Political Themes in War and Peace
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Transcript
-by Tolstoy
Political Themes in War and Peace
Debate/questions
The Role of Literature in Shaping Society
Social Change and Revolution: Tolstoy and Dickens
To what extent do War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens respond to industrialization and social change
How do Tolstoy and Dickens use their respective works, War and Peace and A Tale of Two Cities, to critique political power and social change, and what lessons do they offer about the role of ordinarypeople in shaping history?
Critique of Political Power in War and Peace
SUMMARY
"In historical events, great men—so-called—are but the labels that give their names to events, and like labels, they have the least possible connection with the event itself."— Book 9, Part 1, Chapter 1
Tolstoy’s view is that history is shaped by collective and environmental forces, not by the will of individual leaders. He emphasizes that the events of the Napoleonic Wars were determined more by external factors and the strength of ordinary people than by the decisions of Napoleon or other political figures.
Concept: The "Great Man" Theory vs. Tolstoy’s View of History (War and Peace)
Napoleon Bonaparte and General Kutuzov (War and Peace)
Pierre Bézoukhov (War and Peace)
Critique of Political Power in War and Peace
- Key Idea: Revolution is central to the story.
- Example: The French Revolution is depicted as violent and chaotic.
- Dickens’ Warning:
- Characters like Madame Defarge illustrate how the revolution, meant to seek justice, can lead to revenge and bloodshed.
- Dickens warns against letting anger and hatred motivate social change.
How does Dickens portray social change in A Tale of Two Cities, and what is his stance on revolution?
- Key Idea: Society is changing slowly.
- Example: Pierre Bezukhov sees the rise of inequality in Russia.
- Tolstoy’s View:
How does Tolstoy portray social change in War and Peace, and what is his stance on revolution?
Social Change and Revolution: Tolstoy and Dickens
Dickens’ Political Activism
Literature as a Response to Social Change
Tolstoy’s Moral Critique
Tolstoy and Dickens on Literature and Social Change
The Role of Literature in Shaping Society
JOIN US FOR A WOOCLAP TO GIVE YOUR OPINIONS ON THESE QUESTIONS :-What do you think is the most effective way to bring about social change: through violence, as portrayed by Dickens, or through moral responsibility and gradual evolution, as Tolstoy suggests? Why?-In War and Peace, Tolstoy shows how ordinary people influence history. Do you think individual actions can make a big difference in society, or do you believe that working together in groups is more effective? Why?-Considering both Tolstoy's and Dickens' perspectives, how can literature inspire action and change in today's society? What role do you think modern authors should play in this context?
Debate/questions
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”-Tolstoy
Description:-> In War and Peace, Tolstoy contrasts two key figures of the Napoleonic Wars: Napoleon Bonaparte and General Mikhail Kutuzov. ->Napoleon, the Emperor of France, is celebrated as a military genius in much of Europe, known for his bold and strategic maneuvers. ->In contrast, General Kutuzov leads the Russian defense with a more humble and patient approach, focusing on the unpredictability of war and the power of time.
Character: Napoleon Bonaparte and General Kutuzov (War and Peace)
about the character :-> main characters in War and Peace-> the illegitimate son of a wealthy count, who inherits a vast fortune after his father’s death. ->struggles with his identity and purpose, initially living a life of indulgence and detachment. ->embarks on a journey of self-discovery, becoming more politically and morally conscious, especially about the inequalities in Russian society.
Character: Pierre Bézoukhov (War and Peace)
->Tolstoy uses Pierre to critique the incompetence and moral bankruptcy of the political elite. ->Pierre's growing awareness reflects Tolstoy’s argument that the aristocracy is more invested in maintaining power than addressing the needs of the people. ->Pierre’s journey symbolizes a broader moral awakening, challenging the traditional "great man" theory of history, as Tolstoy emphasizes the role of ordinary people and external forces, rather than powerful leaders, in shaping history.
Link with our idea :
Critique of Political Power -
A Quote :
""Napoleon felt himself to be the leader of the whole enterprise, as he believed... but in reality, all his activity was of no more importance than the movement of the smallest soldier."— Book 10, Part 3, Chapter 19"-> This quote illustrates Tolstoy’s view of Napoleon’s overconfidence and the futility of trying to control the vast, unpredictable forces of history.
->Kutuzov, on the other hand, embodies the wisdom of understanding limits. ->He is portrayed as patient and in tune with the larger, uncontrollable forces of history, demonstrating that effective leadership is not about domination but about recognizing the unpredictability of events and allowing time to work in one's favor.
->Tolstoy uses the juxtaposition of Napoleon and Kutuzov to critique different styles of leadership.-> Napoleon represents overconfidence and the belief that a leader can control everything, symbolizing the arrogance of unchecked power.-> Tolstoy shows that this hubris leads to Napoleon’s downfall during his Russian campaign, as he fails to account for forces beyond his control, like the harsh winter and the resilience of the Russian people.