Chapter 66
Chaos in the Fog of War
On our right flank commanded by Bagratión, at nine o’clock the battle had not yet begun. Not wishing to agree to Dolgorúkov’s demand to commence the action, and wishing to avert responsibility from himself, Prince Bagratión proposed to Dolgorúkov to send to inquire of the commander in chief. Bagratión knew that as the distance between the two flanks was more than six miles, even if the messenger were not killed (which he very likely would be), and found the commander in chief (which would be very difficult), he would not be able to get back before evening. Bagratión cast his…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"he would not be able to get back before evening."
Context: Why Bagratión sends a messenger to Kutúzov
The errand delays decision while sharing blame upward.
In Today's Words:
Bagratión knows a messenger likely cannot return before evening across six miles of battle. The errand buys time and moves responsibility to Kutúzov. When leaders send impossible couriers, ask whether they want an answer or a delay. Write what you saw before adrenaline writes the story for you.
"Go on! Go on! Give it them!"
Context: Hearing cannon as he rides toward action
Sound fuels courage before he understands the field.
In Today's Words:
Rostóv mentally shouts go on, give it them as cannon grow louder on his ride. Noise can feel like invitation before meaning is clear. Notice when excitement replaces orientation in a crisis you do not yet see. Write what you saw before adrenaline writes the story for you.
"Kill the Germans!"
Context: Confused crowds behind Pratzen during retreat
Allies become enemies when identification fails.
In Today's Words:
In retreat chaos someone shouts kill the Germans while Russians and Austrians shoot each other. Friendly fire follows broken communication, not malice alone. When partners blame each other under smoke, stop and verify uniforms and orders. Write what you saw before adrenaline writes the story for you.
"only eighteen were left after the charge."
Context: After the Horse Guards passed Rostóv in smoke
Splendor hides slaughter; Rostóv still chases the Emperor.
In Today's Words:
Tolstoy says only eighteen of the Horse Guards survived their charge. Rostóv nearly collided with that glittering mass and still rides on toward the sovereign. Do not confuse parade brilliance with cost; count who is missing after the cheer. Write what you saw before adrenaline writes the story for you.
Thematic Threads
Delay by Messenger
In This Chapter
Bagratión sends Rostóv knowing Kutúzov is far and the ride may kill him
Development
Command paralysis on the right while the center collapses
In Your Life:
You might be sent to ask permission everyone knows cannot arrive in time.
Friendly Fire Confusion
In This Chapter
Russians and Austrians shoot each other; shouts blame Germans
Development
Alliance friction foreshadows strategic disaster
In Your Life:
You might see partner teams fight while leadership still poses for victory.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
Why does Bagratión send Rostóv to Kutúzov?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
To avoid starting on Dolgorúkov's demand and to shift responsibility. He knows the ride is unlikely to return soon.
- 2
How does Rostóv's mood change as he rides deeper into battle?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
Morning confidence yields to fear when he hears allies firing on each other and sees fugitives.
- 3
When have you been sent on a task that mainly bought someone else time?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Name who delayed and what you risked. Andrew compares it to flank messages in joint ops.
- 4
What happens between Russian and Austrian troops behind Pratzen?
application • deepOne way to read it
They fire on each other in confusion; soldiers blame Germans. Coordination fails under smoke.
- 5
Why does Rostóv still seek the Emperor after the Horse Guards' charge?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
He denies defeat; glory hope outweighs the eighteen survivors and guns on the heights.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Impossible Assignment
Think of a time when you were given a task that seemed important but felt impossible to complete successfully. Map out who would benefit if you succeeded versus who would take blame if you failed. Write down three questions you wish you had asked before accepting the assignment.
Consider:
- •Was the person giving the assignment taking any personal risk if it failed?
- •Did you have the actual authority and resources needed to succeed?
- •Were you chosen because of your skills or because you were expendable?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a situation where your eagerness to prove yourself might have made you an easy target for someone else's agenda. How would you handle it differently now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 67: When Leaders Disappear and Soldiers Must Choose
As confusion spreads across the battlefield and friendly forces fire on each other, Rostóv must navigate through the chaos to complete his mission. Will he find the commander-in-chief, or will the collapsing battle consume him first?
