Part 8, Chapters 1-6 Summary

Pierre gives up keeping a diary, avoids his brother masons, and annoys his wife. On advice from Helene, he goes to Moscow to keep from embarrassing her. Moscow society is very pleased to have him back. He reflects on the deception of some people, namely Napoleon and his wife, and he begins reading and drinking a great deal. Old Prince Bolkonsky and Maria come to Moscow as well because he is playing the part of leader of the Moscow opposition. He is deteriorating physically and mentally. Maria feels very out of place in Moscow. She misses her God's folk and the solitude of the country. Old Bolkonsky acts affectionately toward Mademoiselle Bourienne in Maria's presence just to annoy her. A celebrated French doctor, Metivier, is one of the few doctors ever allowed to see Old Bolkonsky. Old Bolkonsky now...