War and Peace, Book 5: 1806–07, Chapter 12 summary
Book 5: 1806–07, Chapter 12 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Pierre urges Prince Andrew to embrace Freemasonry and belief in an afterlife as they travel toward Bald Hills and pause at a ferry. Andrew questions religious certainty but finds meaning in personal loss, and their conversation awakens a joyful inner feeling that marks a new beginning.
What happens
- During the evening drive to Bald Hills, Pierre hesitates before explaining how Freemasonry gives his life meaning.
- Pierre urges Andrew to join the brotherhood, while Andrew listens attentively without mocking him.
- At the ferry, Andrew questions how ordinary men can claim knowledge of life’s purpose and universal truth.
- Pierre argues for eternal existence, but Andrew says the death of someone dear convinces him more than theories.
- As their conversation ends, Andrew looks at the sky and feels a dormant joy awaken within him.
- The feeling fades amid familiar routines, but Andrew recognizes its existence and begins a changed inner life.
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What does Andrew say convinces him that an afterlife must exist?
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