War and Peace, Book 4

In Book 4 of War and Peace, personal dramas unfold against the backdrop of impending war. Natasha Rostova’s engagement to Prince Andrei Bolkonsky faces turmoil when he demands a year’s wait, leaving her vulnerable to Anatole Kuragin’s manipulations. Heartbroken, Natasha attempts to elope with Anatole, shattering her reputation and betraying Andrei. Meanwhile, Pierre Bezukhov grows restless, seeking purpose amidst societal superficiality. The Rostov family grapples with financial strain and Nikolai’s military aspirations. Tolstoy intertwines individual struggles with broader themes of honor, love, and betrayal, highlighting how personal choices echo within the larger tapestry of history.