War and peace are the characteristics of the Bolkonsky family. The Bolkonsky family in the novel "War and Peace": description, comparative characteristics

Salon of Anna Pavlovna Scherrer

Salon A.P. Scherrer is a place where the cream of St. Petersburg society gathers. (26, 43) Among the guests of Anna Scherrer's salon are many central characters: Andrei Bolkonsky with his wife, Pierre Bezukhov, the Kuragin family and others . The meaning of her life lies in the maintenance of her salon.. One of the first guests she meets Prince Vasily Kuragin. Their conversation gradually moves from discussing the horrific actions of the Antichrist-Napoleon and secular gossip to intimate topics. Anna Pavlovna tells the prince that it would be nice to marry his son Anatole - "a restless fool." The woman immediately offers a suitable candidate - her relative, Princess Bolkonskaya, who lives with a stingy but rich father. At the exit, an elderly lady approached Prince Vasily - Drubetskaya Anna Mikhailovna The woman, trying to use her former charm, asks the man to put her son Boris in the guard. During a conversation about politics, Pierre speaks of the revolution as a great cause, going against other guests who consider Napoleon's actions terrifying. The young man could not fully defend his opinion, but Andrei Bolkonsky supported him .. Guests gather in separate circles, where, as a rule, someone is in the center of attention, and Anna Pavlovna walks between them and pays special attention to the circle where the conversation fades. The lady has a sense of humor, intelligence, she presents new "faces" to her guests to make her evening more interesting: “this evening, Anna Pavlovna served her guests first the Viscount, then the Abbot, as something supernaturally refined.” "To be an enthusiast has become her social position." Different people are in the salon Scherer. Here Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. (61) He will soon go to fight Bonaparte. He is absolutely not interested in anything in Anna Pavlovna's drawing room and he arrives there to accompany his wife, who cannot travel to big light due to pregnancy, and attends small parties.

In the house of Count Bezukhov 366

A soulless selfish atmosphere reigns in the house of the dying Count Bezukhov. We see what is happening through the eyes of the naive Pierre. The young man does not understand what caused increased attention to his modest person, which worries his relatives, which causes scandals and even fights near his father's deathbed. Surrounding little worried about the state of the graph. It is important for them not to miss the chance to snatch a piece from a rich inheritance. Count Bezukhov had a sixth stroke, after which the doctors announced that there was no more hope for recovery - most likely, the patient would die at night. Prince Vasily learns from Princess Ekaterina Semyonovna that the letter in which the count asks to adopt Pierre is in the count's mosaic briefcase under the pillow. Pierre and Anna Mikhailovna arrive at Bezukhov's house. Heading to the dying man's room, Pierre does not understand why he is going there and why he should either appear in his father's chambers at all. During the unction of Count Vasily and Ekaterina quietly take away the briefcase with papers. Seeing the dying Bezukhov, Pierre finally realized how close his father was to death. In the waiting room, Anna Mikhailovna notices that the princess is hiding something and is trying to take Catherine's briefcase away. In the midst of a quarrel, the middle princess announced that the count had died. Everyone is upset by the death of Bezukhov. The next morning, Anna Mikhailovna tells Pierre that his father promised to help Boris and she hopes that the count's will will be fulfilled.

Name day at the Rostovs

Rostov celebrate mother's name day and youngest daughter- two Natalies. (175) Women gossip about the illness of Count Bezukhov and the behavior of his son Pierre. The young man got involved in a bad company: his last revelry led to the fact that Pierre was sent from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Women wonder who will become the heir to Bezukhov's wealth: (183) Pierre or the direct heir of the count - Prince Vasily. The old Count Rostov says that Nikolai, their eldest son, is going to leave the university and his parents, deciding to go to war with a friend. Nikolai replies that he really feels drawn to military service.

