In this article, we will consider three stories of Tolstoy: we will describe their brief content, and analyze. "Sevastopol Stories" were published in 1855. They were written during their stay in Sevastopol Tolstoy. We will first describe the summary, and then tell about the work "Sevastopol Stories." The analysis (in December 1854, May and August 1955 the described events take place) will be easier to perceive, remembering the main points of the plot.
Sevastopol in December
Despite the fact that hostilities continue in Sevastopol, life goes on. Hot buns are sold by merchants; men are sold. Strange peace and camp life blended here. Everyone is scared, fussing, but this is a deceptive impression. Many people no longer notice explosions and shots, doing "everyday business". Only on the bastions can you see the defenders of Sevastopol.
Hospital
The description of the hospital continues Tolstoy "Sevastopol Tales." The summary of this episode is as follows. Wounded soldiers in the hospital share their impressions. The person who lost the leg does not remember the pain, because he did not think about it. A shell hit the woman who had taken her husband to lunch at the bastion, and her leg was cut off above her knee. Operations and dressings are done in a separate room. The wounded waiting in line see in horror as the doctors amputate the legs and arms of their comrades, and the paramedic throws the cut off parts of the bodies indifferently into the corner . So, describing the details, Tolstoy conducts analysis in the work "Sevastopol Stories". In August, nothing will essentially change. People will suffer the same way, and no one will understand that war is inhumane. Meanwhile, these spectacles shock the soul. The war appears not in a brilliant, beautiful system, with drumming and music, but in its present expression - in death, suffering, blood. The young officer who fought on the most dangerous bastion does not complain about the abundance of shells and bombs falling on his head, but about the dirt. This is a reaction to danger. The officer is too relaxed, cheeky and bold.
On the way to the fourth bastion
Less and less on the way to the fourth bastion (the most dangerous) there are non-military people. Stretchers with wounded are found more and more often. The artillery officer behaves calmly here, as he is used to the roar of explosions and the whistle of bullets. This hero tells how in his battery during the assault there was only one active gun, and also very few servants, but the next morning he again fired from all the guns.
The officer recalls how a bomb fell into a sailor's dugout, putting 11 people. In the movements, posture, faces of the defenders, the main features that make up the strength of the Russian person are visible - stubbornness and simplicity. However, it seems, as the author notes, that the suffering, anger and danger of war added traces of high thought and feeling, as well as self-esteem to them. Tolstoy conducts a psychological analysis in the work ("Sevastopol Stories"). He notes that everyone feels a vengeance on the enemy, malice. When a core flies directly at a person, some enjoyment does not leave him with a sense of fear. Then he expects himself that the bomb explodes closer - there is a “special charm” in such a game with death. The feeling of love for the Motherland lives in the people. In Russia, great traces of the events in Sevastopol will leave for a long time.
Sevastopol in May
The events of the work "Sevastopol Stories" in May continue. When analyzing the time of action, it should be noted that six months have passed since the beginning of the fighting in this city. Many died during this period. The most fair solution seems to be the original way of the conflict: if two soldiers fought, one from the Russian and French army, and the victory would be for the side for which the winner fought. This decision is logical, since it is better to fight one on one than 130 thousand against 130 thousand. From the point of view of Leo Tolstoy, war is illogical. This is either insanity or people are not as intelligent creatures as is commonly thought.
Officer Mikhailov
The military walk along the boulevards in the besieged city. Among them is the infantry officer Mikhailov, a long-legged, tall, awkward and stooped man. He received a letter recently from a friend. In it, a retired lancer writes how Natasha, his wife (a close friend of Mikhailov), watches with enthusiasm in the newspapers how his regiment moves, as well as the exploits of Mikhailov. He recalls bitterly his former circle, which is so much higher than the current one that the soldiers, when he told them about his life (how he played cards with a civilian general or danced at governor's balls), listened indifferently and incredulously.
Mikhailov's dream
This officer dreams of a promotion. On the boulevard, he meets Obzhogov, the captain, as well as ensign Suslikov. These are employees of his regiment. They greet Mikhailov, shake his hand. However, the officer does not want to deal with them. He yearns for the society of aristocrats. Lev Nikolaevich discusses vanity, conducts his analysis. "Sevastopol Stories" is a work in which there are a lot of author's digressions, thoughts on philosophical topics. Vanity, according to the author, is "a disease of our century." Therefore, there are three types of people. The former accept the beginning of vanity as a necessary fact, and therefore fair. These people freely obey him. Others see it as an insurmountable, miserable condition. Others slavishly, unconsciously act under the influence of vanity. So Tolstoy argues ("Sevastopol Stories"). His analysis is based on personal participation in the events described, on observations of people.
Twice Mikhailov hesitantly passes by a circle of aristocrats. In the end, he dares to say hello. Previously, this officer was afraid to approach them because these people might not have honored him at all with an answer to a greeting and thus pricked his sick vanity. Aristocratic society is Prince Galtsin, adjutant Kalugin, captain Praskukhin and Lt. Col. Neferdov. They behave towards Mikhailov rather arrogantly. Galtsin, for example, takes an officer by the arm and walks with him a little just because he knows that this will please him. However, soon they begin to speak in a pointed manner only among themselves, making it clear to Mikhailov that they no longer need his company.
The headquarters captain, returning home, recalls that the next morning he volunteered to go to the bastion instead of an ill officer. It seems to him that they will kill him, and if this does not happen, then they will surely be awarded. The headquarters captain consoles himself that his duty is to go to the bastion, that he acted honestly. He wonders along the way where they might hurt him - in the head, stomach or leg.
