War and Peace #3

Two of the Main Characters

Although, I am reading ahead, (I am through Chapter 22 in this current read where the novel is still in its exposition) Pierre Bezukhov is introduced as an awkward, outspoken character, who’s outspokenness falls in line with the idea that Pierre is also an illegitimate son, but a beloved son to one of the richest men in Russia. In the initial chapters of W & P, Pierre’s outspokenness reveals his thoughts on Napoleon.

Andrei Bolkonsky is introduced in the opening chapters as well. He is completely the opposite of Pierre. He is not awkward or outspoken. Instead, he is heroic with measured words. Tolstoy portrays Andrei as married without the love of the institution, but married to further the family’s future.

The two are revealed as friends, both with idealistic and romantic political ideals. Those ideals will change over the course of the novel. Pierre’s awkwardness and political idealism will turn into an acceptance of his persona once he finds true love. Adrei’s idealism of asearch of glory through military achievement will become a negative stance toward war itself.