Summary
Count Rostóv reluctantly takes his daughters to Countess Hélène's salon, immediately sensing the morally loose atmosphere filled with questionable characters. Despite his protective vigilance, Anatole manages to corner Natásha during the evening's entertainment—a dramatic recitation by the French actress Mademoiselle George. The performance creates a surreal, intoxicating atmosphere that leaves Natásha feeling disconnected from her usual moral compass. Anatole exploits every opportunity to pursue her, whispering declarations of love during their dances and finally cornering her alone in a dressing room where he kisses her. Hélène clearly orchestrates this encounter, disappearing at the crucial moment to leave them alone. The evening ends with Natásha in complete turmoil, unable to sleep as she grapples with an impossible question: how can she love both Prince Andrew, her fiancé, and Anatole simultaneously? This chapter reveals how easily we can be swept away from our values when placed in environments designed to break down our defenses. Tolstoy shows us that attraction and love are not the same thing, though they can feel identical in the moment. Natásha's confusion demonstrates how physical chemistry can masquerade as deeper connection, especially when we're young and inexperienced. The chapter also exposes how predatory people like Anatole and Hélène deliberately create circumstances that compromise others, using social situations as weapons to break down resistance and moral clarity.
Coming Up in Chapter 159
Natásha's inner conflict deepens as she struggles with her divided heart. The consequences of this evening's encounter will soon spiral beyond her control, threatening everything she holds dear.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
Count Rostóv took the girls to Countess Bezúkhova’s. There were a good many people there, but nearly all strangers to Natásha. Count Rostóv was displeased to see that the company consisted almost entirely of men and women known for the freedom of their conduct. Mademoiselle George was standing in a corner of the drawing room surrounded by young men. There were several Frenchmen present, among them Métivier who from the time Hélène reached Moscow had been an intimate in her house. The count decided not to sit down to cards or let his girls out of his sight and to get away as soon as Mademoiselle George’s performance was over. Anatole was at the door, evidently on the lookout for the Rostóvs. Immediately after greeting the count he went up to Natásha and followed her. As soon as she saw him she was seized by the same feeling she had had at the opera—gratified vanity at his admiration of her and fear at the absence of a moral barrier between them. Hélène welcomed Natásha delightedly and was loud in admiration of her beauty and her dress. Soon after their arrival Mademoiselle George went out of the room to change her costume. In the drawing room people began arranging the chairs and taking their seats. Anatole moved a chair for Natásha and was about to sit down beside her, but the count, who never lost sight of her, took the seat himself. Anatole sat down behind her. Mademoiselle George, with her bare, fat, dimpled arms, and a red shawl draped over one shoulder, came into the space left vacant for her, and assumed an unnatural pose. Enthusiastic whispering was audible. Mademoiselle George looked sternly and gloomily at the audience and began reciting some French verses describing her guilty love for her son. In some places she raised her voice, in others she whispered, lifting her head triumphantly; sometimes she paused and uttered hoarse sounds, rolling her eyes. “Adorable! divine! delicious!” was heard from every side. Natásha looked at the fat actress, but neither saw nor heard nor understood anything of what went on before her. She only felt herself again completely borne away into this strange senseless world—so remote from her old world—a world in which it was impossible to know what was good or bad, reasonable or senseless. Behind her sat Anatole, and conscious of his proximity she experienced a frightened sense of expectancy. After the first monologue the whole company rose and surrounded Mademoiselle George, expressing their enthusiasm. “How beautiful she is!” Natásha remarked to her father who had also risen and was moving through the crowd toward the actress. “I don’t think so when I look at you!” said Anatole, following Natásha. He said this at a moment when she alone could hear him. “You are enchanting... from the moment I saw you I have never ceased...” “Come, come, Natásha!” said the count, as he turned back for his daughter. “How beautiful she is!” Natásha without saying anything...
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 Environmental Seduction
How deliberately crafted environments can override moral judgment and make people act against their values through sensory manipulation and social pressure.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how predators deliberately design settings to break down psychological defenses and compromise judgment.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone insists on meeting only in their chosen location, especially for important decisions—that's your cue to suggest neutral ground.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Salon culture
Elite social gatherings where wealthy people hosted entertainment, discussions, and networking. These events mixed art, politics, and romance in ways that could compromise reputations. The hostess controlled who met whom and often had hidden agendas.
Modern Usage:
Like exclusive parties or networking events where the real business happens in side conversations and people use social pressure to influence others.
Chaperone system
The practice of older relatives supervising young unmarried women to protect their reputations and prevent inappropriate romantic encounters. Parents literally positioned themselves between their daughters and potential suitors.
Modern Usage:
Similar to how parents monitor their teens' social media or insist on meeting their friends' parents before sleepovers.
Moral barrier
The internal sense of right and wrong that stops us from acting on dangerous impulses. Tolstoy shows how certain environments and people can dissolve these protective instincts, leaving us vulnerable to poor decisions.
Modern Usage:
Like when you know you shouldn't text your ex but the wine and late hour make it seem like a good idea.
Gratified vanity
The dangerous pleasure we feel when someone attractive pays attention to us, even when we know they're bad for us. This ego boost can override our better judgment and moral compass.
Modern Usage:
The rush you get when someone slides into your DMs, even though you're in a relationship and know they're trouble.
Orchestrated seduction
When someone deliberately creates circumstances to compromise another person's judgment or morals. This involves removing obstacles, creating privacy, and using social pressure to break down resistance.
Modern Usage:
Like when someone invites you to a 'group hangout' that turns out to be just you two, or uses alcohol and isolation to lower your defenses.
Theatrical atmosphere
An environment designed to heighten emotions and suspend normal judgment through drama, performance, and spectacle. Reality feels less real, making poor decisions seem romantic or justified.
