War and Peace, Book 12: 1812, Chapter 9 summary
Book 12: 1812, Chapter 9 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 9, Pierre becomes an anonymous prisoner among Russians suspected of arson, and French officers question him in a way that pushes his answers toward conviction. Moved to a coach house amid Moscow’s fires, he waits with thirteen others for an unnamed marshal’s decision, unable to learn which marshal holds that authority.
What happens
- Pierre’s first guards treat him with hostility and respect, but their replacements see him chiefly as prisoner No. 17.
- Placed among other Russian suspects, Pierre feels hurt when they avoid him and mock him as a French-speaking gentleman.
- French officers question Pierre about his arrest, interrupt his explanations, and treat his refusal to identify himself as damaging.
- On the fourth day, Pierre and thirteen others move through smoke-filled streets to a coach house near the Crimean bridge.
- Pierre spends four days there, hearing that the prisoners await a marshal’s decision before a second examination.
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
What to notice
The sentence expresses Pierre’s sense that the inquiry has a fixed purpose. His explanations cannot overcome the officers’ power or their desire to incriminate him.
Quick check
Why does Pierre lose his separate room?
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
