PODCAST · history
War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide
by Sean Roman
The episode and episode descriptions will provide information, context and commentary on how each chapter plays out. The goal is for each episode to be under 10 minutes. There are multiple English versions of W&P containing variations in the translation of Tolstoy's French and Russian. The original work fluctuates back and forth between these two languages. There are also variations on how War & Peace is chaptered. This podcast follows the commonly used chapters contained in Penguin Classics and the Everyman's Library.
Episodes
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 10: Even Dolokhov Has A Mother
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...
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1. Ch. 9: Death & Life
We have reached the pivotal chapter involving the death of the Little Princess and birth of the Andrei’s son. Andrei was the one thought lost. Yet Tolstoy has him return home as his wife endures child labor. Her suffering is a subject personal to Tolstoy as his own mother succumbed five months...
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Bk. 2 Pt. 1 Ch. 7-8: The Most Solemn Mystery
We move further into March of 1806 and return to Bald Hills, the estate of Andrei’s father. Despite letters and official inquiries, Andrei’s body had not been found nor was he on the list of prisoners. The newspapers had reported the defeat at Austerlitz in brief and vague terms -- after months…
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Reflecting on Le Duel - Tolstoy's Influences
This episode examines some likely influences in Tolstoy’s writing of the Duel between Pierre & Dolokhov. Dueling is a romanticized part of aristocratic life that stemmed from Western Europe, where the precursor were the jousts and mêlées of medieval knights. With the later development of...
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 6: Devil in The Galley
Pierre wins the Duel and thereafter cannot stand to be in the presence of his wife. The night after the conflict he avoids the marital bedroom in preference of his late father’s room. Pierre desires to fall asleep and forget all. Yet a storm of emotions prevents any rest. Pierre relives his rash...
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 5: Better Lucky Than Good
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…
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Mazepa!
After Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in late 2024 for the heavyweight championship, the Ukrainian boxer held up a sabre that once belonged to the 17th Century Ukrainian Cossack Hetman, Ivan Mapeza, who this episode is dedicated to. Usyk’s fortitude spoke to Ukraine’s resilience against a…
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Bk 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 4: Mad As Hell And Not Going To Take It!
Pierre was stewing over his wife’s perceived infidelity with Dolokhov, who was sitting right across from him at the celebration for Bagration. As too often of late, Pierre was a glutton - eating and drinking in excess. He sensed what marrying into the Kuragin family would devolve into -- but…
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Second Epilogue: Ch. 8: Hauling the Log
Tolstoy addresses how divided opinions persist through the ages. There will be a prominent crisis grabbing Your attention where every opinion under the sun is stated. He posits there is a perception afforded to a select few people involved in whatever conflict is at hand. There will naturally be...
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1. Ch. 3: The Cuckold
The magnificent banquet honoring General Bagration was held in Moscow on March 3, 1806 at the English Club, a great marble hall with a series of smaller saloons. This celebration is remembered for its fervor amidst defeat. A source Tolstoy used for this was the first-hand account by the English...
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 2: In Need of a Hero
On his return as a lieutenant in a fancy military jacket laced with silver as well as possessing a St. George’s Cross for bravery, Nicholas is treated magnificently. Nicholas gets used to it and develops an ego that leaves him open to being taken advantage of. The finances of his aristocratic...
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Bk. 2, Pt. 1, Ch. 1: Welcome Home
We are brought to early 1806, where Tolstoy uses Nicholas and Denisov to transition the story to Peace. Rostov has went from witnessing Czar Alexander crying under a tree near Austerlitz to returning to his Moscow estate. This chapter addresses his warm embrace. Nicholas was traveling with…
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Sevastopol Sketch II (Part 2 of 3): Mikhailov & Co.
This is part 2 of 3 on Tolstoy’s 2nd Sevastopol Sketch, which focuses on May of 1855 and declares the ineffable value of Truth as hero. I’m presenting this episode after covering Austerlitz, a conflict symbolic of the vain pursuits of rulers. Further, similar to the result of Austerlitz, the...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 19: little napoleon
Andrei lies moaning from a head wound on the Pratzen Heights, symbolic of the numerous souls dead or wounded. The depiction of Andrei chasing military glory but falling short, was influenced by how Kutuzov historically lost his son-in-law, Theodor von Tiesenhausen, at Austerlitz. Kutuzov sent the...
