War and Peace Ch. 328: When Your Time Is Up

Summary

The next day the field marshal gives a dinner and ball which the Emperor honours by his presence. Kutuzov has the Order of St. George of the First Class and the highest public marks, yet everyone knows of the imperial dissatisfaction. Proprieties are kept. When, in a custom of Catherine's day, Kutuzov has captured standards lowered at the Emperor's feet, Alexander makes a wry face and mutters something in which some catch the words the old comedian. The displeasure is sharpened because Kutuzov evidently cannot or will not understand the coming campaign. Next morning the Emperor tells assembled officers that they have saved not only Russia but Europe, and all understand that the war is not ended.

Kutuzov alone will not see it. He says openly that no fresh war can improve Russia's position or add to her glory, and can only spoil what has been gained. He tries to prove the impossibility of levying fresh troops, speaks of hardships already endured, of possible failure. In that frame of mind he is naturally regarded as a hindrance. The method used at Austerlitz, and with Barclay at the start of the Russian campaign, is used again: transfer real authority to the Emperor without telling the old man. Toll, Konovnitsyn, and Ermolov receive fresh appointments. Everyone speaks loudly of the field marshal's weakness and failing health. His health has to be bad for his place to be given to another. And in fact it is poor.

So naturally, as he had come from Turkey when he was needed, his place is taken by a new performer now that his part is played out. The war of 1812, besides its national meaning, is to assume a European one. The movement of peoples from west to east is to be succeeded by a movement from east to west, and that fresh war needs another leader, with other qualities and motives. Alexander is as necessary for resetting frontiers as Kutuzov had been for Russia's salvation. Kutuzov does not understand what Europe, the balance of power, or Napoleon means. For the representative of the Russian people, after the enemy is destroyed and the country raised to the summit of her glory, there is nothing left to do as a Russian. Nothing remains for the representative of the national war but to die, and Kutuzov died.

In this chapter:Terms Characters Key Quotes Modern Story

Why This Matters

Reading When Your Role Has Ended

Kutuzov receives the highest honour while everyone knows the Emperor is done with him. His defensive wisdom blocks the new European campaign leaders want.

When praise is ceremonial and planning excludes you, ask whether the institution moved to a new phase without saying so aloud.

This chapter

Inside the Mind: Kutuzov

When captured standards are lowered at his feet, the Emperor mutters "the old comedian." Next morning they have saved Europe, and Kutuzov will not see it. He is not failing to understand the balance of power; he is refusing to let Europe become the next emperor who will write him.

Continue this thoughtThe Essay Is How the Novel Refuses a Steering Mind

Coming Up in Chapter 329

Pierre does not feel the full effects of the physical privation he has suffered as a prisoner until after they are over. After his liberation he reaches Orel, and on the third day there, when preparing to go to Kiev, he falls ill and is laid up for three months. The doctors call it bilious fever.

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Chapter 328

When Your Time Is Up

Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence. Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him. The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing. When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the…

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When Your Time Is Up

Summary

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