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 he will be killed, and if he is not killed, then he will certainly be rewarded. 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

An essay based on the cycle of “Sevastopol Stories” by L. Tolstoy

Sevastopol in December.

Morning. There is an incredibly beautiful dawn above Sapun Mountain: dark blue sea, slight chill and fog. There is no more snow, but the frost still burns your cheeks, and the sound of the sea is interrupted by gunfire in the city of Sevastopol. When looking at this beautiful city, the thought of a certain courage, great pride arises, and the blood seems to freeze in all the veins.

The war is still raging in Sevastopol, but if you look past everything that is happening, life goes on, and various goods are sold in the markets. Everything has been mixed up here for a long time, people don’t pay attention to anything, they are busy with their own problems. Only on the bastions is it possible to see heartbreaking sights.

In hospitals, the wounded share their impressions of the fighting and how each of them lost their health. In the next room, operations are carried out and the wounded are bandaged. Everyone is very embarrassed and scared, because the doctors easily remove body parts and indifferently throw them into the corner.

One of the officers behaves very strangely, complaining about the dirt, and not about the bombs falling on their heads. But no one here has been paying attention to this for a long time, because people are in shock. There are a lot of military men and quite a lot of wounded in the fourth bastion. But despite this, the artilleryman is very calm. The artillery officer shares that recently they had only one weapon left, and there were almost no assistants at all, but by morning, as if nothing had happened, he was standing on the gun. He told how 11 people died from one explosion.

The whole Russian spirit is clearly visible in the faces of the soldiers: there is stubbornness, anger, simplicity with dignity. Anger is expressed in revenge against the enemy. All soldiers are scared, but when a bomb flies above them, it creates a feeling of fascination and a game of life and death. But the Russian people are unshakable, and will never give up their Sevastopol to the enemy. Love for the homeland overcomes all fears and doubts, and all unbearable conditions pale in comparison with the shame that the people will experience if they give up their city of Sevastopol. And the heroic Russian people of this great city will forever leave a mark on history.

Sevastopol in May

The fighting has been going on for six months. The fairest and most original way out of the conflict would be if one person from each side of the armies fought, and the one who could win and win would win the whole battle. Since this method would be safer for civilians and all citizens in general. Wars are not at all logical and primitive, Tolstoy believes. War is madness, and people themselves create this madness.

People in military uniform wander the streets of Sevastopol every day. Mikhailov, who is a staff captain, is one of them; he is a tall, stooped man. Mikhailov received a message from a friend a few days ago; it said that his wife was watching how the officer’s regiment was moving and his achievements.

The staff captain sadly recalled his former circle of friends. After all, then he was at the balls of the governor himself, playing cards with the general, everyone respected him, but with distrust and indifference, and he had to defend his positions. Mikhailov wonders when he will be promoted.

Having met Obzhogov and Suslikov, who serve in his regiment, he shakes hands without much desire, but he has not wanted to do business with them for a long time. Aristocrats are very vain, but it is not aristocrats who behave in this way, but since there are a great many people in the city and death has been hanging over everyone’s heads for six months, the civilians have already begun to behave with a certain vanity.

This is most likely the case in every war in order to somehow survive. At this time, there are three types of citizens: those only embarking on the path of vanity, those who accept it as a condition of survival, and the herd that follows the first two... The staff captain does not want to meet anyone, but after walking around a little, he approaches the “aristocrats.” Before that, he was afraid of them, since they could prick the most “tender” and painful, and in general they might not even deign to say hello.

The “aristocrats” treat the staff officer very arrogantly; Galtsin takes him by the hand and takes him for a walk because he wants to give Mikhailov a little pleasure. But after a little while everyone stops paying any attention to him, and Mikhailov realizes that they are not very happy for him here.

Mikhailov returns home with the memory that he promised to go to work in the morning, replacing an officer. Mikhailov cannot shake the feeling that he will either die or be promoted. He believes that he is acting honestly. On the road, he tries to guess where he will be wounded.

Everyone gathers at Kalugin's to drink tea, play the piano and remember life before the war. They are all extremely pompous, and show themselves as important personalities, as if explaining that they are “aristocrats”.

