife. He rather despised her, treating her like a child from a stupid, empty world. Bolkonsky was oppressed by the feeling that his life was useless, that he had become an idiot and a court lackey.

Andrey's mental breakdown

This hero had ahead of him the sky of Austerlitz, the death of Lisa, a spiritual crisis, melancholy, fatigue, disappointment, contempt for life. At that time, Bolkonsky resembled an oak tree, which stood like a contemptuous, angry and old freak between smiling birch trees. This tree did not want to submit to the charm of spring. However, suddenly a confusion of young hopes and thoughts arose in Andrei’s soul, unexpected for himself. As you probably guessed, the theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" is further developed. The hero leaves the estate transformed. Again there is an oak tree on the road in front of him, but now it is not ugly and old, but covered with greenery.

Bolkonsky's feelings for Natasha

The theme of love in the novel "War and Peace" is very important for the author. According to Tolstoy, this feeling is a miracle that revives us to a new life. Bolkonsky did not immediately develop a real feeling for Natasha, a girl so unlike the absurd and empty women of the world. It renewed his soul, turned it upside down with incredible force. Andrey has now become a completely different person. It was as if he had stepped into the light from a stuffy room. True, even his feelings for Natasha did not help Bolkonsky humble his pride. He never managed to forgive Natasha for her “betrayal.” Only after he received a mortal wound did he rethink his life. Bolkonsky, after a mental turning point, understood Natasha’s suffering, repentance and shame. He realized that he had been cruel in breaking off his relationship with her. The hero admitted that he loves her even more than before. However, nothing could keep Bolkonsky in this world, not even Natasha’s fiery feeling.

Pierre's love for Helen

The theme of love in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is also revealed through the example of Pierre. The fate of Pierre Bezukhov is somewhat similar to the fate of Andrei, his best friend. Like him, who was carried away by Lisa in his youth, Pierre, who had just returned from Paris, fell in love with Helen, who was doll-like beautiful. When exploring the theme of love and friendship in L. N. Tolstoy’s novel “War and Peace,” it should be noted that Pierre’s feelings for Helen were childishly enthusiastic. Andrey's example taught him nothing. Bezukhov had to convince himself from his own experience that external beauty is not always internal, spiritual.

Unhappy marriage

This hero felt that there were no barriers between him and Helen, that this girl was terribly close to him. Her beautiful marble body had power over Pierre. And although the hero understood that this was not good, he still succumbed to the feeling that this depraved woman inspired in him. As a result, Bezukhov became her husband. However, the marriage was not happy. A feeling of gloomy despondency, disappointment, contempt for life, for himself and for his wife gripped Pierre some time after living with Helen. Her mystery turned into stupidity, spiritual emptiness and depravity. This is worth mentioning if you are writing an essay. The theme of love in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is illuminated from a new perspective in the relationship between Pierre and Natasha. We will now talk about how these heroes finally found their happiness.

Pierre's new love

Bezukhov, having met Natasha, like Andrei, was struck by her naturalness and purity. In his soul, the feeling for this girl began to grow timidly even when Natasha and Bolkonsky fell in love with each other. Pierre was happy for them, but this joy was mixed with sadness. Bezukhov's kind heart, unlike Andrei, understood Natasha and forgave her for the incident with Anatoly Kuragin. Despite the fact that Pierre tried to despise her, he was able to see how exhausted she was. And then for the first time Bezukhov’s soul was filled with a feeling of pity. He understood Natasha, perhaps because her infatuation with Anatole resembled his own infatuation with Helen. The girl believed that Kuragin had inner beauty. In communicating with Anatole, she, like Pierre and Helen, felt that there was no barrier between them.

Renewal of the soul of Pierre Bezukhov

Bezukhov’s path of life’s quest continues after a disagreement with his wife. He becomes interested in Freemasonry, then participates in the war. Bezukhov has a half-childish idea of ​​killing Napoleon. He sees Moscow burning. Next, he is destined for difficult moments of waiting for his death, and then captivity. Pierre's soul, cleansed, renewed, having gone through suffering, retains its love for Natasha. Having met her again, he discovers that this girl has also changed a lot. Bezukhov did not recognize the old Natasha in her. Love awoke in the hearts of the heroes, and “long-forgotten happiness” suddenly returned to them. They were overcome, as Tolstoy put it, by “joyful madness.”

