War and Peace, Book 9: 1812, Chapter 6 summary
Book 9: 1812, Chapter 6 of 365 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, Balashëv tells Napoleon that Emperor Alexander requires the French army to withdraw beyond the Niemen before peace negotiations begin. Napoleon shifts from courtesy to anger, attacks Russia’s leaders and allies, and repeatedly prevents Balashëv from answering before dismissing him with assurances of personal devotion to Alexander.
What happens
- Balashëv enters Napoleon’s court and receives an initially friendly welcome from the emperor.
- He explains Alexander’s position but replaces the stronger wording of his instructions with a demand for withdrawal beyond the Niemen.
- Napoleon rejects the condition, blames Alexander for war, and praises the advantages his friendship could offer Russia.
- He attacks Alexander’s advisers and allies, boasts about his army, and repeatedly interrupts Balashëv.
- Napoleon threatens Prussia and Russia, then ends the audience by promising Alexander a letter and declaring continued devotion.
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What condition does Balashëv state for opening peace negotiations?
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