On the pages of the novel "War and Peace" even, it would seem, secondary heroes appear by chance. The characteristic of Plato Karataev occupies an important place in the work of L. N. Tolstoy . Let's try to remember what this hero was like.
Meeting of Pierre Bezukhov with Platon Karataev
The characterization of Plato Karataev in the great work of Leo Tolstoy begins from the moment he met Pierre. This meeting takes place in a difficult period for Bezukhov: he managed to avoid execution, but saw the death of other people. The main character has lost faith in the possibility of the improvement of the world and in God. To overcome this crucial moment of life, Pierre helps a native of the Platosh people.
People's philosopher
Plato Karataev, whose characterization is the topic of this article, is a man who was able to introduce Pierre Bezukhov to the popular principle and wisdom of ordinary people. He is a real philosopher. It is no coincidence that L. N. Tolstoy gave the name Plato to Karataev. His speech is full of folk tales, from this ordinary, it would seem, a soldier blows wise calm.
The meeting with Platon Karataev became for Pierre one of the most significant in life. Even after many years, the already aging Bezukhov evaluates his actions and thoughts according to the principles that he has learned for himself, communicating with this random acquaintance.
Round Start
The characterization of Plato Karataev, which develops in our view, is very unusual due to the figurative speech of the author. Tolstoy mentions the “round” and controversial movements of the popular philosopher. Platon Karataev’s hands are folded as if he was going to hug something. His good brown eyes and a pleasant smile sink into the soul. In all his guise, in his movements there was something soothing and pleasant. Platon Karataev was a member of a large number of military campaigns, but, having been captured, he abandoned everything "soldier" and returned to the warehouse of a native of the people.
Why then does Tolstoy give his hero the roundness of movements? Probably, Lev Nikolayevich emphasizes the peaceful character of Plato Karataev. Modern psychologists say that the circle is usually preferred by soft, charming, flexible people who are mobile and relaxed at the same time. The circle is a symbol of harmony. It is not known whether the author of the great novel knew about this, but intuitively, of course, he felt it. The characteristic of Plato Karataev is an unconditional confirmation of the life wisdom of Tolstoy.
Speech Platoshki
It can tell a lot about such a hero as Plato Karataev. “War and Peace” is a characteristic of the psychological world of characters, since in this novel Tolstoy pays a lot of attention to the peculiarities of the language and behavior of those whom he wants to tell in more detail.
The first words with which our hero turned to Bezukhov are filled with simplicity and affection. The speech of Plato Karataev is humorous, it is permeated with folk sayings and sayings. His words not only reflect their own thoughts, but also express folk wisdom. “An hour to endure, and a century to live,” - said Plato Karataev.
The characterization of this character is impossible without mentioning his story about a merchant who was sentenced to hard labor for someone else's crime.
The speech of Plato Karataev, his statements are a reflection of the ideas of the Christian faith about humility, justice.
About the meaning of life
The characterization of Plato Karataev in the novel "War and Peace" was given by the author in order to show a different type of person, not the same as Pierre Bezukhov and Andrei Bolkonsky. This simple soldier, unlike the aforementioned protagonists, does not reflect on the meaning of life, he simply lives. Plato Karataev does not fear death, he believes that a higher power manages his life. This hero does not look at his life as something separate, but as part of the whole. The essence of Karataev’s nature is the love he has for everything in the world.
In conclusion, it should be said that L.N. Tolstoy, having created the image of Platon Karataev, wanted to show how important a person is not by himself, but as a member of a society that fulfills common goals. Only by participating in public life can one realize one's desires. The only way to achieve harmony. All this became clear to Pierre after meeting Platon Karataev. In accordance with this idea, I would like to add that this national hero, of course, is interesting to us in itself. However, it is much more important what role he played in the life of Pierre Bezukhov. Thanks to this meeting, the protagonist was able to find inner harmony and harmony with the world and people.
The image of Plato Karataev is a spiritual people's principle, unlimited harmony, which is given only through faith in God, in his will for everything that happens in life. This hero loves everyone around him, even the French, to whom he was captured. Through conversations with the "people's philosopher" Pierre Bezukhov comes to the understanding that the purpose of life is to live, aware of the divine beginning of everything that happens in the world.
So, we have characterized Plato Karataev. This is a native of the people who managed to bring to life the main character, Pierre Bezukhov, an understanding of the wisdom of ordinary people.