"War and Peace" offers a glimpse into Russian high society during Napoleon's era. The text portrays lavish social gatherings filled with political intrigue and personal drama, showcasing characters' ambitions and relationships. Several interwoven storylines feature romantic entanglements, political maneuvering for advantageous positions, and the looming threat of war with Napoleon. The narrative also highlights the contrasting viewpoints on Napoleon and the ongoing conflict, as well as the stark realities of war itself through descriptions of battles and soldiers' experiences. Finally, the excerpts touch upon personal growth and spiritual searching, as seen in the character Pierre Bezukhov's journey.____The sources depict the societal structures and power dynamics of early 19th-century Russia through the lens of aristocratic families.French Influence and Cultural Domination: The Russian aristocracy at the time was heavily influenced by French culture and language. French was the language of the royal court and a social requirement for the nobility, to the point where some, like Julie Karagina, struggled with their native Russian. This represents the cultural dominance France held over Russia, which Tolstoy suggests diminishes as the book progresses and Russia frees itself from foreign cultural domination.Wealth and Social Standing: Wealth played a crucial role in determining social standing and desirability. Pierre Bezukhov's transformation from a socially awkward individual to the most eligible bachelor highlights this. His newfound wealth, upon inheriting his father's fortune, made him instantly desirable despite his awkwardness. This is further exemplified by the pursuit of wealthy marriage partners, such as Prince Vasily Kuragin's attempt to marry his son Anatole to the wealthy Princess Mary Bolkonskaya, emphasizing the importance of financial security within the aristocracy.Illegitimacy: The societal disadvantage of being illegitimate is clearly depicted through Pierre Bezukhov's initial social struggles. Despite being favored by his wealthy father, his illegitimacy posed a challenge to his social acceptance. The uncertainty surrounding his inheritance further highlights the precarious position of illegitimate children within the aristocratic hierarchy.Military Rank and Social Hierarchy: Military rank and service held significant weight in Russian society. Characters like Boris Drubetskoy, who sought to climb the social ladder through military achievements, exemplify this. The importance of military service is further emphasized by the societal expectations placed upon young men like Nikolai Rostov and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky to join the army.Gender Roles and Expectations: The sources also portray the limited roles and expectations placed upon women in 19th-century Russia. Women were primarily expected to marry well and manage households. The pursuit of advantageous marriages for daughters, like Natasha Rostova and Princess Mary Bolkonskaya, underscores this societal expectation. The anxieties surrounding Natasha's marriage prospects and her perceived role in potentially hindering Nikolai's military career further emphasize the constraints placed upon women.#bookreview #warandpeace #tolstoy #literature ___What do you think?PS, make sure to follow my:Main channel: https://www.youtube.com/@swetlanaAIMusic channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Swetlana-AI-Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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