War and Peace, Book 11: 1812, Chapter 19 summary
Book 11: 1812, Chapter 19 of 365 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 19, Kutúzov’s army retreats through Moscow while Napoleon surveys the city and prepares to receive its leading men as a generous conqueror. His officers learn that the inhabitants have left and fear making him look foolish, while he orders his troops into the city and continues waiting for a deputation.
What happens
- Kutúzov orders a retreat through Moscow, and the troops’ steady march turns into a panicked rush near the Dorogomílov bridge.
- Napoleon surveys Moscow from Poklónny Hill and imagines possessing, sparing, and governing the city.
- He orders the boyars brought before him and spends two hours imagining his speech and generous acts.
- His officers learn that Moscow is deserted except for drunken crowds and debate how to tell him without humiliating him.
- Napoleon signals the troops to enter Moscow, then stops near the Dorogomílov gate and continues awaiting the deputation.
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Why do Napoleon’s officers hesitate to report that no deputation is coming?
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