Bk. 1, Pt. 1, Ch. 16: Bonaparte Stopped Austria's "Cackle" and Russia is Next

The extravagant Rostov feast is winding down and the political talk is reaching a zenith.

Shinshin asks why Russia should be thrown into a war with Napoleon. He notes Bonaparte already stopped Austria’s cackle and Russia's turn is likely next. The ethnically German colonel (in the Russian Army) who is within earshot gets irritated and announces his fealty to the Emperor. The colonel quotes Alexander's Declaration of War, which has the refrain -- to establish a lasting peace; the country must mobilize for War. Shinshin responds that Russian stands little chance, especially considering General Suvorov was "hacked to pieces" by the French in the Alps and is now deceased. Shinshin notes there is nobody like Suvorov to mount a realistic challenge to Napoleon. 

Suvorov was a military leader ranked high on historical lists of top generals. He is known for success during the Russo-Polish conflict, two successful descents on Turtukai (a city on the Danube), his defense of the Black Sea fort 'Hirsov' (1773), as well as his direction of the Battle of Kozludji (1774). During the Russo-Turkish War of 1787–91, he aptly defended territory on the north shore of the Black Sea. He attained the rare title, Generalissimo, which means commander of all units of the military, near the end of his life. Various military schools bear his name. He is also famous for a retreat in 1799 when his 23,000 men were pursued by 80,000 French.  He never surrendered, though thousands died of the elements, sickness, or falling from cliffs. About 18,000 made it through the Alps. Suvorov became worn out and died within the year.

The Colonel continues with his Ra Ra speech and asks Nikolai Rostov what he thinks of going to war. Nikolai responds: we must die or conquer! Julie Kuragina is impressed -- as is everyone else within earshot. Sonya, who loves Nikolai dearly, is in the pangs of jealousy over Julie's closeness to Nikolai . The Colonel proclaims the young man to be a true hussar and is thumping the table in excitement. Marya Dmitrievna, remarks that with such bravado, the Colonel must think the French are at the table. Marya and the Colonel discuss how their sons are going to war and Marya notes how their fate is in God’s hands..

The younger people, especially the Rostov kids, are bored with political talk. They have their mind on something more important to them – namely, what is for dessert. Natasha asks aloud, which is considered a breach of decorum. Marya (Le Terrible Dragon) eventually replies 'ice cream,' but jokingly says none will be given to Natasha. The youth persists and finds out pineapple ice cream will be served. Natasha’s boldness reduces her younger bother Petya to joyous laughter. The adults joined in the gaiety, including Natasha's generally stoic mother.

The dessert is accompanied by live orchestra music, then a toast from the Host, Ilya Rostov, to his wife’s health. The dinner is now over and the guests retreat to Ilya’s study or the drawing room.