Natasha (195) (“black-eyed, with a big mouth, ugly, but live girl, with her childish open shoulders"), accidentally seeing the kiss of Sonya (the count's niece) and Nikolai, she calls Boris (Drubetskaya's son) and kisses him herself. Boris confesses his love to the girl, and they agree on a wedding when she turns 16. Faith(217), seeing cooing Sonya(204) with Nikolai and Natasha Boris(200), scolds that it is bad to run after a young man, tries in every possible way to offend young people. This upsets everyone, and they leave, but Vera is satisfied. Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskaya tells Rostova that Prince Vasily has placed her son in the guard, but she does not even have money for uniforms for her son. Drubetskaya hopes only for mercy godfather Boris - Count Kirill Vladimirovich Bezukhov and decides to hang him right away. Anna Mikhailovna asks her son to "be nice as you can be" in relation to the count, but he believes that this will be like humiliation. Holiday at the Rostovs. While they are waiting for Natasha's godmother, Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, a sharp and straightforward woman, in Rostov's office, the cousin of Countess Shinshin and the selfish guards officer Berg argue about the advantages and benefits of serving in the cavalry over the infantry. Shinshin makes fun of Berg. Pierre arrived just before dinner, feels uncomfortable, sits in the middle of the living room, preventing the guests from walking, from embarrassment he cannot carry on a conversation, constantly looking out for someone in the crowd. At this time, everyone is evaluating how such a bumpkin could participate in an undertaking with a bear, which gossips gossiped about. At dinner, the men talked about the war with Napoleon and the manifesto by which this war was declared. The colonel claims that only thanks to the war can the security of the empire be preserved, Shinshin does not agree, then the colonel turns to Nikolai Rostov for support. The young man agrees with the opinion that “Russians must die or win,” but he understands the awkwardness of his remark.

In the estate of the Bolkonsky Bald Mountains

The estate of Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky - a strict man who considers the main human vices"idleness and superstition" was located in the Bald Mountains. He himself raised his daughter Marya and was demanding and harsh with everyone around him, so everyone was afraid of him and obeyed. Andrei Bolkonsky and his wife Lisa come to the estate to Nikolai Bolkonsky. Andrei tells his father about the upcoming military campaign, in response he meets with obvious discontent. Senior Bolkonsky is against Russia's desire to participate in the war. He believes that Bonaparte is "an insignificant Frenchman who was successful only because there were no more Potemkins and Suvorovs." Andrei does not agree with his father, because Napoleon is his ideal. Angry at the stubbornness of his son, old prince shouts to him to go to his Bonaparte. Andrei is preparing to leave. The man is tormented by mixed feelings. Marya, Andrey's sister, asks his brother to put on "an old icon of a savior with a black face in a silver chasuble on a silver chain of small work" and blesses him with the image. Andrey asks the old prince to take care of his wife Liza. Nikolai Andreevich, although he seems strict, betrays letter of recommendation Kutuzov. At the same time, saying goodbye to his son, he is upset. After saying goodbye to Liza coldly, Andrey leaves.

Austerlitz plantation

Beginning of the Battle of Austerlitz. At 5 am, the movement of Russian columns began. There was a heavy fog and smoke from the fires, behind which it was not possible to see the people around and the direction. There is chaos in the movement. Due to the displacement of the Austrians to the right, there was a strong confusion. Kutuzov becomes the head of the 4th column and leads it .. Before the battle, the emperor asks Kutuzov why the battle has not yet begun, to which the old commander-in-chief replies: “That’s why I’m not starting, sir, because we are not at the parade and not at the Tsaritsyn Meadow.” Before the start of the battle, Bolkonsky is firmly convinced that "today was the day of his Toulon." Through the dissipating fog, the Russians see French troops much closer than expected, break the formation and run from the enemy. Kutuzov orders them to be stopped and Prince Andrey runs forward, leading the battalion. On the right flank, commanded by Bagration, nothing starts at 9 o'clock, so the commander sends Rostov to the commanders-in-chief for an order to start hostilities. Rostov, advancing along the Russian front, does not believe that the enemy is already practically in their rear. Near the village of Pratsa, Rostov finds only upset crowds of Russians. Outside the village of Gostieradek, Rostov finally saw the sovereign, but did not dare to approach him. At this time, Captain Tol, seeing the pale Alexander, helps him cross the ditch, for which the emperor shakes his hand. Rostov regrets his indecision and goes to Kutuzov's headquarters. At five o'clock in the battle of Austerlitz, the Russians lost on all counts. Russians retreat. At the dam, Augesta, they are overtaken by the artillery cannonade of the French. The soldiers are trying to advance by walking over the dead. Dolokhov jumps from the dam onto the ice, others run after him, but the ice does not hold up, everyone drowns. The wounded Bolkonsky lies on the Pratsensky mountain, bleeding, and without noticing it, groans softly, falls into oblivion in the evening. Waking up from a burning pain, he again felt alive, thinking that "he knew nothing until now." Suddenly, the clatter of the approaching French is heard, among them Napoleon. Bonaparte praises his soldiers, looking at the dead and wounded. Seeing Bolkonsky, he says that his death is beautiful, while for Andrei all this did not matter: “He burned his head; he felt that he was bleeding, and he saw above him a distant, lofty and eternal sky. He knew that it was Napoleon - his hero, but at that moment Napoleon seemed so small to him, insignificant person in comparison with what was now happening between his soul and this high, endless sky with clouds running across it. Bonaparte notices that Bolkonsky is alive and orders him to be taken to the dressing station. West and other wounded, the man remains in the care of the local population. In delirium he sees silent pictures life and happiness in the Bald Mountains, which little Napoleon destroys. The doctor claims that Bolkonsky's delirium will end rather death than recovery.