Finding Happiness

Life woke up in them along with love. The strength of feeling brought Natasha back to life after a long period of mental apathy, which was caused by the death of Prince Andrei. The girl thought that with his death her life was over. However, the love for her mother, which arose in her with renewed vigor, showed Natasha that love was still alive in her. The power of this feeling, which constituted the essence of Natasha, was capable of bringing to life the people whom this girl loved.

The fate of Princess Marya and Nikolai Rostov

The theme of love in Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is also revealed through the example of the relationship between Princess Marya and Nikolai Rostov. The fates of these heroes were not easy. Ugly in appearance, meek, quiet princess had a beautiful soul. During her father's lifetime, she did not even hope to ever get married or raise children. Anatole Kuragin was the only one who wooed her, and even then only for the sake of a dowry. Of course, he could not understand the moral beauty and high spirituality of this heroine. Only Nikolai Rostov managed to do this. Tolstoy, in the epilogue of his novel, speaks of the spiritual unity of people, which is the basis of nepotism. At the end of the work, a new family appeared, where seemingly different beginnings - the Bolkonskys and the Rostovs - were united. Reading Lev Nikolaevich’s novel is very interesting. The eternal themes in the novel “War and Peace” by L. N. Tolstoy make this work relevant today.

Love in the novel “War and Peace” (L. N. Tolstoy)

(339 words)Tolstoy's epic novel "War and Peace" is one of the most global works in the school curriculum, and not everyone can master it in its entirety. However, those who are not afraid of long stories will find a fascinating narrative about the events of the Patriotic War of 1812 and the difficult relationships between the characters. In War and Peace, the feelings of the characters deserve special attention, and in particular, the love that arose between some of them.

Despite the fact that the relationship between Natasha Rostova and Andrei Bolkonsky was interrupted, for many readers they remain the main couple of the work. Their meeting is remembered with tenderness in class, because the first feeling is sacred. Even young Natasha was really in love with Andrei, but many refuse to justify her action. The girl, without waiting for the groom, became interested in Anatoly Kuragin, which led to a break with Bolkonsky. Of course, Natasha did the wrong thing, but knowing her character and impulsiveness, you willy-nilly understand that this fleeting hobby is not serious and was imposed on her by a cunning seducer. She was very ashamed in front of Andrei, who nevertheless forgave Natasha before his death.

The matured Natasha and the young one are like two different characters. Indeed, with age, many things become conscious, so at the end of the work we are shown an idyll in the Bezukhov family. Youthful love remained a bright feeling from the past, but Pierre and Natasha found true happiness only with each other.

Pierre, in turn, also has an unpleasant story behind him, but he was, rather, a victim. Even at the beginning of the work, Pierre becomes a victim of his rich inheritance and marries Helen Kuragina. Bezukhov was absolutely not interested in the girl, and over time he became disillusioned with her, but only the count showed due respect to his wife in the relationship. What absolutely cannot be said about Helen, who expressed complete indifference to Pierre, moreover, complete contempt for him, because the woman openly cheated on her husband. There was no love in this relationship, but a happy future awaited the hero.LEARN MORE>>

And some readers give great preference to another couple, Marya and Nikolai Rostov. Thanks to the relationship between these characters, you are once again convinced that Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace” is filled not only with historical events, but also with a beautiful story of true love.

The theme of love is popular among writers and poets of all times and peoples. Tolstoy was no exception. The reader will see the destinies of people of different social status, position in society, character, and priorities. The theme of love in the novel “War and Peace” is one of the leading ones. In the life of each character there was or is love, forcing them to suffer, hate or completely surrender to the slavery of the overwhelming feelings, living exclusively by emotions, without thinking about the consequences. The heroes of this work have their own, one and only, leaving some with a wound in their hearts, and some with pleasant memories in their souls.

Love to motherland

Love for the Motherland is clearly visible in the heroes of the novel. Andrei Bolkonsky, through spiritual quest, came to the conclusion that the Russians could not be defeated. For a long time he dreamed of a feat, of doing something for the Fatherland and the people. A great desire to become a hero pushed him onto the battlefield. He will be remembered in the Battle of Austerlitz, where he managed to prove himself as a real soldier. During military operations, he led soldiers into battle, holding a banner in his hands, but the feat could not make him happy. His soul was tormented. The love drama again pushes him into the hellish heat of war. Already in the role of regimental commander, he earned the respect and love of the soldiers. Now he did not dream of a feat, becoming a simple defender of the Motherland. The war took his life. During the battle, Andrei dies, but before his death he clearly understood that he was doing everything for the sake of the people, for the sake of the future of the Motherland.

