Summary
Count Rostov receives a letter from his son Nicholas at war—he's been wounded but promoted to officer. The count breaks down with relief and fear, while Anna Mikhaylovna orchestrates how to break the news to the anxious mother. She carefully prepares the countess at dinner with hints before revealing the truth. Meanwhile, sharp-eyed Natasha immediately senses the secret and forces Anna Mikhaylovna to tell her, then rushes to share it with Sonya despite promising secrecy. The news hits each family member differently: Sonya turns white with worry for the boy she loves, young Petya boasts about what he would do to the French, and Natasha feels the weight of real consequences for the first time. When the countess finally reads the letter, she treasures every word, marveling at how her baby has become a man fighting far from home. The family spends over a week crafting reply letters and gathering money and supplies to send through military connections. This chapter reveals how families navigate crisis—some need gradual preparation, others direct truth, and everyone processes fear and pride in their own way. It shows the gap between those at home, who can only imagine war, and those living it, who downplay their suffering to protect loved ones.
Coming Up in Chapter 56
The scene shifts as we follow the letters and money the Rostovs are sending, revealing more about the complex web of connections that keep families tied to their soldiers at war.
Share it with friends
An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
T was long since the Rostóvs had news of Nicholas. Not till midwinter was the count at last handed a letter addressed in his son’s handwriting. On receiving it, he ran on tiptoe to his study in alarm and haste, trying to escape notice, closed the door, and began to read the letter. Anna Mikháylovna, who always knew everything that passed in the house, on hearing of the arrival of the letter went softly into the room and found the count with it in his hand, sobbing and laughing at the same time. Anna Mikháylovna, though her circumstances had improved, was still living with the Rostóvs. “My dear friend?” said she, in a tone of pathetic inquiry, prepared to sympathize in any way. The count sobbed yet more. “Nikólenka... a letter... wa... a... s... wounded... my darling boy... the countess... promoted to be an officer... thank God... How tell the little countess!” Anna Mikháylovna sat down beside him, with her own handkerchief wiped the tears from his eyes and from the letter, then having dried her own eyes she comforted the count, and decided that at dinner and till teatime she would prepare the countess, and after tea, with God’s help, would inform her. At dinner Anna Mikháylovna talked the whole time about the war news and about Nikólenka, twice asked when the last letter had been received from him, though she knew that already, and remarked that they might very likely be getting a letter from him that day. Each time that these hints began to make the countess anxious and she glanced uneasily at the count and at Anna Mikháylovna, the latter very adroitly turned the conversation to insignificant matters. Natásha, who, of the whole family, was the most gifted with a capacity to feel any shades of intonation, look, and expression, pricked up her ears from the beginning of the meal and was certain that there was some secret between her father and Anna Mikháylovna, that it had something to do with her brother, and that Anna Mikháylovna was preparing them for it. Bold as she was, Natásha, who knew how sensitive her mother was to anything relating to Nikólenka, did not venture to ask any questions at dinner, but she was too excited to eat anything and kept wriggling about on her chair regardless of her governess’ remarks. After dinner, she rushed headlong after Anna Mikháylovna and, dashing at her, flung herself on her neck as soon as she overtook her in the sitting room. “Auntie, darling, do tell me what it is!” “Nothing, my dear.” “No, dearest, sweet one, honey, I won’t give up—I know you know something.” Anna Mikháylovna shook her head. “You are a little slyboots,” she said. “A letter from Nikólenka! I’m sure of it!” exclaimed Natásha, reading confirmation in Anna Mikháylovna’s face. “But for God’s sake, be careful, you know how it may affect your mamma.” “I will, I will, only tell me! You won’t? Then I will go and tell...
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 Protective Filtering - How We Shield Those We Love
People instinctively filter crisis information to protect loved ones, but mismatched communication styles often create more stress than the original problem.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize that people handle difficult news differently—some need gradual preparation, others demand immediate truth.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when delivering any difficult news—from work problems to family issues—ask first: 'Do you want all the details now, or should we talk through this step by step?'
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Officer promotion during wartime
In Tolstoy's time, soldiers could be promoted to officer rank for bravery or service, especially during active combat. This was a significant social advancement, moving from enlisted man to gentleman status.
Modern Usage:
Today we see this in any high-stakes situation where crisis creates opportunity for rapid advancement - like getting promoted during a company emergency or pandemic.
Gradual disclosure of bad news
The practice of preparing someone emotionally before delivering difficult information, rather than shocking them with direct truth. Anna Mikhaylovna carefully stages the revelation about Nicholas being wounded.
Modern Usage:
We still do this when calling in sick before asking for time off, or mentioning car trouble before revealing the repair cost.
Military correspondence
Letters from soldiers were often the only communication families had for months. These letters were treasured, shared, and carefully preserved as proof their loved one was alive.
Modern Usage:
Like waiting for that text back from someone you're worried about, or treasuring voice messages from deployed family members.
Household intelligence network
In large households, certain people made it their business to know everything happening - who got letters, who was upset, what news arrived. They often managed information flow.
Modern Usage:
Every workplace has that person who knows all the gossip and decides who hears what when - the office information broker.
Wartime family dynamics
When one family member faces danger, it reshapes how everyone else relates to each other. Some become protectors of information, others demand truth, everyone processes fear differently.
Modern Usage:
Happens during any family crisis - illness, job loss, divorce - where everyone takes on different roles in managing the stress.