Collection of aristocrats
Aristocrats, meanwhile, at Kalugin drink tea, play the piano. At the same time, they behave not so pompously, importantly and unnaturally, as on the boulevard, demonstrating their "aristocracy" to others, which Tolstoy notes (Sevastopol Tales). Analysis of the behavior of the characters in the work occupies an important place. The infantry officer to the general enters with the order, but immediately the aristocrats take on a puffed-up appearance, pretending not to notice the person entering. Kalugin, having led the courier to the general, is imbued with the responsibility of the moment. He reports that a "hot case" is ahead.
The defense of Sevastopol in "Sevastopol Tales" is described in sufficient detail, but we will not dwell on this. Galtsin is called to go on an outing, knowing that he will not go anywhere, as he is afraid. Kalugin begins to dissuade him, knowing also that he will not go. Going out into the street, Galtsin starts to walk aimlessly, not forgetting to ask the wounded passing by about how the battle is going, and also scold them for the retreat. Going to the bastion, Kalugin incidentally does not forget to show courage: when the bullet whistles, he does not bend, takes a dashing pose on a horse. He is unpleasantly struck by the "cowardice" of the battery commander. But legends go about the courage of this person.
Mikhailov is wounded
After spending six months at the bastion and not wanting to risk in vain, the battery commander sends Kalugin in response to his demand to inspect the bastion for guns with a young officer. Praskukhin orders the general to notify Mikhailov’s battalion of redeployment. He delivers it successfully. Under fire in the dark, the battalion begins to move. Praskukhin and Mikhailov, walking side by side, think only about the impression they make on each other. They meet unwilling to expose themselves once again to Kalugin’s danger, who learns from Mikhailov about the situation and turns back. A bomb explodes next to it. Praskukhin dies, is wounded in the head of Mikhailov, but does not go for a dressing, believing that duty is above all.
All the military next day walk along the alley and talk about yesterday’s events, showing their courage to others. A truce is declared. The French and Russians communicate with each other with ease. There is no enmity between them. Understand how inhuman the war is, these heroes. This is noted by the author himself, conducting an analysis in the work "Sevastopol Stories".
In August 1855
Kozeltsov appears on the battlefield after treatment. He is independent in judgment, very talented and very intelligent. All the horse-drawn carts disappeared, many residents gathered at the bus stop. Many officers have absolutely no means of livelihood. Here is Vladimir, brother of Mikhail Kozeltsev. He did not get into the guard, despite the plans, but was appointed a soldier. He likes the fighting.
Sitting at the station, Vladimir is no longer so eager for battle. He lost the money. The younger brother helps pay the debt. Upon arrival, they are sent to the battalion. Here, an officer in a booth sits above a bunch of money. He must count them. The brothers disperse, having gone to sleep on the fifth bastion.
The commander offers to spend the night at Vladimir. He falls asleep with difficulty under the whistling bullets. Michael goes to his commander. He is outraged by the entry of Kozeltsev, who was recently with him in the same position, into operation. However, the rest are happy about his return.
In the morning, Vladimir enters into officer circles. Everyone sympathizes with him, especially the cadet Vlang. Vladimir gets to a dinner arranged by the commander. There is a lot of talk going on here. The letter sent by the chief of artillery states that an officer in Malakhov is required, but since this place is restless, no one agrees. However, Vladimir decides to go. Vlang leaves with him.
Vladimir in Malakhov
Arriving at the scene, he finds in a mess combat weapons that there is no one to repair. Volodya communicates with Melnikov, and also very quickly finds a common language with the commander.
The assault begins. Kozeltsov sleepy goes to battle. He rushes to the French, snatching a saber. Volodya was badly wounded. To please him before his death, the priest reports that the Russians won. Volodya is glad that he was able to serve the country, and is thinking about his older brother. Volodya still commands, but after a while understands that the French won. The corpse of Melnikov lies nearby. The banner of the French appears above the barrow. Vlang leaves for a safe place. So ends Tolstoy's "Sevastopol Stories", a summary of which we have just described.
Analysis of the work
Lev Nikolaevich, having fallen into besieged Sevastopol, was shocked by the heroic spirit of the population and troops. He began to write his first story, "Sevastopol in the month of December." Then two others came out telling about the events in May and August 1855. All three works are united by the name "Sevastopol Stories".
We will not conduct an analysis of each of them; we only note common features. From the struggle, which has not ceased for almost a year, only three paintings have been snatched. But how much they give! When analyzing the work "Sevastopol Stories", it should be noted that Tolstoy's critical pathos intensifies gradually, from work to work. An increasingly revealing beginning is emerging. It strikes the narrator of the work "Sevastopol Tales", the analysis of which we are conducting, the difference between the true greatness of the soldiers, the naturalness of their behavior, the simplicity and vain desire of the officers to start a battle to get a "star". Communicating with soldiers helps officers gain courage and stamina. Only the best of them are close to the people, as the analysis shows.
"Sevastopol Tales" by Tolstoy laid the foundation for a realistic depiction of the war. The writer's artistic discovery was her perception from the point of view of ordinary soldiers. Later, in “War and Peace” he uses the experience of working on the work “Sevastopol Stories” by Tolstoy. An analysis of the work shows that the writer was primarily interested in the inner world of a man who found himself in the war, and the "trench" truth.