Before you is a magnificent essay on Russian literature on the topic “THOUGHT OF THE PEOPLE” in the novel by L. N. Tolstoy “WAR AND PEACE”. The essay is designed for students in grade 10, but it can also be used by students of other classes in preparation for the lessons of the Russian language and literature.
"THE PEOPLE'S THOUGHT" in the novel by L.N. Tolstoy "WAR AND PEACE"
Tolstoy is one of the greatest writers Russia. He lived during the peasant unrest, and therefore he was captured by all critical issues era: about the ways of development of Russia, about the fate of the people and their role in history, about the relationship between the people and the nobility. Tolstoy decided to look for answers to all these questions in the study of events early XIX century.
According to Tolstoy, main reason Russian victory in 1812 was this " folk thought ”, this is the unity of the people in the struggle against the conqueror, his rising huge unwavering strength, dormant until the time in the souls of people, which, with its bulk, overturned the enemy and forced him to flee. The reason for the victory was also in the justice of the war against the conquerors, in the readiness of every Russian to stand up for the defense of the Motherland, in the people's love for their fatherland. Historical figures and inconspicuous participants in the war, the best people of Russia and money-grubbers, careerists pass through the pages of the novel " War and Peace". It has over five hundred actors. Tolstoy created many unique characters and showed us a lot of people. But these hundred people Tolstoy does not imagine as a faceless mass. All this huge material is connected by a single thought, which Tolstoy defined as “ folk thought «.
The Rostov and Bolkonsky families differ from each other in their class position and in the atmosphere that reigned in their homes. But these families are united by a common love for Russia. Let us recall the death of the old Prince Bolkonsky. Last words his were about Russia: " Russia is dead! Ruined!". He worried about the fate of Russia and the fate of all Russian people. All his life he served only Russia, and when his death came, all his thoughts, of course, were turned to the Motherland.
Consider Petya's patriotism. Petya went to war very young and did not spare his life for the fatherland. Let's remember Natasha, who is ready to give up all valuables only because she wants to help the wounded. In the same scene, Natasha's aspirations are contrasted with the aspirations of the careerist Berg. Only the best people of Russia could perform feats during the war. Neither Helen, nor Anna Pavlovna Sherer, nor Boris, nor Berg could perform feats. These people were not patriotic. All their motives were selfish. During the war, following the fashion, they stopped speaking French. But does this prove their love for Russia?
battle of Borodino- the climax in the work of Tolstoy. Tolstoy confronts almost all the heroes of the novel at the Battle of Borodino. Even if the characters are not on the Borodino field, their fates completely depend on the course of the war of 1812. The battle is shown through the eyes of a non-military person - Pierre. Bezukhov considers it his duty to be on the battlefield. Through his eyes we see the rallying of the troops. He is convinced of the correctness of the words of the old soldier: “ All the people want to pile on ". Unlike the battle of Austerlitz, the participants in the battle of Borodino understood the goals of the war of 1812. The writer believes that the coincidence of millions of reasons helps to win. Through wishes ordinary soldiers, commanders, militias and all other participants in the battle, the moral victory of the Russian people became possible.
Tolstoy's favorite heroes - Pierre and Andrei - are also participants in the Battle of Borodino. Bezukhov deeply feels folk character wars of 1812. The patriotism of the hero is cast in very concrete deeds: equipping the regiment, monetary donations. turning point Pierre's life becomes his stay in captivity and acquaintance with Platon Karataev. Communication with an old soldier leads Pierre to " agree with oneself “, simplicity and integrity.
War of 1812 - milestone in the life of Andrei Bolkonsky. Andrei abandons his military career and becomes the commander of a jaeger regiment. Deeply understands Andrei Kutuzov, a commander who sought to avoid unnecessary sacrifices. During the Battle of Borodino, Prince Andrei takes care of his soldiers and tries to get them out of the shelling. Andrey's dying thoughts are imbued with a sense of humility:
“Love your neighbors, love your enemies. Love everything, love God in all manifestations.
As a result of the search for the meaning of life, Andrei was able to overcome his selfishness and vanity. Spiritual searches lead the hero to moral enlightenment, to natural simplicity, to the ability to love and forgive.
