Kutuzov and Napoleon: comparative characteristics (based on Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace")

The novel "War and Peace" is one of the most popular and famous works of the 19th century not only in Russia, but all over the world. He was recognized by domestic and European critics immediately after publication. All this is due to the incredible talent of Lev Nikolaevich Tolstov, who created a multifaceted work that has no analogues in the literature.

This article is devoted to two characters of this incredible work. In the center of our attention will be Kutuzov and Napoleon, the comparative characteristics of which are of great ideological significance. The novel will not be correctly understood without understanding the role of these characters.

Creativity L.N. Tolstoy

The first work that brought Tolstoy famous - a collection of "Sevastopol stories." The basis for years of military service writer during the Crimean War.

However, success did not prompt Tolstoy to start writing activity, on the contrary, after a while he decided to start farming and went to Yasnaya Polyana. And already here, after the marriage, the greatest and most famous works are born: "Anna Karenina", "War and Peace", "Kreutzer Sonata", "Sunday". At the same time Tolstoy opens a school for children of all classes, including serfs, creates a special alphabet.

The writer's life journey ends in 1910 at the railway station. All his life, Lev Nikolaevich tried to comprehend the world and understand the role of man in it. His concept of personality in history was reflected in the characters of the novel "War and Peace" (Kutuzov and Napoleon). Comparative characteristics of these characters completely reflect the writer's attitude not only to the causes of great events, but also to the war itself, as well as to those who start it.

The novel "War and Peace"

"War and Peace" is a novel without precedents. This unique work earned its success not only in the scope of the described historical events, but also in the way Tolstoy was able to present them. Secular receptions are replaced by battle scenes, images of kings and emperors alternate with the depiction of soldiers. The writer depicts all aspects of life in Russia, from the cultural to the military.

Especially skillfully Tolstoy approached the image of the characters, having prescribed them to the last detail and the smallest line of character. Every hero is an original person with his own merits and demerits. Including, Kutuzov and Napoleon, whose comparative characteristics are of interest to us in the first place, appear on the pages of the novel by completely different personalities. All their actions are quite natural and are related to their character and concept of the world.

Kutuzov and Napoleon: comparative characteristics

First of all, it should be noted that for Tolstoy Kutuzov and Napoleon have a clear moral and moral assessment, which determined the victory of one and the defeat of the other. In fact, the outcome of the war is a legitimate victory of justice over inhumanity.

Therefore, these heroes are opposed to each other, just as good can be opposed only to evil. Their appearance, speech, character, manners, aspirations, experiences are completely different. There are no similarities between Kutuzov and Napoleon, the comparative characteristics (the quotes are presented below) only confirm this.

Role in history: Kutuzov and Napoleon

Tolstoy had his own understanding of historical processes. The great writer believed that the decisive role is assigned to the people, but the personality, however outstanding, can not change anything.

It is in this concept that the main contradiction between Kutuzov and Napoleon is concluded. The Russian commander does not try to control, he understands that everything depends on the people's power, and his role is only to organize and inspire the soldiers. On the contrary, Bonaparte considers himself the master of the situation. He imagines himself almost a god and does everything to fulfill his desire to become the ruler of the world. He does not care about the opinion of his people, Napoleon does not pay attention to his soldiers, he does not care about anyone but himself.

"Kutuzov and Napoleon: a comparative characteristic" - an essay on a similar topic can be started just by comparing the attitude of commanders to their soldiers, as this reflects their attitude towards their people. Affectionate, paternally caring Kutuzov and narcissistic, indifferent Napoleon is the main characteristic of these heroes.

Appearance of Kutuzov and Napoleon

Outwardly, Kutuzov and Napoleon are as different as they are internally. Kutuzov, guided in his actions by the wisdom of the people, is almost always calm, unhurried, simple in gestures and facial expressions. He often smiles, "old-fashioned" grumbling, open and devoid of any kind of pretense. His slowness is connected with the understanding of what is happening, Kutuzov always knows how the battle will end and what the arguments will lead to.

Napoleon is completely different, his image is full of falsehood, pretense and posturing. He's small, fat, fussy. His smiles are unpleasant, and speeches are feigned.

How heaven and earth differ from each other Kutuzov and Napoleon, a comparative characteristic (the table with quotes is presented below) only confirms this.

The character of Napoleon and Kutuzov

Kutuzov Tolstoy gives the people, truly Russian wisdom. Patriotism, spiritual wealth, philanthropy and care - that's the main thing in this character. He knows that war and death can not be justified. Therefore, nature itself, embodied in the people's power, tries to prevent a fatal beginning. Kutuzov feels his unity with the people, he recognizes himself only as part of a great whole and is subject to the course of history.

Napoleon, on the contrary, imagining himself an exceptional personality, wants to certainly command what is happening. What different traits in themselves embodied Kutuzov and Napoleon, the comparative characteristic (the table is presented below) confirms this. Bonaparte lives only for himself, he does not care about the number of victims and other people's losses, the main thing is to get his way. Having imagined himself the master of destinies, the French emperor continues to care about how he looks. Tolstoy deliberately taunts him, letting the reader understand the pettiness and insignificance of Napoleon.

Kutuzov and Napoleon: a comparative characteristic. Table with quotations

Conclusion

Tolstoi clearly and unambiguously depicted Kutuzov and Napoleon. Comparative characteristics can be briefly expressed by one phrase: the opposition of good and evil. And he who embarked on the path of destruction does not deserve either compassion or understanding. It is from these positions that he depicts the battle of these two great people, with his idealism, Lev Nikolaevich.