War and Peace, Book 6: 1808–10, Chapter 26 summary
Book 6: 1808–10, Chapter 26 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 26, Princess Mary receives news of Prince Andrew’s engagement and faces their father’s angry response when she delivers his letter. Drawn toward the pilgrims’ life of prayer and detachment, she secretly prepares to leave home, but love for her father and nephew weakens her resolve.
What happens
- Prince Andrew announces his engagement to Natásha Rostóva and asks Princess Mary to seek a shorter delay before marriage.
- Their father responds with bitter remarks about stepmothers and threatens to marry Bourienne himself.
- Princess Mary reports his reaction to Andrew but expresses hope that she can soften their father’s opposition.
- The pilgrims’ rejection of worldly happiness inspires Mary, and Theodosia’s example leads her to plan a pilgrimage.
- With Father Akínfi’s approval, Mary secretly prepares pilgrim clothing but repeatedly hesitates to leave.
- Seeing her father and little Nicholas weakens her resolve and makes her feel guilty about her earthly attachments.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mary’s religious ambition turns into guilt when affection prevents her departure. The line brings her spiritual ideal into direct conflict with her family bonds.
Quick check
Who approves Princess Mary’s secret plan to become a pilgrim?
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