Bk. 2, Pt. 1. Ch. 3: The Cuckold

The magnificent banquet honoring General Bagration was held in Moscow on March 3, 1806 at the English Club, a great marble hall with a series of smaller saloons. This celebration is remembered for its fervor amidst defeat. A source Tolstoy used for this was the first-hand account by the English writer & diplomat, Robert Ker Porter, who ironically notes that by 1806, there were not three English members of this social club. Tolstoy has all the rooms humming with conversation, like bees swarming in Spring. Many guests were elderly and respected personages who could be found at their usual places. A smaller set were younger, some returning from Austerlitz. This is symbolized by Denísov, Rostov and Dolokhov— the latter who is said to be having an affair with Pierre’s wife. The faces of youth expressed “We honor and respect you, our elders, but remember, the future belongs to us.” Pierre was surrounded by subservience to his wealth. He now belonged to a class he quickly grew contemptuous of. He was no longer that vibrant clumsy character when he had little to his name. He was fashionably dressed but appeared sullen. At his wife’s insistence, he let his hair grow and abandoned his spectacles. Many of the historic figures at the event rationalized the loss at Austerlitz. The night was filled with a passion for revival with much of the zeal directed toward Bagration. It was the most animated Porter ever recalled seeing aristocrats of Europe get. Count Rostov is presented as having the honor of hosting this event and he enthusiastically greets all who attend. His son was accompanied by Dolokhov, whose acquaintance Nicholas had come to value. When Bagration arrived, bells rang, servants rushed around and the better part of the 300 guests crowded to witness the arrival. Bagration was described as short and with a dark complexion, indicative of the warm climates he had served in. His face was perfectly Georgian and expressed an affability and sweetness. He was dressed in a green uniform covered with various awards.Bagration had the honor of entering the dining area first and walked reticently. He would look more comfortable in a field under fire. He was soon escorted by Count Rostov, who appealed for the guests to make way. Ilya carried a large silver tray, on top of which lied written verses that were read aloud and continued through the dinner announcement. The sentiment expressed was: You Bring Glory to Alexandr’s Reign; You are a Dreaded Foe, which Napoleon has Learned So Well; You carry the Wisdom and Tactics of Caesar; You are a Rhipheus (hero of Troy); But are in essence, a Good and Kind-Hearted Man.The guests grew hungry and found their seats, which corresponded to their rank and importance. The Count with a few choice peers sat facing Bagration. Ilyá presented his son to Bagration and was filled with joy when the two chatted. Nicholas, Denísov and Dolokhov sat almost at the middle of the table. Facing them were Pierre and Prince Nesvitski,Every selection at dinner was splendid. Between the courses was a stream of toasts. At one point, the Host shouted, “To the health of our Sovereign, the Emperor!” The band immediately struck up a traditional patriotic song, which led all to rise and shout “Hurrah!” Young Rostov’s ecstatic voice could be heard above the rest during his own toast to Alexandr. He emptied his glass at one gulp he thrashed it on the floor. Many followed the example and it was the job of the footmen to clean up the mess. Various officers were then toasted and the glasses continued to shatter.As I have been stressing, Bagration was embraced as National Hero and redeemer. However, Bagration did have his own embarrassments, which Tolstoy knew of and some scholars believe the author addresses indirectly. Notably, Bagration was shamed by his wife, the alluring Ekaterina, who carried the nickname, le Bel Ange Nu, the Beautiful Naked Angel, for her revealing and often translucent attire. They separated in 1805 and she was renowned for her liaisons. This included a long-term relationship with Clemence Von Metternich, the Austrian diplomat, by whom she bore her only child, Marie. Metternich informally adopted the child, allowing Marie to live with his family. Ekaterina remained married and Marie was raised with Bagration’s name – as mandated by Czar Alexandr, who was also said to have relations with Ekaterina years later.These the widely known affairs of Ekaterina appear to be thrust upon the fictional Hélène, Pierre’s wife. Rumors are swirling that Hélène is making a fool of Pierre, who is in many senses, is Tolstoy’s hero of the novel. In this chapter, we have Pierre present, stewing in anger and seated across from his new rival, while the historic hero, who had a similar problem, is honored.