War and Peace, Book 15: 1812–13, Chapter 17 summary
Book 15: 1812–13, Chapter 17 of 365 · 8 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 17, Pierre tells Princess Mary and Natásha about his losses, captivity, and suffering, finding fresh meaning as Natásha listens with complete sympathy. Princess Mary sees the possibility of love between them, while Pierre defends their right to live and Natásha balances renewed warmth with her concern for remembering Prince Andrew.
What happens
- Over dinner, Pierre discusses his wealth, rebuilding plans, and sorrow and guilt over his wife’s death.
- Pierre denies meeting Napoleon but admits that he stays in Moscow intending to kill him.
- Natásha’s questions draw out his account of arrest, executions, captivity, and Karatáev’s death.
- Natásha listens with complete sympathy, while Princess Mary sees the possibility of love between her and Pierre.
- At three in the morning, Pierre affirms that suffering brings new happiness and insists that neither he nor Natásha should feel guilty for living.
- In the bedroom, Natásha worries about forgetting Prince Andrew, then warmly describes Pierre’s moral renewal.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Pierre directly links his renewed desire for life with Natásha’s. His reassurance brings her to tears and makes their shared struggle explicit.
Quick check
What does Pierre admit about his decision to remain in Moscow?
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