How does Tolstoy weave together fictional characters and real historical events to produce a commentary on the past?

Natasha loves Pierre, Andrei, and Anatole at different points in the novel. What do these romances say about her growth as a character?

The Rostovs are bad at maintaining their fortune. How do their significant financial problems shape Nikolai as a character?

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Before You Read

Explore War and Peace reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read War and Peace | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore War and Peace and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

War and Peace Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1, Part 1

War and Peace Book 1, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Part 2

War and Peace Book 1, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Part 3

War and Peace Book 1, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 1

War and Peace Book 2, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 2

War and Peace Book 2, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 3

War and Peace Book 2, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 4

War and Peace Book 2, Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Part 5

War and Peace Book 2, Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Part 1

War and Peace Book 3, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Part 2

War and Peace Book 3, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Part 3

War and Peace Book 3, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 4, Part 1

War and Peace Book 4, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Book 4, Part 2

War and Peace Book 4, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 4, Part 3

War and Peace Book 4, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Book 4, Part 4

War and Peace Book 4, Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue, Part 1

War and Peace Epilogue, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Epilogue, Part 2

War and Peace Epilogue, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

War and Peace Character Analysis

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Themes

War and Peace Themes

Symbols & Motifs

War and Peace Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

War and Peace Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

War and Peace Essay Topics

War and Peace

Essay Topics

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