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War and Peace, Book 13: 1812, Chapter 9 summary

Book 13: 1812, Chapter 9 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 9, Napoleon issues military, diplomatic, and civic orders from Moscow, presenting himself as a protector who restores security, trade, worship, and public welfare. The narrator contrasts these claims with authorized looting and forged money, exposing the gap between imperial benevolence and the measures used to sustain the army.

What happens

  1. Napoleon orders officers to track the Russian army, fortify the Krémlin, and prepare further campaigning.
  2. He sends Yákovlev and Tutólmin to Petersburg and orders punishment for those blamed for Moscow’s fires.
  3. A municipal announcement promises protection, restored policing, religious services, and help for returning residents.
  4. Napoleon authorizes troops to forage while another proclamation promises safe markets, fair trade, and protection for peasants.
  5. Reviews, rewards, theater visits, and charitable gestures promote Napoleon’s image, while forged money funds payments and relief.
  6. Orders repeatedly demand military discipline and the suppression of looting.

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In this chapter

Napoleon

What to notice

The closing demand to stop looting clashes with the earlier authorization to forage, which the text explicitly identifies as looting.

Quick check

What does Napoleon use to pay his soldiers?

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