SEVASTOPOL IN DECEMBER

"The morning dawn is just beginning to color the sky above Sapun Mountain; the dark blue surface of the sea has already thrown off the darkness of the night and is waiting for the first ray to sparkle with a cheerful shine; it carries cold and fog from the bay; there is no snow - everything is black, but the morning is sharp the frost grabs your face and crackles under your feet, and the distant, incessant roar of the sea, occasionally interrupted by rolling shots in Sevastopol, alone disturbs the silence of the morning... It cannot be that at the thought that you are in Sevastopol, a feeling of what kind does not penetrate your soul -something of courage, pride, and so that the blood does not circulate faster in your veins...” Despite the fact that there is fighting in the city, life goes on as usual: traders sell hot rolls, and men sell sbiten. It seems that camp and peaceful life are strangely mixed here, everyone is fussing and frightened, but this is a deceptive impression: most people no longer pay attention to shots or explosions, they are busy with “everyday business.” Only on the bastions “you will see... the defenders of Sevastopol, you will see there terrible and sad, great and funny, but amazing, soul-elevating spectacles.”

In the hospital, wounded soldiers talk about their impressions: the one who lost his leg does not remember the pain because he did not think about it; A woman, who was taking lunch to her husband at the bastion, was hit by a shell, and her leg was cut off above the knee. Dressings and operations are performed in a separate room. The wounded, waiting their turn for surgery, are horrified to see how doctors amputate their comrades' arms and legs, and the paramedic indifferently throws the severed body parts into the corner. Here you can see “terrible, soul-shattering spectacles... war not in the correct, beautiful and brilliant order, with music and drumming, with fluttering banners and prancing generals, but... war in its true expression - in blood, in suffering , in death..." A young officer who fought on the fourth, most dangerous bastion, complains not about the abundance of bombs and shells falling on the heads of the bastion’s defenders, but about the dirt. This is his defensive reaction to danger; he behaves too boldly, cheekily and at ease.

On the way to the fourth bastion, non-military people are encountered less and less often, and stretchers with the wounded are increasingly encountered. Actually, on the bastion, the artillery officer behaves calmly (he is accustomed to both the whistle of bullets and the roar of explosions). He tells how during the assault on the fifth there was only one working gun left in his battery and very few servants, but still the next morning he was firing all the guns again.

The officer recalls how a bomb hit the sailor's dugout and killed eleven people. In the faces, posture, and movements of the defenders of the bastion one can see “the main features that make up the strength of the Russian - simplicity and stubbornness; but here on every face it seems to you that the danger, anger and suffering of war, in addition to these main signs, have laid traces of consciousness of one’s dignity and high thoughts and feelings... The feeling of anger, revenge on the enemy... lurks in everyone’s soul.” When the cannonball flies directly at a person, he is not left with a feeling of pleasure and at the same time fear, and then he himself waits for the bomb to explode closer, because “there is a special charm” in such a game with death. “The main, gratifying conviction that you have made is the conviction that it is impossible to take Sevastopol, and not only to take Sevastopol, but to shake the power of the Russian people anywhere... Because of the cross, because of the name, because of the threat can people accept these terrible conditions: there must be another high motive- this reason is a feeling that is rarely manifested, bashful in a Russian, but lies in the depths of the soul of everyone - love for the homeland... This epic of Sevastopol, of which the Russian people were the hero, will leave great traces in Russia for a long time...

SEVASTOPOL IN MAY

Six months have passed since the start of hostilities in Sevastopol. “Thousands of human pride have been offended, thousands have been satisfied, pouting, thousands have calmed down in the arms of death.” The solution to the conflict in an original way seems to be the most fair; if two soldiers fought (one from each army), and victory would remain with the side whose soldier emerges victorious. This decision is logical, because it is better to fight one on one than one hundred and thirty thousand against one hundred and thirty thousand. In general, war is illogical, from Tolstoy’s point of view: “one of two things: either war is madness, or if people do this madness, then they are not at all rational creatures, as for some reason we tend to think.”

In besieged Sevastopol, military personnel walk along the boulevards. Among them is the infantry officer (staff captain) Mikhailov, a tall, long-legged, stooped and awkward man. He recently received a letter from a friend, a retired uhlan, in which he writes how his wife Natasha (a close friend of Mikhailov) enthusiastically follows the movements of his regiment and the exploits of Mikhailov himself in newspapers. Mikhailov recalls with bitterness his former circle, which was “so much higher than the current one that when, in moments of frankness, he happened to tell his infantry comrades how he had his own droshky, how he danced at the governor’s balls and played cards with a civilian general.” , they listened to him indifferently and distrustfully, as if not wanting to contradict and prove the opposite.

Mikhailov dreams of a promotion. On the boulevard he meets Captain Obzhogov and Ensign Suslikov, employees of his regiment, and they shake his hand, but he wants to deal not with them, but with “aristocrats” - that’s why he walks along the boulevard. “And since there are a lot of people in the besieged city of Sevastopol, therefore, there is a lot of vanity, that is, aristocrats, despite the fact that every minute death hangs over the head of every aristocrat and non-aristocrat... Vanity! It must be a characteristic and special feature the disease of our age... Why in our age there are only three kinds of people: some - those who accept the principle of vanity as a fact that necessarily exists, therefore just, and freely submit to it; others - who accept it as an unfortunate but insurmountable condition, and others - unconsciously, slavishly acting under his influence..."

Mikhailov twice hesitantly walks past the circle of “aristocrats” and finally dares to approach and say hello (previously he was afraid to approach them because they might not deign to answer his greeting at all and thereby prick his sick pride). The “aristocrats” are Adjutant Kalugin, Prince Galtsin, Lieutenant Colonel Neferdov and Captain Praskukhin. In relation to Mikhailov, who has approached, they behave quite arrogantly; for example, Galtsin takes him by the arm and walks back and forth a little just because he knows that this sign of attention should bring pleasure to the staff captain. But soon the “aristocrats” begin to demonstratively talk only to each other, thereby making it clear to Mikhailov that they no longer need his company.

Returning home, Mikhailov remembers that he volunteered to go to the bastion in place of the sick officer the next morning. He feels that they will kill him, and if they don’t kill him, then they will certainly reward him. Mikhailov consoles himself that he acted honestly, that going to the bastion is his duty. On the way, he wonders where he might be wounded - in the leg, stomach or head.

Meanwhile, the “aristocrats” are drinking tea at Kalugin’s in a beautifully furnished apartment, playing the piano, and reminiscing about their St. Petersburg acquaintances. At the same time, they do not behave at all as unnaturally, importantly and pompously as they did on the boulevard, demonstrating to others their “aristocratism”. An infantry officer enters with an important assignment to the general, but the “aristocrats” immediately take on their former “pouty” appearance and pretend that they do not notice the newcomer at all. Only after escorting the courier to the general, Kalugin is imbued with the responsibility of the moment and announces to his comrades that a “hot” matter lies ahead.

Galtsin asks if he should go on a sortie, knowing that he won’t go anywhere because he’s afraid, and Kalugin begins to dissuade Galtsin, also knowing that he won’t go anywhere. Galtsin goes out into the street and begins to walk aimlessly back and forth, not forgetting to ask the wounded passing by how the battle is going and scolding them for retreating. Kalugin, having gone to the bastion, does not forget to demonstrate his courage to everyone along the way: he does not bend down when bullets whistle, he takes a dashing pose on horseback. He is unpleasantly struck by the “cowardice” of the battery commander, whose bravery is legendary.

Not wanting to take unnecessary risks, the battery commander, who spent six months on the bastion, in response to Kalugin’s demand to inspect the bastion, sends Kalugin to the guns along with a young officer. The general gives the order to Praskukhin to notify Mikhailov’s battalion about the relocation. He successfully delivers the order. In the dark, under enemy fire, the battalion begins to move. At the same time, Mikhailov and Praskukhin, walking side by side, think only about the impression they make on each other. They meet Kalugin, who, not wanting to “expose himself” again, learns about the situation on the bastion from Mikhailov and turns back. A bomb explodes next to them, Praskukhin is killed, and Mikhailov is wounded in the head. He refuses to go to the dressing station, because his duty is to be with the company, and besides, he is entitled to a reward for his wound. He also believes that his duty is to take the wounded Praskukhin or make sure that he is dead. Mikhailov crawls back under fire, becomes convinced of Praskukhin’s death and returns with a clear conscience.

