War and Peace, Book 12: 1812, Chapter 12 summary
Book 12: 1812, Chapter 12 of 365 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Pierre enters the prisoners’ barracks after receiving a pardon, but witnessing the executions leaves him unable to find meaning in life. Platón Karatáev offers potatoes, gentle conversation, and stories of hardship that brings unexpected good, and Pierre begins to feel his shattered inner world take shape again.
What happens
- Pierre receives a pardon and moves from an isolated church to a shed occupied by other prisoners.
- Memories of the executions overwhelm him, destroying his trust in humanity, God, and the meaning of life.
- Platón Karatáev comforts Pierre and shares baked potatoes, which Pierre eats with pleasure.
- The men discuss their arrests, and Karatáev asks about Pierre’s family.
- Karatáev explains how his forced military service spares his younger brother, Michael, who has five children.
- Karatáev prays and falls asleep beside a dog, while Pierre feels meaning returning despite cries and flames outside.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
Quick check
Why does Karatáev describe his military service as a blessing?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
