Margo Stewart
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read

I think I would title this chapter, a non-logical decision. I have recently been rereading my Tillich to refresh certain ideas. The main one is, Logos, which is defined as the meaningful structure of reality. As I looked at this chapter for a second time it struck me that Pierre does not seem to have a meaningful structure of reality. He idly plays at cards trying to get an idea of what to do with his life other than being a Count. It is only by chance that he comes upon the flogging of a French cook that Pierre becomes upset and seems to look at reality afresh. The sentence which strikes me is Pierre observing the crowd as they talk “loudly” as they watch the Frenchman cry. It seemed to Pierre that they spoke in a loud voice, “To stifle their feelings of pity.” The chapter ends with Pierre happily on his way to battle with “the fact of sacrificing in itself afforded him a new and joyous sensation.” Pierre feels happy but he is not even sure why except he feels he is making a sacrifice for something, he knows not what. For me I see Pierre struggling yet again. There seems to be a tremendous irony that Pierre makes his decision observing a Russian prince having a French cook who is mercilessly beaten because he is suspected of being a spy. The Russians ape the French and yet they flog them, while looking on with “dismay”. There does not appear to be any logic or meaning in what is going on either in Lobnoe Place or Pierre’s decision-making.

    Margo Stewart

    Written by