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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. 5: Better to Be Lucky Than Good
Episode 6
Wednesday, 15 July, 2026
This chapter involves Tolstoy’s craftsmanship of one of the most famous duels in fiction. It starts with Captain Denísov announcing the formalities and giving a vigorous countdown. On the count of three, each can advance and fire their one shot before reaching sabres that marked ten paces from the other. Dolokhov walked calmly without raising his pistol. He donned a wry smile and looked intently as he traveled though a fairly clear path. Pierre, however, ambulated clumsily and found himself encumbered by snow. Pierre held the pistol in a way that made little sense, with his right hand fully extended from his body. He was afraid of shooting himself. Pierre visualized Dolokhov through the mist then bent his finger. He had fired his only shot. Pierre shuddered at the sound and then stood still The smoke from the gun mixed with the mist, making it difficult for anyone to see. There was no return fire! Eventually, Pierre saw and heard Dolokhov coming toward him through the smoke. Dolokhov’s face was pale and he was pressing a hand to his left side, where he had been hit. The hand was visibly bloody by reason a wound to the body. The other hand now clutched a drooping pistol. Rostov ran toward Dolokhov and tried to ascertain his condition but Dolohov repelled him saying “No! It’s not over.” After a few staggering steps up to the sabre, Dolokhov sank in the snow. Pierre was about to cry and began running toward his adversary, with the result being that this big man was making himself a bigger target. He was ready to cross the space between the barriers, when Dolokhov cried out: “To your barrier!” Pierre stopped and only ten paces divided them. Dolokhov, though severely weakened, had every intention of returning fire. He sat up, with his breathing consisting of sucking in and swallowing the cold air. His eyes found their target and with effort and exasperation he raised the pistol. Both Nesvitski and Denisov cried out for Pierre, who did not know the customs of dueling, to make himself a smaller target. Nevertheless, Pierre was overcome with remorse and become that gentle soul consistent with his nature. Each duelist is brought back to their essence. Dolokhov is trying take Pierre with him and Pierre, wearing a gentle smile of pity and remorse, involuntarily holds his arms and legs helplessly spread with his broad chest facing Dolokhov. Denísov, Rostov and Nesvítski closed their eyes…….and heard the return fire. What followed was Dolokhov’s angry cry of “Missed!” The experienced soldier and duelist was then reduced to a helpless mess, lying face down on the snow. Pierre clutched his temples and stumbled around muttering incoherently: “Folly! Vanity! Death! Lies!” Nesvitski soon took Pierre home while Rostov and Denisov carried Dolokhov to a sleigh. Dolokhov felt he was dying and became focused on what would be the reaction of his poor and elderly mother. This shocked Denisov and Rostov and is meant to surprise you – that this rogue and gambler who been through worst of war, was from a small family were he adored and cared for an elderly mother and crippled sister in Moscow. Dolokhov held Rostov’s hand and cried: “Mamma, my angel, my adored angelic mother.” He implored Nicholas to go on ahead and prepare her for the worst
