The problems of the novel "War and Peace" include several topics. Let's look at the main ones.
The theme of real life
What is real life? Many characters of the novel contribute to the development of society and are quite active people. However, real life is what is happening in their souls. It is mainly about the Rostovs, Bezukhovs, Bolkonskys, and even ordinary peasants. The most sincere and real person is, without a doubt, Andrei Bolkonsky.
The life of Andrei Bolkonsky
What does he do throughout the novel?
He continuously strives for real life and, when he finds something new, believes that this is exactly what he lacked. At first he meets such a little cheerful Lisa, unlike him. Then he goes to war and sees this as his mission. In fact, why not?
This is followed by a period of calm life, and then he again leaves for service. But a truly fateful event was his acquaintance with a slightly unusual and cheerful girl - Natasha Rostova. This issue of the novel “War and Peace”, although not the main one, is far from the last.
Life of Pierre Bezukhov
And what about Pierre Bezukhov? He also seeks real life, but in the search process he paves his own, personal path. He thinks that Helen is destined for him by fate, but is mistaken. Then he is fond of Freemasonry and believes that this is precisely the truth. Next begins a relationship with Natasha. In fact, Bezukhov immediately after meeting this girl realized that she was very different from the rest, but then he still did not realize that he had been waiting for her all his life. Later it will be a revelation for him.
The remaining heroes of the work are also looking for real life. Someone will find it, someone will not, but everyone is desperate to find her. This issue of the novel "War and Peace" is close to many modern people.
Family theme
The family for the writer is the basis for the development of the human soul.
So it is in reality. On the example of several families, the author expresses his opinion about the home. The novel details the Kuragins, Rostovs and Bolkonskys. These are the main characters of the work.
Rostov and Bolkonskie
As for the Rostov and Bolkonsky, the way of their life originates from national traditions. This can best be seen with the example of the former. Members of this slightly naive and noble family live in momentary impulses and feelings, however, seriousness is not alien to them. In addition, they are characterized by high morality and morality, and this makes them look like the Bolkonskih. This issue of the novel “War and Peace” is very interesting. When studying a work, you should pay attention to it.
Dried apricots
And what about Kuragin? These people do not value family relationships at all. How much meanness and baseness in each of them ... In their family there is neither love nor mutual assistance. A mother is jealous of her daughter, a father treats his sons badly, calling them both fools. This family consists exclusively of egoists, some of its members are surrounded by a certain flair of romance and create a pleasant impression, but this is only an appearance.
These people caused a lot of trouble to others. For a long time, Tolstoy’s thoughts were occupied with precisely this problem. “War and Peace” generally shows the author’s true attitude to many important things.
Theme of people and personality
In this work, the image of the people is in first place in importance. It embodies such qualities highly valued by Tolstoy as sincerity, mercy, and simplicity. A man has no value if he is separated from the people. And if he is a particle of a large group of people, then his life makes sense.
The Russian people, no doubt, have done a lot to save their country, and this idea runs through the whole novel with a red thread. The main work on patriotism that Tolstoy wrote is War and Peace. Its problems are not limited to this, but this topic is the main one. At that terrible time, people united.
Regardless of age, gender, or estate, each person has a
true love for his homeland, expressed not in beautiful reasoning, but in actions, often spontaneous, unconscious, but contributing to a favorable outcome.
However, some people remained aloof. These are the so-called "military drones", among which hostility was observed, and they were also extremely concerned about their career. The novel shows how Russia was divided into two camps: true patriots and hypocrites. This is undoubtedly the main issue. “War and Peace” is a work created in order to talk about exploits and meanness, about truth and hypocrisy, about all human manifestations inherent in people who lived at that distant time.
Tolstoy’s novel reflected many destinies. Of course, they are all different, but there are many similarities in them. When the war came, no one could stand aside even with all desire, this historical event affected absolutely everyone. It’s just that some showed their best, while others showed their worst qualities.