Peter Rostov was brought up in the spirit of true patriotism. He ended up at the front as a very young guy. A fifteen-year-old boy died in the name of the Motherland, remembered for his uncontrollable thirst to accomplish a feat. His life was cut short by an enemy bullet, but he fulfilled his dream of becoming a hero, albeit at such a high price.

Natalya Rostova helped by donating carts to transport soldiers seriously wounded in battle. The girl believed that victory was just around the corner and did not doubt at all the strength of the Russian people, their unity and power.

Pierre Bezukhov managed to become a real man, proving his love for the Motherland with his actions. The war hardened him, turning him from a soft-bodied and vulnerable young man into a real hero.

Kutuzov is an example of true patriotism. He loved the soldiers like his own sons. His actions were not a desire to glorify himself in the eyes of others. He fought not for regalia, for the people, for the Motherland, being the bearer of the people's spirit and will.

Love in the life of the novel's heroes

Andrey Bolkonsky

Andrei had to go through a thorny path before he found himself, his purpose in life. Family life with Lisa did not bring family happiness. The lifestyle they led was disgusting to him, as was his wife herself. Even Lisa’s pregnancy could not be kept within her own walls. The soul was eager to fight. War, Austerlitz, homecoming. Lisa is dying at home. Again pain, melancholy, an unbearable feeling of uselessness and worthlessness of life. The death of his wife and disappointment in Napoleon devastated him. He was lost and pathetic.

Meeting Natalya Rostova turned his life upside down. These were real, sincere feelings. She was not like other women. The time spent with her was the happiest of his life, but Natalya turned out to be unfaithful to him. Having learned about this, he could not forgive her. Only on his deathbed, dying in her arms, was he able to understand her action, to see sincere repentance and regret for what she had done in her eyes. The last words addressed to her were

“I love you more, better than before.”

At that moment, he realized that he forgave her and no longer held grudges or grudges. Bolkonsky died, but his soul was able to find long-awaited peace, freeing him from torment. Andrei realized that Natalya was the most dear and beloved person in his life.

Natalia Rostova

Since childhood, Natalia has been surrounded by love and care from family and friends. The girl longed for love. She lived by emotions and feelings. The heart trembled, the soul was eager to meet new sensations. The first love was with Boris Drubetsky, then there was Denisov, who was serious about her and even offered his hand and heart to the girl.

Natalya experienced real feelings when she met Bolkonsky. Dreams of a future with my loved one were shattered after Andrei left. Before leaving, he proposed to her. He was gone for a year. During this time, Natalya meets Kuragin, who was nearby in time. Betrayal to Bolkonsky in his absence weighed heavily on Natalya. She was tormented by remorse and could not forgive herself for acting on her feelings. The relationship with Kuragin ended as quickly as it began.

The last man in her life will be Pierre Bezukhov. At first, the girl did not have any special feelings for him. Much later she will realize that he is her true love. Pierre managed to surround her with love and care, becoming support and support. With him she will find and understand what family happiness means.

Pierre Bezukhov

Pierre walked for a long time towards his happiness. The relationship with Helen was false and caused nothing but disgust in him. He liked Natalya Rostova, but the girl was passionate about Bolkonsky at that time, and he did not dare to stand in his friend’s way. Seeing that she was beginning a relationship with Kuragin in Andrei’s absence, he made an attempt to reason with her, sincerely believing that Natalya was not one of those people. His love will go through many obstacles before he finds true happiness. Happiness with the woman you love. Only in his marriage to Natalya did he realize that he was not mistaken in choosing her.

Helen Kuragina

Helen is like a girl from the cover of a fashion magazine. A high society beauty. Men easily fell under the influence of her charms, but soon realized that there was nothing more hidden behind her attractive appearance. Empty and stupid. For her, money, position in society, and social gatherings come first. This was her way of life. This was all she was.

Marriage to Pierre did not affect Helen. Flirting and coquetry were in her blood. Pierre was too naive and inexperienced in matters of love to bring his wife to clean water. The marriage with Pierre will be dissolved. He will understand that they have different paths. It is unlikely that Helen will be happy with someone until she changes her life position and truly loves.

