War and Peace, Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 10 summary
Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 10 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Anatole Kurágin meets Natásha in Hélène’s theater box, flatters her, and unsettles her with an intimacy she finds both pleasing and frightening. At home, Natásha remembers Prince Andrew and tries to dismiss the encounter, but she feels that her love for him has lost its former purity.
What happens
- Hélène introduces Anatole to Natásha, and he speaks easily about the performance and invites her to a costume tournament.
- Natásha enjoys his admiration but fears the sudden absence of her usual reserve with men.
- Anatole asks for a flower, and Natásha responds to his confident smile despite her unease.
- Natásha barely attends to the remaining performance, and Anatole presses her arm while helping her into the carriage.
- At home, remembering Prince Andrew brings horror, and Natásha withdraws to examine her feelings alone.
- She insists that nothing happens to threaten her engagement, yet repeatedly recalls Anatole and senses a change in her love.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Natásha’s question brings the encounter into conflict with her engagement. Her attempts to reassure herself cannot remove her sense that her feelings have changed.
Quick check
What does Anatole request from Natásha as a pledge?
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