Summary
Balashëv, carrying Emperor Alexander's letter to Napoleon, crosses into French-occupied territory and immediately experiences a jarring shift in how he's treated. After being accustomed to imperial respect just hours earlier, he faces hostility from French soldiers who don't recognize his diplomatic status. This culture shock reveals how quickly circumstances can strip away the protections of rank and position. The chapter introduces Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law who's been made 'King of Naples' - a perfect example of someone playing a role they don't quite fit. Murat is theatrical and insecure, desperately trying to maintain royal dignity while clearly being more comfortable as a soldier. His conversation with Balashëv shows how people in artificial positions often overcompensate, using excessive titles and formal language to convince themselves and others of their legitimacy. The meeting reveals the complex web of loyalties and tensions within Napoleon's circle - Murat wants to appear loyal to Napoleon while also maintaining diplomatic courtesy. Tolstoy uses this encounter to explore themes of authentic versus performed authority, and how war creates situations where normal social rules break down. The chapter ends with Balashëv being passed along to Marshal Davout, suggesting his mission will face more bureaucratic obstacles before reaching Napoleon.
Coming Up in Chapter 172
Balashëv's diplomatic mission takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Marshal Davout, one of Napoleon's most formidable commanders. The meeting will test whether diplomatic immunity means anything in wartime.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
At two in the morning of the fourteenth of June, the Emperor, having sent for Balashëv and read him his letter to Napoleon, ordered him to take it and hand it personally to the French Emperor. When dispatching Balashëv, the Emperor repeated to him the words that he would not make peace so long as a single armed enemy remained on Russian soil and told him to transmit those words to Napoleon. Alexander did not insert them in his letter to Napoleon, because with his characteristic tact he felt it would be injudicious to use them at a moment when a last attempt at reconciliation was being made, but he definitely instructed Balashëv to repeat them personally to Napoleon. Having set off in the small hours of the fourteenth, accompanied by a bugler and two Cossacks, Balashëv reached the French outposts at the village of Rykónty, on the Russian side of the Niemen, by dawn. There he was stopped by French cavalry sentinels. A French noncommissioned officer of hussars, in crimson uniform and a shaggy cap, shouted to the approaching Balashëv to halt. Balashëv did not do so at once, but continued to advance along the road at a walking pace. The noncommissioned officer frowned and, muttering words of abuse, advanced his horse’s chest against Balashëv, put his hand to his saber, and shouted rudely at the Russian general, asking: was he deaf that he did not do as he was told? Balashëv mentioned who he was. The noncommissioned officer began talking with his comrades about regimental matters without looking at the Russian general. After living at the seat of the highest authority and power, after conversing with the Emperor less than three hours before, and in general being accustomed to the respect due to his rank in the service, Balashëv found it very strange here on Russian soil to encounter this hostile, and still more this disrespectful, application of brute force to himself. The sun was only just appearing from behind the clouds, the air was fresh and dewy. A herd of cattle was being driven along the road from the village, and over the fields the larks rose trilling, one after another, like bubbles rising in water. Balashëv looked around him, awaiting the arrival of an officer from the village. The Russian Cossacks and bugler and the French hussars looked silently at one another from time to time. A French colonel of hussars, who had evidently just left his bed, came riding from the village on a handsome sleek gray horse, accompanied by two hussars. The officer, the soldiers, and their horses all looked smart and well kept. It was that first period of a campaign when troops are still in full trim, almost like that of peacetime maneuvers, but with a shade of martial swagger in their clothes, and a touch of the gaiety and spirit of enterprise which always accompany the opening of a campaign. The French colonel with difficulty repressed a yawn, but was polite...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Artificial Authority
People in unearned positions overcompensate with theatrical displays of power because they fear being exposed as illegitimate.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to spot when someone's authority is performed rather than earned—they overcompensate with formal language, excessive titles, and theatrical displays.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone uses unnecessarily complex language or formal procedures—often they're trying to convince themselves as much as you of their legitimacy.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Diplomatic immunity
The protection that ambassadors and official messengers traditionally receive, even from enemy nations. It's based on the idea that communication between leaders must be possible even during war.
Modern Usage:
We still see this when diplomats can't be arrested in foreign countries, or when negotiators meet under flags of truce.
Culture shock
The disorienting experience of suddenly finding yourself in a completely different social environment with different rules and expectations. Balashëv goes from imperial court respect to hostile treatment in hours.
Modern Usage:
Like starting a new job where the workplace culture is totally different from your last one, or moving from a small town to a big city.
Performative authority
When someone tries to establish their power through exaggerated displays rather than natural confidence. They overcompensate with titles, formal language, and ceremony because they're insecure about their position.
Modern Usage:
The new manager who constantly reminds everyone they're 'the boss' or someone who name-drops their credentials in every conversation.
Chain of command
The military hierarchy where orders and information must pass through specific levels. Balashëv can't go directly to Napoleon - he must be passed from officer to officer up the ranks.