Modern Usage:
Like how Vegas casinos or exclusive clubs use lighting, music, and excitement to make you forget your usual limits.
Characters in This Chapter
Count Rostóv
Protective father
He immediately senses the dangerous atmosphere at Hélène's salon and tries to shield Natásha from it. Despite his vigilance, he cannot completely protect her from manipulation by more experienced predators.
Modern Equivalent:
The dad who gets bad vibes from his daughter's friend group but struggles to explain why without sounding paranoid
Natásha
Vulnerable protagonist
She becomes confused and morally disoriented in this toxic environment, unable to distinguish between genuine love and physical attraction. Her inexperience makes her easy prey for Anatole's manipulation.
Modern Equivalent:
The young woman who gets swept up in workplace drama or falls for someone obviously wrong for her
Anatole
Predatory seducer
He deliberately pursues an engaged woman, using every opportunity to isolate and manipulate her. He exploits social situations and Natásha's inexperience to break down her resistance.
Modern Equivalent:
The guy who love-bombs you with attention while ignoring all your boundaries and relationship status
Hélène
Manipulative enabler
She creates the perfect environment for Anatole's seduction by hosting morally loose gatherings and strategically disappearing when Natásha needs protection. She actively facilitates others' downfall.
Modern Equivalent:
The friend who always creates drama, sets people up to fail, and conveniently disappears when things go wrong
Mademoiselle George
Theatrical distraction
Her dramatic performance creates an intoxicating atmosphere that makes reality feel suspended. Her presence legitimizes the evening while providing cover for more questionable activities.
Modern Equivalent:
The entertainment or spectacle that distracts everyone from what's really happening behind the scenes
Key Quotes & Analysis
"As soon as she saw him she was seized by the same feeling she had had at the opera—gratified vanity at his admiration of her and fear at the absence of a moral barrier between them."
Context: When Natásha sees Anatole at the salon
This perfectly captures how attraction can feel both thrilling and terrifying when we know it's wrong. Tolstoy shows that Natásha recognizes the danger but is seduced by the ego boost of being desired.
In Today's Words:
She got that same rush from his attention, but also that gut feeling that this was heading somewhere bad.
"The count decided not to sit down to cards or let his girls out of his sight and to get away as soon as Mademoiselle George's performance was over."
Context: Count Rostóv's reaction to the salon's atmosphere
This shows how a protective parent recognizes danger even when they can't articulate exactly what's wrong. His instincts are completely correct, but social pressure makes it hard to act decisively.
In Today's Words:
Dad knew this crowd was trouble and planned to get his daughters out of there ASAP.
"How can I love both him and Prince Andrew?"
Context: Her internal struggle after Anatole's advances
This reveals Natásha's dangerous confusion between physical attraction and genuine love. Her inexperience makes her think these intense but shallow feelings must be real love, threatening her engagement.
In Today's Words:
How can I have feelings for two different guys at the same time?
Thematic Threads
Predatory Manipulation
In This Chapter
Anatole and Hélène deliberately orchestrate circumstances to compromise Natásha, using social situations as weapons
Development
Builds on earlier themes of how the wealthy exploit others, now showing intimate personal manipulation
In Your Life:
You might see this in workplace situations where someone uses their position to create inappropriate intimacy
Environmental Control
In This Chapter
Hélène's salon creates an atmosphere where normal moral rules feel suspended through entertainment and social pressure
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might notice how certain places or events make you feel like different rules apply than in your normal life
Moral Confusion
In This Chapter
Natásha cannot reconcile loving both Andrew and feeling attracted to Anatole, showing how physical chemistry masquerades as love
Development
Develops Natásha's earlier theme of navigating adult relationships and distinguishing genuine from false connection
In Your Life:
You might struggle to separate physical attraction from emotional compatibility when making relationship decisions
Class Vulnerability
In This Chapter
The Rostóvs' lower social position makes them vulnerable to manipulation by the more sophisticated Hélène and Anatole
Development
Continues the theme of how class differences create power imbalances that can be exploited
In Your Life:
You might find yourself vulnerable to manipulation when you're the outsider in a more privileged social setting
Protective Instincts
In This Chapter
Count Rostóv senses danger but cannot protect his daughter from sophisticated social manipulation
Development
Shows how even loving parents struggle against systemic manipulation tactics
In Your Life:
You might recognize danger in situations but struggle to protect yourself or loved ones from subtle social pressure
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does Hélène's salon differ from the social environments Natásha is used to, and what specific elements make Count Rostóv uncomfortable?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Anatole succeed in getting close to Natásha despite her father's watchfulness and her own engagement to Prince Andrew?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see similar environmental manipulation today - places or situations designed to make people act against their usual judgment?
application • medium - 4
If you were advising someone who felt confused about their feelings after being in a manipulative environment, what practical steps would you suggest?
application • deep - 5
What does Natásha's confusion between love for Prince Andrew and attraction to Anatole reveal about how physical chemistry can masquerade as deeper connection?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Design Your Defense Strategy
Think of a situation where you might be vulnerable to environmental manipulation - a high-pressure sales pitch, a party where you don't know many people, or a workplace social event. Create a specific plan for how you would protect your judgment and values in that setting.
Consider:
- •What environmental factors would signal that someone is trying to manipulate your decision-making?
- •How would you maintain connection to your support system and normal moral framework?
- •What would be your exit strategy if you felt your boundaries being pushed?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you felt pressured to act against your better judgment because of the environment you were in. What warning signs did you notice, and how would you handle a similar situation now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 159: The Heart Divided
Moving forward, we'll examine family advisors can provide crucial perspective during emotional crises, and understand physical distance sometimes helps clarify complicated relationships. These insights bridge the gap between classic literature and modern experience.