The epic novel "War and Peace" is one of the main assets of Russian literature. Princess Marya Bolkonskaya is one of the central female characters. She is a kind of opposite of Natasha Rostova, who grew up in an atmosphere of love and used to express her feelings. The princess has a different character warehouse, which is no less interesting and complex than that of other heroes of the work. Below is a description of Marya Bolkonskaya with quotes.
The appearance of the heroine
In the characterization of Marya Bolkonskaya, it should be noted that the princess was not at all beautiful. On the contrary, there was nothing remarkable in her, and some even considered her a fool. Even the efforts of the little princess and her companion to make her a secular beauty did not bring results.
The most beautiful in the appearance of the princess were her eyes: "... Rays of kind and timid light shone from her large eyes." This inner light made her ugly face spiritualized and sublime. And those around her no longer noticed her flaws - because "... in her beautiful eyes were love and sadness ...". Princess Mary’s beauty was special - not external, but internal, which made her more beautiful.
Description of the heroine's personality
In the characterization of Marya Bolkonskaya, it should be noted that the princess was distinguished by thoughtfulness and prudence. She is very kind, modest and calm. The princess almost immediately attracted people to her - "... with a meek and timid princess Marya, despite the fact that he almost did not know them, he immediately felt like an old friend." The girl always tried to find good in those around, even if they could not always appreciate her.
Princess Mary spent her whole life in the village, and she liked her quiet, measured and solitary life. She takes care of her father, even though he is too strict on her. The princess finds comfort in religion and helps homeless wanderers. In the future, it is the meek and calm Mary who will be able to influence her too straightforward husband, Nikolai Rostov. She, as an exemplary wife, will devote much time to raising children and will become an example of a meek and kind character for her husband.
Comparison with Natasha Rostova
You can also include a comparison with the main character of the novel, Natasha Rostova, in the characterization of Marya Bolkonskaya. The differences begin with upbringing: the princess lived in the village, alone with her father, who was strict and often unjust to her daughter. Natasha’s childhood and youth were spent in a large family in which she was a universal darling and whom many pranks were forgiven.
Natasha, too, was not beautiful, but she was found charming and sweet. If Marya always tried to be guided by reason and was restrained in the manifestation of emotions, then Natasha was always direct in the manifestation of her feelings.
But the heroines had a lot in common. They tried to see good in people, and for them, the most important was kindness in a person. Marya and Natasha also further devoted themselves to the family and greatly loved their husbands.
Relations with other heroes
In the characterization of Marya Bolkonskaya, one can also describe her relationship with other heroes of the epic novel. The closest person to the princess was her older brother, Prince Andrei. He always cared for his sister, knowing the complex nature of their father.
Her closest friend was the frivolous Julie Karagin. Princess Bezukhova Princess Marya knew from childhood and considered a wonderful person. Most of all, she loved her husband, children and nephew. The girl always tried to see good things in people, to help them and supported them.
In the characterization of Princess Marya Bolkonskaya, it should be noted that this character has not changed much throughout the entire epic novel (as, for example, Natasha Rostova). That's because she was already a mature personality with strong beliefs and principles.