War and Peace, Book 4: 1806, Chapter 14 summary
Book 4: 1806, Chapter 14 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 14, Rostóv loses forty-three thousand rubles to Dólokhov, who deliberately chooses that total because it combines his own age with Sónya’s. Overwhelmed by shame and fear for his parents, Rostóv asks to give an I.O.U., rejects Dólokhov’s mention of his cousin, and promises payment tomorrow.
What happens
- The other players watch Rostóv as his losses mount and Dólokhov controls the stakes.
- Rostóv prays, tries superstitious methods, and struggles to understand how his happiness turns into misery.
- Dólokhov stops at his chosen total, then deals one final round that leaves Rostóv owing exactly forty-three thousand rubles.
- Rostóv privately asks whether Dólokhov accepts an I.O.U., but Dólokhov mentions his cousin’s love for him.
- Rostóv angrily refuses to discuss his cousin, promises payment tomorrow, and leaves.
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What to notice
The exact debt matches Dólokhov’s deliberate target. His relaxed movement contrasts with Rostóv’s panic and makes the unequal power between them clear.
Quick check
Why does Dólokhov choose forty-three thousand as his target?
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