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The impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Russian society : A discussion on Tolstoy's "War and Peace."

“The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.”
― Leo Tolstoy, "War and Peace"

The war referred to in Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" is the Napoleonic Wars, specifically the French invasion of Russia in 1812. The novel portrays the impact of the war on Russian society, including the lives of aristocrats, soldiers, and peasants, and explores themes such as love, family, power, and the nature of historical events.

Different critics have approached Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" in historical criticism. Peter Turchin's "War and Peace and War: The Rise and Fall of Empires" takes a historical and sociological approach to "War and Peace," using the novel as a lens through which to explore the dynamics of empires and the cyclical patterns of history. Turchin argues that "War and Peace" is not only a masterpiece of literature but also a valuable source of insight into the workings of societies and empires. Again, Derek Offord's "Leo Tolstoy: The Critical Heritage" cover a wide range of topics, from the novel's style and structure to its philosophical and political implications. We may refer "The World of War and Peace" by W. Gareth Jones, "The Art of 'War and Peace'" by Jeffrey Meyers, and "Tolstoy: A Russian Life" by Rosamund Bartlett in this perspectives.

The impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Russian society is a central theme in Tolstoy's "War and Peace." The novel portrays the social, political, and cultural changes brought about by the war and their effects on individuals and families. "War and Peace" chronicles the tumultuous events in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Focusing on an aristocratic way of life that had already started to fade at the time that Leo Tolstoy wrote the book in the 1860s, it covers a comparatively short span of time—fifteen years—but it renders the lives of disparate characters from all segments of society with vivid, well-realized details. The story captures a generation on the brink of change, with some defending the existing class structure with their lives while others realize that the old way of life is disappearing. Part history lesson, part grand romance, part battlefield revisionism, and part philosophy lecture, "War and Peace" has captivated generations of readers with its gripping narrative and its clear, intelligible understanding of the human soul. In "War and Peace", the impact of the war on various aspects of Russian society can be felt in bellow mentioned points.


Military Service: The war necessitated the conscription of many young men into the military. This affected families and communities as young men were taken away from their homes and loved ones to fight in the war. For example, the main character, Pierre Bezukhov, is drafted into the army and experiences the harsh realities of military life.


Aristocracy: The war had a significant impact on the aristocracy, who lost their power and influence in the face of the rapidly changing political climate. The novel portrays the struggles of the aristocracy to adapt to the new order and maintain their status in society. For example, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, a member of the aristocracy, becomes disillusioned with the war and the role of the aristocracy in society.


Peasantry: The war had a significant impact on the lives of peasants, who made up the majority of the population in Russia at the time. The novel portrays the suffering and hardships endured by peasants during the war, such as forced conscription and the destruction of their homes and villages. For example, the Rostov family's serfs are forced to abandon their homes and flee with the family during the war. Although there is not much open conflict between members of the different classes of this novel, there is an underlying tension between them. Members of the older generation, such as Countess Rostova and Prince Nicholas Bolkonsky, verbally abuse the peasants who are under their command. In a patronizing manner, they openly discuss how lost the peasants would be without their guidance. At the same time, there are characters like Platon Karataev, a poor man who leads a simple and happy life.


National Identity: The war had a profound impact on the national identity of the Russian people, who rallied together in the face of the French invasion. The novel portrays the sense of national pride and unity that emerged during the war, as well as the sacrifices made by ordinary people to defend their country. For example, the Battle of Borodino, in which the Russian army repelled the French invasion, is a pivotal moment in the novel that highlights the bravery and sacrifice of Russian soldiers and civilians alike.


Overall, the impact of war in "War and Peace" is portrayed as complex and far-reaching, affecting all aspects of Russian society and individuals in different ways. There are class conflicts, differing notions of duty and responsibility , and even complex views on success and failures at war and life. It is truly an epic of life.


Ardhendu De


Reference

1.Leo Tolstoy - War and Peace. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leo-Tolstoy

2. Shriraj Dusane, Book Review: Critical Analysis of Literature in ‘War and Peace’ by Leo Tolstoy, 3 (3) IJLSI Page 795 - 803 (2021), DOI: https://doij.org/10.10000/IJLSI.11816

3. McPeak, R., & Orwin, D. T. (Eds.). (2012). Tolstoy On War: Narrative Art and Historical Truth in “War and Peace” (1st ed.). Cornell University Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.cttq42jp


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