In the novel “War and Peace” L.N. Tolstoy singled out and considered the most significant “folk thought”. This theme is most vividly and multifacetedly reflected in those parts of the works that tell about the war. In the depiction of the “world,” the “family thought” predominates, playing a very important role in the novel.Almost all the heroes of “War and Peace” are subjected to the test of love. They do not all come to true love and mutual understanding, to moral beauty, and not at once, but only after going through mistakes and the suffering that redeems them, developing and purifying the soul.Andrei Bolkonsky's path to happiness was thorny. A twenty-year-old inexperienced young man, carried away and blinded by “external beauty,” he marries Lisa. However, very quickly Andrei came to a painful and depressing understanding of how “cruelly and uniquely” he had made a mistake. In a conversation with Pierre, Andrei, almost in despair, utters the words: “Never, never get married... until you have done everything you could... My God, what I wouldn’t give now not to be married! ”Family life did not bring Bolkonsky happiness and peace; he was burdened by it. He did not love his wife, but rather despised her as a child of an empty, stupid world. Prince Andrei was constantly oppressed by the feeling of the uselessness of his life, equating him with a “court lackey and idiot.”Then there was the sky of Austerlitz, the death of Lisa, and a deep spiritual change, and fatigue, melancholy, contempt for life, disappointment. Bolkonsky at that time was like an oak tree, which “stood like an old, angry and contemptuous monster between the smiling birches” and “did not want to submit to the charm of spring.” “An unexpected confusion of young thoughts and hopes” arose in Andrei’s soul. He left transformed, and again in front of him was an oak tree, but not an old, ugly oak tree, but covered with “a tent of lush, dark greenery,” so that “no sores, no old mistrust, no grief - nothing was visible.”Love, like a miracle, revives Tolstoy's heroes to a new life. A true feeling for Natasha, so unlike the empty, absurd women of the world, came to Prince Andrei later and with incredible force turned him over and renewed his soul. He “seemed and was a completely different, new person,” and it was as if he had stepped out of a stuffy room into the free light of God. True, even love did not help Prince Andrei to humble his pride; he never forgave Natasha for “betrayal.” Only after a mortal wound and a mental break and rethinking of life did Bolkonsky understand her suffering, shame and repentance and realize the cruelty of breaking up with her. “I love you more, better than before,” he said then to Natasha, but nothing, not even her fiery feeling, could keep him in this world.“I love you more, better than before,” he said then to Natasha, but nothing, not even her fiery feeling, could keep him in this world.Pierre's fate is somewhat similar to the fate of his best friend. Just like Andrei, who in his youth was carried away by Lisa, who has just arrived from Paris, the childishly enthusiastic Pierre is carried away by the “doll-like” beauty of Helen. The example of Prince Andrei did not become a “science” for him; Pierre was convinced from his own experience that external beauty is not always internal - spiritual beauty.Pierre felt that there were no barriers between him and Helen, she “was terribly close to him,” her beautiful and “marble” body had power over him. And although Pierre felt that this was “not good for some reason,” he weakly succumbed to the feeling instilled in him by this “depraved woman” and eventually became her husband. As a result, a bitter feeling of disappointment, gloomy despondency, contempt for his wife, for life, for himself gripped him some time after the wedding, when Helen’s “mystery” turned into spiritual emptiness, stupidity and debauchery.Having met Natasha, Pierre, like Andrei, was amazed and attracted by her purity and naturalness. Feelings for her had already timidly begun to grow in his soul when Bolkonsky and Natasha fell in love with each other. The joy of their happiness mixed in his soul with sadness. Unlike Andrei, Pierre's kind heart understood and forgave Natasha after the incident with Anatol Kuragin. Although he tried to despise her, he saw the exhausted, suffering Natasha, and “a never-before-experienced feeling of pity filled Pierre’s soul.” And love entered his “soul, which blossomed towards a new life.” Pierre understood Natasha, perhaps because her connection with Anatole was similar to his infatuation with Helen. Natasha believed in the inner beauty of Kuragin, in communication with whom she, like Pierre and Helen, “felt with horror that there was no barrier between him and her.” After a disagreement with his wife, Pierre's life's quest continues. He became interested in Freemasonry, then there was a war, and the half-childish idea of ​​killing Napoleon, and the burning one - Moscow, terrible minutes of waiting for death and captivity. Having gone through suffering, Pierre's renewed, purified soul retained his love for Natasha. Having met her, who had also changed greatly, Pierre did not recognize Natasha. They both believed that after everything they had experienced they would be able to feel this joy, but love awoke in their hearts, and suddenly “it smelled and filled with long-forgotten happiness,” and the “forces of life” began to beat, and “joyful madness” took possession of them.“Love has awakened, and life has awakened.” The power of love revived Natasha after the mental apathy caused by the death of Prince Andrei.The power of love revived Natasha after the mental apathy caused by the death of Prince Andrei. She thought that her life was over, but the love for her mother that arose with renewed vigor showed her that her essence - love - was still alive in her. This all-encompassing power of love, which brought to life the people it loved and towards whom it was directed.The fates of Nikolai Rostov and Princess Marya were not easy. Quiet, meek, ugly in appearance, but beautiful in soul, the princess during her father’s lifetime did not even hope to get married or raise children. The only wooer, and even then for the sake of a dowry, Anatole, of course, could not understand her high spirituality and moral beauty.In the epilogue of the novel “War and Peace,” Tolstoy exalts the spiritual unity of people, which forms the basis of nepotism. A new family was created, in which seemingly different principles were united - the Rostovs and the Bolkonskys.“As in every real family, in the Lysogorsk house several completely different worlds lived together, which, each maintaining its own peculiarity and making concessions to one another, merged into one harmonious whole.”

