War and Peace, Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 15 summary
Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 15 of 365 · 8 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 15, Nicholas reads Countess Mary’s diary about their children and admires her moral care, then discusses his argument with Pierre and his plans for the family’s finances. Mary supports duties at home but privately questions Nicholas’s priorities, worries about her nephew, and longs to love everyone more fully.
What happens
- After a friendly supper, Nicholas finds Countess Mary writing and reads her diary about the children’s behavior.
- Nicholas admires Mary’s care for their children and recounts his disagreement with Pierre about government and duty.
- Mary accepts the duty to help others but argues that parents must not expose their children to danger.
- Mary worries that young Nicholas lacks companionship and receives less love from her than her own children.
- Nicholas discusses estate income and buying Otrádnoe back, while Mary struggles to follow his financial plans.
- Mary silently seeks a fuller love for everyone, and Nicholas fears losing her and begins his prayers.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mary recognizes a gap between caring conscientiously for her nephew and feeling a mother’s love. This concern persists beneath the conversation about money.
Quick check
Why does Mary question denying children sweets as punishment?
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