War and Peace, Book 3: 1805, Chapter 11 summary
Book 3: 1805, Chapter 11 of 365 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 11, Savary’s visit and Dolgorúkov’s negotiations give way to preparations for battle, while the Emperor’s headquarters dismisses Kutúzov’s doubts and embraces an approved attack plan. Prince Andrew questions the army’s confidence and tries to propose alternatives, but Kutúzov ends the chapter by predicting defeat and describing how his warning receives no serious attention.
What happens
- The Emperor rests at Wischau after the wounded distress him; Savary arrives and leaves with Dolgorúkov to negotiate with Napoleon.
- The army advances, and orders spread from headquarters until eighty thousand allied soldiers begin moving during the night.
- The narrator compares military activity to clockwork and identifies the battle’s loss as its collective result.
- Dolgorúkov insists Napoleon fears battle and dismisses Kutúzov’s caution while explaining Weyrother’s approved plan to Prince Andrew.
- Prince Andrew’s alternative receives little attention, and Bilíbin jokes about the foreign names of the column commanders.
- Kutúzov tells Prince Andrew he expects defeat and reports Count Tolstóy’s dismissive response to his warning.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Kutúzov’s explicit prediction opposes the confidence at headquarters. It also shows that he tries to bring his warning to the Emperor.
Quick check
Why does Dolgorúkov pay little attention to Prince Andrew’s alternative plan?
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