War and Peace, Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 8 summary
Part 1: First Epilogue: 1813–20, Chapter 8 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Nicholas recognizes the wrong in beating his dependents after Countess Mary weeps over his treatment of a village elder, and he begins trying to control himself. Their marriage deepens through shared domestic life, while Sónya serves the household with little gratitude and Bald Hills becomes a busy family home.
What happens
- Nicholas beats the Boguchárovo elder, and Countess Mary’s distress makes him recognize that his conduct is wrong.
- He promises to stop and uses his broken cameo ring as a reminder, though occasional failures lead to renewed confessions.
- Nicholas follows seasonal routines of farming, hunting, and reading, while growing closer to his wife and children.
- Mary discusses her resentment toward Sónya with Natásha, who describes Sónya as someone deprived of fulfillment.
- Sónya serves the family with little thanks, while the plainly rebuilt house at Bald Hills welcomes relatives and large gatherings.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
The comparison expresses Natásha’s understanding of Sónya’s deprived position. Mary resists her use of scripture but comes to accept this view of Sónya.
Quick check
What does Nicholas use to remind himself to control his temper?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
