War and Peace, Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 3 summary
Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 3 of 365 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, the narrator explains Napoleon’s rise, invasion of Russia, defeat, and removal to an island through the movements of peoples and countless apparent chances. The argument shifts responsibility away from one leader’s genius toward the forces, rulers, and followers that make him powerful and justify his crimes.
What happens
- The narrator identifies mass movement eastward and westward as the central meaning of European events.
- Revolution, military success, and apparent accidents lift Napoleon into prominence and help him seize power.
- European rulers and Napoleon’s followers praise his actions, strengthening his authority and his belief in grandeur.
- The invasion reaches Moscow, but favorable circumstances give way to disaster and repeated retreat.
- A matching westward movement reaches Paris and destroys Napoleon’s government and army.
- Despite their hatred, the allies grant Napoleon an island dominion, guards, and money.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence joins apparent accident with collective cooperation. It captures the argument that Napoleon’s authority does not arise from personal ability alone.
Quick check
How do the allies treat Napoleon after his government and army are destroyed?
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