The theme of love in Tolstoy's novel War and Peace

Love is perhaps undeniably one of the most frequently encountered themes in literature. Moreover, love is of a completely different nature: for family, native land, loved one. The novel by the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy called “War and Peace” was no exception.

All the heroes of the epic novel experience a feeling of love to varying degrees.

Helen Kuragina is an aristocratic, socialite with winning beauty. However, emptiness and ugliness raged inside. In her understanding, love lies in immeasurable wealth and status in society. Having become the wife of Pierre Bezukhov, Helen flirted with men with great pleasure, knowing what attracted them. Human relations were far from this family; the Kuragins thoroughly enjoyed vulgarity, meanness and joy.

Andrei Bolkonsky is a hero who has gone through a difficult path to achieving his love and to understanding his existence. Having taken Lisa as his wife, he did not comprehend that true family happiness. He never cared about society. Lisa, being pregnant, did not become a convincing reason for Andrei to refuse to go to war. However, his soul will be resurrected after meeting Natasha Rostova. Natasha became the person who saw Andrei's last look.

Natasha Rostova is a girl, and then a girl, who has a love for everything around her. The Rostov family in the novel was a symbol of cordiality, sincerity and care. Natasha grew up in a family where harmony and love flourished; in fact, she became such a person in life. The need she needed for life was love.

Pierre Bezukhov is a trusting and loving man, however, the choice of his betrothed was wrong, he did not immediately understand that he had been led by the nose, and that the once loving person, as it seemed to him, awakened in him a feeling of disgusting disgust. After which he fell madly in love with Natasha Rostova, who at first did not reciprocate his feelings, but he waited, and in the end he found true, selfless love.

Marya Bolkonskaya, the princess, believed that her calling was to become happy with a different happiness - the happiness of love, than her father believed, who believed that his severity fully expressed love, and also, in his opinion, love manifested itself in activity and reason. Marya is a naive and pure person who sees only the good in people. However, she did not immediately comprehend the feeling of sincere love; after an unsuccessful marriage with Anatoly Kuragin, the purpose of which was the selfish side of the coin, Marya found what she was looking for with Nikolai Rostov, whose path to love was as thorny and confusing as her own.

In Tolstoy’s work “War and Peace”, just like in any other novel, there is love. And it is revealed from different angles and in different meanings. When many people hear this word, they immediately imagine two people who love each other very much and cannot live without each other.

Love happens in the life of each of the main characters. Although on the way to it they go through a huge number of obstacles and obstacles.

Andrei Bolkonsky traveled a long and difficult path on the path to love. In his youth, he liked Lisa very much, and he loved her very much. But a little later he realized that he had made a mistake and could no longer live like this. He does not like family life at all, and he tries to get rid of it as soon as possible.

After the war, he met Natalya, and he really liked her. She was completely different from all the other girls. But his pride had been bothering him for a long time. And when he finds out about her betrayal, he immediately abandons her and goes to the battlefield. He does not yet realize that this battle will be his last. And he admits all his mistakes before his death.

