Summary
Prince Andrew enters the glittering world of Vienna's diplomatic corps, where wealthy young men spend their time gossiping, joking, and pursuing women instead of focusing on the war raging around them. Led by the witty Bilibin, this exclusive circle includes Prince Hippolyte Kuragin—the same man Andrew once suspected of having an affair with his wife. Now Andrew sees Hippolyte clearly: a shallow fool who becomes the group's laughing stock whenever he tries to sound intelligent about politics. The diplomats treat Andrew as an honored guest, offering to show him the city's pleasures—theater, society parties, and women. But Andrew remains focused on his duty. When Bilibin suggests he flatter the Emperor about military supplies during their upcoming meeting, Andrew refuses to lie, even though it might help his career. This scene reveals how different social classes cope with crisis—while soldiers die on battlefields, the wealthy elite retreat into frivolous entertainment. Andrew's integrity stands in sharp contrast to this world of privilege and pretense. His brief glimpse into Hippolyte's true nature also provides closure on his marriage troubles, showing him that his wife's supposed lover is nothing more than a vain, empty-headed socialite. The chapter explores themes of authenticity versus performance, duty versus pleasure, and how people reveal their true character under pressure.
Coming Up in Chapter 40
Andrew finally meets the Emperor Francis, where his commitment to honesty will be tested in the highest circles of power. Will his refusal to play diplomatic games help or hurt his mission?
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
Next day he woke late. Recalling his recent impressions, the first thought that came into his mind was that today he had to be presented to the Emperor Francis; he remembered the Minister of War, the polite Austrian adjutant, Bilíbin, and last night’s conversation. Having dressed for his attendance at court in full parade uniform, which he had not worn for a long time, he went into Bilíbin’s study fresh, animated, and handsome, with his hand bandaged. In the study were four gentlemen of the diplomatic corps. With Prince Hippolyte Kurágin, who was a secretary to the embassy, Bolkónski was already acquainted. Bilíbin introduced him to the others. The gentlemen assembled at Bilíbin’s were young, wealthy, gay society men, who here, as in Vienna, formed a special set which Bilíbin, their leader, called les nôtres. * This set, consisting almost exclusively of diplomats, evidently had its own interests which had nothing to do with war or politics but related to high society, to certain women, and to the official side of the service. These gentlemen received Prince Andrew as one of themselves, an honor they did not extend to many. From politeness and to start conversation, they asked him a few questions about the army and the battle, and then the talk went off into merry jests and gossip. * Ours. “But the best of it was,” said one, telling of the misfortune of a fellow diplomat, “that the Chancellor told him flatly that his appointment to London was a promotion and that he was so to regard it. Can you fancy the figure he cut?...” “But the worst of it, gentlemen—I am giving Kurágin away to you—is that that man suffers, and this Don Juan, wicked fellow, is taking advantage of it!” Prince Hippolyte was lolling in a lounge chair with his legs over its arm. He began to laugh. “Tell me about that!” he said. “Oh, you Don Juan! You serpent!” cried several voices. “You, Bolkónski, don’t know,” said Bilíbin turning to Prince Andrew, “that all the atrocities of the French army (I nearly said of the Russian army) are nothing compared to what this man has been doing among the women!” “La femme est la compagne de l’homme,” * announced Prince Hippolyte, and began looking through a lorgnette at his elevated legs. * “Woman is man’s companion.” Bilíbin and the rest of “ours” burst out laughing in Hippolyte’s face, and Prince Andrew saw that Hippolyte, of whom—he had to admit—he had almost been jealous on his wife’s account, was the butt of this set. “Oh, I must give you a treat,” Bilíbin whispered to Bolkónski. “Kurágin is exquisite when he discusses politics—you should see his gravity!” He sat down beside Hippolyte and wrinkling his forehead began talking to him about politics. Prince Andrew and the others gathered round these two. “The Berlin cabinet cannot express a feeling of alliance,” began Hippolyte gazing round with importance at the others, “without expressing... as in its last note... you understand......
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Crisis Reveals Character
External pressure strips away social masks and forces people to act according to their true priorities and values.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to assess people's true nature by observing their behavior during difficult times rather than easy times.
Practice This Today
This week, notice how different people in your workplace respond to stress or problems—who steps up to help versus who disappears or makes excuses.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Diplomatic corps
The group of ambassadors and diplomatic officials representing different countries in a foreign capital. In Vienna, these were wealthy young men from noble families who handled international relations while living luxurious lifestyles.
Modern Usage:
Like corporate executives who network at expensive conferences while making deals that affect thousands of workers they'll never meet.
Court presentation
A formal ceremony where important visitors are officially introduced to a monarch or emperor. This required specific clothing, manners, and protocols that showed respect for royal authority.
Modern Usage:
Similar to being invited to meet the CEO or getting called to the principal's office - there are unspoken rules about how to dress and behave.
Les nôtres
French phrase meaning 'our people' or 'our kind.' Bilibin uses this to describe their exclusive social circle of wealthy diplomats who see themselves as superior to outsiders.
Modern Usage:
Like any clique that thinks they're better than everyone else - the popular kids' table, country club members, or office insiders who have their own jokes.
High society
The wealthy elite who focus on parties, fashion, gossip, and social status rather than serious work or responsibilities. They live in a bubble separate from ordinary people's struggles.
Modern Usage:
Think reality TV stars, influencers, or trust fund kids who post about their lavish lifestyle while regular people worry about paying bills.
Social performance
Acting a certain way to fit in or impress others, rather than being authentic. These diplomats perform wit and sophistication to maintain their status in the group.
