Leo Tolstoy wrote “Sevastopol Tales” (first part) a month after the siege in 1854. This is an imaginary city tour. Summary “Sevastopol Stories” is not able to convey, of course, the entire depth of the work. Turning to the reader to “you,” the author suggests that he become a witness to what happened in hospitals, on the redoubts and bastions of the besieged city.
"Sevastopol Stories": a summary of part 1 of the events in December 1854
In December in Sevastopol in 1854 there was no snow, but it was frosty. The usual military morning began in the city. On the approach to the pier, the air was filled with the smells of manure, coal, dampness and meat. People marched on the pier: soldiers, sailors, merchants, women. Steamboats and skiffs filled with people constantly moored and set sail.
At the thought that he was in Sevastopol, pride and courage filled the soul, and blood began to flow faster through the veins. Although the sight, representing a mixture of a beautiful city and a dirty military bivouac or military camp, was terrible.
In the Sevastopol hospital, which is located in the large assembly hall, the wounded communicate. One sailor does not remember the pain, although he lost his leg. Another patient is lying on the floor, a bandaged remainder of his hand peeks out from under the covers. A choking unpleasant odor emanates from him. Nearby lies a woman-sailor without legs, she brought her husband lunch at the bastion and came under fire. The wounded were bandaged right in the operating room, they watched in horror amputations, hearing the screams and groans of the sick. Around suffering, blood and death.
The most dangerous place is the fourth bastion. The officer, quietly pacing from embrasure to embrasure, says that after the bombing, only one gun and only eight people remained in action on his battery, but the next morning he was firing again from all his guns. From the embrasure, you can see the enemy's fortifications - they are close. In the sailors serving the gun, in the width of their shoulders, in each muscle, in each of their solid and unhurried movements, the components of Russian power are visible - simplicity and obstinacy. Anyone who saw this would understand that you can’t take Sevastopol.
"Sevastopol Stories": a summary of part 2 of the events of May 1855
Already six months the war for Sevastopol. Many people's ambitions were offended, thousands were satisfied, but thousands calmed down, embraced by death. One may doubt the warriors have reason because the war is illogical - this is crazy.
Among walking along the boulevard is the infantry staff captain Mikhailov, who, in addition to awards and money, wants to enter the circle of the military "aristocracy". It was formed by the adjutant Kalugin, Prince Galtsin, Lt. Col. Neferdov and captain Praskukhin. They are arrogant towards Mikhailov.
The next morning, Mikhailov went instead of an officer who fell ill for the thirteenth time at the bastion. A bomb exploded next to him, Praskukhin was killed. Kalugin also went there, but to the headquarters. Wanting to inspect the fortifications, he asks the captain to show them. But the captain has been fighting on the bastion for six months now, and not from time to time, like Kalugin. The period of vanity and risk has already passed, he has already received awards and understands that his luck is coming to an end. Therefore, he entrusts the adjutant to the young lieutenant, with whom they compete uselessly at risk, it seems to them that they are bolder than the captain.
"Sevastopol Stories": a summary of part 3 of the events of August 1855
Kozeltsov Mikhail, an officer who was respected in the army, returned to the besieged Sevastopol after being wounded. A lot of people gathered at the station. There are not enough horses at all. Among those waiting, Mikhail meets his own brother, Vladimir, in the position of ensign going to the army.
Volodya was assigned to a battery located on the Ship. The ensign cannot sleep for a long time; gloomy forebodings interfere with him.
The elder Kozeltsov, arriving at the new commander, gets his old company. They used to be comrades, but now there is a wall of subordination between them. In the company, everyone is happy about the return of Kozeltsov, both soldiers and officers respect him.
Volodya gets acquainted with artillery officers. Junker Vlang is especially friendly with him. Both of them are sent to a very dangerous battery on the Malakhov Hill. All of Volodya's theoretical knowledge turns out to be useless on a battery. Wounded two soldiers, no one to repair the guns. Junker is so scared that he only thinks about staying alive. Soldiers of his team are hiding in Volodya's dugout.
In the morning the battery guns are already in order. Volodya is very glad that he was not afraid, but rather can fulfill his duties well, he loses his sense of danger.
The assault on the French takes by surprise the elder Kozeltsov. He jumps out with his little saber forward, inspiring the soldier. Having received a mortal wound in the chest, he asks if the French were knocked out or not. Out of pity they say that yes, they knocked out. He dies, thinking of his brother and rejoicing that he has fulfilled his duty.
Volodya commands his battery easily and cheerfully, but the French still go around and kill him. On the barrow is the French flag. Vlang, along with the battery, is transported by steamer to a safe place. He bitterly regrets the death of Volodya.
Soldiers, leaving the city, say that the French do not stay long in it. Each retreating looks at the abandoned Sevastopol with pain and bitterness, accumulating in the soul hatred of the enemy.
In compositional and emotional terms - a complex work "Sevastopol Stories." The summary cannot convey all of its storylines and artistic value.