Summary
In an elegant St. Petersburg salon in 1805, we meet Anna Pavlovna Scherer, a court favorite who hosts influential gatherings during the Napoleonic Wars. She dramatically denounces Napoleon while greeting Prince Vasili Kuragin, a high-ranking official with his own agenda. Their conversation reveals the intricate dance of aristocratic society—beneath polite pleasantries lie calculated moves for power and position. Anna Pavlovna performs passionate patriotism like a social role, while Prince Vasili speaks with practiced indifference, both masters of saying what's expected rather than what they feel. The prince's real purpose emerges: he wants Anna Pavlovna's help securing a diplomatic post for his son. When that fails, he pivots to asking her to arrange a marriage between his wastrel son Anatole and the wealthy but unhappy Princess Mary Bolkonskaya. This opening chapter establishes Tolstoy's central theme—how personal ambitions drive the grand movements of history. These aren't evil people, but rather individuals navigating a system where survival depends on connections, favors, and strategic relationships. Anna Pavlovna's salon represents the broader world of the novel: a place where private desires and public duties intertwine, where the fate of nations gets decided through personal conversations, and where everyone wears a mask of civility while pursuing their own interests.
Coming Up in Chapter 2
The salon fills with more guests, each bringing their own secrets and schemes. We'll meet the mysterious visitors Anna Pavlovna mentioned, and witness how the evening's conversations reveal the complex web of relationships that will shape the coming war.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
W“ell, Prince, so Genoa and Lucca are now just family estates of the Buonapartes. But I warn you, if you don’t tell me that this means war, if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist—I really believe he is Antichrist—I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend, no longer my ‘faithful slave,’ as you call yourself! But how do you do? I see I have frightened you—sit down and tell me all the news.” It was in July, 1805, and the speaker was the well-known Anna Pávlovna Schérer, maid of honor and favorite of the Empress Márya Fëdorovna. With these words she greeted Prince Vasíli Kurágin, a man of high rank and importance, who was the first to arrive at her reception. Anna Pávlovna had had a cough for some days. She was, as she said, suffering from la grippe; grippe being then a new word in St. Petersburg, used only by the elite. All her invitations without exception, written in French, and delivered by a scarlet-liveried footman that morning, ran as follows: “If you have nothing better to do, Count (or Prince), and if the prospect of spending an evening with a poor invalid is not too terrible, I shall be very charmed to see you tonight between 7 and 10—Annette Schérer.” “Heavens! what a virulent attack!” replied the prince, not in the least disconcerted by this reception. He had just entered, wearing an embroidered court uniform, knee breeches, and shoes, and had stars on his breast and a serene expression on his flat face. He spoke in that refined French in which our grandfathers not only spoke but thought, and with the gentle, patronizing intonation natural to a man of importance who had grown old in society and at court. He went up to Anna Pávlovna, kissed her hand, presenting to her his bald, scented, and shining head, and complacently seated himself on the sofa. “First of all, dear friend, tell me how you are. Set your friend’s mind at rest,” said he without altering his tone, beneath the politeness and affected sympathy of which indifference and even irony could be discerned. “Can one be well while suffering morally? Can one be calm in times like these if one has any feeling?” said Anna Pávlovna. “You are staying the whole evening, I hope?” “And the fete at the English ambassador’s? Today is Wednesday. I must put in an appearance there,” said the prince. “My daughter is coming for me to take me there.” “I thought today’s fete had been canceled. I confess all these festivities and fireworks are becoming wearisome.” “If they had known that you wished it, the entertainment would have been put off,” said the prince, who, like a wound-up clock, by force of habit said things he did not even wish to be believed. “Don’t tease! Well, and what has been decided about Novosíltsev’s dispatch? You know everything.” “What can one...
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Strategic Performance - When Everything Is Theater
When social survival requires constant role-playing, authentic communication disappears and everyone becomes a strategic performer.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify when people are performing roles rather than communicating authentically, especially in hierarchical environments.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when conversations feel scripted—watch for the gap between what people say publicly versus what their actions reveal about their actual priorities.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Salon culture
Elite social gatherings where politics, art, and business were discussed under the guise of entertainment. These weren't just parties - they were where real power was exercised through conversation and connections.
Modern Usage:
Like networking events or exclusive dinner parties where deals get made and careers get launched.
Napoleon as Antichrist
Russian aristocrats viewed Napoleon not just as a military enemy, but as an evil force threatening their entire way of life. This religious language shows how personal their fear was.
Modern Usage:
How people today demonize political opponents, calling them threats to democracy or civilization itself.
Court favorite
Someone who has special access to royalty and uses that connection to influence others. Anna Pavlovna's power comes from her relationship with the Empress, not her own position.