Modern Usage:
Corporate bureaucracy where you can't speak directly to the CEO but must go through multiple managers and departments.
Artificial nobility
People given titles and positions based on connections rather than birth or merit. Napoleon created many new 'kings' and 'princes' from his generals and relatives.
Modern Usage:
CEOs who get positions through family connections, or influencers who become 'experts' just because they're famous.
Bureaucratic obstacles
The way official processes can be used to delay, frustrate, or control people. Even urgent diplomatic missions get caught in red tape.
Modern Usage:
Dealing with insurance companies, government offices, or any system where you get passed from person to person without resolution.
Characters in This Chapter
Balashëv
Diplomatic messenger
Alexander's trusted envoy carrying the letter to Napoleon. Experiences immediate culture shock as his status means nothing to French soldiers. Represents how quickly circumstances can strip away protection and respect.
Modern Equivalent:
The corporate executive who gets laid off and suddenly finds their business cards worthless
Murat
Napoleon's brother-in-law and 'King of Naples'
Desperately tries to maintain royal dignity while clearly being more comfortable as a soldier. Uses excessive titles and formal language to convince himself and others of his legitimacy as a king.
Modern Equivalent:
The promoted middle manager who's in over their head but won't admit it
French noncommissioned officer
Hostile guard
Treats Balashëv rudely, not recognizing diplomatic status. Shows how war breaks down normal social rules and how lower-ranking soldiers can suddenly have power over high officials.
Modern Equivalent:
The security guard who won't let you into a building even though you have legitimate business there
Emperor Alexander
Russian leader
Sends the diplomatic message but also gives Balashëv harsh verbal instructions he won't put in writing. Shows political calculation - saying different things publicly and privately.
Modern Equivalent:
The boss who gives you official instructions but then pulls you aside with the real expectations
Key Quotes & Analysis
"he would not make peace so long as a single armed enemy remained on Russian soil"
Context: Alexander's verbal message to Napoleon, not included in the written letter
Shows the difference between diplomatic language and actual intentions. Alexander is being tactful in writing but wants Napoleon to know his true position. It's strategic communication.
In Today's Words:
I'm not backing down until you're completely out of my territory
"was he deaf that he did not do as he was told?"
Context: Shouting at Balashëv when he doesn't immediately halt
Shows how quickly respect disappears in hostile territory. The officer doesn't know or care about Balashëv's rank - in this moment, military authority trumps diplomatic status.
In Today's Words:
Are you stupid? I told you to stop!
"Balashëv mentioned who he was"
Context: When Balashëv tries to explain his diplomatic mission
The understated way Tolstoy shows how titles and status can become meaningless. Balashëv expects his identity to matter, but he's learning it doesn't in this new context.
In Today's Words:
He tried to pull the 'do you know who I am?' card
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Murat struggles to embody his artificial role as king while remaining fundamentally a soldier
Development
Continues exploring how external circumstances force identity shifts
In Your Life:
You might feel this when promoted beyond your comfort zone or taking on family responsibilities you're not ready for
Class
In This Chapter
Balashëv experiences immediate loss of respect when crossing into enemy territory, showing how class protection depends on context
Development
Deepens the theme of how social position can vanish instantly
In Your Life:
You see this when changing jobs, moving neighborhoods, or entering spaces where your usual status doesn't apply
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Murat performs elaborate royal protocols to convince himself and others of his legitimacy
Development
Builds on how people adapt behavior to match expected roles
In Your Life:
You might do this when starting a new job or relationship, overperforming to prove you belong
Power
In This Chapter
The artificial nature of Napoleon's empire creates rulers who don't quite fit their roles
Development
Introduces theme of how rapid power shifts create unstable hierarchies
In Your Life:
You encounter this in any organization going through rapid change where new people suddenly have authority over experienced workers
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does Balashëv's treatment change when he crosses into French territory, and what does this reveal about how power and protection work?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Murat use so many titles and formal language when speaking with Balashëv? What is he trying to prove?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen people overcompensate with formal behavior or titles when they feel insecure about their authority?
application • medium - 4
If you found yourself suddenly promoted to a position you weren't sure you deserved, how would you handle it differently than Murat?
application • deep - 5
What's the difference between earned authority and artificial authority, and why does one feel secure while the other doesn't?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Spot the Overcompensation
Think of three people you know who hold positions of authority - at work, in your family, or community. For each person, write down whether their authority feels natural or performed. What specific behaviors make you feel this way? Do they use simple, direct communication or formal, complicated language? Do they seem comfortable with questions or defensive?
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between confidence and performance
- •Pay attention to how people respond when their authority is questioned
- •Consider whether someone's behavior matches their actual responsibilities
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you felt like you had to prove you belonged somewhere. What did you do to try to fit in, and did it work? Looking back, what would you do differently?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 172: Power's Cruel Servants
The coming pages reveal toxic people use manufactured misery to justify their cruelty, and teach us bullies escalate when you try to assert your dignity. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.