“Hundreds of fresh bloody bodies of people, two hours ago full of various high and small hopes and desires, with numb limbs, lay on the dewy flowering valley separating the bastion from the trench, and on the flat floor of the chapel of the Dead in Sevastopol; hundreds of people - with curses and with prayers on parched lips - they crawled, tossed and groaned - some between the corpses in the flowering valley, others on stretchers, on cots and on the bloody floor of the dressing station; and still, just as in the previous days, the lightning lit up over Sapun Mountain , the twinkling stars turned pale, a white fog pulled from the noisy dark sea, a scarlet dawn lit up in the east, long crimson clouds scattered across the light azure horizon, and everything was the same as in the old days, promising joy, love and happiness to the whole revived world, a mighty, beautiful luminary floated out."

The next day, “aristocrats” and other military men walk along the boulevard and vying with each other to talk about yesterday’s “case,” but in such a way that they mainly state “the participation that he took and the courage that the speaker showed in the case.” “Each of them is a little Napoleon, a little monster, and now he’s ready to start a battle, kill a hundred people just to get an extra star or a third of his salary.”

A truce has been declared between the Russians and the French, ordinary soldiers communicate freely with each other and do not seem to feel any hostility towards the enemy. The young cavalry officer is simply delighted to have the chance to chat in French, thinking he is incredibly smart. He discusses with the French how inhumane they have started together, meaning war. At this time, the boy walks around the battlefield, collects blue wildflowers and looks sideways in surprise at the corpses. White flags are displayed everywhere.

"Thousands of people crowd, look, talk and smile at each other. And these people are Christians, professing one great law of love and self-sacrifice, looking at what they have done, will not suddenly fall on their knees with repentance before the one who gave them life , put into the soul of everyone, along with the fear of death, a love for the good and the beautiful, and with tears of joy and happiness they will not embrace as brothers? No! The white rags are hidden - and again the instruments of death and suffering whistle, again pure innocent blood flows and groans are heard and curses... Where is the expression of evil, which should be avoided? Where is the expression of good, which should be imitated in this story? Who is the villain, who is its hero? Everyone is good and everyone is bad... The hero of my story, whom I love with all the strength of my soul , which I tried to reproduce in all its beauty and which has always been, is and will be beautiful - the truth."

SEVASTOPOL IN AUGUST 1855

Lieutenant Mikhail Kozeltsov, a respected officer, independent in his judgments and actions, intelligent, talented in many ways, a skillful compiler of government papers and a capable storyteller, returns from the hospital to his position. “He had one of those prides that merged with life to such an extent and which most often develops in some men’s, and especially military circles, that he did not understand any other choice but to excel or be destroyed, and that pride was the engine of even his inner motives."

There were a lot of people passing through the station: there were no horses. Some officers heading to Sevastopol do not even have travel money, and they do not know how to continue their journey. Among those waiting is Kozeltsov’s brother, Volodya. Contrary to family plans, Volodya did not join the guard for minor offenses, but was sent (at his own request) to the active army. He, like everyone else young officer, I really want to “fight for the Fatherland,” and at the same time serve in the same place as my older brother.

Volodya is a handsome young man, he is both shy in front of his brother and proud of him. The elder Kozeltsov invites his brother to immediately go with him to Sevastopol. Volodya seems embarrassed; he no longer really wants to go to war, and besides, he managed to lose eight rubles while sitting at the station. Kozeltsov uses his last money to pay off his brother’s debt, and they set off. On the way, Volodya dreams of the heroic deeds that he will certainly accomplish in the war together with his brother, of his beautiful death and dying reproaches to everyone else for not being able to appreciate during their lifetime “those who truly loved the Fatherland,” etc.

Upon arrival, the brothers go to the baggage officer's booth, who is counting a lot of money for the new regimental commander, who is acquiring a “household.” No one understands what made Volodya leave his quiet home in the distant rear and come to warring Sevastopol without any benefit for himself. The battery to which Volodya is assigned is located on Korabelnaya, and both brothers go to spend the night with Mikhail on the fifth bastion. Before this, they visit Comrade Kozeltsov in the hospital. He is so bad that he does not immediately recognize Mikhail and is waiting for a quick death as a release from suffering.

After leaving the hospital, the brothers decide to go their separate ways, and, accompanied by the orderly Mikhail, Volodya goes to his battery. The battery commander invites Volodya to spend the night in the staff captain’s bunk, who is located on the bastion itself. However, Junker Vlang is already sleeping on the bed; he has to give way to the arriving warrant officer (Volodya). At first Volodya cannot sleep; he is either frightened by the darkness or by the premonition of imminent death. He fervently prays for deliverance from fear, calms down and falls asleep to the sound of falling shells.

Meanwhile, Kozeltsov Sr. arrives at the disposal of a new regimental commander - his recent comrade, now separated from him by a wall of chain of command. The commander is unhappy that Kozeltsov is returning to duty prematurely, but instructs him to take command of his former company. In the company, Kozeltsov is greeted joyfully; it is noticeable that he is highly respected among the soldiers. Among the officers, he also expects a warm welcome and sympathetic attitude towards the injury.

The next day the bombing continues with renewed vigor. Volodya begins to join the circle of artillery officers; their mutual sympathy for each other is visible. Volodya is especially liked by Junker Vlang, who in every possible way anticipates any desires of the new ensign. The kind staff captain Kraut, a German who speaks Russian very correctly and too beautifully, returns from his position. There is talk about abuses and legalized theft in senior positions. Volodya, blushing, assures those gathered that such an “ignoble” deed will never happen to him.

At the battery commander's dinner, everyone is interested, the conversations do not stop despite the fact that the menu is very modest. An envelope arrives from the chief of artillery; An officer and servants are required for a mortar battery on Malakhov Kurgan. This is a dangerous place; no one volunteers to go. One of the officers points to Volodya and, after a short discussion, he agrees to go “to take fire.” Vlang is sent along with Volodya. Volodya begins to study the "Manual" on artillery shooting. However, upon arrival at the battery, all “rear” knowledge turns out to be unnecessary: ​​the shooting is carried out randomly, not a single cannonball in weight even resembles those mentioned in the “Manual”, there are no workers to repair the broken guns. In addition, two soldiers of his team are wounded, and Volodya himself is repeatedly on the verge of death.

Vlang is very scared; he is no longer able to hide it and thinks exclusively about saving his own life at any cost. Volodya is “a little creepy and cheerful.” His soldiers are also holed up in Volodya’s dugout. He communicates with interest with Melnikov, who is not afraid of bombs, being sure that he will die a different death. Having become accustomed to the new commander, the soldiers begin to discuss under Volodya how the allies under the command of Prince Constantine will come to their aid, how both warring sides will be given rest for two weeks, and then they will be fined for each shot, how in war a month of service will be counted as year, etc.

Despite Vlang's pleas, Volodya leaves the dugout into the fresh air and sits with Melnikov on the threshold until the morning, while bombs fall around him and bullets whistle. But in the morning the battery and guns are already in order, and Volodya completely forgets about the danger; he is only glad that he fulfills his duties well, that he does not show cowardice, but, on the contrary, is considered brave.

The French assault begins. Half-asleep, Kozeltsov rushes out to the company, half-asleep, most concerned about not being considered a coward. He grabs his small saber and runs at the enemy ahead of everyone, inspiring the soldiers with a shout. He is wounded in the chest. Having woken up, Kozeltsov sees the doctor examining his wound, wiping his fingers on his coat and sending a priest to him. Kozeltsov asks if the French have been knocked out; the priest, not wanting to upset the dying man, says that victory remained with the Russians. Kozeltsov is happy; “He thought with an extremely gratifying feeling of self-satisfaction that he had done his duty well, that for the first time in his entire service he had acted as well as he could, and could not reproach himself for anything.” He dies with the last thought of his brother, and Kozeltsov wishes him the same happiness.

