Chapter 25
The Clockwork Prince and His Daughter
At Bald Hills, Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónski’s estate, the arrival of young Prince Andrew and his wife was daily expected, but this expectation did not upset the regular routine of life in the old prince’s household. General in Chief Prince Nicholas Andréevich (nicknamed in society, “the King of Prussia”) ever since the Emperor Paul had exiled him to his country estate had lived there continuously with his daughter, Princess Mary, and her companion, Mademoiselle Bourienne. Though in the new reign he was free to return to the capitals, he still continued to live in the country, remarking that anyone who…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Control Pattern
Think of someone in your life who seems overly controlling or demanding. Write down their specific controlling behaviors, then brainstorm what they might actually be afraid of losing or failing at. Finally, consider how their control tactics might be backfiring and making their fears more likely to come true.
Consider:
- •Look beyond the surface behavior to the underlying fear or insecurity
- •Consider whether their control actually makes them feel safer or more anxious
- •Think about how their approach affects their relationships and goals
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you became controlling because you felt powerless about something bigger. What were you really afraid of, and did your control tactics help or hurt the situation?
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