Most of the novel “War and Peace” by L. N. Tolstoy is devoted to the Russian nobility early XIX century. The reader is presented with a number of families that, in fact, are close to each other - in the sense of measured life, calmness, subordination general rules that existed in higher strata society of that time. All their members go to balls, visit the drawing room of Anna Pavlovna Sherer, dance, have fun, and have small talk.

However, there is one family, whose originality of customs and traditions, homely atmosphere immediately catches the eye. This is how the Bolkonsky family is represented. She lives her own closed life, which makes her different from others. Why did it happen? In fact, the Bolkonsky clan is a hereditary military, and military affairs implies submission, rigor, accuracy and rigidity. Prince Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky is such a “purebred” military man. He defines the spirit of the family. Life experience hardened not only his body, but also his soul, put strict military rules into him. The whole schedule of his day is scheduled by the minute and carried out with amazing accuracy: “... the main condition for activity is order, but the order in his life has been brought to the last degree of accuracy. His exits to the table were made under the same constant conditions, and not only in one hour, but also in a minute. And God forbid anyone to break this routine, which is the main law of life of Nikolai Andreevich. For example, during the arrival of Prince Andrei and his wife, the son does not immediately go to his father, but waits until his rest time is over, because he is already used to it.

The old prince is constantly engaged in physical and mental labor: “He himself was constantly busy writing his memoirs, then calculations from higher mathematics, then turning snuff boxes on a machine tool, then working in the garden and observing buildings that did not stop ...” The reader practically does not see Nikolai Andreevich idle. Even when his son leaves for military service, continues to work, although he is worried that Prince Andrei may die: “When Prince Andrei entered the office, the old prince, in old man’s glasses and in his white coat, in which he did not receive anyone except his son, sat at the table and wrote” .

The elder Bolkonsky is not a tyrant, he is simply demanding not only of himself, but also of everyone around him. It can also be said that he led an ascetic lifestyle and by his example forced his loved ones to do the same. In people who in one way or another communicated with him, the prince aroused fear and reverence. Although he was retired and no longer had any significance in public affairs, each head of the province where the Bolkonsky estate was located, considered it his duty to come to him and express his respect.

Probably, it would be wrong to consider that the old prince is insensitive and hard-hearted, no, he is simply not used to showing his feelings, weaknesses even to his relatives. Firstly, he himself was brought up this way since childhood, and secondly, military service taught him another lesson: he saw how weak-willed people with high morals lost to those who were firm and purposeful.

In the family of Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky, there are two children - Marya and Andrey. Their mother died early. All the main upbringing of children fell on the father. Since the father has always been the ideal for children, many of his traits passed from him to the children. They grew up in an environment that was not conducive to laughter, fun, or jokes. The father talked to them as if they were adults, kept them in a tight rein, didn’t care much and didn’t cherish them.

Princess Mary adopted more masculine character traits than she should, because Nikolai Andreevich did not stand on ceremony with her and raised her on a par with her son. It has the same rigidity, although expressed in a weaker form, along with deep moral principles, Marya Nikolaevna is not like other secular women. It contains real human values, which do not depend on time and environment, fashion and popular theories. Marya Nikolaevna did not appear at the balls and in the drawing room of A.P. Scherer, because her father considered all this nonsense and stupidity, a useless waste of time.

