War and Peace, Chapter 25 summary
Chapter 25 of 365 · Book 1: 1805 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 25, Princess Mary struggles through her father’s geometry lesson and exchanges letters with Julie Karágina while the household expects Prince Andrew and his wife. Julie reports Pierre’s inheritance and a proposed match with Anatole, while Mary’s reply reveals her religious convictions, distrust of wealth, and grief over military conscription.
What happens
- At Bald Hills, Prince Nicholas Andréevich Bolkónski maintains a rigid routine despite the expected arrival of his son and daughter-in-law.
- Princess Mary fears her father during geometry lessons, while his anger alternates with gestures of affection.
- Julie’s letter describes wartime departures, Pierre’s inheritance, and a proposed marriage between Mary and Anatole.
- Mary replies by defending Pierre’s character, favoring Christian love, and expressing readiness to accept marriage as a religious duty.
- Mary describes conscripts leaving grieving families and condemns the praise given to killing.
- Mary rejects Mademoiselle Bourienne’s warning about her father’s temper and hurries to her scheduled music practice.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mary refuses to discuss her father’s temper even though she fears him. Her response shows how strongly duty governs her conduct.
Quick check
Why do Anatole’s relatives propose that he marry Mary?
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