Chapter 70
Coming Home Changed
On his return to Moscow from the army, Nicholas Rostóv was welcomed by his home circle as the best of sons, a hero, and their darling Nikólenka; by his relations as a charming, attractive, and polite young man; by his acquaintances as a handsome lieutenant of hussars, a good dancer, and one of the best matches in the city. The Rostóvs knew everybody in Moscow. The old count had money enough that year, as all his estates had been remortgaged, and so Nicholas, acquiring a trotter of his own, very stylish riding breeches of the latest cut, such as no…
Public-domain chapter text, formatted for reading.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Success Isolation Risk
Think of a recent achievement or improvement in your life - a promotion, weight loss, new skill, or overcoming a challenge. Write down the relationships that were important to you before this success. Now honestly assess: have any of these relationships changed since your achievement? Are you treating anyone differently or expecting them to treat you differently?
Consider:
- •Notice if you've started feeling like certain people 'don't understand you anymore' since your success
- •Pay attention to whether you're seeking validation from new people while taking old supporters for granted
- •Consider if you're using your achievement as a reason to avoid vulnerability with people who knew you before
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone you cared about achieved something significant and then seemed to drift away from you. How did that feel, and what do you wish they had done differently?
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
You Might Also Like
Lessons from War and Peace
Theme-by-theme analyses that connect this book to modern life skills.
Building Authentic Relationships
Watch Natasha's first dance, Anatole's playbook, and the epilogue marriage that includes reproach.
8 chapters·Explore AnalysisEmbracing Simplicity
Start with a tavern in the rain, then Karataev, Nicholas at the plow, and the domestic language after the war.
6 chapters·Explore Analysis
Deep diving the literary elements.