The news of the assault finds Volodya in the dugout. “It was not so much the sight of the soldiers’ calmness as the pitiful, undisguised cowardice of the cadet that excited him.” Not wanting to be like Vlang, Volodya commands easily, even cheerfully, but soon hears that the French are bypassing them. He sees enemy soldiers very close, it amazes him so much that he freezes in place and misses the moment when he can still escape. Next to him, Melnikov dies from a bullet wound. Vlang tries to shoot back, calls Volodya to run after him, but, jumping into the trench, he sees that Volodya is already dead, and in the place where he just stood, the French are and are shooting at the Russians. The French banner flutters over the Malakhov Kurgan.

Vlang with the battery arrives by boat in a safer part of the city. He bitterly mourns the fallen Volodya; which I became truly attached to. The retreating soldiers, talking among themselves, notice that the French will not be staying in the city for long. “It was a feeling that seemed similar to remorse, shame and anger. Almost every soldier, looking from the northern side at the abandoned Sevastopol, sighed with inexpressible bitterness in his heart and threatened his enemies.”

Lev Nikolaevich TOLSTOY

In 1851-53, Tolstoy took part in military operations in the Caucasus (first as a volunteer, then as an artillery officer), and in 1854 he went to the Danube Army. Soon after the start Crimean War At his personal request, he is transferred to Sevastopol (in the besieged city, he fights on the famous 4th bastion). Army life and episodes of the war provided Tolstoy with material for the stories “Raid” (1853), “Cutting Wood” (1853-55), as well as for artistic essays “Sevastopol in December,” “Sevastopol in May,” “Sevastopol in August 1855.” of the year" (all published in Sovremennik in 1855-56). These essays, traditionally called “Sevastopol Stories,” boldly combined document, reportage and plot narration; they made a huge impression on Russian society. The war appeared to them as an ugly bloody massacre, contrary to human nature. Final words one of the essays, that its only hero is the truth, became the motto of all subsequent literary activity writer. Trying to determine the originality of this truth, N. G. Chernyshevsky insightfully pointed out two character traits Tolstoy’s talent - “dialectics of the soul” as a special form of psychological analysis and “immediate purity of moral feeling” (Poln. sobr. soch., vol. 3, 1947, pp. 423, 428).

SEVASTOPOL IN DECEMBER

The morning dawn is just beginning to color the sky above Sapun Mountain; the dark blue surface of the sea has already thrown off the darkness of the night and is waiting for the first ray to sparkle with a cheerful shine; it blows cold and fog from the bay; there is no snow - everything is black, but the sharp morning frost grabs your face and crackles under your feet, and the distant, incessant roar of the sea, occasionally interrupted by rolling shots in Sevastopol, alone disturbs the silence of the morning. On ships the eighth glass sounds dully.

In the North, daytime activity is gradually beginning to replace the tranquility of the night: where the shift of guards passed, rattling their guns; where the doctor is already rushing to the hospital; where the soldier crawled out of the dugout, washed his tanned face with icy water and, turning to the blushing east, quickly crossed himself, praying to God; where a tall, heavy majara on camels creakingly dragged itself to the cemetery to bury the bloody dead, with which it was almost piled to the top... You approach the pier - the special smell of coal, manure, dampness and beef amazes you; thousands of different objects - firewood, meat, aurochs, flour, iron, etc. - lie in a heap near the pier; soldiers of different regiments, with bags and guns, without bags and without guns, crowd here, smoking, cursing, dragging loads onto the steamer, which, smoking, stands near the platform; free skiffs filled with all kinds of people - soldiers, sailors, merchants, women - moor and cast off from the pier.

- To Grafskaya, your honor? Please, - two or three retired sailors offer their services to you, getting up from their skiffs.

You choose the one that is closest to you, step over the half-rotten corpse of some bay horse, which is lying in the mud near the boat, and go to the helm. You set sail from the shore. All around you is the sea, already shining in the morning sun, in front of you is an old sailor in a camel coat and a young white-headed boy, who are silently working diligently with the oars. You look at the striped hulks of ships scattered near and far across the bay, and at the small black dots of boats moving across the brilliant azure, and at the beautiful light buildings of the city, painted with the pink rays of the morning sun, visible on the other side, and at the foaming white line booms and sunken ships, from which here and there the black ends of the masts sadly stick out, and at the distant enemy fleet looming on the crystal horizon of the sea, and at the foaming streams in which salt bubbles, lifted by the oars, jump; you listen to the uniform sounds of oar strikes, the sounds of voices reaching you across the water, and the majestic sounds of shooting, which, as it seems to you, is intensifying in Sevastopol.

It cannot be that, at the thought that you are in Sevastopol, feelings of some kind of courage, pride will not penetrate your soul, and that the blood will not begin to circulate faster in your veins...

- Your honor! keep straight under Kistentin,” the old sailor will tell you, turning back to check the direction you are giving the boat, “right rudder.”

“But it still has all the guns,” the white-haired guy will note, walking past the ship and looking at it.

“But of course: it’s new, Kornilov lived on it,” the old man will note, also looking at the ship.

- See where it broke! - the boy will say after a long silence, looking at the white cloud of diverging smoke that suddenly appeared high above the South Bay and was accompanied by the sharp sound of a bomb exploding.

“He’s the one firing from the new battery today,” the old man will add, indifferently spitting on his hand. - Well, come on, Mishka, we’ll move the longboat. “And your skiff moves forward faster along the wide swell of the bay, actually overtakes the heavy longboat, on which some coolies are piled and awkward soldiers are rowing unevenly, and lands between the many moored boats of all kinds at the Count’s pier.

Crowds of gray soldiers, black sailors and colorful women are noisily moving on the embankment. Women are selling rolls, Russian men with samovars are shouting hot sbiten, and right there on the first steps are lying rusty cannonballs, bombs, buckshot and cast iron cannons of various calibers. A little further there is a large area on which some huge beams, cannon machines, and sleeping soldiers are lying; there are horses, carts, green guns and boxes, infantry boxes; soldiers, sailors, officers, women, children, merchants are moving; carts with hay, bags and barrels drive by; Here and there a Cossack and an officer on horseback will pass, a general on a droshky. To the right, the street is blocked by a barricade, on which there are some small cannons in the embrasures, and a sailor sits near them, smoking a pipe. To the left is a beautiful house with Roman numerals on the pediment, under which stand soldiers and bloody stretchers - everywhere you see unpleasant traces of a military camp. Your first impression is certainly the most unpleasant: the strange mixture of camp and city life, a beautiful city and a dirty bivouac is not only not beautiful, but seems like a disgusting mess; It will even seem to you that everyone is scared, fussing, and doesn’t know what to do. But take a closer look at the faces of these people moving around you, and you will understand something completely different. Just look at this Furshtat soldier, who is leading some bay troika to drink and is so calmly purring something under his breath that, obviously, he will not get lost in this heterogeneous crowd, which does not exist for him, but that he is fulfilling his the business, whatever it may be - watering horses or carrying guns - is as calm, self-confident, and indifferent as if all this was happening somewhere in Tula or Saransk. You read the same expression on the face of this officer, who walks past in immaculate white gloves, and in the face of the sailor, who smokes, sitting on the barricade, and in the face of the working soldiers, waiting with a stretcher on the porch of the former Assembly, and in the face of this girl , who, afraid to get her pink dress wet, jumps across the street on the pebbles.

Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy

"Sevastopol Stories"

Sevastopol in December

“The morning dawn is just beginning to color the sky above Sapun Mountain; the dark blue surface of the sea has already thrown off the darkness of the night and is waiting for the first ray to sparkle with a cheerful shine; It blows cold and fog from the bay; there is no snow - everything is black, but the sharp morning frost grips your face and crackles under your feet, and the distant, incessant roar of the sea, occasionally interrupted by rolling shots in Sevastopol, alone breaks the silence of the morning... It cannot be that at the thought that you are in Sevastopol, the feeling of some kind of courage, pride has not penetrated into your soul and so that the blood does not begin to circulate faster in your veins...” Despite the fact that there is fighting in the city, life goes on as usual: traders sell hot rolls, and men sell sbiten. It seems that camp and peaceful life are strangely mixed here, everyone is fussing and frightened, but this is a deceptive impression: most people no longer pay attention to shots or explosions, they are busy with “everyday business.” Only on the bastions “you will see... the defenders of Sevastopol, you will see there terrible and sad, great and funny, but amazing, soul-elevating spectacles.”

In the hospital, wounded soldiers talk about their impressions: the one who lost his leg does not remember the pain because he did not think about it; A woman, who was taking lunch to her husband at the bastion, was hit by a shell, and her leg was cut off above the knee. Dressings and operations are performed in a separate room. The wounded, waiting their turn for surgery, are horrified to see how doctors amputate their comrades' arms and legs, and the paramedic indifferently throws the severed body parts into the corner. Here you can see “terrible, soul-shattering spectacles... war not in the correct, beautiful and brilliant order, with music and drumming, with fluttering banners and prancing generals, but... war in its true expression - in blood, in suffering, in death... " A young officer who fought on the fourth, most dangerous bastion, complains not about the abundance of bombs and shells falling on the heads of the bastion’s defenders, but about the dirt. This is his defensive reaction to danger; he behaves too boldly, cheekily and at ease.

On the way to the fourth bastion, non-military people are encountered less and less often, and stretchers with the wounded are increasingly encountered. Actually, on the bastion, the artillery officer behaves calmly (he is accustomed to both the whistle of bullets and the roar of explosions). He tells how during the assault on the fifth there was only one working gun left in his battery and very few servants, but still the next morning he was firing all the guns again.

The officer recalls how a bomb hit the sailor's dugout and killed eleven people. In the faces, posture, and movements of the defenders of the bastion, one can see “the main features that make up the strength of the Russian—simplicity and stubbornness; but here on every face it seems to you that the danger, malice and suffering of war, in addition to these main signs, have laid traces of consciousness of one’s dignity and high thoughts and feelings... The feeling of malice, vengeance on the enemy... lurks in the soul of everyone.” When the cannonball flies directly at a person, he is not left with a feeling of pleasure and at the same time fear, and then he himself waits for the bomb to explode closer, because “there is a special charm” in such a game with death. “The main, gratifying conviction that you have made is the conviction that it is impossible to take Sevastopol, and not only to take Sevastopol, but to shake the power of the Russian people anywhere... Because of the cross, because of the name, because of the threat, they cannot accept people, these terrible conditions: there must be another high motivating reason - this reason is a feeling that is rarely manifested, bashful in the Russian, but lies in the depths of the soul of everyone - love for the homeland... This epic of Sevastopol, of which the people were the hero, will leave great traces in Russia for a long time Russian…"

Sevastopol in May

Six months have passed since the start of hostilities in Sevastopol. “Thousands of human pride have managed to be offended, thousands have managed to be satisfied and pout, thousands have managed to calm down in the arms of death.” The most fair solution to the conflict seems to be in an original way; if two soldiers fought (one from each army), and victory would remain with the side whose soldier emerges victorious. This decision is logical, because it is better to fight one on one than one hundred and thirty thousand against one hundred and thirty thousand. In general, war is illogical, from Tolstoy’s point of view: “one of two things: either war is madness, or if people do this madness, then they are not at all rational creatures, as for some reason we tend to think.”

In besieged Sevastopol, military personnel walk along the boulevards. Among them is the infantry officer (staff captain) Mikhailov, a tall, long-legged, stooped and awkward man. He recently received a letter from a friend, a retired uhlan, in which he writes how his wife Natasha (a close friend of Mikhailov) enthusiastically follows the movements of his regiment and the exploits of Mikhailov himself in newspapers. Mikhailov recalls with bitterness his former circle, which was “so much higher than the current one that when, in moments of frankness, he happened to tell his infantry comrades how he had his own droshky, how he danced at the governor’s balls and played cards with a civilian general.” , they listened to him indifferently and incredulously, as if not wanting to contradict and prove the opposite

Mikhailov dreams of a promotion. On the boulevard he meets Captain Obzhogov and Ensign Suslikov, employees of his regiment, and they shake his hand, but he wants to deal not with them, but with “aristocrats” - that’s why he walks along the boulevard. “And since there are a lot of people in the besieged city of Sevastopol, therefore, there is a lot of vanity, that is, aristocrats, despite the fact that every minute death hangs over the head of every aristocrat and non-aristocrat... Vanity! It must be a characteristic feature and a special disease of our age... Why in our age there are only three kinds of people: some - those who accept the principle of vanity as a fact that necessarily exists, therefore just, and freely submit to it; others - accepting it as an unfortunate but insurmountable condition, and others - unconsciously, slavishly acting under its influence ... "

Mikhailov twice hesitantly walks past the circle of “aristocrats” and finally dares to approach and say hello (previously he was afraid to approach them because they might not deign to answer his greeting at all and thereby prick his sick pride). The “aristocrats” are Adjutant Kalugin, Prince Galtsin, Lieutenant Colonel Neferdov and Captain Praskukhin. In relation to Mikhailov, who has approached, they behave quite arrogantly; for example, Galtsin takes him by the arm and walks back and forth a little just because he knows that this sign of attention should bring pleasure to the staff captain. But soon the “aristocrats” begin to demonstratively talk only to each other, thereby making it clear to Mikhailov that they no longer need his company.

Returning home, Mikhailov remembers that he volunteered to go to the bastion in place of the sick officer the next morning. He feels that they will kill him, and if they don’t kill him, then they will certainly reward him. Mikhailov consoles himself that he acted honestly, that going to the bastion is his duty. On the way, he wonders where he might be wounded - in the leg, stomach or head.

Meanwhile, the “aristocrats” are drinking tea at Kalugin’s in a beautifully furnished apartment, playing the piano, and reminiscing about their St. Petersburg acquaintances. At the same time, they do not behave at all as unnaturally, importantly and pompously as they did on the boulevard, demonstrating to others their “aristocratism”. An infantry officer enters with an important assignment to the general, but the “aristocrats” immediately take on their former “pouty” appearance and pretend that they do not notice the newcomer at all. Only after escorting the courier to the general, Kalugin is imbued with the responsibility of the moment and announces to his comrades that a “hot” business is ahead.

Galtsin asks if he should go on a sortie, knowing that he won’t go anywhere because he’s afraid, and Kalugin begins to dissuade Galtsin, also knowing that he won’t go anywhere. Galtsin goes out into the street and begins to walk aimlessly back and forth, not forgetting to ask the wounded passing by how the battle is going and scolding them for retreating. Kalugin, having gone to the bastion, does not forget to demonstrate his courage to everyone along the way: he does not bend down when bullets whistle, he takes a dashing pose on horseback. He is unpleasantly struck by the “cowardice” of the battery commander, whose bravery is legendary.

Not wanting to take unnecessary risks, the battery commander, who spent six months on the bastion, in response to Kalugin’s demand to inspect the bastion, sends Kalugin to the guns along with a young officer. The general gives the order to Praskukhin to notify Mikhailov’s battalion about the relocation. He successfully delivers the order. In the dark, under enemy fire, the battalion begins to move. At the same time, Mikhailov and Praskukhin, walking side by side, think only about the impression they make on each other. They meet Kalugin, who, not wanting to “expose himself” again, learns about the situation on the bastion from Mikhailov and turns back. A bomb explodes next to them, Praskukhin is killed, and Mikhailov is wounded in the head. He refuses to go to the dressing station, because his duty is to be with the company, and besides, he is entitled to a reward for his wound. He also believes that his duty is to take the wounded Praskukhin or make sure that he is dead. Mikhailov crawls back under fire, becomes convinced of Praskukhin’s death and returns with a clear conscience.