Pierre's love turned out to be very similar. He met a girl named Helen and immediately fell in love with her. He was confident that they would never have barriers or obstacles. But fate has completely different plans. And when they got married, he realized that he didn’t love her at all and, by marrying her, he made a mistake. Gradually, he stopped enjoying life and he saw no further meaning in their living together.

A little later he met another girl named Natasha. But she chose Pierre's friend Andrey, and Pierre was very disappointed in this. But on the other hand, he was glad that everything was going well for his friend. And when things didn’t work out for Pierre with his wife, he decides to start looking for meaning in life again.

And even after so many years, he did not stop loving Natasha and continued to wait for her. And he waited until they were both free, and they could no longer restrain their feelings. Only now can they be happy and loved by each other.

Although Maria was not a very beautiful girl, she had a wonderful inner world, which not everyone could notice, but Nikolai Rostov managed to see it.

Love moves and controls all the characters in the novel. And in many situations, the heroes do not see the point in living further, but love seeps through all these barriers and obstacles and helps them find a way out of any situation.

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The theme of love in Russian literature has always occupied one of the leading places. At all times, great poets, writers, and essayists turned to her. Likewise, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy, a titanic figure on the scale of world literature, does not stand aside. Almost all of his works touch on issues of love - love for the mother, for the Motherland, for a woman, for the land, for friends and family. In the epic novel “War and Peace,” inspired by “folk thought,” “family thought” is inextricably present. It is love that is the main driving force in the lives of the characters in the novel.

Throughout the entire novel, the author leads us along the “paths of the soul” of Natasha Rostova, Andrei Bolkonsky, Pierre Bezukhov, Marya Bolkonskaya, Nikolai Rostov and other key characters. He repeatedly emphasizes that internal beauty is important in a person, not external, and moral and spiritual values ​​are higher than material ones. Perhaps Tolstoy idealized his heroes a little, but they all adhere to exactly this opinion.

Let us turn, for example, to the image of Natasha Rostova, who does not have such a spectacular appearance as the social beauty Helen Kuragina, but becomes surprisingly beautiful in moments of happiness. As for the heroine’s spiritual qualities, she does not hesitate to give all the carts to the wounded, without even thinking about her material losses. She carefully looks after her mother when she loses the desire to live after Petya's death. Natasha makes every effort to rescue the wounded Andrei, despite the differences between them. At the same time, the heroine does not forget to remain true to herself and never ceases to enjoy life. This is how the author sees the triumph of morality over the coldness and prudence of the world.

Marya Bolkonskaya is not particularly beautiful, only her large, radiant eyes are attractive. She sacrifices her personal life to care for her sick father and is ready to sacrifice more for the benefit of those around her, the wounded and the needy. At the end of the novel, Tolstoy rewards both heroines with strong families, since only in this he sees the meaning of true, complete happiness. Both Natasha and Marya marry men they love and love, becoming wonderful wives and mothers.

Against the backdrop of the heroes' love stories, the merciless Patriotic War of 1812 takes place. We see an inextricable connection between the lives of the main characters and the lives of the people. In the forefront of the war, Andrei Bolkonsky first appears, and then his best friend, Pierre Bezukhov. Bolkonsky is a seasoned man, with extensive life experience and great ambitions. If at the beginning of the novel we see how captivated he is by Napoleon, how he imagines the war as something heroic and sublime, then before his death he finds answers to all the questions that previously tormented him. He understands that the meaning of life is not in war, but in peace with oneself and others, in kindness and forgiveness.

Changes are also taking place in the views of Pierre Bezukhov. We can say that this is another not very handsome hero of Tolstoy, but there is so much goodness and nobility in him that we don’t even notice that he is fat and clumsy. His appearance in the salon of Madame, the organizer of social receptions and evenings, frightened the hostess, since his appearance did not express aristocracy. Only Prince Andrei loves and understands this hero. He knows that behind Pierre's timidity lies a remarkable mind and talent. Pierre, just like Natasha, knows how to dilute any social atmosphere with her naturalness. Over time, he only changes for the better and transforms as a person. If at first we see him captivated by the cold and calculating Helen, then during the war all his best qualities are revealed - physical strength, openness, kindness, lack of selfishness, the ability to sacrifice comfort for the good of the people, the ability to risk his life to save others.

With all this, the writer tries not to idealize his heroes. He fully reveals their small weaknesses and big mistakes. But the main thing in them invariably remains “kindness”. Even the “bad” war could not dislodge this trait, like love, from the main characters.