Critique of "Pierre Bezukhov by Leo Tolstoy"

Critique of "Pierre Bezukhov by Leo Tolstoy"

To put it in my own words, Gallic, Gallo, and Novak are arguing three things: first, that Leo Tolstoy intended to write a book centered on his concepts of ethics and the philosophy of history. Second, that these ideas are embodied by a central character whom they argue is none other than Pierre Bezukhov based on his embodiment of the themes of the text, his role in advancing the action of the story, and his prevalence within the novel. And third, that Pierre is also the embodiment of Tolstoy himself within the novel.

Now, from the beginning one of these goals is in error. To suggest that Pierre can be equated with Tolstoy is an argument that can never be absolutely confirmed. It would be better to say that Pierre embodies some of Tolstoy's own ideas, but even then, how can anyone determine where the fictional character ends and the real man begins?

As for the point that Pierre embodies the central theme of the text, there seems to be in confusion about what this theme is. Our authors explicitly write that the theme is "Pierre's search for meaning in life," yet the essay focuses more on his quest for spiritual fulfillment and for happiness than for meaning in life. Which is the real central theme of the text? If the answer is all three, then that is what should have been explicitly stated.

And finally, the essay concludes with points that have completely departed from the introduction and thesis of the paper. While I was impressed with the idea that Tolstoy's intention is to write about his ethical and historical philosophies, which I think may be true, in the beginning of the paper it says that Pierre embodies these ideas and is therefore the central character of the text. Yet, the conclusion says:

Thus the only character in War and Peace that can justifiably be called the main character is Pierre. Pierre is a balance between Andrew's reason and Natasha's passion, using both as a guide to his actions. As the novel progresses, he learns how to use each of the traits at the appropriate moment. Pierre makes many mistakes over the course of the book, but he learns from them and eventually experiences a change within himself and uses this new realization to bring change to Natasha and other characters in the novel. Tolstoy presents Pierre’s struggle and movement toward faith as redemptive and positive. For these reasons, Pierre Bezukhov, and not War and Peace, is the more adequate title for Tolstoy’s novel.

I don't at all see the connection between the original points and the concluding ones. The essay never completes its original argument and instead finishes with an off-topic conclusion.

Sincerely,

F. R. Leavis