War and Peace, Book 2: 1805, Chapter 21 summary
Book 2: 1805, Chapter 21 of 365 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 21, Túshin helps the injured Rostóv during the withdrawal, then faces questions about two lost guns until Prince Andrew defends his battery’s conduct. The officers’ misleading reports contrast with the soldiers’ suffering, while Rostóv longs for home and Bagratión’s surviving force rejoins Kutúzov’s army the next day.
What happens
- Túshin gives Rostóv a place on a bloodstained gun carriage, and the troops withdraw after repelling the final French attack.
- The army halts in darkness, and Túshin sends a soldier to seek medical help for Rostóv.
- At Bagratión’s dinner, a general embellishes his actions and Zherkóv repeats an unsupported claim about the hussars.
- Questioned about the lost guns, Túshin stays silent about his missing support to avoid implicating another officer.
- Prince Andrew explains the battery’s losses and praises Túshin, who thanks him after Bagratión dismisses them.
- Rostóv suffers beside the fire and remembers home; the next day, Bagratión’s remaining troops rejoin Kutúzov’s army.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Túshin recognizes that Prince Andrew’s testimony protects him from blame. His gratitude contrasts with Andrew’s silence and disappointment.
Quick check
Why does Túshin avoid explaining that his battery has no covering troops?
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