War and Peace, Book 2: 1805, Chapter 19 summary

What happens

1. Túshin’s battery delays the French, but Zherkóv’s fear prevents him from delivering Bagratión’s retreat order to the left flank.
2. The infantry general and hussar colonel quarrel and test each other’s courage while French troops cut off the hussars’ retreat.
3. Denísov orders the squadron forward, and Rostóv’s fear turns to excitement as Rook carries him toward the enemy.
4. Rook falls bleeding, trapping Rostóv’s leg; Rostóv frees himself but finds his left arm numb and strange.
5. Approaching Frenchmen terrify Rostóv, who throws his pistol instead of firing and runs toward the bushes.
6. A Frenchman fires at Rostóv, but he reaches bushes sheltering Russian sharpshooters.

What to notice

The sentence marks Rostóv’s shift from eager aggression to desperate self-preservation. His wish to strike the enemy gives way to flight.

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