Leo Tolstoy draws the heroes of the partisan war with love and respect. And one of them Tolstoy showed more close-up. This man is Tikhon Shcherbaty, a typical Russian peasant, as a symbol of the avenging people fighting for their homeland. He was " the most helpful and brave man "in the detachment of Denisov," his weapons were a blunderbuss, a pike and an ax, which he owned as a wolf owns teeth ". In the joy of Denisov, Tikhon occupied an exceptional place, " when it was necessary to do something especially difficult and impossible - to turn a wagon out of the mud with a shoulder, to pull a horse out of the swamp by the tail, saddle it and climb into the very middle of the French, walk fifty miles a day - everyone pointed, chuckling, at Tikhon ". Tikhon feels a strong hatred for the French, so strong that he can be very cruel. But we understand his feelings and sympathize with this hero. He is always busy, always in action, his speech is unusually fast, even his comrades speak of him with affectionate irony: “ Well, slick », « eka beast ". The image of Tikhon Shcherbaty is close to Tolstoy, who loves this hero, loves all the people, highly appreciates "people's thought" . In the novel "War and Peace" Tolstoy showed us the Russian people in all its strength and beauty.
Tolstoy managed to reflect all aspects of the life of Russia in the 19th century in his epic War and Peace. The thought of the people in the novel is illuminated especially brightly. The image of the people in general is one of the main and meaningful. Moreover, exactly national character is the subject of depiction in the novel. And it can be understood only from the description of the everyday life of the people, their view of humanity and the world, moral assessments, delusions and prejudices.
image of the people
Tolstoy included in the concept of "people" not only soldiers and peasants, but also the nobility, which had a similar view of spiritual values and the world. It is this idea that the author put at the basis of the epic "War and Peace". The idea of the people in the novel is therefore embodied through all people united by language, history, culture and territory.
From this point of view, Tolstoy is an innovator, since before him in Russian literature there was always a clear line between the peasant class and the nobility. In order to illustrate his idea, the writer turned to very harsh times for all of Russia - the Patriotic War of 1812.
The only opposition is the fight the best people the nobility, united with people from the people, with military and bureaucratic circles, unable to perform feats or make sacrifices for the sake of defending the Fatherland.
Depiction of the life of ordinary soldiers
Pictures of the life of the peoples in peace and war time widely represented in Tolstoy's epic War and Peace. The thought of the people in the novel, however, manifested itself with the greatest clarity during Patriotic War when all the inhabitants of Russia were required to demonstrate steadfastness, generosity and patriotism.
Despite this, descriptions of folk scenes appear already in the first two volumes of the novel. This is an image of Russian soldiers when they participated in foreign campaigns, fulfilling their duty to the allies. For ordinary soldiers who came out of the people, such campaigns are incomprehensible - why defend a land that is not their own?
Terrible pictures are painted by Tolstoy. The army is starving because the allies it supports are not supplying provisions. Unable to watch how the soldiers suffer, officer Denisov decides to recapture food from a foreign regiment, which has a detrimental effect on his career. This act shows spiritual qualities Russian person.
"War and Peace": folk thought in the novel
As noted above, the fate of Tolstoy's heroes from among the best nobles is always associated with folk life. Therefore, the “folk thought” runs like a red thread through the entire work. So, Pierre Bezukhov, having been captured, learns the truth of life, which is revealed to him by an ordinary peasant peasant. And it lies in the fact that a person is unhappy only when there is a surplus in his life. Little is needed to be happy.
On the Field of Austerlitz, Andrei Bolkonsky feels his connection with the people. He grabs the staff of the banner, not hoping that they will follow him. But the soldiers, seeing the standard-bearer, rush into battle. The unity of ordinary soldiers and officers gives the army unprecedented strength.
The house in the novel "War and Peace" is of great importance. But we are talking not about decoration and furniture. The image of the house embodies family values. Moreover, the whole of Russia is home, all the people are one big family. That is why Natasha Rostova dumps her property from the cart and gives it to the wounded.
It is in this unity that Tolstoy sees the true strength of the people. The force that was able to win the war of 1812.
Images of people from the people
Even on the first pages of the novel, the writer creates images of individual soldiers. This is Denisov's batman Lavrushka with his roguish disposition, and the merry fellow Sidorov, hilariously mimicking the French, and Lazarev, who received an order from Napoleon himself.
