War and Peace, Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 12 summary
Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 12 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Natasha anxiously waits for Prince Andrew, while Marya Dmitrievna visits his father and Hélène invites the Rostovs to an evening recital. Hélène’s praise and encouragement make Natasha see contact with Anatole as harmless despite her engagement, while Marya Dmitrievna returns troubled and postpones explaining her visit.
What happens
- Natasha waits anxiously for Prince Andrew and questions whether her feelings for Kuragin already betray him.
- On Sunday, Marya Dmitrievna takes her guests to Mass, then visits Prince Nicholas Bolkonsky to discuss Natasha.
- While Natasha tries on dresses, Hélène arrives, praises her beauty, and invites the Rostovs to a recital.
- The narrator reveals that Anatole asks Hélène to arrange contact with Natasha, and Hélène enjoys helping him.
- Hélène describes her brother’s passion and reassures Natasha that an engagement need not prevent social pleasures.
- Marya Dmitrievna returns agitated, delays discussing her visit, and reluctantly accepts the Rostovs’ evening plans.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Hélène presents social pleasure as compatible with Natasha’s engagement. Natasha treats this reassurance as permission to dismiss her fears about Anatole.
Quick check
Why does Hélène call on the Rostovs?
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