War and Peace, Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 11 summary
Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 11 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 11, Pierre returns from Petersburg after exceeding the absence Natásha agrees to, and her anxious waiting gives way to an angry welcome. Their quarrel quickly passes, and the family gathers around their baby son, showing how strongly Natásha’s happiness depends on her husband’s presence.
What happens
- Prince Theodore’s letter prompts Natásha to encourage Pierre’s journey to Petersburg, provided he returns on a definite date.
- Pierre exceeds his four-week leave, and Natásha becomes anxious and irritable while Denísov observes her unhappiness.
- Natásha repeatedly seeks comfort in nursing Pétya, overfeeds him, and then tends him through an illness.
- When Pierre arrives, Natásha rushes to embrace him before reproaching him for the suffering his absence causes.
- Countess Mary admires the infant, Nicholas admits his indifference to babies, and Pierre laughingly returns Pétya to the nurse.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Natásha’s reproach reveals the distress beneath her anger. Pierre’s return answers an emotional need that explanations for his delay cannot satisfy.
Quick check
Why does Pétya become ill during Pierre’s absence?
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