War and Peace, Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 11 summary
Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 11 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 11, Anatole Kurágin’s life in Moscow exposes his debts, his hidden marriage, and his inability to consider how his actions affect others. He abandons his wife soon after marrying her, passes as unmarried, and now plans to court Natasha despite Dólokhov’s warning.
What happens
- Anatole’s father sends him to Moscow with an army appointment and instructions to seek a suitable marriage.
- Anatole stays with Pierre, borrows money, and spends his time drinking, attending parties, and pursuing women.
- The narrator reveals that Anatole already has a wife in Poland, whom he abandons while arranging to appear unmarried.
- Anatole considers himself innocent because he cannot consider the harm or consequences of his conduct.
- Dólokhov uses Anatole’s social connections to attract wealthy young men to his gambling circle.
- After the opera, Anatole announces his interest in Natasha and dismisses Dólokhov’s reminder about his marriage.
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In this chapter
Quick check
What fact about Anatole does Dólokhov know when he warns him?
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