War and Peace, Book 3: 1805, Chapter 15 summary

What happens

1. Kutúzov halts at Pratzen while Prince Andrew imagines leading troops to a decisive victory with a standard.
2. Angered by troops blocking the village streets, Kutúzov orders a different formation and ignores an Austrian officer’s inquiry.
3. Andrew stops the third division and orders skirmishers forward after finding that none protect the columns.
4. Emperor Alexander and Emperor Francis arrive with their suites, bringing confidence and energy to the gloomy staff.
5. Alexander questions the delay, and Kutúzov defends his caution before ordering Milorádovich to advance.
6. Milorádovich cheers the Ápsheron soldiers as they march past the sovereigns, and their shouted response startles Alexander’s horse.

In this chapter

What to notice

Kutúzov gives a concrete reason for waiting. Alexander’s displeasure turns this military concern into a conflict over command and obedience.

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