Notes on WAR AND PEACE Napoleon, Bathed in Self-Love, Pulling on Ears

 

Napoleon, Ever Bathed in Self-Love, Pulling on Ears

Napoleon Bonaparte, who makes several appearances in War and Peace, is always portrayed negatively and ironically. Emphasis is placed on his short stature, his plump hands and little jutting belly. Above all, he is shown as lost in delusionary admiration of self. Here he is, in 1812—about to launch the move that will destroy him, an invasion of Russia—putting on a performance for General Balashev, who has delivered a message to him from the Russian emperor Aleksandr I.

 “‘What I can’t understand,’ he said, ‘is that the emperor Alexander made all these personal enemies of mine his intimates. That I don’t . . . understand. Didn’t he reflect that I might do the same?’ He turned to Balashev with this question, and the recollection evidently pushed him back onto the track of his morning’s wrath, which was still fresh in him.

    ‘And let him know that I will do it,’ said Napoleon, getting up and shoving his cup away with his hand. ‘I’ll kick all his relatives out of Germany, all these Württembergs, Badens, Weimars . . . Yes, I’ll kick them out. Let him prepare a refuge for them in Russia!’    

    Balashev inclined his head, showing by his look that he would have liked to bow out, and was listening only because he could not help listening to what was said to him. Napoleon did not notice that expression; he addressed Balashev not as his enemy’s envoy, but as a man who was now entirely devoted to him, and was supposed to take joy in his former master’s humiliation.    

    ‘And why has the emperor Alexander taken charge of the army? What for? War is my trade, and his business is to rule, not to command troops. Why has he taken such responsibility upon himself?’

    Napoleon took out his snuffbox again, silently paced the room several times, and suddenly went up to Balashev unexpectedly, and with a slight smile, as confidently, quickly, and simply as if he were doing something not only important but pleasant to Balashev, raised his hand to the face of the forty-year-old Russian general and, taking him by the ear, tugged at it slightly, smiling with his lips only.

    Avoir l’oreille tirée par l’Empereur [to have your ear pulled by the Emperor] was considered the greatest honor and favor at the French court.    

    ‘Eh bien, vous ne dites rien, admirateur et courtisan de l’Empereur Alexandre?’ [So then, you have nothing to say, admirer and courtier of the Emperor Alexander?] he said, as if it was ridiculous in his presence to be anyone else’s courtisan and admirateur than his, Napoleon’s.”

Vol. Three, Part One, Ch. Seven