War and Peace, Book 9: 1812, Chapter 9 summary
Book 9: 1812, Chapter 9 of 365 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 9, Prince Andrew reaches headquarters at Drissa and finds an army divided by rival plans, uncertain authority, and competition for imperial favor. He studies nine factions, while senior officials persuade Emperor Alexander to leave the army under the pretext of stirring patriotic feeling among the people.
What happens
- Prince Andrew reaches Drissa, joins Barclay de Tolly’s staff, and feels relieved that Anatole Kurágin is absent.
- He examines the fortified camp but cannot decide whether it helps or harms the army.
- He finds that the Emperor directs operations without formally assuming command, while influential attendants blur military authority.
- Eight factions promote rival strategies, preferred commanders, imperial leadership, or personal advancement.
- A ninth faction argues that the Emperor’s presence creates confusion and prevents independent command.
- Shishkóv writes a letter urging the Emperor’s departure, and the sovereign accepts an appeal to patriotic feeling as his pretext.
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In this chapter
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What does the ninth faction identify as the chief source of trouble at headquarters?
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