War and Peace, Book 4: 1806, Chapter 9 summary
Book 4: 1806, Chapter 9 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 9, Prince Andrew returns to his laboring wife, hears their newborn cry, and then discovers that she is dead. Her accusing expression leaves him feeling guilty at her funeral, while the baptism of their son brings fresh anxiety and a moment of joy.
What happens
- Prince Andrew kisses his suffering wife, but Mary Bogdánovna asks him to leave when her pains return.
- He waits outside, hears a terrible scream followed by an infant’s cries, and weeps with joy.
- He enters the bedroom and finds his wife dead, while Mary Bogdánovna holds the newborn.
- His father embraces him in tears; at the funeral, Andrew feels guilt that he cannot undo.
- The baby is baptized as Prince Nicholas Andréevich, and Andrew feels relieved pleasure when the nurse reports that the hair-bearing wax floats.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
The funeral turns Andrew’s grief into a sense of lasting guilt. The passage does not name a specific act as his sin.
Quick check
Who serves as Prince Nicholas Andréevich’s godmother?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