Instead of balls and celebrations, Princess Mary was engaged in mathematical sciences with his father: "... so that you look like our stupid ladies, I do not want ...".

She is not beautiful, but not bad either - she is a girl who is hardly noticed by men, and because of this she is married to the eccentric Anatoly Kuragin. She has one and only friend - Julie, and that only by correspondence. Princess Mary, as it were, lives in her own little world, lonely and hardly understood by anyone.

Why is this heroine so obsessed with faith, why does she accept beggars, wanderers? Perhaps she simply does not find in her life such a person who is able to understand her, to advise something sensible ... It seems to me that it is from loneliness that she turns to God. Wanderers, in her view, are approaching the image of Christ. Sometimes it seems that these strangers are closer to Princess Mary than her father and brother.

Andrei Nikolaevich Bolkonsky is the son of the old prince, almost identical to him in character. The same set of qualities of a military man: firmness, courage, determination; the same coldness and aloofness in his actions and thoughts. Most of all, in my opinion, the wife of Prince Andrei, the little princess Liza, suffers from all these traits. How did she deserve such an attitude from her husband? Just because she normal woman who attends balls and loves entertainment, laughter and joy?

Another trait that Andrei Nikolaevich inherited from his father is isolation, closeness from people, fenced off from what is happening in the outside world. With his father, he is laconic, however, as with other people of his circle. It would seem that Natasha is the angel who will save Prince Andrei, bestowing love, but we do not see this hero open his soul to his beloved. Andrei Bolkonsky does not tell anyone about his past or future at all, he lives in the present. Lives an inner life.

So vintage noble family Bolkonsky keeps his traditions and passes them on to a new generation.

In the novel War and Peace, the depiction of historical events, the "dialectic of the soul" is combined with descriptions of several completely different families, their fates.

In the Bolkonsky family, everyone is a person.

Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky held the rank of General-in-Chief, that is, the same as Kutuzov had at that time, with whom he was very familiar. Despite the abolition of the ban on leaving the village, which he received from the new emperor Alexander, he was not going to leave anywhere, since the Bald Mountains were his real empire, and he was an emperor in them, moreover, an autocratic dictator. “With the people surrounding him, from his daughter to servants, the prince was harsh and invariably demanding, and therefore, without being cruel, he aroused fear and respect in himself, which the most Cruel person". But there was such a person, the architect Mikhail Ivanovich, who always dined with him and whom the prince respected, despite his simple origin. He repeatedly inspired his daughter that Mikhail Ivanovich was no worse than they were. “At the table, the prince most often turned to the dumb Mikhail Ivanovich.” This, no doubt, is more than strange, if you pay attention to his attitude towards his daughter and servants.

The same was observed later, when the prince swore that he would marry m-lle Bourienne in response to the request of Prince Andrei for a blessing for the wedding with Natasha Rostova. It seemed absurd, but the prince really began to bring the Frenchwoman closer to him. Marya at that time began to suffer even more.

Timid, quiet, who brought no harm to anyone, the wife of Prince Andrei dies. “About two hours later, Prince Andrei with quiet steps entered his father’s office. The old man already knew everything. He stood at the very door, and as soon as it opened, the old man silently, with senile, hard hands, like a vise, clasped his son's neck and sobbed like a child. Even he, the stern Prince Bolkonsky, managed to become very attached to the little princess. After her death, Marya was left without a good friend, which Princess Bolkonskaya managed to become for her. And then the process of separation begins with both m-lle Bourienne and Julie Kuragina. Only at the very end does she find the long-awaited happiness - Nikolai Rostov.

By 1812, life in the Bolkonsky family had become almost unbearable for Princess Marya, the prince became even more grouchy and picky about his daughter. Princess Mary is pious, and the prince completely denied idleness and religion. These two integral details of that time were banned in the empire of Prince Bolkonsky, for him holidays were replaced by work at the machine, and faith was the comprehension of the heights of mathematics. He wanted to make Princess Marya the same, but he did not succeed, which is why there were frequent quarrels. And in 1812, when Napoleon was on the outskirts of Smolensk, and hence to the Bald Mountains, the prince dies and, before his death, asks for forgiveness from his daughter. Thus ends the history of the empire, the great Lysogorsk empire of Prince Nikolai Andreevich Bolkonsky.

