Secular society in the novel "War and Peace" is one of the key topics in the study of the epic. After all, it is precisely it that is an integral part of the events taking place. Against its background, the main features of the main characters who are its 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 no coincidence that the story begins with him. The aristocratic salon of one of the heroines becomes a kind of scene. It encounters interests, opinions, ideas of nobles, among which are the main characters of the work: Prince Andrei Bolkonsky and Pierre Bezukhov. And the reader immediately raises the question: what is this very secular society, which 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, stiff and preoccupied only with their own benefit. Against this background, the sincerity, directness, sociability and friendliness of Pierre, the nobility and dignity of Prince Andrew are shaded even more.
Behavior description
An important place in the first chapters of the work is played by secular society. War and Peace is an epic novel. 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 outwardly very well-mannered, mannered, polite and helpful people. They make a good 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 was like a mask. Thus, he immediately makes it clear to the reader that everything that happens in the cabin is false and unnatural.
Princess's salon
Another representative of the upper world, Anna Pavlovna Scherer, makes about the same impression. Although the first time she seems very sociable and good-natured. But from the way she relates to Pierre, the reader understands that her kindness and helpfulness are simulated. In fact, this woman only cares about decency and decency in her salon. The secular society gathered at her should behave in a strictly established order. And those who hold differently, she does not favor. Pierre allows herself to express her thoughts directly and frankly, which immediately causes her discontent.
The nobles of St. Petersburg
Secular society, represented in the novel, lives in two main cities of the country: St. Petersburg and Moscow. The aristocracy of the Northern capital mainly spends its time attending balls, receptions, indulging in other entertainments. However, the author is extremely negative about these people, who hide coldness, stiffness and arrogance behind their outward gaiety and good nature. Any sincere manifestation of feelings among them is not welcome. On the contrary, all life goes according to a planned order, deviation from which is extremely undesirable.
Sincere expression of feelings, free expression of one’s opinion also meets with criticism. They do not appreciate the inner, spiritual beauty. But, on the contrary, flashy gloss is of great importance. A striking example is the image of Helen Bezukhovoy. Outwardly, she is very beautiful and spectacular, but she is not really a person in the moral sense of the word. It is not surprising that Pierre quickly breaks up with her: being sincere by nature, he was never able to reconcile with his wife's hypocrisy.
Moscow Aristocracy
The author described the secular society of the capital of Russia with greater sympathy and warmth. The following curious fact is noteworthy. At first glance, these people are very similar to the metropolitan nobility. However, it soon becomes clear 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.
A 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 direct in the manifestation of their thoughts and feelings, in contrast to other aristocracy. So, the old count is very cheerful and friendly. He enters into all the details of the upcoming holiday, revealing in the communication features of a person who is very good-natured and direct. With this, he immediately gains the sympathy of readers who feel the difference between him and his guests, Princess Anna Scherer and her salon, where everyone is prim and preoccupied only with formalities.
The Bolkonski family as the best representatives of the nobility
The characterization of secular society in this epic novel should be supplemented by an overview of the families of the main characters. Since it was in their characters that the author embodied those features that he considered the best among the upper world. For example, the Bolkonskys lead a rather closed life. And only Prince Andrew periodically appears in the light. But the reader immediately realizes that he is doing this solely to comply with the necessary formalities.
In fact, he is so clearly alien, although he is everywhere accepted as a representative of a rich and noble family. Nevertheless, the prince does not like the people around him, because he feels falsehood and hypocrisy in their communication. Therefore, he aspires to war in order to break out of an existence that has bothered him, which was filled with meaningless visits, balls and receptions. This immediately distinguishes the prince from other representatives of the nobility of St. Petersburg.
Princess Mary, his sister, led a very secluded lifestyle. And she retained her best qualities as a moral person. That is why she attracts Nikolai Rostov, who, in the end, marries her, and not on Sonya, whom he has been in love with since childhood. Prince Nikolai Andreevich was an old nobleman who, despite his severity, retained the nobility, honesty and openness of the nobleman. Perhaps that is why he did not fit into the aristocratic circles of the capital and sat hopelessly in his estate, without going anywhere.
Rostov family
These people are also the best representatives of the nobility of the time. They are very different from Bolkonskih both in character and in lifestyle. However, they are united by honest and decent behavior, openness, kindness, sincerity. The former are more closed, the others are open, sociable, friendly. However, neither one nor the other does not fit into the usual concept of secular society.
Rostovs enjoy universal respect and love. And this is indicative in the sense that not all the upper layers were stiff and cold, like guests in the salon of Princess Sherer. The images of the old count, his wife, Sonya, young Natasha, her brothers - Nikolai and Peter - are very cute and attractive. They immediately have openness and spontaneity to themselves. At the same time, the writer, striving for the most realistic depiction of reality, describes the shortcomings of these people, showing that they also tend to make mistakes. For example, Nikolai Rostov loses a large sum and generally leads a reckless lifestyle. And yet in these people there are 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 nobility and its way of life is presented in the novel in sufficient detail, expressively, and most importantly - realistically. In this case, I recall what the princess says about secular society: in her opinion, it is a kind of backbone of the then social life. Therefore, when referring to a work, much attention should be paid to this topic.