War and Peace, Book 12: 1812, Chapter 10 summary
Book 12: 1812, Chapter 10 of 365 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Pierre is taken through burned Moscow to Davout, who suspects him of spying but briefly recognizes him as a fellow human being. An interruption ends their exchange, and Pierre leaves without knowing his destination, convinced that an impersonal system rather than any individual is taking his life.
What happens
- An important officer checks the prisoners and orders them prepared for an audience with the marshal.
- Pierre and thirteen others cross ruined Moscow, where French military order contrasts with the destruction of Russian life.
- At Prince Shcherbátov’s house, Davout questions Pierre and calls him a Russian spy.
- Pierre gives his name, and a shared look briefly establishes human sympathy between him and Davout.
- Pierre names Ramballe as evidence, but an adjutant interrupts before his explanation reaches a clear conclusion.
- Led away in confusion, Pierre believes an impersonal system is killing him, although he cannot identify anyone responsible.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence expresses Pierre’s sense that procedures and interruptions threaten his life without any individual deliberately choosing his death.
Quick check
Whom does Pierre name to support his account before Davout?
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