What is a secular society? The concept and description (based on the novel "War and Peace")

Secular society in the novel "War and Peace" - one of the key themes in the study of the epic. After all, it is an integral part of what is happening. Against this background, the main features of the main characters who are his representatives are most clearly visible. And, finally, it also indirectly participates in the development of the plot.

general characteristics

Secular society in the novel occupies a prominent place. And it is not accidental that the narrative begins with him. The aristocratic salon of one of the heroines becomes a kind of scene. It confronts the interests, opinions, ideas of the nobles, among whom are the main actors of the work: Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and Pierre Bezukhov. And the reader immediately raises the question: what is this most secular society that occupies such a prominent place in the novel?

The writer describes in great detail a collection of people, which is commonly called this concept. He shows that it consists of representatives of the highest aristocracy, who are almost all cold, arrogant, prim and engaged only in their own advantage. Against this background, the sincerity, frankness, sociability and friendliness of Pierre, the nobility and dignity of Prince Andrew are shaded even more.

Description of behavior

Important role in the first chapters of the work is played by secular society. "War and Peace" is a novel-epic. And so the psychology of the main characters unfolds on a broad background. In this case, the reader sees the central characters surrounded by typical representatives of the higher nobility. The writer describes them as externally very mannered, mannered, polite and helpful people. They make a pleasant impression and seem kind. However, the author immediately makes it clear: this is only an appearance. For example, when describing Prince Vasily, the writer emphasizes that his face looked like a mask. Thus, he immediately gives the reader to understand that everything that is happening in the cabin is false and unnatural.

Princess's salon

Another representative of the high society, Anna Pavlovna Scherer, produces about the same impression. Although the first time she seems very sociable and good-natured. But from the way she treats Pierre, the reader understands: her kindness and helpfulness are deceived. In fact, this woman only cares about decency and decency in her salon. The secular society that has gathered it must behave according to a strictly established procedure. And those who hold on differently, she does not favor. Pierre allows himself to directly and frankly express his thoughts, which immediately causes her displeasure.

Nobles of St. Petersburg

Secular society, represented in the novel, lives in the two main cities of the country: St. Petersburg and Moscow. The aristocracy of the Northern capital mostly spends its time visiting balls, receptions, indulging in other entertainments. However, the author is extremely negative about these people, who behind the external cheerfulness and good-naturedness hide a coldness, stiffness and arrogance. Any sincere manifestation of feelings among them is not welcome. On the contrary, all life goes according to the planned order, the deviation from which is extremely undesirable.

Sincere expression of feelings, free expression of their opinions also meets criticism. They do not appreciate the inner, spiritual beauty. But, on the contrary, gloss gloss is of great importance. A vivid example is the image of Helen Bezukhova. Outwardly, she is very beautiful and effective, but in fact she is not a person in the moral sense of the word. It is not surprising that Pierre quickly breaks off with her: being sincere by nature, he could not reconcile himself to the hypocrisy of his wife.

The aristocracy of Moscow

Secular society of the capital of Russia the author described with greater sympathy and warmth. The following curious fact draws attention to itself. At first glance, these people are very similar to the capital's nobility. However, very soon it turns out that they are more sincere, good-natured, honest and sociable. In general, they make a very good impression, despite the fact that the writer notes their shortcomings.

The description of secular society in Moscow should begin with a review of the Rostov family. Its members are open, hospitable, friendly, sociable. They are more open and spontaneous in the manifestation of their thoughts and feelings, unlike other aristocracy. So, the old count is very cheerful and friendly. He enters into all the details of the forthcoming holiday, revealing in the dialogue the features of a very good-natured and direct person. This he immediately captures the sympathy of readers who feel the difference between him and his guests, Princess Anna Scherer and her salon, where all are stiff and busy only by performing formalities.

The Bolkonsky family as the best representatives of the nobility

Characteristics of secular society in the novel-epopee in question should be supplemented by an overview of the families of the main actors. Since it is in their characters that the author embodied those features that he considered the best among the higher world. For example, Bolkonskie lead a rather closed way of life. And only Prince Andrew is periodically in the light. But the reader immediately understands that he does it solely for observing the necessary formalities.

In fact, he is so obviously alien, although he is always accepted as a representative of a rich and noble family. Nevertheless, the prince does not like the people around him, because he feels falsity and hypocrisy in their communication. Therefore, he aspires to the war to escape from the bored existence, which was filled with meaningless visits, balls and receptions. This immediately identifies the prince among the rest of the nobility of Petersburg.

Princess Mary, his sister, led a very private way of life. And she retained her best qualities as a moral person. That's why she attracts Nicholas Rostov, who, after all, marries her, and not Sone, whom he has been in love with since childhood. Prince Nikolai Andreyevich was an ancient nobleman, who, despite all his severity, retained the nobility, honesty and openness of the nobleman. Perhaps, that is why he did not fit in with the capital's aristocratic circles and hopelessly sat in his estate, not going anywhere.

Family of Rostovs

These people are also the best representatives of the nobility of the time under consideration. They are very different from the Bolkonski both in character and in lifestyle. However, they are united by honest and decent behavior, openness, kindness, sincerity. The first are more closed, others are open, sociable, friendly. However, neither one nor the other does not fit into the familiar concept of secular society.

The Rostovs enjoy universal respect and love. And this is indicative in the sense that not all the upper strata were stiff and cold, like the guests in the salon of Princess Scherer. The images of the old count, his wife, Sonya, young Natasha, her brothers - Nikolai and Peter - are very attractive and attractive. They immediately have openness and immediacy to themselves. At the same time, the writer, striving for a maximum realistic depiction of reality, describes the shortcomings of these people, showing that they are also prone to make mistakes. For example, Nikolay Rostov loses a large sum and generally conducts a loose life. And yet these people have more positive qualities than negative ones. Therefore, the author of them, along with the Bolkonsky, considers the best representatives of the nobility.

A few words in conclusion

So, the image of the noble estate and its way of life is presented in the novel in sufficient detail, expressively, and most importantly - realistically. In this case, one recalls what the princess says about a secular society: in her opinion, it is a certain backbone of the social life of that time. Therefore, when referring to a work, one should pay much attention to this topic.