War and Peace, Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 5 summary
Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 5 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Count Ilyá Rostóv dies after Natásha’s marriage, and Nicholas accepts an inheritance burdened with debts worth twice the property rather than dishonor his father’s memory. Forced into a Moscow government post, Nicholas supports his mother and Sónya, conceals their poverty, and withdraws into gloomy endurance.
What happens
- After Natásha’s marriage, Count Ilyá Rostóv falls ill, asks forgiveness for wasting the family property, and dies.
- Nicholas leaves the army and accepts his father’s inheritance despite debts amounting to twice the property’s value.
- Creditors pursue Nicholas; the estate sells cheaply, and Bezúkhov lends him thirty thousand rubles.
- Nicholas takes a Moscow government post and shares a small house with his mother and Sónya.
- Sónya manages the household and helps conceal their poverty, while Nicholas admires her devotion but distances himself from her.
- Unable to save money or satisfy his mother’s demands, Nicholas avoids acquaintances and pleasures and retreats into silent endurance.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Nicholas chooses loyalty to his father’s memory over financial safety. This choice places him under pressure from creditors and reshapes his working and domestic life.
Quick check
Why does Nicholas refuse to reject his father’s inheritance?
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