War and Peace, Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 8 summary
Book 8: 1811–12, Chapter 8 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Natásha goes to the opera with her father and Sónya, carrying painful longing for Prince Andrew into a room full of curious spectators. News of another engagement, gossip about Dólokhov, and the beauty of Countess Bezúkhova draw her attention before the curtain rises.
What happens
- Before leaving, Natásha admires herself in a mirror but feels painfully impatient to embrace the man she loves.
- Natásha, Sónya, and Count Rostóv enter their box, attracting attention because of the girls’ beauty and Natásha’s engagement.
- Shinshín confirms Borís’ engagement to Julie, and Natásha imagines the couple discussing her.
- The sight of Dólokhov prompts Shinshín to repeat stories about his adventures and popularity among Moscow women.
- Natásha admires Countess Bezúkhova in the adjoining box, then turns toward the stage as the performance begins.
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Who arranges the opera box especially for Natásha?
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