The image and description of the oak in the novel "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy

In order to compose the most complete portrait of the hero, Leo Tolstoy in his work addresses various facets of the personality. It can be hardly noticeable movements of the face, glitter of eyes, or a smile ... However, when describing the internal state, an important role is played not only by emotions, but also by their external manifestations. The writer finds other traits that can show his readers the "dialectic of the soul". In the article, let us dwell on the image of oak from the novel "War and Peace", which helps to reveal the state of mind of Andrei Bolkonsky.

L. N. Tolstoy. "War and Peace". Oak

Andrew meets this tree on his way to Otradnoe (the estate of the Rostovs). The prince behind his shoulders is rich in content, although a short life. He had already seen all the facets of both the world and the wars and had firmly believed that everything in this world was over for him. Seeing the tree, Bolkonsky again remembers the way he has traveled, but does not change his attitude to himself. The delights of spring are not able to give a fresh breath of a new life.

However, it is the oak in War and Peace that becomes the key aspect in the fate of the protagonist. Andrew does not understand what the coachman Peter can enjoy. The only one the prince finds himself in allies is the old oak, which is older than the birches, probably once every ten. The tree further confirmed Bolkonski's opinion that he must live out his life, "not wanting anything or worrying".

Opposition to the Spring Revival

Description of the oak in the novel "War and Peace" helps to understand why Andrew took it as the only ally among the beauty of the fabulous spring forest. It was a huge tree with broken boughs and bark. Between the smiling birches he stood with his asymmetrical branches like a monster, and one only did not want to obey the spring charm. Too much in his time saw an old oak tree. War and peace brought him frustration and wounds, as evidenced by damage on his bark.

Tolstoy, when describing this picture, deftly applies one technique. He shows the meeting of two native souls, opposing the general merriment. But still they remain alone: Andrew - in life, wood - in the forest. Nothing will change from the fact that two native souls have decided to close from others and from the world. After all, life continues, bringing new impressions and events, gradually eclipsing any sadness.

Natasha Rostova

Revive Bolkonsky to life was able to Natasha Rostov. He was impressed by her sincere admiration for everything that is around. She is so directly pleased with the usual night that Andrei begins to think about the fact that things that are inconspicuous at first sight can inspire a person. When Bolkonsky returns from Otradnoye, he sees that in the summer the summer has already come into its own, and can not find the tree with which he had been so alone lately in the realm of waking nature.

Crucial moment

Description of the oak in the novel "War and Peace" is very important, because this tree is shown exactly by the eyes of Prince Andrew. Tolstoy uses this image to reveal the inner world of the hero, who is not inclined to speak directly about his fears and worries. Bolkonsky only with Pierre allows himself a little pootkrovennichat. And when the friend is not there, it is the description of the oak in the novel "War and Peace" that gives us an opportunity to understand what is happening in Andrei's soul and what changes have taken place in him. The hero, like this very oak, came to life under the tender sun and began, as again met on the birch road, to enjoy the summer days. With her admiration Natasha Rostov gave impetus to the fire in the prince.

Bolkonsky strengthened his opinion when he saw a tree again. It seemed as if he was also happy about life, and Andrei admired him. Description of the oak in the novel "War and Peace" now painted a transformed giant, stretched in a tent of luscious greenery, which flourished, swaying in the sunlight. Wounds and sores hid the new foliage, and the prince thought that, probably, his wounds could be healed. So, he can start life with a new leaf.

The Healing Power of Nature

Oak from "War and Peace" as if passes the steps of the character's revival. Seeing the young leaves making their way through the century-old bark, Bolkonsky realizes that he can go forward and lean against not dark dark moments, but bright memories. Prince Andrew realizes that just admiration for life and renewal allow us to move to new heights, and not to hide our talents and youth behind the "bark with sores". You need to live not only for yourself, but for others, so that they too have the opportunity to consider the best that he has hidden for so long.

Thus, the meeting of the protagonist with the oak became a turning point, which showed that it is never too late to start life from a clean page. And the surrounding, perhaps, it will help him. Indeed, during his awakening Bolkonsky remembers Natasha, Pierre and this resurrected oak.

Finally

So, the image of the old tree in the narrative plays several key roles. He not only opens the door to the inner world of the hero, but he himself is a character, thanks to which Prince Andrey Bolkonsky finds the path of rebirth to a beautiful new life. But the image of the oak at the same time allows the author to demonstrate to the readers those qualities and traits of the hero, which through the description of appearance would not have turned out.

The description of this tree will make anyone think about the meaning of life, overestimate some moments, remember that nothing lasts forever on earth. The fragment of the meeting of the hero with the oak leads to the thought that a man finds happiness only when he ceases to flee from him when he opens himself to love. This is the law of life.