An infantry officer comes to the general to tell him something important; everyone in the room pretends not to see him. As soon as the messenger leaves, Kalugin begins to worry. Galtsin asks a question about leaving, Kalugin dissuades him, knowing that he is not going to leave. Galtsin gets nervous and begins to walk around, asking passers-by how the battle is going.

Staff officer Kalugin goes to the bastion, demonstrating to those around him along the way that he is a brave man. He doesn't notice the bullet above his head, striking various poses. He is perplexed that the commander is afraid. Kalugin goes to inspect the bastion, accompanied by a young officer. Praskukhin notifies the battalion headquarters captain about the relocation.

Mikhailov and Praskukhin begin to move at night, but each of them thinks about how he looks in the eyes of the other. Praskukhin dies, and Kalugin is wounded in the head. Mikhailov does not go to the bandage, because he believes that duty comes first. He doesn’t yet know that his comrade is dead, so, no matter what, he crawls back. Clouds of bloody corpses, which just recently were full of desires and hopes, lie on a flowering field. The walls of Sevastopol have never seen so much groaning and suffering.

And the dawn continues to rise day after day over Sapun Mountain: already faded stars, thick fog of an almost black sea, scattered clouds along the bright red horizon, which still promise beautiful, joyful days, and peace in the whole world. The next day, all the military men walk along the alley and retell the events of the past day, showing others all their courage.

They all feel like Napoleons, because they are ready to take the battle path again in order to be able to catch a star and an increased salary. The Russians and the French declare a truce, the military easily communicate with each other, and there is absolutely no hostility in this. They are even happy to have such communication, suspecting the intelligence of each party. They understand how inhumane war is.

The boy walks through the clearing and, not noticing the corpses around, collects wildflowers. There are white flags around. An endless number of people smile at those around them. They all worship the same god, they all profess the same laws of life and love, but still they will not be able to fall to their knees and ask for forgiveness for the death of their loved ones.

But the flags have been removed. And again citizens of both sides take up guns, and again red rivers flow, and frantic groans are heard from every corner of the city. But the hero of this story is beautiful and courageous, he was able to prove himself as an officer, who cannot be more worthy; people like him, although rare, still live in all countries and at all times.

Sevastopol in August 1855.

After treatment, Kozeltsov appears on the battlefield; this highly respected officer is independent in his reasoning. He is not at all stupid and very talented. Knows how to draw up government papers. He had a certain kind of pride that had long since merged with everyday life; with it it was possible to humiliate himself and excel at the same time.

All the carts with horses were gone, and quite a lot of residents gathered at the stop. Some officers have absolutely no means of subsistence. Mikhail Kozeltsev’s brother named Vladimir is also here. Despite his plans, he did not join the guard and was appointed a soldier. Like any newbie, he enjoys combat.

Vladimir is proud of his brother and goes with him to Sevastopol. Vladimir is somewhat embarrassed, he is no longer so eager to fight, sitting at the station, he lost money. His older brother helps pay off the debt and they hit the road. Volodya is waiting for the heroic deeds that he thinks he will accomplish with Mikhail. He thinks about how he will be killed and all the reproaches that he will say before his death to people who do not know how to value life.

When they arrive, they are sent to a booth. In the booth, an officer sits over a pile of money that he has to count. Nobody understands why Vladimir came to Sevastopol. The brothers go to bed at Bastion 5, but before going to bed they still have to visit their dying friend in the hospital. The brothers disperse.

The commander invited Vladimir to spend the night, although Vlang was already sleeping on their bed. He gives way to the arriving warrant officer. Vladimir has difficulty falling asleep, the night frightens him before going to bed, and he thinks about his death. But still he falls asleep to the whistling bullets. Mikhail puts himself at the disposal of his commander, who most recently was in the same position with him.

The new commander is outraged by Kozeltsov’s entry into service. But everyone else is glad to see him back, he is popular with everyone, and they give him a very warm welcome. In the morning, hostilities pick up speed again. Vladimir is part of the circles of artillery officers. Everyone here sympathizes with him. But Junker Vlang pays special attention to him. He tries in every possible way to please the new warrant officer Vladimir.