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Aleksei Nikitin: In the Spirit of Tolstoy
This project is approaching the final chapter of Book I, a critical juncture with Napoleon victorious and holding the greatest reputation man can bestow. Even after Napoleon suffered a string of defeats years later, his reputation was colossal when Tolstoy wrote War &Peace. Many readers coming to...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 18(B): Breaking the Ice
This pivotal short section depicts one of the iconic episodes of Austerlitz, namely retreating Russian forces falling through ice amidst an artillery barrage. French General Adolphe Marbot provided a contemporary report on this phenomenon and Czar Alexander appears to have relayed to his inner...
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Czar Alexandr: A Background
This episode explores the background of the Czar reduced to tears after the Battle of Austerlitz. Many readers know little of the ruler Nicholas Rostov and countless officers were so devoted to. Over the last few years, you may have watched Ridley Scott’s film “Napoleon.” I argue that the casting...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 18(A): Alexandr Among the Ash Heap
Nicholas continues on his mission looking for Kutuzov or the Emperor. He notices broken carriages along the roads and hordes of troops in worsening levels of disorganization. Many are wounded. He reaches an area safe from cannon fire coming from the Pratzen Heights and slows to realize that there...
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For Whom Do You Sacrifice?
Tolstoy hardly ends the novel with the revelation imparted to Andrei. Instead, it continues for another 1000 pages, in substantial part, exploring the triviality so paramount to those without such vision. The story moves back to earth to focus on the historic disgrace for Alexandr and Francis. It...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 17: Decimation of Uvaróv's Calvary
Tolstoy brings you back from Andrei’s spiritual revelation to focus on Nicholas Rostov, who is imbued with the Confidence of Youth. General Bagratión had assented to Rostov’s request to be brought off the reserve line and selected him for a fool’s errand – as Bagratión is presented as…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3., Ch. 16: Oh, Chapter of Chapters!
This paramount chapter involves Tolstoy using Andrei to grasp the transcendence of the Almighty God which the author revered. More particularly, when Andrei takes in the vastness of the sky, Tolstoy conveys the vulgarity of this earth compared with His infinite nature. Further, Tolstoy lays bare...
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Second Epilogue: Ch. 6: Only The Almighty Stands Alone
Tolstoy affirms that only the will of the Deity, who is not dependent on time, can make sense of any monumental event or series of events. Tolstoy acknowledges his belief in an omnipotent God, who determines the Way. This majestic being is something we can never come close to understanding. Even...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 15: Advance! Advance to Ignominy!
At 8 a.m. Kutuzov rode towards Pratzen Village. He took command of a regiment he came across and led it into the Village. The other columns were advancing towards a massive valley, where the battle was picking up. Andrei, who was among Kutuzov’s suite, was in a state of constrained excitement. He...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 14: Target Pratzen
The doomed advance commenced around 5 a.m., when still quite dark. The idea was for General Bagration’s left flank to initiate the attack on the French right flank and drive the enemy into the mountains. Officers were hurriedly drinking tea and eating a decent breakfast while buttoning their…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 13: Vive l’Empereur!
In the early morning hours of December 2nd, 1805, Rostov was patrolling the skirmishing line near Bagration’s detachment. Behind him he could see his army’s campfires glowing. In front the French were covered by misty darkness. Rostov was exhausted. His eyes would close and his fancy appeared—now...
