War and Peace, Book 5: 1806–07, Chapter 10 summary
Book 5: 1806–07, Chapter 10 of 365 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Pierre orders reforms on his estates, but his weak grasp of business lets the chief steward obstruct emancipation and manipulate his inspection. Grateful receptions convince Pierre that he helps his serfs, while the narrator reveals poverty, increased labor, and empty buildings behind the apparent improvements.
What happens
- Pierre summons his stewards in Kiev and orders preparations for emancipation, lighter labor, humane treatment, and new welfare buildings.
- The chief steward uses debts and complicated transactions to obstruct emancipation, while Pierre struggles to understand estate business.
- Social pleasures consume Pierre’s time, and he consoles himself for moral failures by emphasizing his generosity.
- In spring 1807, Pierre tours his estates, where the chief steward arranges buildings and grateful receptions to deceive him.
- The narrator exposes the hardship concealed by these displays, including heavier labor and a priest’s exploitation of families.
- Pierre celebrates his apparent success and still requests emancipation, while the steward counts on his inability to check the work.
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In this chapter
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What does the narrator reveal about the new estate buildings?
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