Captain Kraut unexpectedly returned from the war; he is German by origin, but he speaks in Russian, as in his native language, very beautifully and without errors. A conversation begins between them about legal theft in high positions. Vladimir blushes and assures everyone that if he lives to reach such a position, he will never act like that.

Vladimir ends up at the commander's lunch. There are quite a lot of interesting conversations going on there, and even the modest menu does not interfere with the conversations. The chief of artillery sends a letter, it says that an officer is needed for a mortar in the city of Malakhov, but since this is a troubled place, no one agrees. Someone proposes Vladimir for this position, and after a while he agrees. Vlang goes with him.

The officer begins to study artillery combat. But as soon as he arrives at his destination, all his knowledge is not accepted, since the war occurs without order, and everything that is described in the books is not even close to real combat operations. There is no one even to repair the military weapons. The officer came close to death several times. Juncker is scared, he can only think about death. Volodya treats everything with a certain sense of humor. Volodya likes to communicate with Melnikov, because he believes that he will not die in war. Vladimir quickly finds a common language with the commander.

The soldiers are talking, because soon the help of Prince Constantine is going to arrive to them, and they will finally be able to rest a little. Volodya talks with Melnikov until the morning, on the threshold of the house, he no longer pays attention to either bullets or bombs. Vladimir, having forgotten about fear, is sincerely pleased with the high quality of performance of his own duties.

Storm. Sleepy Kozeltsev goes into battle, he is not embarrassed by his sleep-deprived state, he is much more worried about not being considered a coward. Snatching his saber, he rushes towards the French. Volodya is seriously wounded.

The priest, in order to make Volodya happy before his death, says that the Russians have won. He is very glad that he was able to serve his homeland, and until his last breath he thinks about his older brother. Volodya continues to command, but after a while he realizes that the French troops are bypassing them. Not far from him lies the corpse of Melnikov. Vlang is still fighting, not noticing the death of his commanders. The French banner appears over the Malakhov mound. Vlang drives away to safety. Soldiers are watching the abandoned Sevastopol...

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 cast 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 sharp 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 , 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 -ki - sbiten. It seems that camp and peaceful life are strangely mixed here, people are 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 is 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 bastion (the most dangerous) complains not about the abundance of bombs and shells falling on the heads of the bastion 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 snares 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 again firing from all the cannons. The officer recalls how a bomb hit the sailor's dugout and killed eleven people. In the faces, posture, 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 left traces 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 towards 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 post was inspired by reading “Sevastopol Stories” by Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy. Of course, neither the author nor this collection of stories needs additional introduction, since it is one of the most popular works about the heroic defense of Sevastopol from the Anglo-French occupiers troops. Leo Tolstoy was a direct participant in these events.

Brief summary of "Sevastopol Stories" by Tolstoy Lev Nikolaevich
Tolstoy's Sevastopol Stories consists of 3 short stories describing the defense of Sevastopol in 1854 and 1855.

"Sevastopol in December"
The story “Sevastopol in December” by Tolstoy describes the mood in the city and directly on the bastions: life in the city is completely normal, as if there is no war nearby, and on the bastions people are sure that the power of Russian weapons is unshakable and that no one can take Sevastopol . At the same time, Tolstoy shows how cruel, abnormal and senseless this war is: many people lose their lives and health, while diplomats do not succeed in their work.

"Sevastopol in May"
The story “Sevastopol in May” by Tolstoy takes the reader six months forward: the city is already pretty battered by the siege, many people have been killed and wounded, the civilian population is decreasing, and diplomats are still not succeeding. The military live their own lives: when they need to fight, they howl, and when a truce comes, they happily communicate with their yesterday's (and tomorrow's) enemies.