“Hundreds of fresh bloody bodies of people, two hours ago full of various high and small hopes and desires, with numb limbs, lay on the dewy flowering valley separating the bastion from the trench, and on the flat floor of the Chapel of the Dead in Sevastopol; hundreds of people - with curses and prayers on parched lips - crawled, tossed and groaned, some between the corpses in the flowering valley, others on stretchers, on cots and on the bloody floor of the dressing station; and all the same as in the previous days, the lightning lit up over Sapun Mountain, the twinkling stars turned pale, a white fog pulled in from the noisy dark sea, a scarlet dawn lit up in the east, long crimson clouds scattered across the light azure horizon, and everything was the same , as in previous days, promising joy, love and happiness to the whole revived world, a powerful, beautiful luminary floated out.”

The next day, “aristocrats” and other military men walk along the boulevard and vying with each other to talk about yesterday’s “case,” but in such a way that they mainly state “the participation that he took and the courage that the speaker showed in the case.” “Each of them is a little Napoleon, a little monster, and now he’s ready to start a battle, kill a hundred people just to get an extra star or a third of his salary.”

A truce has been declared between the Russians and the French, ordinary soldiers communicate freely with each other and do not seem to feel any hostility towards the enemy. The young cavalry officer is simply delighted to have the chance to chat in French, thinking he is incredibly smart. He discusses with the French how inhumane they have started together, meaning war. At this time, the boy walks around the battlefield, collects blue wildflowers and looks sideways in surprise at the corpses. White flags are displayed everywhere.

“Thousands of people crowd, look, talk and smile at each other. And these people - Christians, professing one great law of love and self-sacrifice, looking at what they have done, will not suddenly fall on their knees with repentance before the one who, having given them life, put into the soul of each, along with the fear of death, love for good and beautiful, and with tears of joy and happiness will they not embrace as brothers? No! The white rags are hidden - and again the instruments of death and suffering whistle, pure innocent blood flows again and groans and curses are heard... Where is the expression of the evil that should be avoided? Where is the expression of goodness that should be imitated in this story? Who is the villain, who is the hero? Everyone is good and everyone is bad... The hero of my story, whom I love with all the strength of my soul, whom I tried to reproduce in all his beauty and who has always been, is and will be beautiful, is true.”

Sevastopol in August 1855

Lieutenant Mikhail Kozeltsov, a respected officer, independent in his judgments and actions, intelligent, talented in many ways, a skillful compiler of government papers and a capable storyteller, returns from the hospital to his position. “He had one of those prides that merged with life to such an extent and which most often develops in some men’s, and especially military circles, that he did not understand any other choice but to excel or be destroyed, and that pride was the engine of even his inner motives."

There were a lot of people passing through the station: there were no horses. Some officers heading to Sevastopol do not even have allowance money, and they do not know how to continue their journey. Among those waiting is Kozeltsov’s brother, Volodya. Contrary to family plans, Volodya did not join the guard for minor offenses, but was sent (at his own request) to the active army. He, like any young officer, really wants to “fight for the Fatherland,” and at the same time serve in the same place as his older brother.

Volodya is a handsome young man, he is both shy in front of his brother and proud of him. The elder Kozeltsov invites his brother to immediately go with him to Sevastopol. Volodya seems embarrassed; he no longer really wants to go to war, and besides, he managed to lose eight rubles while sitting at the station. Kozeltsov uses his last money to pay off his brother’s debt, and they set off. On the way, Volodya dreams of the heroic deeds that he will certainly accomplish in the war together with his brother, of his beautiful death and dying reproaches to everyone else for not being able to appreciate during their lifetime “those who truly loved the Fatherland,” etc.

Upon arrival, the brothers go to the baggage officer's booth, who counts a lot of money for the new regimental commander, who is acquiring a “household.” No one understands what made Volodya leave his quiet home in the distant rear and come to warring Sevastopol without any benefit for himself. The battery to which Volodya is assigned is located on Korabelnaya, and both brothers go to spend the night with Mikhail on the fifth bastion. Before this, they visit Comrade Kozeltsov in the hospital. He is so bad that he does not immediately recognize Mikhail, he is waiting for an imminent death as a release from suffering.

After leaving the hospital, the brothers decide to go their separate ways, and, accompanied by the orderly Mikhail, Volodya goes to his battery. The battery commander invites Volodya to spend the night in the staff captain’s bunk, who is located on the bastion itself. However, Junker Vlang is already sleeping on the bed; he has to give way to the arriving warrant officer (Volodya). At first Volodya cannot sleep; he is either frightened by the darkness or by the premonition of imminent death. He fervently prays for deliverance from fear, calms down and falls asleep to the sound of falling shells.

Meanwhile, Kozeltsov Sr. arrives at the disposal of a new regimental commander - his recent comrade, now separated from him by a wall of chain of command. The commander is unhappy that Kozeltsov is returning to duty prematurely, but instructs him to take command of his former company. In the company, Kozeltsov is greeted joyfully; it is noticeable that he is highly respected among the soldiers. Among the officers, he also expects a warm welcome and sympathetic attitude towards the injury.

The next day the bombing continues with renewed vigor. Volodya begins to join the circle of artillery officers; their mutual sympathy for each other is visible. Volodya is especially liked by Junker Vlang, who in every possible way anticipates any desires of the new ensign. The kind staff captain Kraut, a German who speaks Russian very correctly and too beautifully, returns from his position. There is talk about abuses and legalized theft in senior positions. Volodya, blushing, assures those gathered that such an “ignoble” deed will never happen to him.

At the battery commander's dinner, everyone is interested, the conversations do not stop despite the fact that the menu is very modest. An envelope arrives from the chief of artillery; An officer and servants are required for a mortar battery on Malakhov Kurgan. This is a dangerous place; no one volunteers to go. One of the officers points to Volodya and, after a short discussion, he agrees to go “under fire.” Vlang is sent along with Volodya. Volodya begins to study the “Manual” on artillery shooting. However, upon arrival at the battery, all “rear” knowledge turns out to be unnecessary: ​​the shooting is carried out randomly, not a single cannonball even resembles those mentioned in the “Manual” in weight, there are no workers to repair the broken guns. In addition, two soldiers of his team are wounded, and Volodya himself is repeatedly on the verge of death.

Vlang is very scared; he is no longer able to hide it and thinks exclusively about saving his own life at any cost. Volodya is “a little creepy and cheerful.” His soldiers are also holed up in Volodya’s dugout. He communicates with interest with Melnikov, who is not afraid of bombs, being sure that he will die a different death. Having become accustomed to the new commander, the soldiers begin to discuss under Volodya how the allies under the command of Prince Constantine will come to their aid, how both warring sides will be given rest for two weeks, and then they will be fined for each shot, how in war a month of service will be counted as year, etc.

Despite Vlang's pleas, Volodya leaves the dugout into the fresh air and sits with Melnikov on the threshold until the morning, while bombs fall around him and bullets whistle. But in the morning the battery and guns are already in order, and Volodya completely forgets about the danger; he is only glad that he fulfills his duties well, that he does not show cowardice, but, on the contrary, is considered brave.

The French assault begins. Half-asleep, Kozeltsov rushes out to the company, half-asleep, most concerned about not being considered a coward. He grabs his small saber and runs at the enemy ahead of everyone, inspiring the soldiers with a shout. He is wounded in the chest. Having woken up, Kozeltsov sees the doctor examining his wound, wiping his fingers on his coat and sending a priest to him. Kozeltsov asks if the French have been knocked out; the priest, not wanting to upset the dying man, says that victory remained with the Russians. Kozeltsov is happy; “He thought with an extremely gratifying feeling of self-satisfaction that he had done his duty well, that for the first time in his entire service he had acted as well as he could, and could not reproach himself for anything.” He dies with the last thought of his brother, and Kozeltsov wishes him the same happiness.