Care package culture
Families would spend considerable time and money gathering supplies, food, and money to send to soldiers through military connections or networks.
Modern Usage:
Like sending care packages to college students, or organizing meal trains for families in crisis - showing love through practical support.
Characters in This Chapter
Count Rostov
Emotional father
Breaks down completely upon reading his son's letter, sobbing and laughing simultaneously. He needs Anna Mikhaylovna to help him process the news and figure out how to tell his wife.
Modern Equivalent:
The dad who can't handle medical news and needs someone else to talk to the doctors
Anna Mikhaylovna
Crisis manager
Takes charge of the emotional situation, deciding how and when to reveal Nicholas's news to each family member. She orchestrates the careful disclosure to protect the countess from shock.
Modern Equivalent:
The family friend who takes over during emergencies and manages everyone's reactions
Natasha
Truth seeker
Immediately senses something is wrong and forces Anna Mikhaylovna to tell her the truth. Despite promising secrecy, she immediately runs to share the news with Sonya.
Modern Equivalent:
The teenager who can't keep secrets and always knows when adults are hiding something
Sonya
Devoted beloved
Turns pale with worry when she learns Nicholas is wounded, showing her deep emotional investment in his safety. Her reaction reveals the depth of her feelings for him.
Modern Equivalent:
The girlfriend who's more worried about your safety than your own family is
Countess Rostova
Protective mother
Must be carefully prepared for the news of her son's injury. When she finally reads the letter, she treasures every word and marvels at how her child has become a man.
Modern Equivalent:
The mom who needs to be handled gently with bad news but then becomes fiercely focused on helping
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Nikólenka... a letter... wa... a... s... wounded... my darling boy... the countess... promoted to be an officer... thank God... How tell the little countess!"
Context: The count's broken reaction while reading Nicholas's letter to Anna Mikhaylovna
Shows how overwhelming emotions make coherent speech impossible. The count jumps between fear, pride, and worry about his wife's reaction all in one breath.
In Today's Words:
Our boy... he got hurt... but he got promoted... oh God... how do I tell his mother?
"My dear friend, what is the matter?"
Context: Her careful approach when she finds the count crying over the letter
Demonstrates how skilled crisis managers approach emotional situations - gently probing without making assumptions, ready to adapt to whatever they discover.
In Today's Words:
Hey, what's going on? Talk to me.
"They might very likely be getting a letter from him today."
Context: Her careful hints at dinner to prepare the countess for news
Shows the art of emotional preparation - planting seeds of expectation without revealing the actual news. She's managing the family's emotional state strategically.
In Today's Words:
You know, we'll probably hear from him soon.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
The Rostovs use military connections to send money and supplies to Nicholas, showing how wealth creates safety nets during crisis
Development
Continues the theme of how social position provides practical advantages beyond status
In Your Life:
You might notice how your network and resources determine your options during family emergencies
Identity
In This Chapter
The countess marvels at how her 'baby' has become a man fighting far from home, struggling to reconcile her mental image with reality
Development
Builds on earlier themes of how people grow beyond family expectations
In Your Life:
You might recognize the shock of seeing your child or sibling in an adult role that doesn't match your mental picture of them
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Each family member processes the war news differently—Sonya worries for love, Petya boasts from inexperience, Natasha feels real consequences
Development
Deepens the exploration of how the same event affects people differently based on their emotional investment
In Your Life:
You might see this when family crisis reveals how differently each person handles stress and fear
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Nicholas downplays his wounds in his letter, following the expectation that soldiers protect their families from worry
Development
Shows how social roles dictate emotional expression even in intimate family relationships
In Your Life:
You might notice how you filter your struggles when talking to parents or children to meet expected roles
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Natasha experiences the weight of real consequences for the first time, moving from childhood innocence toward adult understanding
Development
Continues her journey from naive girl toward mature woman through exposure to serious situations
In Your Life:
You might remember your own moments when play and imagination gave way to understanding real stakes
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Anna Mikhaylovna prepare the countess gradually for Nicholas's news instead of just telling her directly?
analysis • surface - 2
How do different family members react to the same news about Nicholas being wounded - and what does this reveal about their personalities?
analysis • medium - 3
Think of a time when bad news hit your family or workplace. Did everyone want to hear it the same way, or did people need different approaches?
application • medium - 4
If you had to deliver difficult news to three different people - someone who worries easily, someone who wants all the facts immediately, and someone who shuts down under stress - how would you adjust your approach for each?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about the gap between those experiencing a crisis and those waiting at home - and how does this apply to modern situations like deployment, illness, or job loss?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Crisis Communication Style
Think of three important people in your life - family member, friend, coworker. Now imagine you have difficult news to share with each of them (job loss, health scare, relationship problem). Write down how you would approach each person differently based on their personality and how they handle stress. Consider their need for detail, timing, and emotional support.
Consider:
- •Some people need time to process while others want immediate action plans
- •Your own stress might make you default to one approach for everyone
- •The relationship dynamic affects how much filtering or directness is appropriate
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone delivered difficult news to you in exactly the right way - or exactly the wrong way. What made the difference, and what did you learn about your own needs during crisis?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 56: Old Friends, Different Paths
As the story unfolds, you'll explore success changes people and relationships in unexpected ways, while uncovering social class differences become more obvious during times of change. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.