"Sevastopol in August 1855"
The story “Sevastopol in August 1855” by Tolstoy takes us to the very end of the defense of Sevastopol: there is almost no peaceful life in the city, and the war goes on and on. Tolstoy describes how two brothers go to the city: one, brave and loved by the soldiers, returns after being wounded, the second, young, volunteers to defend the Fatherland. Both brothers end up dying: one heroically, leading his unit into an attack, and the second, being caught by surprise by a French outflanking maneuver. This is where the story of the city's defense sadly ends: Russian troops retreat, the fleet is destroyed, the enemy occupies the city.

Meaning
Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy, in his stories about Sevastopol, appears to us as a war correspondent, even though the stories are not as documentary (rather artistic) as we are used to. Being a direct participant in the events described, Tolstoy describes the life, moods and thoughts of the participants in the defense without embellishment. Some sincerely want to defend their Fatherland, others do not understand why they had to give up everything and go to war. Some count on medals, others are afraid to die. Some are ready to make any sacrifice, others strive to extract all possible benefits from the war, including material ones.

Despite the pride in the defending Russian army, Tolstoy's Sevastopol Stories cycle is rather anti-war in nature. The senselessness of the war is shown by the large number of killed and wounded people, the oppressive atmosphere of hospitals, the thirst for profit of those in charge, the desire for rewards at any cost, etc. Immersed in this atmosphere, almost anyone begins to think a little more about the meaning of what is happening. The depiction of war in Tolstoy's Sevastopol Stories is very truthful, naturalistic, unpoetic and unromantic: heroes who go to war because of exalted ideas about it inevitably lose them, sometimes along with their health or life. As Tolstoy himself says, the main character of Sevastopol Stories is the truth.

Conclusion
I will not be original if I once again write that Tolstoy is the greatest writer in the world, an unsurpassed master of the word (including the small literary form). Of course“Sevastopol Stories” by Tolstoy is an absolute must read!

In the 50s of the 19th century, Sovremennik began publishing “Sevastopol Stories” by L. N. Tolstoy. For readers eagerly awaiting news about the Crimean War, these essays were necessary as an eyewitness account, as a report from the scene. And the titles of the stories were quite consistent: “Sevastopol in August”, “Sevastopol in December”, “Sevastopol in May”.

History of the collection

An analysis of “Sevastopol Stories” shows that the author’s personal participation in the defense of this city made it possible to fully and objectively depict both the events taking place and human characters. Tolstoy was in service when the war between Turkey and Russia began. Tolstoy received permission to transfer to Sevastopol. From November 1854 to November 1855 he was in the vicinity of Sevastopol.

Finding himself in a besieged city, the writer was shocked by the heroism of the ordinary population and soldiers. He began writing his first story amid the roar of guns. Under the brilliant pen of the defense master, the heroic defense of Sevastopol comes to life. Even the most cursory analysis of “Sevastopol Stories” will allow us to note that this is not only a work of art, but also a historical document, the testimony of a participant so precious to historians.

Purpose and main theme

As a participant in the events described, the author came to the idea that the Russian soldier, the ordinary Russian people, are the driving force that gives rise to the heroic spirit. The narrator of the story is surprised by the difference between the sincerity of ordinary soldiers and the vanity of officers, “to start a battle,” to kill a hundred or two people in order to receive another rank or star. Only the best officers are close to the masses.

“Sevastopol Stories” played a role in the formation of Tolstoy as a writer. For the first time in his work, he depicted the Russian people standing up to defend their fatherland. This was the beginning of a realistic depiction of war and human psychology in Russian literature. The writer's new, honest look at war, devoid of an aura of beauty, allowed readers to see behind the music and drumming, behind the beautiful formation and prancing generals - pain, blood, suffering and death.

August in Sevastopol

We continue the analysis of “Sevastopol Stories”. The third and last essay in the collection, “Sevastopol in August,” is one of those stories that will preserve the characteristics of the war for future generations, and at the same time will remain an example of a literary work in the simplicity and artlessness of the language, in artistic treatment, and in the ability to rivet the reader’s gaze. The author does not resort to literary delights, intrigues or romantic inventions. He simply writes about the daily life of the city’s defenders; they do not risk their lives out of boasting, but they also do not regret it in times of danger.

