War and Peace: Volume 3, Part 3: Chapters 27–29 Summary & Analysis

By the evening of September 2nd, the French reach Pierre’s neighborhood. Pierre has been alone for two days, and he’s nearly gone mad. He’d left his home and gone to Iosif Alexeevich’s house for refuge and peace. While sitting in his dead mentor’s study, reflecting on the battle of Borodino, he became convinced that he would somehow be involved in the people’s defense of Moscow. He vaguely remembers his dabbling in numerology and the discovery that “l’Russe Besuhof” was destined to limit the “beast’s” power. In his mind, the brief encounter with Natasha had confirmed that he was doing the right thing by staying in the city.

When an attempted people’s defense at the Three Hills doesn’t amount to anything, Pierre decides it is his job to kill Napoleon, even if he dies in the attempt. Two feelings motivate him—a desire for sacrifice, despite the comforts to which he’s accustomed, and that “vague, exclusively Russian feeling of disdain” for the conventional. Besides, he’s left behind his home, he’s wearing a kaftan, and carrying a pistol. He feels he’s taken irrevocable steps, and abandoning Moscow would make him feel ridiculous—something Pierre hates.

As the French enter Moscow, Pierre pictures his heroism in killing Napoleon and images what he’ll say as he strikes the fatal blow. Then Makar Alexeevich comes into the study drunk, and he suddenly steals Pierre’s pistol. Gerasim and the porter wrestle it from him. At that moment, the cook screams, seeing French soldiers riding into the courtyard. The soldiers knock at the door.

A tall, handsome, limping officer enters the house and looks around, apparently satisfied with what he sees. He greets the household cheerfully in French. Pierre doesn’t respond, not wanting to reveal that he knows French. Then Makar Alexeevich bursts out of the kitchen and aims at the officer with his pistol. Pierre tackles him, and Makar Alexeevich shoots into the wall instead. Pierre then speaks to the officer in French, making sure he’s all right and speaking up in the madman’s defense. The officer smiles at Pierre, assuming he’s French because only a Frenchman would have saved his life. Pierre corrects him, but the officer refuses to hear it. For Pierre’s sake, he agrees to let Makar Alexeevich go unpunished. He calls for dinner and wine.

The French officer continues to regard Pierre as an honorary Frenchman, and Pierre can’t resist the man’s friendly nature. He introduces himself as Captain Ramballe, and though he tries to withhold his identity at first, Pierre gives in and offers his first name, too. The two share a hearty dinner and some Bordeaux. Ramballe tells Pierre about his past battle wounds. They both reminisce about Paris, and Pierre, under the influence of the wine and gloomy days of solitude, enjoys the merry conversation.

After dinner, Pierre feels tormented. It’s not because Moscow has fallen to the French, but because he’s aware of his own weakness. After one meal with Ramballe, Pierre’s resolve to kill Napoleon has faded. He now feels disgust toward the French officer, though he softens as Ramballe opens another bottle of wine, drinks to their friendship, and begins telling Pierre his life story, including his many adventures with women.

As Pierre listens to the Frenchman’s stories, he thinks of Natasha and their farewell a few days ago. He finds himself telling Ramballe the whole story—that Natasha is the only woman he’s ever loved, that he never acted on it because of her youth and his illegitimacy, and his best friend Prince Andrei’s love for her. He’s so drunk he even reveals his real name, his wealth, and his social rank. Outside, he sees the first Moscow fire glowing at a distance. He also sees the comet of 1812 in the sky—a sight he’s always associated with Natasha. He feels a deep sense of wellbeing. But just as suddenly, he remembers his earlier intention to kill Napoleon and feels sick. He falls dizzily into bed.