War and Peace, Book 12: 1812, Chapter 5 summary
Book 12: 1812, Chapter 5 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Nicholas meets Princess Mary’s aunt, and the governor’s wife offers to arrange a marriage between him and the princess. He admits his attraction to Mary but explains his promise to Sónya, while the governor’s wife argues that his family’s financial troubles make that promise harmful.
What happens
- The governor’s wife introduces Nicholas to Anna Ignátyevna Malvíntseva, who invites him to visit.
- The governor’s wife proposes a match with Princess Mary, and Nicholas gives an unthinking, apparently willing answer.
- Worried about Sónya, Nicholas privately admits his attraction to Mary and his dislike of marrying for money.
- He explains his promise to Sónya, but the governor’s wife argues that marriage to her would damage his family.
- Nicholas finds comfort in her arguments but still raises his promise, Mary’s possible refusal, and her mourning as obstacles.
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What commitment does Nicholas reveal when the governor’s wife proposes marriage to Mary?
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