Let’s take a break from the analysis of Tolstoy’s “Sevastopol Stories” for a moment and get acquainted with the summary of the last in the story cycle. Here we are talking about a young officer, just “released from the corps,” Volodya Kozeltsov. All his thoughts are occupied with only one thing - he is afraid of being a coward. So it was on the morning of August 27, he thought that the feeling of fear and danger was greater than that he would become a traitor. He doesn’t want to die, he’s seen so little in his life. In the last days of August, he met with his brother Mikhail, he had long been one of the Sevastopol defenders, but was on leave due to injury.

Volodya came with him to Sevastopol. His mood is not cheerful, he has dreams spinning in his head that if his brother is killed next to him, then he will immediately rush to avenge his death and die next to his bloody brother. Volodya's dreams will come true: his brother is wounded and he will die at the dressing station, Volodya will die at the mortar battery. The story ends with Russian troops crossing the bay to the North Side.

December Sevastopol

We continue the analysis of the work “Sevastopol Stories”. Let's take a look at the summary of the first essay in the collection - “Sevastopol in December.” The morning dawn slowly colors the sky above Sapun Mountain. It blows cool from the bay, and occasionally the morning silence is broken by thunderous shots. There is fighting in the city, but life goes on as usual: merchants sell buns and sbiten. It seems like everyone is bustling around here, but that's the first impression.

In fact, most people don't pay attention to explosions or gunshots. Only on the bastion you can see the defenders of the city, amazing, unforgettable pictures. In the hospital, soldiers share their impressions. The wounded, waiting their turn, watch in horror as doctors amputate their arms and legs. Only here you can see stunning spectacles, real war - blood, pain, death.

A young officer from the fourth, most dangerous bastion, complains not about shells and bombs, but about the dirt. This is his defensive reaction; he is still inexperienced and behaves at ease. On the way to the fourth, civilians are seen less and less, and stretchers with the wounded are increasingly seen. The officer on the bastion behaves calmly and recalls how a bomb hit the dugout and killed eleven people at once. In the face and posture of the defenders of the bastion, real Russian features are visible - simplicity and stubbornness.

Continuing the analysis of “Sevastopol Stories” chapter by chapter, it should be noted that in this story the author’s desire to depict the heroism of the Russian people and show their conviction that Sevastopol cannot be taken, it is impossible to shake the strength of the Russian people, is especially clear.

"Sevastopol in May"

This story occupies a central place in the collection. Six months have passed since the siege. Soldiers watch each other, diplomats cannot agree, and it is even more difficult to resolve the conflict through military action.

Let us continue the analysis with a summary of the second story in the cycle, “Sevastopol in May.” Officer Mikhailov is walking around the city and remembers a letter from his friend. He writes that his wife always reads about everything that happens in Sevastopol and is very proud of him. Mikhailov had long lacked such communication. He always dreamed of a high award, and for newspapers to write about it.

Unnoticed, Mikhailov approached the pavilion with music; he wanted to communicate with the aristocrats, but did not dare. He sought promotion, and communication with ordinary people or soldiers did not suit him. The officer took courage and approached them. They received him well and even went for a walk with him. Mikhailov was happy.

Among the aristocrats there were those who were not very eager to come under fire - Praskukhin. Mikhailov commands a company on the front line, and Praskukhin is asked to carry the order to move. As the battalion moves, the officers try to impress each other. Praskukhin is killed, Mikhailov is wounded in the head, and refuses the infirmary because he wants to distinguish himself. The next day, aristocrats stroll along the boulevard and talk about their heroic deeds. A truce is declared. Russian soldiers and enemy soldiers talk to each other without malice or hatred. But as soon as the white flag is removed, everything starts again.

Conclusion

Tolstoy uncompromisingly condemns the war in Sevastopol Stories. A brief analysis of the artistic features of this cycle comes down to one thing: the author does not want to embellish events, his goal is to depict everything as it really happens. The main theme of this cycle is testing the spiritual and moral strength of the nation. War breaks the usual course of life, the characters and destinies of people, but they not only remain human in inhuman conditions, but are also capable of love for their homeland and heroism.