Summary
Young Nicholas Rostóv returns from a morning ride in high spirits, sharing jokes with his German landlord and checking on his squadron commander Denísov, who's been gambling all night. Denísov has lost badly and is in a foul mood, complaining about his losses to 'the rat.' When Lieutenant Telyánin visits - a man both Rostóv and Denísov instinctively dislike - he offers to help Rostóv with his horse. After Telyánin leaves, Denísov discovers his purse with gold coins has vanished from under his pillow. The only people in the room were Rostóv and Telyánin. Though Denísov refuses to believe it, Rostóv realizes what happened and tracks Telyánin to a nearby inn. There, he sees Telyánin paying with a gold coin from a purse that matches Denísov's. When confronted, Telyánin breaks down completely, begging for mercy and mentioning his elderly parents. He returns the money, but Rostóv feels no satisfaction - only pity and disgust. This chapter explores how doing the right thing often feels awful, how we sometimes know someone is wrong before we can prove it, and how confronting theft among supposed comrades destroys trust. It shows that moral courage isn't about feeling good - it's about acting despite feeling terrible.
Coming Up in Chapter 33
The aftermath of the theft accusation will ripple through the regiment, forcing Rostóv to face the consequences of his moral stand. Meanwhile, larger military events continue to unfold that will soon sweep these personal dramas into the chaos of war.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
The Pávlograd Hussars were stationed two miles from Braunau. The squadron in which Nicholas Rostóv served as a cadet was quartered in the German village of Salzeneck. The best quarters in the village were assigned to cavalry-captain Denísov, the squadron commander, known throughout the whole cavalry division as Váska Denísov. Cadet Rostóv, ever since he had overtaken the regiment in Poland, had lived with the squadron commander. On October 11, the day when all was astir at headquarters over the news of Mack’s defeat, the camp life of the officers of this squadron was proceeding as usual. Denísov, who had been losing at cards all night, had not yet come home when Rostóv rode back early in the morning from a foraging expedition. Rostóv in his cadet uniform, with a jerk to his horse, rode up to the porch, swung his leg over the saddle with a supple youthful movement, stood for a moment in the stirrup as if loathe to part from his horse, and at last sprang down and called to his orderly. “Ah, Bondarénko, dear friend!” said he to the hussar who rushed up headlong to the horse. “Walk him up and down, my dear fellow,” he continued, with that gay brotherly cordiality which goodhearted young people show to everyone when they are happy. “Yes, your excellency,” answered the Ukrainian gaily, tossing his head. “Mind, walk him up and down well!” Another hussar also rushed toward the horse, but Bondarénko had already thrown the reins of the snaffle bridle over the horse’s head. It was evident that the cadet was liberal with his tips and that it paid to serve him. Rostóv patted the horse’s neck and then his flank, and lingered for a moment. “Splendid! What a horse he will be!” he thought with a smile, and holding up his saber, his spurs jingling, he ran up the steps of the porch. His landlord, who in a waistcoat and a pointed cap, pitchfork in hand, was clearing manure from the cowhouse, looked out, and his face immediately brightened on seeing Rostóv. “Schön gut Morgen! Schön gut Morgen!” * he said winking with a merry smile, evidently pleased to greet the young man. * “A very good morning! A very good morning!” “Schon fleissig?” * said Rostóv with the same gay brotherly smile which did not leave his eager face. “Hoch Oestreicher! Hoch Russen! Kaiser Alexander hoch!” *(2) said he, quoting words often repeated by the German landlord. * “Busy already?” * (2) “Hurrah for the Austrians! Hurrah for the Russians! Hurrah for Emperor Alexander!” The German laughed, came out of the cowshed, pulled off his cap, and waving it above his head cried: “Und die ganze Welt hoch!” * * “And hurrah for the whole world!” Rostóv waved his cap above his head like the German and cried laughing, “Und vivat die ganze Welt!” Though neither the German cleaning his cowshed nor Rostóv back with his platoon from foraging for hay had any reason for rejoicing,...
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 Uncomfortable Truth
Doing the morally correct thing often feels terrible, and that terrible feeling doesn't invalidate the rightness of the action.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when gut instincts are detecting patterns our conscious mind hasn't processed yet.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone makes you feel 'off' without clear reason—don't dismiss it, but quietly observe what specific behaviors trigger that feeling.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Cadet
A young military officer in training, usually from a wealthy family buying their way into the army. They lived with experienced officers to learn the ropes. Nicholas is essentially an intern with a fancy uniform.
Modern Usage:
Like management trainees or junior executives who get mentored by senior staff while learning the business.
Squadron commander
The officer in charge of a cavalry unit, responsible for his men's welfare and discipline. Denísov holds this position and Nicholas lives under his wing. It's both a military rank and a father-figure role.
Modern Usage:
Similar to a department head or shift supervisor who's responsible for their team's performance and wellbeing.
Foraging expedition
Military missions to find food, supplies, or information in enemy territory. Soldiers would ride out to gather what the army needed to survive. Dangerous but routine work.
Modern Usage:
Like being sent on supply runs or fact-finding missions for your workplace - necessary tasks that get you out of the office.
Officer's honor
The unwritten code that military officers were supposed to be trustworthy gentlemen who never lied, cheated, or stole. Breaking this code meant social death and career destruction.
