War and Peace, Book 3: 1805, Chapter 16 summary
Book 3: 1805, Chapter 16 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 16, a sudden French attack sends Russian troops fleeing, and Prince Andrew takes up a fallen standard to lead a battalion toward an endangered battery. He falls during the advance, and his excitement about his decisive moment gives way to peace as he watches the sky.
What happens
- Kutúzov stops near a deserted house, where his party discovers French troops much closer than expected.
- Gunfire starts a panic, and the fleeing troops sweep back Kutúzov, whose cheek is bleeding.
- Near a Russian battery, French fire strikes the infantry, and a lieutenant drops the standard.
- Prince Andrew lifts the standard and leads the battalion forward, taking it again when the sergeant carrying it is killed.
- As he approaches the guns, Prince Andrew watches a Russian gunner and a French soldier struggle over a mop.
- Prince Andrew falls onto his back and finds the high, quiet sky more meaningful than the fighting.
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What makes the battalion advance toward the battery?
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