However, the house in the novel "War and Peace" occupies key place, so most of the heroes from among common people can be found in descriptions of peacetime. Here comes another serious problem 19th century - the hardships of serfdom. Tolstoy describes how old prince Bolkonsky, deciding to punish the barman Philip, who forgot the owner's order, gave him to the soldiers. And Pierre's attempt to make life easier for his serfs ended in nothing, as the manager deceived the count.
People's labor
Many problems characteristic of Tolstoy's work are raised by the epic "War and Peace". The theme of labor as one of the main ones for the writer was no exception. Labor is inextricably linked with the life of the people. Moreover, Tolstoy uses it to characterize the characters, as he gives this great importance. Idleness in the understanding of the writer speaks of a morally weak, insignificant and unworthy person.
But work is not just a duty, it is a pleasure. So, the arriving Danila, participating in the hunt, devotes himself to this matter to the end, he shows himself to be a real connoisseur and, in a fit of excitement, even shouts at Count Rostov.
The old valet Tikhon has grown so accustomed to his position that he understands his master without words. And the yard Anisya is praised by Tolstoy for housekeeping, playfulness and good nature. For her, the home of the owners is not a foreign and hostile place, but a native and close one. A woman loves her work.
Russian people and war
However, the quiet life ended, and the war began. All the images in the novel "War and Peace" are also transformed. All heroes, both low and high class, are united by a single feeling " internal heat patriotism." This feeling becomes national trait Russian people. It made him capable of self-sacrifice. The same self-sacrifice that decided the outcome of the war and so struck the French soldiers.
Another difference between the Russian troops and the French is that they do not play war. For the Russian people, this is a great tragedy, in which there can be nothing good. Unknown to Russian soldiers is the enjoyment of battle or the joy of the coming war. But at the same time, everyone is ready to give their life. There is no cowardice here, the soldiers are ready to die, because their duty is to defend their homeland. Only the one who will "pity himself less" can win - this is how Andrei Bolkonsky expressed the popular thought.
Peasant moods in the epic
The theme of the people sounds piercingly and vividly in the novel "War and Peace". At the same time, Tolstoy does not try to idealize the people. The writer depicts scenes that testify to the spontaneity and inconsistency of peasant sentiments. Good example this is the Bogucharov rebellion, when the peasants, having read the French leaflets, refused to let Princess Marya out of the estate. The peasants are capable of the same self-interest as the nobles like or Berg, who are eager to get ranks thanks to the war. The French promised money, and now they have already obeyed them. However, when Nikolai Rostov ordered to stop the atrocities and tie up the instigators, the peasants dutifully carried out his order.
On the other hand, when the French began to advance, the people left their homes, destroying their acquired property so that it would not go to the enemies.
strength of the people
Still bare the best folk qualities epic War and Peace. The essence of the work is precisely to depict the true strength of the Russian people.
In the fight against the French, the Russians, in spite of everything, were able to maintain high moral qualities. Tolstoy saw the greatness of a nation not in the fact that it can conquer with the help of weapons neighboring nations, and in fact, even in the most severe times, he can maintain justice, humanity and a merciful attitude towards the enemy. An example of this is the episode of the rescue of the French captain Rambal.
and Platon Karataev
If you analyze the novel "War and Peace" chapter by chapter, then these two heroes will definitely attract attention. Tolstoy, including them in the narrative, wanted to show the interconnected and at the same time opposite sides of the national Russian character. Let's compare these characters:
Platon Karataev is a complacent and dreamy soldier who is used to meekly obeying fate.
Tikhon Shcherbaty is a smart, resolute, courageous and active peasant who will never accept fate and will actively resist it. He himself became a soldier and became famous for having killed the most Frenchmen.
These characters embodied two sides - humility, long-suffering on the one hand and an irrepressible desire to fight - on the other.
It is believed that Shcherbatov's beginning was most clearly manifested in the novel, however, Karataev's wisdom and long-suffering did not stand aside.
conclusions
So the people is the main active force in War and Peace. According to Tolstoy's philosophy, one person cannot change history, only the strength and desire of the people are capable of this. Therefore, Napoleon, who decided to reshape the world, lost to the power of an entire nation.
Target:
During the classes
II. "The thought of the people" is the main idea of the novel.
- The main conflicts of the novel.
due to the War of 1812.
