War and Peace, Book 10: 1812, Chapter 7 summary
Book 10: 1812, Chapter 7 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, Napoleon advances toward Moscow and questions Lavrúshka, a captured Russian servant who recognizes him but performs ignorance and awe to please him. The narrator contrasts this encounter with Thiers’s heroic account and challenges explanations of war that make one man’s wishes the cause of events.
What happens
- The narrator challenges historians who explain Napoleon’s advance through individual intentions rather than the interaction of countless wills.
- Napoleon seeks battle at several locations, orders an advance toward Moscow, and learns of Kutúzov’s appointment from Berthier.
- Lavrúshka comes before Napoleon, recognizes him, and answers his questions with gossip and a carefully qualified prediction about battle.
- Seeing Napoleon’s pleasure, Lavrúshka pretends ignorance of his identity and then acts overwhelmed when the interpreter identifies him.
- Napoleon releases Lavrúshka, who invents stories for his comrades and rejoins Nicholas Rostóv for a ride with Ilyín.
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Why does Lavrúshka act astonished when Napoleon’s identity is announced?
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