War and Peace: Volume 4, Part 4: Chapters 10–11 Summary & Analysis

Pfuel had drawn up a plan (far away in Petersburg) for the capture of Napoleon, but the battle of Berezina turned into a tragic spectacle. When the Berezina bridges were broken down, everyone—unarmed soldiers, Moscow inhabitants, women and children—ran into boats and even into the freezing water instead of surrendering. They sensed it was better to perish among their own than to suffer or die as a prisoner.

After the Berezina plan fails, Russian commanders are even more intent on pursuing the French and even more disdainful of Kutuzov. Kutuzov receives word that the Emperor is unhappy with him and will be visiting any day. At that moment, Kutuzov understands that his time is up. He feels that his role is complete and that he needs rest.

On November 29th, Kutuzov rides into Vilno, a city he’d previously governed, and immediately transitions into quiet habits, taking no more concern in political matters. On December 11th, the sovereign arrives at Kutuzov’s castle. Emperor Alexander embraces the old man, who characteristically weeps. In private, the emperor criticizes Kutuzov for the slowness of the pursuit and for making mistakes at Krasnoe and Berezina and tells him his intentions for the rest of the campaign. Kutuzov listens submissively and says nothing. When Kutuzov leaves the study, Count Tolstoy meets him, holding out a shining object. Puzzled at first, Kutuzov smiles and accepts the Order of St. George, first degree.

Besides its significance to Russians, the War of 1812 also has a major European significance. Kutuzov is unable to understand this significance—the balance of powers in Europe and Napoleon’s role in them. As far as he’s concerned, the enemy has been destroyed, so as a Russian, his job is done. It’s up to Alexander to oversee the restoration of Russia’s frontiers. There’s nothing else for Kutuzov to do, so he dies.