Prince Andrei is one of the main characters of the novel. Man of honor, independent, patriot, good friend and adviser - he is like that throughout the whole novel, from the first meeting with Pierre in St. Petersburg to the explosion of the cannonball on the Borodino field and his death. At the same time, Prince Andrei also goes through contradictions, like his father: his desire for fame was a mistake.

The turning point comes after Austerlitz, when he says that "he will not fight, even if the French stand under the Bald Mountains." The sky of Austerlitz is the first peak on the path of Prince Andrei. The episode was written with extraordinary skill, subtle psychologism: “... the clouds do not crawl at all, therefore, the high, endless sky. How could I not have seen this lofty sky before? And how happy I am that I finally got to know him. Yes! Everything is empty, everything is a lie, except for this endless sky. Nothing, nothing but him. But even that is not even there, there is nothing but silence, calmness. And thank God!.."

Nature changed the life of Prince Andrei, and after that he began to lead a completely different lifestyle: he settled in the Bogucharovo estate and took up purely economic affairs. And again, the beauty of the surrounding world changed everything - Prince Andrei saw an old oak tree: “There was an oak tree on the edge of the road. Probably ten times older than the birches that make up the forest, it was ten times thicker and twice as tall as each birch. It was a huge, two-girth oak tree, with boughs broken off long ago, apparently, and with broken bark ... only he alone did not want to submit to the charm of spring and did not want to see either spring or the sun. “Spring, and love, and happiness! - as if said this oak. “And how will you not get tired of all the same stupid and senseless deceit! ..” And then, returning, Prince Andrei saw the new life of this oak and decided that it was time for him to start new life: “The old oak tree, all transformed, spread out like a tent of juicy, dark greenery, was thrilled, slightly swaying in the rays of the evening sun ... No, life is not over at thirty-one ...” Andrey Bolkonsky is a hero seeking, changing, and therefore positive for L. N. Tolstoy. He reaches his last peak on the Borodino field, and the author compares how equal quantities the apotheosis of the spirit of Prince Andrei and the victory of the entire Russian people, of which Bolkonsky felt himself in battle.

And the old prince, and Andrei, and Marya Bolkonsky - each of them is interesting to the author in his own way, each represents a certain type, but they are united by a special spirituality, the bearers of which in the novel are only a few heroes. And we can say that the Bolkonsky family is separate, spiritual center novel "War and Peace".

The fate of the Bolkonsky family in the novel "War and Peace" is one of the key storylines novel.

Throughout the story, the characters evolve, develop, change their beliefs and change themselves, for better or worse.

Description and quotation of the Bolkonsky family

Imagine a description of each member of this family.

Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky

The head of the Bolkonsky family in the novel appears as a stingy, limited tyrant. He mistreats his daughter, is not friendly with his son.

In relation to the peasants, Prince Nikolai is cruel and ruthless, he does not delve into the needs of people dependent on him, preferring benefit to human relations.

Above all virtues, the prince values ​​the mind and activity, not paying attention to moral qualities person.

However, the old prince is not an antagonist - he is an ardent patriot of Russia, serving his Fatherland faithfully.

Prince Andrei Bolkonsky

The character of Andrei Bolkonsky undergoes significant changes as the plot develops.

At the evening at Anna Scherer's, Andrei appears before us as a world-weary secular society an aristocrat who is bored with everything, first of all, his wife.

Quote: "Do you want to know if I'm happy? No. Is she happy? No. Why is this? I don’t know ... ”He is trying to escape from his disgusted life, going to war, to which he does not feel a spiritual inclination. He considers marriage big mistake, and regards future fatherhood bleakly.

Through the mouth of Pierre Bezukhov, Tolstoy gives Andrey the most flattering description:

• smart;
• well-read;
• educated;
• has willpower;
• able to develop
• physically handsome.

From the beginning to the end of the novel, his character undergoes amazing changes - from an aristocrat who represents nothing, to a patriot and defender of the Russian people.

Princess Liza Bolkonskaya

Princess Liza, who married a year before the events described in the novel, is expecting her first child.

Princess Liza - a society woman, she speaks only French, highly appreciates the position in society, is committed to secular entertainment. She does not love her husband, he is a necessary attribute of a young woman, but Andrei is not interested in her as a person.

The princess does not want to leave for the village, she is afraid of childbirth and prefers to stay in the city. Premonitions do not deceive her - having given birth to a baby, the princess dies.