L.N. Tolstoy
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"The Thought of the People" in the Novel "War and Peace"
Lesson 18
"People's Thought" in the novel "War and Peace"
Target: to summarize throughout the novel the role of the people in history, the attitude of the author to the people.
During the classes
The lesson-lecture is conducted according to the plan with the recording of theses:
I. Gradual change and deepening of the idea and theme of the novel "War and Peace".
II. "The thought of the people" is the main idea of the novel.
The main conflicts of the novel.
Tearing off all and sundry masks from court and staff lackeys and drones.
"Russian soul" ( The best part noble society in the novel. Kutuzov as leader of the people's war).
Depiction of the moral greatness of the people and the liberating nature of the people's war of 1812.
III. Immortality of the novel "War and Peace".
In order for the work to be good,
one must love the main, basic idea in it.
In "War and Peace" I loved the thought of the people,
due to the War of 1812.
L.N. Tolstoy
Lecture material
L.N. Tolstoy, based on his statement, considered "people's thought" main idea novel "War and Peace". This is a novel about the fate of the people, about the fate of Russia, about the people's feat, about the reflection of history in a person.
The main conflicts of the novel - Russia's struggle against Napoleonic aggression and the clash of the best part of the nobility, expressing national interests, with court lackeys and staff drones, pursuing selfish, selfish interests both in the years of peace and in the years of war - are connected with the theme of the people's war.
“I tried to write the history of the people,” said Tolstoy. Main character romana - people; a people thrown into an alien to its interests, unnecessary and incomprehensible war of 1805, a people who rose in 1812 to defend the Motherland from foreign invaders and defeated in a just, liberation war a huge enemy army led by a hitherto invincible commander, a people united by a great goal - "clear your land from invasion."
The novel contains more than a hundred crowd scenes, over two hundred named people from the people act in it, but the meaning of the image of the people is determined, of course, not by this, but by the fact that all important events in the novel are evaluated by the author with folk point vision. The popular assessment of the war of 1805 is expressed by Tolstoy in the words of Prince Andrei: “Why did we lose the battle near Austerlitz? There was no need for us to fight there: we wanted to leave the battlefield as soon as possible. The people's assessment of the Battle of Borodino, when the hand of the strongest enemy in spirit was laid on the French, is expressed by the writer at the end of part I of the third volume of the novel: “The moral strength of the French, attacking army was exhausted. Not that victory, which is determined by picked up pieces of matter on sticks, called banners, and by the space on which the troops stood and are standing, but a moral victory, one that convinces the enemy of the moral superiority of his enemy and of his impotence, was won by the Russians under Borodin".
The "thought of the people" is present everywhere in the novel. We clearly feel it in that merciless "tearing off the masks" that Tolstoy resorts to when drawing the Kuragins, Rostopchin, Arakcheev, Benigsen, Drubetskoy, Julie Karagina and others. Their calm, luxurious life in St. Petersburg went on as before.
Often Savor given through the prism of popular views. Remember the scene of the opera and ballet performance in which Natasha Rostova meets Helen and Anatole Kuragin (vol. II, part V, ch. 9-10). “After the village... it was all wild and surprising to her. ... - ... she felt ashamed of the actors, then funny for them. The performance is drawn as if an observant peasant with a healthy sense of beauty is watching him, surprised at how ridiculously the gentlemen are amused.
The “folk thought” is felt more vividly where heroes close to the people are depicted: Tushin and Timokhin, Natasha and Princess Marya, Pierre and Prince Andrei - they are all Russian in soul.
It is Tushin and Timokhin who are shown as the true heroes of the battle of Shengraben, the victory in the battle of Borodino, according to Prince Andrei, will depend on the feeling that is in him, in Timokhin and in every soldier. “Tomorrow, no matter what, we will win the battle!” - says Prince Andrei, and Timokhin agrees with him: “Here, your excellency, the truth, the truth is true.”
In many scenes of the novel, both Natasha and Pierre, who understood the “hidden warmth of patriotism” that was in the militias and soldiers on the eve and on the day of the Battle of Borodino, act as carriers of the popular feeling and “folk thought” in many scenes of the novel; Pierre, who, according to the servants, "forgave", is in captivity, and Prince Andrei, when he became "our prince" for the soldiers of his regiment.