The news of the assault finds Volodya in the dugout. “It was not so much the sight of the soldiers’ calmness as the pitiful, undisguised cowardice of the cadet that excited him.” Not wanting to be like Vlang, Volodya commands easily, even cheerfully, but soon hears that the French are bypassing them. He sees enemy soldiers very close, it amazes him so much that he freezes in place and misses the moment when he can still escape. Next to him, Melnikov dies from a bullet wound. Vlang tries to shoot back, calls Volodya to run after him, but, jumping into the trench, he sees that Volodya is already dead, and in the place where he just stood, the French are and are shooting at the Russians. The French banner flutters over the Malakhov Kurgan.

Vlang with the battery arrives by boat in a safer part of the city. He bitterly mourns the fallen Volodya; which I became truly attached to. The retreating soldiers, talking among themselves, notice that the French will not be staying in the city for long. “It was a feeling that seemed like remorse, shame and anger. Almost every soldier, looking from the northern side at the abandoned Sevastopol, sighed with inexpressible bitterness in his heart and threatened his enemies.”

Sevastopol in December

There are battles in the city, but life goes on: they sell hot buns and sbiten. Camp life and peaceful life were strangely mixed. People no longer pay attention to shots and explosions. The wounded in the hospital share their impressions. The person who lost his leg does not remember the pain. Those awaiting surgery watch in horror as arms and legs are amputated. The paramedic throws the cut into the corner. Here the war is not in the right order with music, but blood, suffering, death. A young officer from the 4th, the most dangerous bastion, complains not about the bombs, but about the dirt. Non-military people are encountered less and less often on the way to the 4th fortification and more often they carry the wounded. The artilleryman says that on the 5th there was only one gun left and few servants, and the next morning they were firing again from all the guns. The officer recalled how a bomb fell into a dugout and killed 11 people. The defenders of the bastion display the traits that make up the strength of the people: simplicity and stubbornness, dignity and high thoughts and feelings. In the epic of Sevastopol, the Russian people became the hero.

Sevastopol in May

Six months have passed since the fighting in Sevastopol. Thousands calmed down in the arms of death. It is fairer for two soldiers to fight - one from each army. And the victory was counted for the side whose soldier won. After all, war is madness. Military personnel are walking around besieged Sevastopol. Infantry officer Mikhailov, a tall, stooped, awkward man, received a letter with a story about how his wife, Natasha, was following events in the newspapers. He is vain and craves promotion. Mikhailov hesitantly goes to adjutant Kalugin, Prince Galtsin and others who make up the circle of aristocrats. They are arrogant and, having paid attention, begin to talk to each other, demonstrating that they do not need Mikhailov's company. The officer goes to the bastion and wonders where he is wounded. Aristocrats drink tea, listen to the piano, chat. An infantry officer comes in with an important mission - and everyone looks sulky. It's going to be a hot affair.

Galtsin is afraid of forays to the front line. He walks along the street, asking the wounded how the battle is going and scolding them for retreating. Kalugin demonstrates courage on the bastion: he does not bend, he sits dashingly on horseback. He is struck by the supposed cowardice of the legendary battery commander.

Under fire, the battalion redeploys. Mikhailov and Praskukhin meet Kalugin, he learns about the position of the bastion from Mikhailov, and turns back to where it is safer. A bomb explodes and Praskukhin dies. Mikhailov, although wounded, does not go to get a bandage and remains with the company. Crawling under fire, he becomes convinced of Praskukhin’s death.

And the next day the aristocrats again walk along the boulevard, talking about the hot business, as if each had accomplished a feat.

Sevastopol in August 1855

Mikhail Kozeltsov, a lieutenant respected for his independence in judgment and actions, is traveling to the position from the hospital. There are no horses at the station. Kozeltsov’s brother is also here. Volodya, of his own free will, goes to fight for the Fatherland where his older brother is. Having arrived at the place, the brothers go to spend the night on the 5th bastion. Volodya goes to his battery. The darkness frightens him, he cannot sleep and prays for deliverance from fear.

Kozeltsov Sr. took command of his own company, where he was welcome. The bombing continues with renewed vigor. An officer was needed for Malakhov Kurgan. The place is dangerous, but Kozeltsov agrees. He was on the verge of death several times. The guns on the battery are already in order, and Volodya, having forgotten about the danger, is glad that he managed it and is considered brave. The assault begins. Kozeltsov runs ahead of the company with his saber. He is wounded in the chest. The doctor, having examined the wound, calls the priest. Kozeltsov is interested in whether the French have been knocked out. Not wanting to upset the mortally wounded, the priest assures the Russians of victory. Volodya dies with the thought of his brother.

The French banner flutters over the Malakhov Kurgan. But the retreating soldiers are sure that the French will not stay here for long.

Essays

Year of publication of the book: 1855

“Sevastopol Stories” by Tolstoy is a cycle of three works by the author. The series was first published in 1855 in a St. Petersburg periodical. The reliability of the facts described in “Sevastopol Stories” is explained by the fact that Tolstoy, who was included in the story, was personally in Sevastopol during its defense in 1854.

The cycle “Sevastopol Stories” summary

Sevastopol in December

Morning comes over Sapun Mountain. The sky has already become light, and the surface of the sea has turned from black to dark blue. It is quite cold above the bay, but there is no snow - only black earth is visible around. The fact that the author describes December in the work “Sevastopol Stories” is evidenced only by the light morning frost, which slightly stings the face and creaks underfoot. When you go outside, you can hear the sound of the sea surf, which is periodically interrupted by loud shots. But despite the fact that fighting has been going on in Sevastopol for several months now, people here continue to live their lives. Hot pies are still being sold at the bazaars, and many local residents have even stopped paying attention to the constant explosions.

In the work “Sevastopol Stories” summary says that only the bastions are full of warriors who defend the city, sacrificing their lives. Sevastopol hospitals are overcrowded with soldiers - some are left without a leg, some without arms, some have not been able to recover for several days. In a small hospital room, a paramedic performs numerous operations around the clock, amputating soldiers' limbs. If on the battlefield the warriors behave relaxed and even allow themselves to joke from time to time, then in the hospital one can see war in its most terrible manifestations. Here sits a young officer who fought on one of the most dangerous bastions of Sevastopol. He recalls that what bothered him most on the battlefield was the large amount of dirt. The Doctor understands that such words are nothing more than a soldier’s defensive reaction to fear of war. The officer has something to remember. For example, a bomb that, having hit the dugout, took the lives of more than a dozen soldiers.

In the series “Sevastopol Stories” we can read that there are a large number of people like him in this hospital - brave and courageous Russian soldiers who are ready to give their lives to save their Motherland. During the war, they had become accustomed to playing with death, trying to find a reason to laugh in any situation.

Sevastopol in May

More than six months have passed since the fighting began in Sevastopol. During this time, the city saw more than a thousand deaths, and the same number of people who managed to become disillusioned with the war. Many people already see war as an extremely illogical phenomenon, because people, as rational beings, must first of all be able to negotiate with each other. Sevastopol is still besieged, but not only military personnel, but also civilians often walk along its boulevards. One warm spring evening, Staff Captain Mikhailov also went out for a walk. He was a tall man who constantly slouched and often looked awkward.

In the work “Sevastopol Stories” by Tolstoy, a brief summary tells that a few days ago the staff captain received a letter from his friend, which said that a close friend of Mikhailova from the newspapers was monitoring the work of his regiment. The young officer sadly recalls his former life. He often tells his comrades about how, it would seem, in a past life he main character, attended lavish balls and played cards with the general himself. However, friends do not really believe in Mikhailov’s words.

Meanwhile, the staff captain in his heart dreams of getting a promotion. During his walk, he meets men he met in the war. However, he does not want to spend time with them. With all his soul, Mikhailov strives to conduct conversations with local aristocrats, who, in turn, do not want to communicate with the officer. Nothing, not even war, can change their attitude to life - they huddle in small groups and look down on soldiers passing by.

