War and Peace: Volume 3, Part 1: Chapters 12–15 Summary & Analysis

Rostov receives a letter from his parents, explaining that Natasha has broken with Prince Andrei and fallen ill, and asking him to come home. Rostov tells them he’ll do his best. Separately, he writes to Sonya and tells her that duty calls him to war. However, if he survives the war and she still loves him, he will return to her without delay. His time at Otradnoe over the winter had made him long for a gentleman’s life, but he is nevertheless content with regimental life. He’s promoted to captain and given his old squadron.

Stationed in Poland, the Pavlogradsky regiment retreats from Vilno. It’s a happy time: nobody in the army questions where they’re going or why. On July 13th, they’re to participate in serious action for the first time. The night before, there’s a heavy thunderstorm. Rostov camps in a haphazard tent in a rye field with his 16-year-old officer Ilyin, who looks up to Rostov as Rostov once idolized Denisov. He listens to another officer recounting some battle heroics elsewhere in the war. Nowadays, Rostov knows that everybody lies about such things.

Ilyin goes in search of better shelter, and he soon returns excitedly telling Rostov about a nearby abandoned tavern; Marya Genrikhovna, the young German wife of the regimental doctor, is there. Rostov hurries along with Ilyin through the mud. Everyone changes into dry clothes and then gathers around a makeshift table where Marya Genrikhovna is making tea. While the regimental doctor sleeps, the other men flirt gallantly with Marya Genrikhovna. When the doctor wakes up, he’s displeased by the scene and takes his wife to bed in their carriage outside. The other men settle down to sleep in the tavern, occasionally spying on the carriage and breaking into laughter.

In the middle of the night, the squadron receives orders to march to the village of Ostrovna. As he rides through the damp, chilly dawn with Ilyin, Rostov thinks about the pleasant evening in the tavern and about his fine horse; he doesn’t think about the coming battle. Over the years, he’s learned to control himself in the face of danger.

The hussars receive orders to occupy the left flank position behind the uhlans on the front line. The crackling noise of gunfire cheers Rostov. When the uhlans are ordered to attack, Rostov’s squadron takes their place. A few minutes later, the uhlans come back up the hill, pursued by the French dragoons. Rostov watches them all like a hunter and considers what would happen if the hussars attacked now. Barely taking the time to consult with another captain, Rostov suddenly moves his horse ahead, and the squadron wordlessly falls in behind him. Instinctively, he feels this is his only chance.

As the hussar squadron moves downhill, their trot shifts into a gallop. Rostov feels as if he’s chasing a wolf in the hunt. Seeing the hussars, the dragoons begin to fall apart. Rostov picks a gray horse as his target and runs it down; his horse bumps into the dragoon’s horse, and Rostov hits the French officer with his saber. The wincing officer tumbles awkwardly from his horse, and Rostov’s joy suddenly dissipates—the young man doesn’t look like an enemy. “I surrender!” the Frenchman cries. As Rostov and the other hussars ride back with their captives, Rostov feels troubled.

Rostov’s general praises his daring and says he’s going to request the St. George Cross for him. Though he should be delighted, Rostov feels nauseated and remorseful. He goes to look for his captive, and the dimpled young Frenchman gives him a weak smile. Over the coming days, Rostov can’t stop thinking about his “brave” action. He realizes that the French are just as afraid as the Russians. He feels confused about his motives. Is heroism nothing more than this? Regardless, Rostov now has a reputation for courage and is promoted to leading a battalion.