Modern Usage:
Like being the CEO's golf buddy or the person who has the boss's ear - unofficial but real power.
Strategic marriage
Marriages arranged not for love but to combine wealth, secure social position, or gain political advantage. Personal happiness was secondary to family advancement.
Modern Usage:
Still happens today in business families, political dynasties, or when people marry for money and status.
Diplomatic immunity
The protection and privileges given to government representatives serving in foreign countries. Prince Vasili wants this safe, prestigious position for his son.
Modern Usage:
Cushy government jobs or corporate positions where connections matter more than qualifications.
Social performance
Acting out expected roles and emotions rather than expressing genuine feelings. Characters say what's socially required, not what they actually think.
Modern Usage:
Like putting on your 'work face' or posting happy family photos on social media when things are actually falling apart.
Characters in This Chapter
Anna Pavlovna Scherer
Social orchestrator
A court favorite who hosts influential salons and uses dramatic patriotism to maintain her social position. She performs emotions theatrically while calculating how to help or deny requests for favors.
Modern Equivalent:
The well-connected hostess who throws networking parties and decides who gets introduced to whom
Prince Vasili Kuragin
Political operator
A high-ranking official who speaks with practiced indifference while pursuing advancement for his children. He's skilled at the social game but ultimately focused on securing his family's position.
Modern Equivalent:
The smooth-talking executive who works every room and always has an angle
Napoleon Bonaparte
Distant threat
Though not physically present, he dominates the conversation as both political enemy and personal obsession. His actions drive the fear and plotting of the Russian aristocrats.
Modern Equivalent:
The disruptive competitor or political figure everyone loves to hate but can't stop talking about
Anatole Kuragin
Problem child
Prince Vasili's wastrel son who needs a diplomatic post or wealthy marriage to solve his problems. He represents the entitled younger generation living off family connections.
Modern Equivalent:
The boss's kid who keeps getting promoted despite being incompetent
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I really believe he is Antichrist"
Context: She's dramatically denouncing Napoleon to Prince Vasili
This religious language reveals how personally threatened the Russian aristocrats feel. Anna Pavlovna isn't just discussing politics - she's performing patriotic outrage as part of her social role.
In Today's Words:
That guy is literally the devil - I can't even deal with him
"If you have nothing better to do... I shall be very charmed to see you tonight"
Context: The standard invitation she sends to all her salon guests
The false modesty and careful wording show how aristocratic society operated through elaborate politeness that masked real power dynamics and obligations.
In Today's Words:
You should probably show up to my party if you know what's good for you
"Heavens! what a virulent attack!"
Context: His response to Anna Pavlovna's dramatic anti-Napoleon speech
His amused, detached reaction shows he's not buying her performance but knows how to play along. This reveals the gap between public posturing and private calculation.
In Today's Words:
Wow, you're really laying it on thick today, aren't you?
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Aristocratic society operates through elaborate codes and performances that maintain social hierarchy
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might recognize this in workplace cultures where unwritten rules matter more than official policies.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Characters say what their roles demand rather than what they actually think or feel
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might see this in family gatherings where everyone avoids difficult topics to keep the peace.
Identity
In This Chapter
Anna Pavlovna and Prince Vasili have become their social roles so completely that authentic self may no longer exist
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you realize you act completely differently at work versus at home versus with friends.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
All interactions are transactional—even seemingly social conversations serve hidden agendas
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when someone suddenly becomes friendly right before asking for a favor.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Characters are trapped in static roles that prevent genuine development or self-awareness
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might see this when you feel stuck playing the same role in your family or workplace regardless of how you've actually changed.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Anna Pavlovna actually want from her conversation with Prince Vasili, beyond discussing Napoleon?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Prince Vasili wait until the end of their conversation to ask for what he really wants?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen people perform passionate opinions they don't really hold to fit in or advance their goals?
application • medium - 4
How would you handle a situation where you need something from someone who expects you to play along with their performance?
application • deep - 5
What does this opening scene suggest about how personal ambitions shape larger historical events?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Real Conversation
Take a recent conversation you had at work, with family, or in a social setting where you felt like people weren't saying what they really meant. Write out what was actually said, then translate what each person probably wanted or was really thinking. Notice the gap between performance and reality.
Consider:
- •Look for moments when the conversation felt scripted or predictable
- •Identify what each person was trying to protect or gain
- •Notice your own performance moments versus authentic responses
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to choose between saying what was expected and saying what you really thought. What influenced your decision? How did it turn out?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 2: The Art of Social Theater
The coming pages reveal to recognize when social gatherings are performances rather than genuine connections, and teach us some people naturally command attention while others struggle to fit in. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.