Kutuzov: the image in the novel "War and Peace". Characteristics of Kutuzov

L.N. Tolstoy was convinced that history can not be decided by one person, no matter how outstanding. In his view, the fate of the state, even in the most difficult moments of its existence, was decided by the people.

This approach was reflected in the image of the commander, under the leadership of which the Russian army was able to complete victory over the French in 1812. Mikhail Kutuzov in Tolstoy - a model of the spirit carrier and the will of the whole people. Thanks to the talent of the military tactic, readiness and ability to defend one's opinion, to the fatherly attitude towards the soldiers, he won the love and respect of the Russian army.

Historical reference

Golenishchev-Kutuzov Mikhail Illarionovich, born in 1745, went through a good military school, when he served under the leadership of Rumyantsev PA. And Suvorova A.V. Its rapid rise begins with the Russian-Turkish war of 1864-78.

Starting with the adjutant-wing of Prince Holstein-Beck in 1861, 30 years later he received the rank of general. Mikhail Kutuzov was a member of the royal palace under Catherine II and Paul I, repeatedly awarded high awards for military valor.

Alexander I, who came to power in 1802, first appointed him military governor and civil affairs manager in two provinces, but a year later he was dismissed. The hostile relationship between the new emperor and Kutuzov remained until the death of the latter in 1813. Despite this, in 1805, Mikhail Illarionovich was appointed commander-in-chief of one of the Russian armies sent to Austria, and in the summer of 1812, at the insistence of the nobility, commander-in-chief of all Russian troops and militias.

"War and Peace": a description of Kutuzov in the novel

For the first time the reader sees the hero at the show at Braunau. Against the backdrop of an Austrian general dressed in snow-white uniform, Kutuzov, who stepped heavily and seemed not to notice the regiment that stretched before him, was more like an ordinary man than a commander-in-chief.

The author more than once emphasizes the smile that slid over his wound-disfigured face when he turned to the soldiers. This is the first characteristic of Kutuzov.

"War and Peace" includes several compositionally important scenes, the commander of which is the commander, and he is always natural. His face was animated by an affectionate smile, then a mockery. He is not at all embarrassed by the fact that he hardly climbs on horseback or begins to doze during the military council. Not hiding, in front of everyone, can brush away a tear from his eyes or show fatigue. Even the chicken eats as if with effort. At the same time, it looks wise, calm and responsible for the country and people throughout the entire length of the novel "War and Peace". Quotations of Kutuzov - one of the most significant details that help to make an idea of this man. "Woe to the land in which subordinates, superiors and courts, and not laws, govern citizens and affairs!" - this and other statements allow one to understand his inner convictions and explain some of his actions.

Looking to Braunau

The main goal pursued by the commander-in-chief, organizing the review, is to show how the Russian army is not capable of joining the battle at the given moment.

In this scene, Kutuzov's attitude towards the soldiers can not go unnoticed. He carefully looks over their outfits, especially the shoes, and shaking his head, makes it clear to the Austrian general how bad everything is. Special attention is paid to Mikhail Illarionovich to the soldiers he knew from the Turkish campaign, and addressed to Timokhin by name and recalls his fighting prowess during the capture of Ishmael. Not a military boss, but an attentive administrator - this impression is made during the review of Kutuzov.

The image in the novel "War and Peace" of this commander throughout the whole work changes little. The same we will see it during the Battle of Borodino or the offensive near Smolensk.

Austerlitz Battle

The next important episode for understanding the character of the hero is the military council, to which all the generals, except Bagration, have gathered. Kutuzov also came, who at first with his whole appearance showed discontent with what was happening, and then fell asleep. This can not be called a simple disorder and irresponsibility. The battle is doomed to failure, and no "brilliant" plans will help here - the experienced military leader Kutuzov was absolutely sure of that, the image in the novel "War and Peace" which always causes respect and admiration.

He does not argue with the emperor. Alexander I arrived in the morning to the place of the future battle, confident in the upcoming victory. It seemed that his condition was passed on to everyone around him, and only Kutuzov's heart contracted with pain and understanding that the death of many soldiers would be meaningless. Committed to fulfill the will of the sovereign, he gives the order for the offensive. And what happened next - a disorderly retreat that could not be stopped - shocked even the warlord ready for defeat.

battle of Borodino

During the decisive battle for the country, the commander-in-chief of the whole Russian army is Kutuzov, the image in the novel "War and Peace" in this case does not correspond much to the idea of what a real military leader should be. It seems that he just watches what is happening and does nothing serious. In fact, this is not so. The author expressed his attitude to the behavior of Mikhail Illarionovich through the perception of his actions by Andrei Bolkonsky. This is what the prince thinks about on the eve of the battle: "He [Kutuzov] will not think of anything, he will do nothing, but he will listen to everything, remember everything, put everything in his place, nothing useful will not interfere and will not allow anything harmful. He understands that there is something more significant than his will ... "This was something the fighting spirit of the soldiers, who decided the outcome of the whole battle. Indeed, Kutuzov's calmness and confidence were immediately transferred to officers and soldiers. Therefore, the point of view is correct that in the battle of Borodino the Russian army won over the French a moral victory, which was enough for the outcome of the Patriotic War to be decided.

Council in Fili

The key to understanding Kutuzov's character was the evening after the Battle of Borodino. The council in Fili is shown through the eyes of a little girl who was not able to figure out what was happening in the hut. But she immediately noticed Mikhail Illarionovich, who was affectionately called grandfather. She certainly wanted to have the upper hand in a dispute with the unpleasant Bennigsen.

In fact, the issue was resolved seriously: to give Napoleon a battle or to leave Moscow. Many of the assembled generals understood that the new battle meant inevitable death for the entire Russian army, but only Kutuzov found the courage to resist Benigsen and take responsibility for the decision made on himself: "... I ... by the authority given to me by the sovereign and fatherland, I order retreat". To him, a truly Russian person, was the road "the sacred ancient capital of Moscow", but when it was a question of saving the whole army and the homeland, he considered such a sacrifice justified.

Kutuzov's place among other historical figures of the novel

The novel-epic is a large-scale depiction of the life of Russia over a long period. The history of the three notable aristocratic families, the reign of Alexander I and Speransky's well-known reforms, the participation of Russia in the war against Napoleon in the territory of Eastern Europe and the Patriotic War of 1812 - these events are described in his work by L. Tolstoy. "War and Peace" is truly one of the greatest works in Russian and world culture.

But of all historical figures only Kutuzov always and in everything evokes sympathy and approval of the author. And this is not accidental. If Alexander I, Napoleon and other generals think primarily about personal fame and power, then Mikhail Illarionovich puts the good of the Motherland first. After the council in Fili, he is tormented by a heavy thought: "When ... did it decide that Moscow was abandoned?" And to correct the situation, he was ready for anything. For Tolstoy, the commander became the personification of the spirit of the people, a model of a true patriot.

Death of Kutuzov

After the expulsion of the French army from Russia, the need for such a commander-in-chief as Mikhail Illarionovich was, according to L. Tolstoy, fell away. Now the soldier, inspired by his victories, could lead another commander. And the "representative of the Russian people" at a time when Russia has reached "the highest degree of its glory", "there is nothing more to do. The representative of the people's war had no choice but to die. "

But Kutuzov - the image in the novel "War and Peace", remembered forever - remained in Russian history as the greatest commander who managed thanks to his wisdom and experience, insight and intelligence, and most importantly, boundless love for his country and faith in the fighting spirit of the people to win the greatest of Victories in the history of mankind.