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Look Up Beyond the Vanity
In a few chapters, you will read one of the triumphs in literature, borrowed from the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Tolstoy will have the fictional Andrei recognize the Vanity of our world. On the battlefield, Andrei is placed in a posture that makes him attuned to absorbing the nature…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 12: Vainglorious Aspiration
The night before the Battle, General Weyrother, who coordinated the advance, traveled to Kutuzov’s quarters in a castle near Austerlitz for a council of war. Kutuzov was a reluctant and relegated host. Weyrother is presented as full of vigor while Kutuzov was morose, with his uniform unbuttoned…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 11: Gen. Savary Perceives Vulnerability
This chapter continues to examine the precipice of Austerlitz, where misguided confidence continues to build. Yet we can observe cracks in that veneer, namely relating to how Tolstoy portrays the Czar. As the Emperor occupied Wischau, his French physician was summoned. While Alexander was…
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Tolstoy Fusing Own Vice Into Story
On the precipice of the Battle of Austerlitz, Tolstoy illustrates the bravado and immaturity of youth. Here, I explore how Tolstoy incorporates elements of his own vice from his younger days, including pride and ambition. Both his early and late material speak to this, most notably personal...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 10: Toast to the Czar
Three days after the review and a near 40 mile march south, Denisov’s squadron was assigned to be a reserve unit in the early stages of the monumental Battle of Austerlitz. Rostov was in something of a depression, as he wasted the inner struggle it took to conquer his apprehension. While idle, he...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 9: Adam Czartoryski: A Most Remarkable Man
The day after the review, Boris rides to Olmütz to build on his burgeoning relationship with Andrei, with the goal of obtaining a position of adjutant. He reflected, “It is all well for Rostov, whose father sends him 20,000 rubles at a time, to NOT wish to be anyone’s lackey, but I who have…
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Bonus: Calvary Maiden II, Durova's Formative Years
This second episode on the Calvary Maiden takes you through some of the formative years of the author, Nadezhda Durova. Durova wrote briefly of her years growing up then focused on her time dressing as a man and serving for 10 years as a low-level officer in the Czar’s army, starting around 1806....
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 8: Old Fashioned Emperor Worship
Tolstoy addresses the over-confidence of Napoleon’s adversaries prior to the battle of Austerlitz, when Kutuzov’s forces and the Austrians reached their limit of no further retreat, winding up near Olmütz. Here, Emperors Alexandr & Francis would review their troops that numbered around 80,000…
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Sevastopol Sketch II (Pt.1): Truth As Everlasting Hero, May of 1855
This edition examines the second Sevastopol Sketch, where Tolstoy covers an all-too-common artillery battle and truce afterward. It focuses on May of 1855, roughly six months into the 11-month Siege during the Crimean War. In the recent W&P episode, Tolstoy describes how young soldiers are...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 7(B): Andrei v. Rostov
The latter part of this chapter has Nicholas Rostov continuing his parley with Boris and Berg. I broke it into two episodes because the latter section deals with the first interaction between Andrei and Nichols, who surprisingly are not familiar with one another. After Rostov alludes to his…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 7(A): The Confidence of Youth
This chapter begins to highlight the optimism of the Coalition approaching the Battle of Austerlitz. We also experience a rare crossing of the major characters, Nicholas and Andrei. While Nicholas was riding with the Pavlograd Hussars, Boris was serving more comfortably with the Imperial Guard,...
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Bonus: Calvary Maiden Intro - W&P source material
This is an introduction to Calvary Maiden, a source Tolstoy used to portray the experiences of soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. Tolstoy utilized a variety of such works to craft, more than 50 years after the events depicted in War & Peace, the spirit of that first decade and a half of the…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 6: A Mother's Love
Though always in their hearts, it had been months since the Rostovs received news of Nicholas. When Count Ilya finally received a letter from his son, he ran his study with it. Anna Drubetskaya, Boris’ mother, was living with the family and aimed to be useful. She found Ilya sobbing and laughing....
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 5: I Will Never Marry Your Son
Once separated for the evening, Anatole fell right asleep. The charmed women did not. Marya considered, “Is he really to be my husband? This stranger who is so kind.” However, she soon feels the force of evil near her as a Satanic image mixed with Anatole’s. She rang for her maid, asking her to...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch 4: Anatole's Charm
Marya comes from her room to meet Anatole and is quickly smitten by his attractiveness. He introduced himself and stood smiling with his chest expanded. He was hardly eloquent but had the invaluable faculty of composure. He knew he inspired curiosity, awe and lust. Marie wished to convey that she...