Princess Marya Bolkonskaya

Princess Marya is physically ugly (the author describes large Perfect eyes princesses, leaving an imprint on her whole appearance and hiding external unattractiveness), but noble and kind.

The princess is described as a deeply religious, self-sacrificing person.

She tries to secure the marriage of Mademoiselle Bourienne, replaces dead mother nephew.

Nikolenka Bolkonsky

Andrei's son, Nikolenka, is a child who did not know his mother. He was brought up by his grandfather, after whom he was named, then by his aunt, who instilled in him the ideas of serving the people and a sense of patriotism.

Nikolenka is described as outwardly similar to his mother, but in facial features he resembles his father, a handsome and lively teenager. He is well-read, educated, his thirst for knowledge amazes the older generation.

The manner of his behavior is reminiscent of Prince Andrei, but without the latter's isolation.

Tolstoy sees the future of Russia in the image of Nikolenka. The prototype of the Decembrists, the youngest offspring of the princes Bolkonsky, regardless of the title, will devote his life to the struggle for the liberation of the oppressed Russian people. The story of Nikolenka's dream confirms this thesis.

Mademoiselle Bourienne

A companion who has lived in the Bolkonskys' house for so long that she is considered a member of the family, Mademoiselle Bourienne is pretty, has a cheerful, lively character.

She is frivolous, loves to laugh, her manner of behaving does not allow her to be suspected of an orphan, a girl without a family, completely dependent on the favors of the Bolkonskys.

Mademoiselle is looking for an opportunity that will allow her to find her place in life and no longer use the generosity of the Bolkonskys.

Subsequently, she joins the French, goes over to their side in the war of 1812.

Description of the estate of the Bolkonsky Bald Mountains

Bald Mountains are located near Smolensk. The main part of the estate - the house, is described as a large gloomy building, in which strictness reigns, once and for all the established order.

An important detail is the description of the clock strike in the master's house - all the clocks, both in the living room and in the rooms, work in unison, which is a characteristic of the punctuality and scrupulousness with which life is established in the house. Dinners in the estate are solemn, with an abundance of courses, a lot of servants.

The house suppresses its inhabitants- several times in the novel it is emphasized big sizes, empty, echoing enfilades of rooms, art galleries with portraits of famous ancestors, their names and deeds.

Features of education and relations between children in the Bolkonsky family

Andrei and Marya were childhood friends and have maintained friendly relations in older age. Their father, an old prince, was an intolerant and tough parent. His pedantry, bordering on rudeness, often made his daughter cry.

However, in his own way, the old man loved his children, and they felt this love. Princess Mary was happy and satisfied with her life in the family.

What is the basis of the family closeness of the Bolkonskys

As in many noble houses of Russia, family members were united by common glorious ancestors, duty to the Fatherland, the interests of the family and clan. Animal, unreasoning attachment to each other is not for the Bolkonskys - they are rationalistic, guided not by the heart, but by the mind.

Family interests

All members of the Bolkonsky family highly value the interests of the clan and family. Prince Andrei married at the appointed time because of the need to produce an heir so that the family would not die out.

Princess Mary does not consider misalliance - a marriage with a person who is below her in social status, cannot satisfy the representative of an ancient family.

The old prince is a patriot not only of the Fatherland, but also of his family, raising his children, and then his grandson, in the spirit of loyalty to the ideals of the nobility.

Home environment, family lifestyle and traditions

Due to the heavy character of the old prince, the atmosphere in family nest was tense and unhappy. Stiffness bordered on hypocrisy, fun and disregard for traditions were rejected.

Representatives younger generation most preferred to spend time outside the home.

The old prince was a zealous adherent of traditions - everything in the house, from the morning greeting to the serving of dinner, obeyed the routine once and for all, was calculated by the minute. Routines and traditions unite the family.

Relationships with others of the Bolkonsky family

The family is a closed self-sufficient world. Naturally, as it should be for aristocrats, the Bolkonskys visit dinner parties, receptions, happen in salons.

However the behavior of the princes is cold, aloof, withdrawn. The only exception is the secular princess Liza, who became part of the family as a result of marriage.

Everything is mixed up in the Bolkonskys' house

Not a true quote, a real one - "Everything was mixed up in the Oblonskys' house" from "Anna Karenina". These names should not be confused pen-owned the great Russian writer, because each of them hides its own story.