Tolstoy depicts Kutuzov as a person who embodied the spirit of the people. Kutuzov is a truly popular commander. Expressing the needs, thoughts and feelings of the soldiers, he speaks during the review near Braunau, and during the Battle of Austerlitz, and during the liberation war of 1812. “Kutuzov,” writes Tolstoy, “with his whole Russian being knew and felt what every Russian soldier felt ...” During the war of 1812, all his efforts were directed towards one goal - purification native land from the invaders. On behalf of the people, Kutuzov rejects Lauriston's proposal for a truce. He understands and repeatedly says that the Battle of Borodino is a victory; understanding, like no one else, the popular nature of the war of 1812, he supported the plan proposed by Denisov for the deployment of partisan operations. It was his understanding of the feelings of the people that made the people choose this disgraceful old man as the leader of the people's war against the will of the tsar.
Also, the “folk thought” was fully manifested in the depiction of the heroism and patriotism of the Russian people and the army during the Patriotic War of 1812. Tolstoy shows the extraordinary stamina, courage and fearlessness of the soldiers and the best part of the officers. He writes that not only Napoleon and his generals, but all the soldiers French army experienced in the battle of Borodino "a feeling of horror in front of the enemy, who, having lost half of the army, stood just as menacingly at the end as at the beginning of the battle."
The War of 1812 was not like other wars. Tolstoy showed how the "club of the people's war" rose, drew numerous images of partisans, and among them - the memorable image of the peasant Tikhon Shcherbaty. We see the patriotism of civilians who left Moscow, abandoned and destroyed their property. “They went because for the Russian people there could be no question whether it would be good or bad under the control of the French in Moscow. You can’t be under the control of the French: that was the worst of all.”
So, reading the novel, we are convinced that the writer about the great events of the past, about the life and customs of various strata of Russian society, individual people, judges about war and peace from the position popular interests. And this is the “folk idea” that Tolstoy loved in his novel.
“The subject of history is the life of peoples and mankind,” this is how Leo Tolstoy begins the second part of the epilogue of the epic novel War and Peace. He then asks the question: "What is the power that moves the nations?" Arguing over these “theories”, Tolstoy comes to the conclusion that: “The life of peoples does not fit into the lives of several people, because the connection between these several people and peoples has not been found ...” In other words, Tolstoy says that the role of the people in history is undeniable, and the eternal truth that history is made by the people is proved by him in his novel. "The thought of the people" in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is indeed one of the main themes of the epic novel.
The people in the novel "War and Peace"
Many readers understand the word "people" not quite the way Tolstoy understands it. Lev Nikolaevich means by "people" not only soldiers, peasants, peasants, not only that "huge mass" driven by some force. For Tolstoy, “the people” are officers, generals, and the nobility. This is Kutuzov, and Bolkonsky, and the Rostovs, and Bezukhov - this is all of humanity, embraced by one thought, one deed, one destiny.
All the main characters of Tolstoy's novel are directly connected with their people and are inseparable from them.
Heroes of the novel and "folk thought"
The fates of the favorite characters of Tolstoy's novel are connected with the life of the people. The "thought of the people" in "War and Peace" runs like a red thread through the life of Pierre Bezukhov. Being in captivity, Pierre learned his truth of life. Platon Karataev, a peasant peasant, opened it to Bezukhov: “In captivity, in a booth, Pierre learned not with his mind, but with his whole being, with his life, that man was created for happiness, that happiness is in himself, in satisfying natural human needs, that all misfortune occurs not from lack, but from excess. The French offered Pierre to transfer from a soldier's booth to an officer's, but he refused, remaining faithful to those with whom he suffered his fate. And after a long time he recalled with rapture this month of captivity, as “about the complete peace of mind, about perfect inner freedom, which he experienced only at that time.
Andrei Bolkonsky in the battle of Austerlitz also felt his people. Grabbing the staff of the banner and rushing forward, he did not think that the soldiers would follow him. And they, seeing Bolkonsky with a banner and hearing: “Guys, go ahead!” rushed to the enemy after their leader. The unity of officers and ordinary soldiers confirms that the people are not divided into ranks and ranks, the people are one, and Andrei Bolkonsky understood this.
Natasha Rostova, leaving Moscow, dumps family property on the ground and gives her carts to the wounded. This decision comes to her immediately, without deliberation, which indicates that the heroine does not separate herself from the people. Another episode that speaks of the true Russian spirit of Rostova, in which L. Tolstoy himself admires his beloved heroine: spirit, where did she get these techniques… But these spirit and techniques were the same, inimitable, unlearned, Russian.”