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"The Blessings of Love" Tolstoy's 1908 Letter
In August of 1908, when 80 years old, Tolstoy penned the open letter, “The Blessings of Love,” referring to the Love which embodies the Almighty. Tolstoy wrote much, later-in-life, about his religious convictions, but this episode will focus on this relatively short letter addressed to “Good…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 3: Sacred Readies for Profane
Nicholas Bolkónski receives a letter from Vasíli Kuragin, who would be visiting with his prodigal son, Anatole. This is a suitor for Marya. Bolkónski always held a poor opinion of Vasíli, but this view converted into an utter contempt. On the morning Vasíli was to arrive, the head serf, Alpátych,...
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Sevastopol Sketch 1 (II of II): The Fourth Bastion, December 1854
This second and final part of the first Sevastopol Sketch takes you from the Assembly Hall to the artillery fortifications/bastions. After taking in the majestic sky, you are brought back to earth, to the vulgarity of war. A funeral procession marches by. The music and banners cover up the...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 2: Pierre se marie
Prince Vasíli is on the precipice of enticing Pierre to ask for his daughter’s hand. He hardly let a day go by without hosting an event at which Pierre was present. For six weeks, the new Count was lured into making a home of Vasíli’s mansion. Vasíli was planning to get two of his children…
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Sevastopol Sketch 1 (I of II): December of 1854, Shades of Andrei in Austerlitz
The first Sevastopol Sketch focuses on December of 1854. Sevastopol is a name of Greek origin and is a well-known port city in Crimea. Before it was Ukrainian -- and before it was Russian or under Russian occupation -- it was part of the Crimean Khanate, heavily influenced by the Ottomans. Greek...
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Second Epilogue, Chapter 5: Livestock & The Duality of Power
Note: There are NO spoilers in the the 2nd Epilogue to War & Peace, which is analyzed in bonus chapters. This final part of the novel involves a metaphysical exploration of the philosophy underlying W&P. This is a complex chapter easy to get lost in. Tolstoy wrestles with one of his common themes...
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Bk. 1, Pt. 3, Ch. 1: Pierre, Gentlemen of the Bedchamber
Part III of Book I focuses on Pierre. We are taken off the battlefield. The attitude has changed toward the new Count Bezúkhov, with this section serving as a critique on the vane pursuits of men within Tolstoy’s own class. Instead of retreating after being foiled in his attempt to usurp Pierre’s...
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Recitation & Gearing Up For Part III of Book 1
This episode examines Tolstoy’s influences in the sense that Tolstoy takes attitudes from major events of his day, including the humiliating defeat of the Crimean War of 1856, and imposes them on his characters. Tolstoy was conceptualizing and writing War & Peace in the 1850s and 60s, when…
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Bk. 1, Pt. 2, Ch. 21: And Why Did I Come Here?
Bagration’s men held off the French for as long as practical and retreated in the darkness. The goal was to fight until the sun went down. Tushin accompanied the working guns and encountered officers as well as some wounded. He was overwhelmed with grief, having come down from his heroic effort....
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Introduction to The Sevastopol Sketches
In his Sevastopol Sketches, Tolstoy develops his ability to depict the reality of death within military conflict. His proficiency stemmed from service including three years in the Caucuses as well as action during the Crimean War (1853-56), both as a junior artillery officer. During his time near...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The episode and episode descriptions will provide information, context and commentary on how each chapter plays out. The goal is for each episode to be under 10 minutes. There are multiple English versions of W&P containing variations in the translation of Tolstoy's French and Russian. The original work fluctuates back and forth between these two languages. There are also variations on how War & Peace is chaptered. This podcast follows the commonly used chapters contained in Penguin Classics and the Everyman's Library.
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Sean Roman
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War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide currently has 108 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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The episode and episode descriptions will provide information, context and commentary on how each chapter plays out. The goal is for each episode to be under 10 minutes. There are multiple English versions of W&P containing variations in the translation of Tolstoy's French and Russian. The original...
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War & Peace Podnotes, A Study Guide is created and hosted by Sean Roman.
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