Modern Usage:
Similar to professional ethics or workplace integrity - the expectation that certain people in authority positions won't abuse their trust.
Gambling debts
Money owed from card games, considered debts of honor that absolutely had to be paid. Officers often gambled away months of salary in a single night, leading to financial ruin.
Modern Usage:
Like credit card debt, payday loans, or any situation where someone digs themselves into a financial hole through poor choices.
Orderly
A lower-ranking soldier assigned to serve an officer - cleaning, caring for horses, running errands. They were essentially personal servants in uniform.
Modern Usage:
Similar to personal assistants, aides, or support staff who handle the day-to-day tasks for their bosses.
Characters in This Chapter
Nicholas Rostóv
Protagonist
A young cavalry cadet who returns from patrol in high spirits, only to discover his mentor's money has been stolen. He faces his first real moral test when he must confront a fellow officer about theft.
Modern Equivalent:
The new employee who discovers their coworker is stealing
Denísov
Mentor figure
Nicholas's squadron commander who has been gambling all night and lost heavily. When his purse disappears, he's devastated not just by the money but by the betrayal of trust among officers.
Modern Equivalent:
The department head who gets burned by someone they trusted
Telyánin
Antagonist
A visiting lieutenant whom both Nicholas and Denísov instinctively dislike. He steals Denísov's purse but breaks down completely when confronted, revealing himself as pathetic rather than evil.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker everyone finds creepy who turns out to be embezzling
Bondarénko
Supporting character
Nicholas's loyal orderly who takes care of his horse. Represents the simple, honest relationships that contrast with the complex moral situation developing among the officers.
Modern Equivalent:
The reliable support staff member who just does their job without drama
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Mind, walk him up and down well!"
Context: Nicholas cheerfully instructs his orderly about caring for his horse after returning from patrol
Shows Nicholas's youth and good spirits before the theft is discovered. His care for his horse and kind treatment of his orderly reveal his fundamentally decent character, which makes his upcoming moral dilemma more significant.
In Today's Words:
Make sure you take good care of it for me!
"I can't believe it of an officer of our regiment."
Context: Denísov refuses to accept that one of his fellow officers could be a thief
Reveals how the military code of honor creates blind spots. Denísov can't process that someone in their circle would break the sacred trust, showing how institutions protect themselves by denying uncomfortable truths.
In Today's Words:
I can't believe someone on our team would do something like that.
"For God's sake, have pity on me! I have a mother and children."
Context: Telyánin begs Nicholas for mercy when caught with the stolen money
Shows how people rationalize bad behavior by focusing on their circumstances rather than their choices. His complete breakdown reveals that he knows what he did was wrong but felt trapped by his situation.
In Today's Words:
Please don't ruin me - I have people depending on me!
Thematic Threads
Moral Courage
In This Chapter
Rostóv must confront Telyánin despite knowing it will be unpleasant and destroy relationships
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might face this when reporting unsafe practices at work or confronting a friend's destructive behavior.
Intuition vs. Evidence
In This Chapter
Both Rostóv and Denísov instinctively dislike Telyánin before they can prove he's a thief
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might experience this with new colleagues or romantic partners who give you 'bad vibes' you can't explain.
Class and Honor
In This Chapter
The theft violates the officer code—gentlemen don't steal from comrades, making it especially shocking
Development
Builds on earlier themes about aristocratic expectations and social codes
In Your Life:
You might see this in workplace cultures where certain behaviors are 'just not done' among professionals.
Human Weakness
In This Chapter
Telyánin breaks down completely when caught, revealing desperation rather than evil
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might discover this when someone you trusted makes terrible choices due to financial pressure or addiction.
Consequences of Action
In This Chapter
Rostóv gets the money back but feels no satisfaction—only pity and disgust at the whole situation
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might feel this after reporting someone or ending a relationship—relief mixed with sadness and regret.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Rostov feel so uncomfortable around Telyanin even before discovering the theft?
analysis • surface - 2
What made Rostov finally act on his suspicions, and why did confronting Telyanin make him feel sick instead of victorious?
analysis • medium - 3
Think of a time when you 'knew' someone was lying or doing something wrong but had no proof. How did that situation play out?
application • medium - 4
When is it worth risking relationships or social harmony to call out bad behavior, and when should you stay quiet?
application • deep - 5
Why do we often ignore our gut instincts about people, and what does this chapter suggest about balancing fairness with self-protection?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Red Flag Radar
Think of three people in your life who make you feel uneasy but you can't pinpoint why. Write down the specific behaviors or patterns that trigger your discomfort. Don't judge these feelings - just document them. Then consider: which of these red flags have proven accurate in the past, and which turned out to be unfounded?
Consider:
- •Your gut reactions often notice patterns your conscious mind hasn't processed yet
- •Some people trigger discomfort because they remind us of past negative experiences
- •The goal isn't to become suspicious of everyone, but to trust your instincts while gathering evidence
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you ignored red flags about someone and later regretted it. What specific warning signs did you dismiss, and what would you do differently now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 33: Honor vs Pride in Military Life
What lies ahead teaches us personal pride can conflict with group loyalty and institutional honor, and shows us sometimes backing down requires more courage than standing firm. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.