The hero of L. Tolstoy’s work “Sevastopol Stories” understands that vanity is one of the most important diseases of his century. He passes near a group of aristocrats several times and finally decides to approach and greet them. There he notices Adjutant Kalugin, Captain Proskurin and several other people. At first, the aristocrats receive Mikhailov quite good-naturedly, but after some time they show that his presence here is no longer desirable. The staff captain returns to his home, remembering that he must go to the bastion early in the morning. There he is obliged to replace a comrade who is temporarily unable to go into battle. Mikhailov debates for a long time about whether he will die tomorrow or be mortally wounded. In any of these scenarios, he feels absolute happiness that he is fulfilling his duty honestly.

If we read the summary of “Sevastopol Stories” chapter by chapter, we learn that that evening aristocrats gathered in Kalugin’s house, who were busy drinking tea and playing musical instruments. Left alone, the company does not behave as vainly as one might notice on the boulevard. And only when an officer enters the general, everyone present immediately becomes more pompous. After the officer left the room, Kalugin told his friends that an important matter lay ahead of them.

The next day, Kalugin heads to the bastion. There he tries to show his courage to all the soldiers. He is not afraid of bullets, stands firmly on horseback, and does not flinch from loud explosions. A little later, he sends captain Proskurin to Mikhailov’s battalion to warn them about the need to change their location. When the shelling begins, Mikhailov, along with his soldiers and Proskurin, heads along the intended path. All this time, they only think about how to make a better impression on each other. On the way, the company comes across Kalugin. He planned to inspect the battalion, however, upon learning about the enemy attack, he decides to go back. On the way, the soldiers come across a bomb, the explosion of which kills Proskurin, and staff captain Mikhailov is seriously injured. Kalugin wants to take him to the hospital, but he wants to stay with his company. He thinks that because of the wound he can receive an additional reward.

In Tolstoy’s “Sevastopol Stories” we can read that at the end of the battle the valley was overflowing with the corpses of soldiers. Hundreds more people were writhing in pain, cursing the war and wanting to die quickly. Hospitals were again filled with soldiers who needed amputations. When the aristocrats gathered together again the next day after the battle, they began vying with each other to talk about what an important role they played in the battle. Each of them imagined himself to be the most important component and shouted that he was ready to rush into battle with the enemy even now.

In the meantime, a temporary truce was declared between the warring parties. Russian and French soldiers, having forgotten that they had recently stood opposite each other with weapons, were now having conversations on abstract topics. They all did not understand why, as Christians, they should take up arms and kill others. However, after some time the truce was canceled, and they again had to take up arms.

Sevastopol in August

After the spring battle, the author describes August in Sevastopol Stories. It was then that, after being seriously wounded, a lieutenant named Mikhail Kozeltsov returned to the battlefield from the hospital. He was distinguished by the fact that he had his own for many situations own opinion and a firm position that was respected by all soldiers. There were many officers at the station. Many of them did not have any money with them, so they did not even know how to get to the battlefield. Among those present, Mikhail noticed his brother Volodya. Despite the fact that he was sent to the guard, he voluntarily wanted to go to the front line. Volodya tried in every possible way to follow the example of his brother and strove, like a hero, to faithfully and truly defend his homeland. He is terribly proud of Mikhail, and therefore decides to go with him to Sevastopol. There, at the station, for some time Volodya becomes afraid of how close he is to military action. However, anticipating exploits and a majestic battle, he still goes to the battlefield. When the heroes of the “Sevastopol Stories” series arrived in Sevastopol, they immediately went to headquarters. No one there could understand why Volodya, who could have been in the rear, chose such a fate for himself.

Both Kozeltsovs are sent to the fifth bastion, where Volodya is appointed ensign. Arriving at the battery, the younger Kozeltsov met the cadet Vlang. Young people immediately find mutual language and become good friends. At the same time, Mikhail arrives to his commander, who is not happy that Kozeltsov decides to return to duty so early. After a long conversation, he decides to give Mikhail his previous company, which greets the lieutenant with great joy.

The next day Volodya takes part in the battles. During this time, he and Vlang managed to become good comrades who spend a lot of time together having intimate conversations. After some time, the commander needs to send several people to Malakhov Kurgan. It’s quite dangerous there now, so no one wants to go there voluntarily. Having thought carefully, the commander decides to send Volodya and Vlanga to the marker battery. Throughout the evening, the younger Kozeltsov studies various shooting manuals. However, as soon as the time comes to go to the battlefield, he realizes that all the knowledge gained from books is not applicable in real life. Many soldiers from his team are seriously injured. And Volodya himself was only able to avoid death by a miracle. The current situation seriously frightened Vlang, who begins to think about how to leave the scene of hostilities. However, Volodya cannot even think about escaping. He is glad that he is alive and tries to show the other soldiers an example of courage.

When the assault begins at night, Mikhail goes out to his company. Without waking up from sleep, he takes up his saber and runs at full speed towards the enemy, trying to raise the morale of the soldiers. If we read the summary of the works “Sevastopol Stories,” we learn that after some time he receives a fatal wound to the chest. In the hospital, Mikhail asks the priest what the outcome of the battle was. He, not wanting to upset the dying man, informs him that the Russians have won. Senior Kozeltsov dies with a smile on his face and pride for his soldiers.

Volodya behaves quite boldly during the assault. He skillfully commands the soldiers, but soon realizes that the French have surrounded them. Confused, he freezes in place. Vlang shouts to his comrade to run after him. Having not heard an answer, the cadet approaches the trench and sees that Volodya has been mortally wounded. Together with several soldiers, Vlang manages to retreat to a safe distance. Having boarded the ship, they move to that part of the city that the French have not yet managed to surround. The cadet remembers his fallen comrade with bitterness in his heart and notices the sadness on the faces of the soldiers who are forced to retreat from Sevastopol under the pressure of enemies.

The series “Sevastopol Stories” on the Top Books website

Tolstoy’s cycle “Sevastopol Stories” is so popular to read that it allowed them to occupy high place among . Although this interest is largely due to the presence of the work in school curriculum. Nevertheless, we predict that this cycle of Tolstoy’s stories will be included in our subsequent ones.

Sevastopol stories:

In this article we will look at three of Tolstoy’s stories: we will describe their brief content and carry out an analysis. "Sevastopol Stories" was published in 1855. They were written during Tolstoy’s stay in Sevastopol. Let us first describe the summary, and then talk about the work “Sevastopol Stories”. The analysis (the described events take place in December 1854, May and August 1955) will be easier to perceive by remembering the main points of the plot.

Sevastopol in December

Despite the fact that hostilities continue in Sevastopol, life goes on as usual. Trade women sell hot rolls, men sell sbiten. Peaceful and camp life are strangely mixed here. Everyone is scared and fussing, but this is a deceptive impression. Many people no longer notice explosions and gunshots while going about their “everyday business.” Only on the bastions can you see the defenders of Sevastopol.

Hospital

Tolstoy continues his description of the hospital in Sevastopol Stories. The summary of this episode is as follows. Wounded soldiers in the hospital share their impressions. The person who lost his leg does not remember the pain, because he did not think about it. A woman carrying lunch to the bastion was hit by a shell, and her leg was cut off above the knee. Operations and dressings are performed in a separate room. The wounded waiting in line see in horror how the doctor amputates the legs and arms of their comrades, and the paramedic throws them indifferently into the corner. Thus, describing the details, Tolstoy conducts an analysis in his work “Sevastopol Stories”. In August, nothing will essentially change. People will suffer in the same way, and no one will understand that war is inhumane. Meanwhile, these spectacles shake the soul. War appears not in a brilliant, beautiful system, with drumming and music, but in its real expression - in death, suffering, blood. A young officer who fought on the most dangerous bastion complains not about the abundance of shells and bombs falling on his heads, but about the dirt. This is a reaction to danger. The officer behaves too casually, cheekily and boldly.

On the way to the fourth bastion

Non-military people are encountered less and less often on the road to the fourth bastion (the most dangerous). More and more often we come across stretchers with wounded people. The artillery officer behaves calmly here, as he is accustomed to the roar of explosions and the whistling of bullets. This hero tells how in his battery during the assault there was only one working gun left, as well as very few servants, but the next morning he was firing all the guns again.