And Captain Tushin, who donated own life for the sake of victory, for the sake of Russia. Captain Timokhin, who rushed at the Frenchman with "one skewer." Denisov, Nikolai Rostov, Petya Rostov and many other Russian people who stood with the people and knew true patriotism.
Tolstoy created collective image people - a single people, invincible, when not only soldiers, troops, but also militias are fighting. Civilians help not with weapons, but with their own methods: the peasants burn hay so as not to take it to Moscow, people leave the city only because they do not want to obey Napoleon. This is the “folk idea” and the ways of its disclosure in the novel. Tolstoy makes it clear that in a single thought - not to surrender to the enemy - the Russian people are strong. For all Russian people, a sense of patriotism is important.
Platon Karataev and Tikhon Shcherbaty
The novel also shows the partisan movement. bright representative here appeared Tikhon Shcherbaty, who, with all his disobedience, dexterity, and cunning, is fighting the French. His vigorous activity brings success to the Russians. Denisov is proud of his partisan detachment thanks to Tikhon.
Contrasted with the image of Tikhon gapped image Platon Karataev. Kind, wise, with his worldly philosophy, he calms Pierre and helps him survive captivity. Plato's speech is filled with Russian proverbs, which emphasizes his nationality.
Kutuzov and people
The only commander in chief of the army who never separated himself from the people was Kutuzov. “He knew not with his mind or science, but with his whole Russian being he knew and felt what every Russian soldier felt ...” The disunity of the Russian army in an alliance with Austria, the deception of the Austrian army, when the allies abandoned the Russians in battles, for Kutuzov were unbearable pain. Kutuzov replied to Napoleon’s letter about peace: “I would be damned if they looked at me as the first instigator of any deal: such is the will of our people” (italics by L.N. Tolstoy). Kutuzov did not write from himself, he expressed the opinion of the whole people, all Russian people.
The image of Kutuzov is opposed to the image of Napoleon, who was very far from his people. He was only interested in personal interest in the struggle for power. The empire of world subordination to Bonaparte - and the abyss in the interests of the people. As a result, the war of 1812 was lost, the French fled, and Napoleon was the first to leave Moscow. He abandoned his army, abandoned his people.
conclusions
In his novel War and Peace, Tolstoy shows that the power of the people is invincible. And in every Russian person there is "simplicity, goodness and truth." true patriotism does not measure everyone by rank, does not build a career, does not seek fame. At the beginning of the third volume, Tolstoy writes: “There are two aspects of life in every person: personal life, which is all the more free, the more abstract its interests, and spontaneous, swarming life, where a person inevitably fulfills the laws prescribed for him.” Laws of honor, conscience, common culture, general history.
This essay on the topic “The Thought of the People” in the novel “War and Peace” reveals only a small fraction of what the author wanted to tell us. The people live in the novel in every chapter, in every line.
"People's Thought" in the novel "War and Peace" by Tolstoy - an essay on the topic |
Introduction
“The subject of history is the life of peoples and mankind,” this is how Leo Tolstoy begins the second part of the epilogue of the epic novel War and Peace. He then asks the question: "What is the power that moves the nations?" Arguing over these “theories”, Tolstoy comes to the conclusion that: “The life of peoples does not fit into the lives of several people, because the connection between these several people and peoples has not been found ...” In other words, Tolstoy says that the role of the people in history is undeniable, and the eternal truth that history is made by the people is proved by him in his novel. "The thought of the people" in Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" is indeed one of the main themes of the epic novel.
The people in the novel "War and Peace"
Many readers understand the word "people" not quite the way Tolstoy understands it. Lev Nikolaevich means by "people" not only soldiers, peasants, peasants, not only that "huge mass" driven by some force. For Tolstoy, “the people” are officers, generals, and the nobility. This is Kutuzov, and Bolkonsky, and the Rostovs, and Bezukhov - this is all of humanity, embraced by one thought, one deed, one destiny. All the main characters of Tolstoy's novel are directly connected with their people and are inseparable from them.