This is interesting: the film adaptation of the novel "War and Peace" in 2007 was recognized by film critics as a failure due to a large number historical inaccuracies. The clothes of the characters, decorations, military regalia do not correspond to the time. That is why, in relation to the film, one can come across the paraphrased expression “Everything is mixed up in the Oblonsky house”, which is often found in essays on the theme of Leo Tolstoy’s work.

Comparison of the Bolkonsky and Rostov families

Brief comparative analysis life two families reveals both similarities and differences in their way of life, habits, way of life.

Conclusion

The Bolkonsky family is atypical for the time being described. Strict lifestyle, rationality, inflexibility, high demands on morality characterize all its members.

The writer places hope for a better future for Russia on the successors of the Bolkonsky family and non-fictional people like them.

"War and Peace" is dedicated to the theme of the nobility of the 19th century. It depicts several respected families belonging to hereditary aristocrats at once. These are the Bolkonskys, and the Rostovs, and the Bezukhovs, and the Sherer, and the Kuragins, and the Drubetskoys. A special place among actors occupied by representatives of the Bolkonsky family. This is the oldest respected family of hereditary military. The old prince was personally acquainted with Empress Catherine II and was friends with the great commander Kutuzov. He has excellent connections, a decent fortune and high position in Moscow society.

In fact, the whole family depended on the old prince and his difficult character. Worst of all is his daughter Marya, who is forced to look after him. Old Bolkonsky is a stern man with excessive demands for order in the house. He also raised his children in a Spartan spirit and with puritanical thinking. In the Bolkonsky house, it is not customary to speak loudly or laugh openly, any communication takes place in a restrained manner. At the same time, the author emphasizes that Nikolai Andreevich is quite smart and proud man who, first of all, cares about preserving family dignity. Thanks to his upbringing, son Andrei was endowed with a sense of honor, duty and patriotism.

Despite avoiding public life, Nikolai Andreevich is constantly interested in the situation in the country and military-political changes. The son of the old prince is a handsome, intelligent, young man with a heightened sense of dignity and difficult nature. We meet him at the very beginning of the work, when he appears in the salon. He stands out from the background of others not only in appearance, but also in isolated behavior. Andrei does not like high-society evenings, as it is unpleasant for him to communicate with false and hypocritical representatives of the nobility.

In Andrey's life there are only a few people whom he sincerely loves and appreciates. These are, first of all, members of his family, and secondly - Pierre and Natasha. He treats his sister Princess Mary in a friendly and warm manner. Andrei was married to Kutuzov's niece, Lisa Meinen (Bolkonskaya), but he was widowed early. Lisa died during a difficult childbirth, leaving him a son, Nikolenka. After that, Bolkonsky lost interest in life and led a rather secluded life. The only people who could awaken in him a sense of joy and a desire to live were Pierre Bezukhov and Natasha Rostova. This hero died from a wound received on the battlefield. In the last minutes, Natasha was next to him. Little Nikolenka remained in the care of Princess Mary, who was personally involved in his upbringing and education.

One of the most kind and exalted heroes of the novel by the author is Princess Marya. She is young, not particularly beautiful on the outside, but beautiful on the inside. The author in particular highlights her "deep, radiant" eyes. This heroine is the owner of a rare soul. Despite the fact that her father is often harsh and rude to her, she still loves him and patiently cares for him when he is bedridden. Marya Bolkonskaya is a kind, open and sympathetic girl. During periods of military exacerbations, she helps the wounded in every possible way. At the end of the novel, she marries Nikolai Rostov and becomes a wonderful wife and caring mother.

There are several more characters in the Bolkonsky family, including the Frenchwoman Amelie Bourrienne, who pretends to be a friend of Princess Mary, but in fact treats her vilely and ungratefully. Amelie is an orphan and lives with the Bolkonsky family as a companion. She, like the architect Mikhail Ivanovich, is highly appreciated by the old prince Nikolai Andreevich. He picked up Amelie on the street and considered very good girl for the excellent manner of reading aloud. There are more than two hundred characters in Tolstoy's epic novel, but each of them is endowed with his own preferences, character, inner world. Members of the Bolkonsky family are united by a special spirituality that is given to a few heroes.