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War & Peace Podnotes, A Study GuideAuthor: Sean Roman Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 10: Even Dolokhov Has A Mother
Episode 11
Saturday, 10 October, 2026
We now get taken from March of 1806, through the warmer months and then to the end of the year. Quite the fast-forward! This chapter provides insight into the surprise loser of the duel, Feydor Dolokhov, through the Book’s closest examination of his psychology. We also get rare insight into his poor mother, Mary Ivánovna. There is a note that the Duel remained matter of scandal. If Dolokhov would have won, he likely would have faced the wrath of the Czar. Since the new Count won, there is a wisdom in the authorities ignoring the aftermath. Rostov’s participation was swept under the rug by efforts from his wealthy father. He avoided demotion and was appointed as adjutant to the governor general of Moscow, which kept him in the city for the duration of that Summer. As Dolokhov convalescences at this mother’s home in Moscow, Rostov visited often and the two developed a close friendship. Mary Ivánovna grew fond of Rostov and reveals her feelings to him: “My Fedya is too noble and pure-souled for our depraved world.” She holds great animosity toward Pierre and is convinced he acted without Honor. She notes how Pierre, along with her son and group of friends, tied a policemen to a bear and threw them into the Moyka River. While Pierre was just told to leave town, her son stoically bore the burden and suffered demotion in the ranks. There is legitimacy to Ivánovna’s perspective. She laments how is not honorable to make such a challenge and shoot to kill. The challenger of such an affair would be expected to do something like fire up into the air. She speaks in a timeless way over the possible marital affair, saying: “Who doesn’t have intrigues nowadays?” She feels Pierre is responsible for letting his jealousy go on for months. She believes Pierre challenged her son because he owed Pierre and his wife money, and therefore counted on Fedya not even fighting. She finds Pierre evil and mean-spirited. Dolokhov also opens up to Nicholas. “I know people consider me an evil man! Let them! I don’t care about anyone -- but those I love. And those I love….. I love such that I would give my life for them. The others……. I would just kill them if they stood in my way.” He notes having a priceless mother and a few friends—Nicholas among them. As for the rest, he only cares about them in so far as they are useful or harmful. He speaks of women, who he finds toxic. He complains of never being able to find a pure soul worth devoting himself to. He aims to possess a divine creature who will elevate him. Then Tolsoty moves to late 1806. The start to the Winter becomes one of the happiest times for the Rostovs. Denisov also stayed with the family around this Christmas season. Tolstoy notes how there prevailed a romantic ambiance where every young man who came to the house was thrilled to be around the young Rostov women, who shared a readiness to fall in love and expectation of happiness. The household atmosphere included bursts music and friendly prattle of girls. Nicholas invites many friends to his estate, including Dolokhov, who brings this newfound attitude and develops an affection for Sonya. All in the house took an immediate liking to Dolokhov except Natasha. She recognized the darkness that lurks within. She feels Dolokhov is “wicked and heartless.” She favors Denisov, who she finds more honest and good-natured. Nicholas defends his new friend as having an incomparable heart and soul, noting how he helps his poor mother and crippled sister. That is when Natasha reveals how Dolokhov has fallen for Sonya. Sonya was a bit embarrassed by the attention – but not altogether repulsed. Nicholas does not think much of it, at first feeling Sonya and his sister are always (and temporarily) in love with something. Yet the more his new friend pursued Sonya, the less at ease Nicholas became. We move to the historically important part of this chapter. Tolstoy describes that in the autumn of 1806, the nobles once again started fervently talking of another war with Napoleon. From Czar Alexander and his circle, orders emanated to raise recruits. Bonaparte was the Anti-Christ in Society’s eyes but had this dark appeal. He was a power that would never again be underestimated. It was felt through better planning, a different military result in could be obtained. Perhaps with help from the Prussians. Nicholas was excited and eager to return to his regiment after Christmas. With such a return to confrontation on the horizon, a special zest was given to every remaining moment at home.