Heroes of the novel and "folk thought"
The fates of the favorite characters of Tolstoy's novel are connected with the life of the people. The "thought of the people" in "War and Peace" runs like a red thread through the life of Pierre Bezukhov. Being in captivity, Pierre learned his truth of life. Platon Karataev, a peasant peasant, opened it to Bezukhov: “In captivity, in a booth, Pierre learned not with his mind, but with his whole being, with his life, that man was created for happiness, that happiness is in himself, in satisfying natural human needs, that all misfortune occurs not from lack, but from excess. The French offered Pierre to transfer from a soldier's booth to an officer's, but he refused, remaining faithful to those with whom he suffered his fate. And after that, for a long time, he recalled with rapture this month of captivity, as "about complete peace of mind, about perfect inner freedom, which he experienced only at that time."
Andrei Bolkonsky in the battle of Austerlitz also felt his people. Grabbing the staff of the banner and rushing forward, he did not think that the soldiers would follow him. And they, seeing Bolkonsky with a banner and hearing: “Guys, go ahead!” rushed to the enemy after their leader. The unity of officers and ordinary soldiers confirms that the people are not divided into ranks and ranks, the people are one, and Andrei Bolkonsky understood this.
Natasha Rostova, leaving Moscow, dumps family property on the ground and gives her carts to the wounded. This decision comes to her immediately, without deliberation, which indicates that the heroine does not separate herself from the people. Another episode that speaks of the true Russian spirit of Rostova, in which L. Tolstoy himself admires his beloved heroine: spirit, where did she get these techniques… But these spirit and techniques were the same, inimitable, unlearned, Russian.”
And Captain Tushin, who sacrificed his own life for the sake of victory, for the sake of Russia. Captain Timokhin, who rushed at the Frenchman with "one skewer." Denisov, Nikolai Rostov, Petya Rostov and many other Russian people who stood with the people and knew true patriotism.
Tolstoy created a collective image of the people - a single, invincible people, when not only soldiers, troops, but also militias are fighting. Civilians help not with weapons, but with their own methods: the peasants burn hay so as not to take it to Moscow, people leave the city only because they do not want to obey Napoleon. This is the “folk idea” and the ways of its disclosure in the novel. Tolstoy makes it clear that in a single thought - not to surrender to the enemy - the Russian people are strong. For all Russian people, a sense of patriotism is important.
Platon Karataev and Tikhon Shcherbaty
The novel also shows the partisan movement. A prominent representative here was Tikhon Shcherbaty, who, with all his disobedience, dexterity, and cunning, is fighting the French. His active work brings success to the Russians. Denisov is proud of his partisan detachment thanks to Tikhon.
Opposite to the image of Tikhon Shcherbaty is the image of Platon Karataev. Kind, wise, with his worldly philosophy, he calms Pierre and helps him survive captivity. Plato's speech is filled with Russian proverbs, which emphasizes his nationality.
Kutuzov and people
The only commander in chief of the army who never separated himself from the people was Kutuzov. “He knew not with his mind or science, but with his whole Russian being he knew and felt what every Russian soldier felt ...” The disunity of the Russian army in an alliance with Austria, the deception of the Austrian army, when the allies abandoned the Russians in battles, for Kutuzov were unbearable pain. Kutuzov replied to Napoleon’s letter about peace: “I would be damned if they looked at me as the first instigator of any deal: such is the will of our people” (italics by L.N. Tolstoy). Kutuzov did not write from himself, he expressed the opinion of the whole people, all Russian people.
The image of Kutuzov is opposed to the image of Napoleon, who was very far from his people. He was only interested in personal interest in the struggle for power. The empire of world subordination to Bonaparte - and the abyss in the interests of the people. As a result, the war of 1812 was lost, the French fled, and Napoleon was the first to leave Moscow. He abandoned his army, abandoned his people.
conclusions
In his novel War and Peace, Tolstoy shows that the power of the people is invincible. And in every Russian person there is "simplicity, goodness and truth." True patriotism does not measure everyone by rank, does not build a career, does not seek glory. At the beginning of the third volume, Tolstoy writes: “There are two aspects of life in every person: personal life, which is all the more free, the more abstract its interests, and spontaneous, swarming life, where a person inevitably fulfills the laws prescribed for him.” Laws of honor, conscience, common culture, common history.
This essay on the topic “The Thought of the People” in the novel “War and Peace” reveals only a small fraction of what the author wanted to tell us. The people live in the novel in every chapter, in every line.
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