Modern Usage:
Like curating your social media to look perfect, or putting on a fake personality at work to climb the corporate ladder.
Wartime privilege
How wealthy people can avoid the harsh realities of conflict by retreating into entertainment and luxury while others suffer and die.
Modern Usage:
Like politicians' kids avoiding military service, or executives getting bonuses during layoffs - the powerful stay comfortable while others pay the price.
Characters in This Chapter
Prince Andrew Bolkonski
Moral protagonist
Andrew enters this world of diplomatic luxury but maintains his integrity and focus on duty. He refuses to flatter the Emperor with lies, even though it might help his career, showing his commitment to honesty over advancement.
Modern Equivalent:
The honest employee who won't kiss up to the boss or compromise their values for a promotion
Bilibin
Sophisticated mentor figure
The witty leader of Vienna's diplomatic social circle who tries to teach Andrew the art of political flattery and social navigation. He represents worldly wisdom but also moral compromise.
Modern Equivalent:
The smooth-talking senior colleague who knows how to work the system and tries to teach you the office politics
Prince Hippolyte Kuragin
Comic relief antagonist
The shallow socialite who becomes a laughingstock when he tries to discuss serious political matters. His foolishness provides Andrew with clarity about his wife's former lover - he's just an empty-headed pretty boy.
Modern Equivalent:
The Instagram influencer who tries to sound smart about politics but just embarrasses themselves
Key Quotes & Analysis
"This set, consisting almost exclusively of diplomats, evidently had its own interests which had nothing to do with war or politics but related to high society, to certain women, and to the official side of the service."
Context: Describing the diplomatic circle Andrew encounters in Vienna
This reveals how the wealthy elite create their own bubble of concerns - parties, affairs, and career advancement - while remaining disconnected from the life-and-death struggles happening around them. It shows the moral gap between those who fight and those who benefit.
In Today's Words:
These guys were basically rich kids playing dress-up, more worried about who they're sleeping with than the actual war going on.
"These gentlemen received Prince Andrew as one of themselves, an honor they did not extend to many."
Context: Explaining how the diplomatic circle welcomes Andrew into their exclusive group
This shows how elite groups use inclusion and exclusion as tools of power. Being accepted gives Andrew access but also pressure to conform to their values and behaviors.
In Today's Words:
They let him sit at the cool kids' table, which was supposedly a big deal.
"From politeness and to start conversation, they asked him a few questions about the army and the battle, and then the talk went off into merry jests and gossip."
Context: Describing how the diplomats quickly shift from serious war talk to frivolous chatter
This reveals their shallow engagement with serious matters. They ask about the war out of politeness but immediately return to gossip, showing they're more comfortable with entertainment than reality.
In Today's Words:
They pretended to care about the fighting for like five minutes, then went right back to talking trash about people.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Wealthy diplomats retreat into frivolous entertainment while soldiers die, showing how privilege creates distance from consequences
Development
Continues the book's examination of how social position shapes response to crisis
In Your Life:
You might notice how people with more resources can avoid dealing with problems that directly impact you
Authenticity
In This Chapter
Andrew refuses to flatter the Emperor with lies, maintaining his integrity despite career costs
Development
Builds on Andrew's consistent pattern of choosing truth over convenience
In Your Life:
You face daily choices between saying what's expected and saying what's true
Recognition
In This Chapter
Andrew finally sees Hippolyte clearly as a shallow fool rather than a threatening rival
Development
Resolves Andrew's earlier suspicions about his wife's affair with new clarity
In Your Life:
Sometimes the people you've built up as threats or rivals turn out to be far less significant than you imagined
Duty
In This Chapter
Andrew stays focused on his military mission while surrounded by people pursuing pleasure
Development
Reinforces Andrew's commitment to purpose over personal gratification
In Your Life:
You regularly choose between what you should do and what would be more fun or comfortable
Social Performance
In This Chapter
The diplomatic circle maintains elaborate social rituals while ignoring the war's reality
Development
Introduced here as contrast to battlefield authenticity
In Your Life:
You participate in social or workplace performances that feel disconnected from what really matters
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Andrew discover about the diplomats in Vienna, and how do they spend their time while war rages around them?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Andrew refuse Bilibin's suggestion to flatter the Emperor about military supplies, even though it might help his career?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about a crisis you've witnessed—at work, in your family, or in your community. How did different people respond, and what did their reactions reveal about their true character?
application • medium - 4
When you're under pressure or stress, what behaviors emerge that show your real priorities? How can you use this self-knowledge to make better decisions?
reflection • deep - 5
Andrew finally sees Hippolyte clearly as a shallow fool rather than a threat. How does crisis help us see people more accurately, and why is this useful for navigating relationships?
application • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Crisis Character Assessment
Think of three people in your life—could be family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. Write down how each person typically responds when things get difficult or stressful. Then consider what this reveals about their core values and whether you can count on them when you need support. This isn't about judging them harshly, but about seeing them clearly so you can adjust your expectations and relationships accordingly.
Consider:
- •Look for patterns across multiple stressful situations, not just one bad day
- •Consider both how they treat you and how they treat others during tough times
- •Remember that recognizing someone's limitations doesn't mean cutting them off—it means knowing what to expect
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when a crisis revealed something important about someone in your life—either positively or negatively. How did this change your relationship with them, and what did you learn about reading people's true character?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 40: When Opportunity Knocks During Crisis
In the next chapter, you'll discover to recognize when small talk masks bigger agendas, and learn some people see disaster as their moment to shine. These insights reveal timeless patterns that resonate in our own lives and relationships.