The officer recalls how a bomb hit the sailor's dugout, killing 11 people. In the movements, posture, and 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 suffering, anger and the danger of war added to them traces of high thought and feeling, as well as a consciousness of self-worth. Tolstoy conducts a psychological analysis in the work (“Sevastopol Stories”). He notes that a feeling of revenge on the enemy, anger lurks in everyone’s soul. When a cannonball flies directly at a person, some pleasure does not leave him along with a feeling of fear. Then he himself waits for the bomb to explode closer - there is a “special charm” in such a game with death. The feeling of love for the Motherland lives among the people. The events in Sevastopol will leave great traces in Russia for a long time.

Sevastopol in May

The events of the work "Sevastopol Stories" continue in May. 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 conflict: if two soldiers fought, one each from the Russian and French armies, and victory would go to 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 Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy, war is illogical. This is either madness, or people are not such intelligent creatures as is commonly thought.

Officer Mikhailov

Soldiers walk along the boulevards in a besieged city. Among them is the infantry officer Mikhailov, a long-legged, tall, awkward and stooped man. He recently received a letter from a friend. In it, a retired uhlan writes how Natasha, his wife (a close friend of Mikhailov), enthusiastically follows in the newspapers how his regiment moves, as well as Mikhailov’s exploits. He remembers with bitterness his former circle, which is higher than the current one to such an extent that the soldiers, when he told them about his life (how he played cards with a civilian general or danced), listened to him indifferently and incredulously.

Mikhailov's dream

This officer dreams of promotion. On the boulevard he meets Obzhogov, the captain, as well as ensign Suslikov. his regiment. They greet Mikhailov and shake his hand. However, the officer does not want to deal with them. He yearns for the company of aristocrats. Lev Nikolaevich talks about vanity and analyzes it. “Sevastopol Stories” is a work in which there are many author’s digressions, reflections on philosophical themes. Vanity, according to the author, is “the disease of our age.” Therefore there are three types of people. The first accept the beginning of vanity as a necessarily existing fact, and therefore just. These people obey him freely. Others view it as an insurmountable, unfortunate condition. Still others act slavishly, unconsciously under the influence of vanity. This is how Tolstoy argues (“Sevastopol Stories”). Its analysis is based on personal participation in the events described and on observations of people.

Twice Mikhailov hesitantly passes by a circle of aristocrats. Finally he dares to say hello. Previously, this officer was afraid to approach them because these people might not deign to answer his greeting at all and thereby prick his sick pride. Aristocratic society - Galtsin, adjutant Kalugin, captain Praskukhin and lieutenant colonel Neferdov. They behave rather arrogantly towards Mikhailov. Galtsin, for example, takes an officer by the arm and walks with him a little only because he knows that this will give him pleasure. However, they soon begin to talk demonstratively only to each other, making it clear to Mikhailov that they no longer need his company.

The staff captain, returning home, recalls that the next morning he volunteered to go to the bastion in place of the sick officer. It seems to him that he will be killed, and if this does not happen, then he will probably be rewarded. The staff captain consoles himself that it is his duty to go to the bastion, that he acted honestly. He wonders along the way where he might be wounded - in the head, stomach or leg.

Assembly of aristocrats

Meanwhile, the aristocrats are drinking tea at Kalugin's and playing the piano. At the same time, they behave not at all as pompously, importantly and unnaturally as on the boulevard, demonstrating their “aristocratism” to those around them, as Tolstoy notes (“Sevastopol Stories”). Analysis of the behavior of the characters in the work occupies an important place. An infantry officer enters with an order to the general, but immediately the aristocrats again take on a pouty appearance, pretending that they did not notice the newcomer. Kalugin, having escorted the courier to the general, is imbued with the responsibility of the moment. He reports that there is a “hot business” ahead.

In "Sevastopol Stories" it is described in some detail, but we will not dwell on this. Galtsin volunteers to go on a sortie, knowing that he won’t go anywhere because he’s afraid. Kalugin begins to dissuade him, also knowing that he will not go. Going out into the street, Galtsin begins to walk aimlessly, not forgetting to ask the wounded passing by how the battle is going, and also scold them for retreating. Having gone to the bastion, Kalugin does not forget to demonstrate courage along the way: when bullets whistle, he does not bend down, and takes a dashing pose on his horse. He is unpleasantly struck by the “cowardice” of the battery commander. But there are legends about the courage of this man.

Mikhailov is wounded

Having spent six months on the bastion and not wanting to take unnecessary risks, the battery commander sends Kalugin in response to his demand to inspect the bastion to the guns with a young officer. The general gives the order to Praskukhin to notify Mikhailov’s battalion about the relocation. 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 Kalugin, who does not want to expose himself to danger once again, who learns from Mikhailov about the situation and turns back. A bomb explodes next to him. Praskukhin dies, Mikhailov is wounded in the head, but does not go to the bandage, believing that duty comes first.

The next day, all the military men walk along the alley and talk about yesterday's events, showing their bravery to others. A truce has been declared. The French and Russians communicate with each other easily. There is no enmity between them. These heroes understand how inhumane war is. The author himself notes this when conducting an analysis in the work “Sevastopol Stories”.

In August 1855

Kozeltsov appears on the battlefield after treatment. He is independent in his judgment, very talented and very intelligent. All the carts with horses disappeared, and many residents gathered at the bus stop. Many officers have absolutely no means of subsistence. Vladimir, Mikhail Kozeltsev’s brother, is also here. He did not join the guard, despite his plans, but was appointed a soldier. Fighting he likes it.

Sitting at the station, Vladimir is no longer so eager to fight. He lost money. My younger brother helps me pay off the debt. Upon arrival they are assigned to the battalion. Here an officer sits above a pile of money in a booth. He must count them. The brothers disperse, having gone to sleep on the fifth bastion.

The commander offers Vladimir to spend the night at his place. He falls asleep with difficulty under the whistling bullets. Mikhail goes to his commander. He is outraged by the entry of Kozeltsev, who was recently in the same position with him, into service. However, the others are happy to see him back.

In the morning, Vladimir enters officer circles. Everyone sympathizes with him, especially Junker Vlang. Vladimir ends up at a dinner arranged by the commander. There's a lot of talk going on here. The letter sent by the chief of artillery says that an officer is required in Malakhov, but since this is a troubled place, no one agrees. However, Vladimir decides to go. Vlang goes with him.

Vladimir in Malakhov

Arriving at the place, he finds military weapons in disarray, which there is no one to repair. Volodya communicates with Melnikov, and also quickly finds a common language with the commander.

The assault begins. Kozeltsov, sleepy, goes out to fight. He rushes towards the French, drawing his saber. Volodya is seriously wounded. To make him happy before his death, the priest reports that the Russians have won. Volodya is glad that he was able to serve the country, and thinks about his older brother. Volodya is still in command, but after a while he realizes that the French have won. Melnikov's corpse lies nearby. The French banner appears above the mound. Vlang leaves for a safe place. This is how Tolstoy ends “Sevastopol Stories,” a summary of which we have just described.

Analysis of the work

Lev Nikolaevich, finding himself in besieged Sevastopol, was shocked by the heroic spirit of the population and troops. He began writing his first story, “Sevastopol in December.” Then two others came out, telling about events in May and August 1855. All three works are united under the title “Sevastopol Stories”.

We will not analyze each of them, we will only note common features. From the struggle, which did not subside for almost a year, only three paintings were snatched. But how much they give! When analyzing the work “Sevastopol Stories,” it should be noted that Tolstoy’s critical pathos gradually intensifies, from work to work. An increasingly accusatory beginning is emerging. The narrator of the work "Sevastopol Stories", the analysis of which we are analyzing, is struck by 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 in order to get an "star". Communication with soldiers helps officers gain courage and resilience. Only the best of them are close to the people, as the analysis shows.

Tolstoy's Sevastopol Stories marked the beginning of a realistic depiction of 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 a person who found himself in a war and the “trench” truth.