War and Peace

This chapter exposes the shallow, self-serving nature of Petersburg's elite social circles during wartime. Two competing salons dominate the scene: Anna Pávlovna's pro-Russian circle and Hélène's pro-French gathering. Despite the life-and-death struggle happening on battlefields, these aristocrats treat the war like entertainment, switching their opinions based on what's fashionable rather than what's true. Prince Vasíli becomes the perfect example of political opportunism—he bounces between both salons, often mixing up his talking points and saying pro-French things at the Russian salon and vice versa. The most telling moment comes when Kutúzov gets appointed commander-in-chief. Just days earlier, Prince Vasíli was calling Kutúzov a 'decrepit, blind old man' unfit for command. But the moment Kutúzov receives the appointment, Prince Vasíli instantly transforms into his biggest supporter, claiming he's 'admirable' and 'adored by everybody.' When reminded of his previous harsh criticism, Prince Vasíli dismisses it with a wave: 'He sees well enough.' This isn't just about Russian aristocrats—it's about how people in positions of privilege often care more about staying relevant than staying consistent. Tolstoy shows us that while soldiers die for principles, the political class treats those same principles as disposable accessories. The chapter reveals how social pressure and self-interest can make people abandon their stated beliefs in an instant, and how the real battles for power often happen in drawing rooms, not battlefields.