War and Peace, Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 7 summary
Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 7 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, Count Rostóv takes Natásha to meet Prince Nicholas Bolkónski and Princess Mary, but the visit deepens mutual suspicion instead of building affection. The prince embarrasses Natásha, both women fail to speak openly about Prince Andrew, and Natásha returns home distressed despite Sónya’s attempts to comfort her.
What happens
- On Márya Dmítrievna’s advice, Count Rostóv takes a confident Natásha to the Bolkónski house, although he fears the old prince.
- Princess Mary receives them nervously and dislikes Natásha, while the count leaves to give the women privacy and avoid the prince.
- Mademoiselle Bourienne stays, preventing private conversation, and Natásha and Princess Mary increasingly resent each other.
- The old prince enters in nightclothes, repeatedly claims ignorance of the visit, looks Natásha over, and leaves.
- As Natásha departs, Princess Mary tries to express happiness about her brother’s marriage, but Natásha rejects the strained approach.
- Natásha cries at home while Sónya comforts her, then joins dinner, where Márya Dmítrievna avoids acknowledging her distress.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Natásha blames herself without clearly understanding what goes wrong. Her words expose the pain beneath her earlier confidence and outward coldness.
Quick check
Why do Natásha and Princess Mary avoid speaking openly about Prince Andrew?
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