Yama Hotak<\/p>\n
I first opened Latif Bahand\u2019s Pashto translation of War and Peace while the sounds of the ongoing war hummed outside my window. It is strange that a book written 150 years ago about the snows of Russia could feel like a mirror reflecting the dust of Afghanistan. For forty years, my people have lived within the chapters of history. We have forgotten what the chapters look like. To read Tolstoy as an Afghan is not merely to read a novel; it is to embark on a search for our own lost tranquility.<\/p>\n
There was, however, a time when Afghanistan was generally considered peaceful a period during which its people experienced tranquility, prosperity, and happiness. In this era, they had the opportunity to love and envision a better future, largely free from invasions and interventions by large and neighboring countries. It was a time when Afghans were in many areas largely unfamiliar with the presence of guns, and cities were beautiful and vibrant. People shared love and camaraderie without the constant burden of contemplating the harsh realities of war and its consequences. Houses were built of mud, possessing a unique and rustic beauty. During this period, and to some extent afterward, many people had the opportunity to enjoy their lives.<\/p>\n
The country was often described as peaceful and renowned for its food, trade, and numerous other attractions. However, four decades of brutal war changed much of this reality, altering even the heart and soul of the nation. Now, many of us long for those beloved things\u2014muddy houses, joyful cities, and vibrant villages.<\/p>\n
This is precisely what Leo Tolstoy, in his renowned and arguably greatest masterpiece, seeks to convey. Tolstoy, one of the most significant writers of the 19th century, addresses similar themes in his novel War and Peace. He explores the wartime period and Napoleon Bonaparte\u2019s invasion in the early 19th century, contrasting it with the preceding peacetime, during which the Russian people experienced happiness and contentment.<\/p>\n
Throughout the book, the author repeatedly illustrates the beauty and importance of peace, emphasizing how it fosters prosperity and happiness. He shows how the five families in the stories enjoy their lives and time together. However, when war begins and is imposed upon them, it brings misery and unhappiness, divides families and communities, and swiftly strips away all their happiness and prosperity.<\/p>\n
As observed, War and Peace is a very famous and highly sought-after book in Afghanistan. Many people, including youth and students who are interested, are reading this important novel. This masterpiece has been translated into Pashto by Latif Bahand, a former diplomat in Moscow, researcher, and writer. Additionally, many Persian and English translations of the book are available in bookstores.<\/p>\n
In this article, as an Afghan reader who has carefully read the book multiple times in both Persian and Pashto, I will share my experience and understanding. I will discuss the most important scenes, as well as the common themes and ideas that Leo Tolstoy conveys, and what he intends to communicate to us as readers.<\/p>\n
I will explore Leo Tolstoy\u2019s perspectives on War and Peace and consider the relevance of his message for us today, living in the 21st century. Since Tolstoy wrote the novel over 100 years ago, much has changed\u2014but how many more bloody wars and conflicts have we witnessed even now? How can we apply Tolstoy\u2019s core messages and philosophy to help prevent conflict and promote peace and greater harmony among nations?<\/p>\n
In War and Peace, there are approximately 5,520 characters and 20 noble families. Among these, five families are particularly significant: the Rostov, Bolkonsky, Bezukhov, Drubetskoy, and Kuragin families.<\/p>\n
Here are some of the novel’s main characters. Pierre Bezukhov is the protagonist, distinguished by his quest for truth and peace, as well as his idealism. Natasha Rostova is a young woman who experiences love deeply; she is portrayed as mature, loyal, and rational in her relationships. Prince Andrei Bolkonsky embodies heroism and pride, facing numerous personal hardships that illustrate how war affects his happiness. Marya (Maria) Bolkonskaya, Prince Andrei’s sister, is devoutly religious and diligently manages the family\u2019s affairs. Nikolai Rostov, Natasha’s brother, is known for his military service and strong family loyalty. Among the notable figures from the war are General Kutuzov, a respected commander; Prince Bagration, a renowned leader; and Officer Dolokhov, recognized for his fearlessness and impulsiveness.<\/p>\n
Leo Tolstoy, in War and Peace, categorizes his scenes primarily into three types: peaceful scenes before the war, war scenes, and peaceful scenes during the war. Through this depiction of invasion and conflict, the reader experiences the full spectrum of war and peace. By the end, the war concludes, people marry and start families, and the final chapter takes a philosophical turn, discussing the nature of force and the moral justification of the war. Here, I will outline both the peace and war scenes that I found particularly compelling and reflect on their impact on me.<\/p>\n
War Scenes:<\/strong><\/p>\n In the middle of the novel, there is a scene where Napoleon and his forces are approaching, causing Moscow to become deserted and eerily silent as people flee the town and surrounding cities. This reminds me of my country when the war began, and people from major cities, including Kabul, fled and migrated to neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan. Similarly, both societies experienced fear, displacement, and unsettling uncertainty due to the war.<\/p>\n Another particularly heart-wrenching scene in the novel occurs before the war, when we see the main character, Prince Andrei, happily living with his family and married. When the war begins and he decides to leave, there is a private conversation between Prince Andrei and his father, who is a military man. During this conversation, his father tells him to fight with honor and courage and asks him not to bring shame or dishonor upon the family.<\/p>\n This scene is highly dramatic and stirring, filled with heroism, duty, and patriotism, showcasing both love for country and the emotional bond between father and son. It teaches us that the nation, along with its sovereignty and territorial integrity, must come first. While reading this passage, I was reminded of my country’s history and its wars, and of the many fathers and sons who shared similar farewells, uncertain if they would ever see each other again.<\/p>\n Furthermore, there is a scene in which Pierre Bezukhov arrives and witnesses Moscow engulfed in flames. This scene is profoundly tragic and heartrending, illustrating the devastating and morally corrosive nature of war. War strips us of everything, including our beautiful cities, heritage, arts, history, and all the things we cherish and grow up with. These elements form our identity and are indispensable parts of our lives. This heartbreaking scene reminds me of the capital of my country, Kabul\u2014how it was once vibrant and beautiful before the wars and how it was ravaged and obliterated, with all its beauty lost: markets, buildings, cinemas\u2014everything taken from us by war.<\/p>\n In another agonizing scene in the novel, Pierre witnesses\u2019 French soldiers in Moscow executing civilians and those they deem suspects. Through this depiction, Leo Tolstoy highlights the barbarity, cruelty, and all-encompassing devastation of war, which transcends all human boundaries. The soldiers even shoot young men who scream and desperately try to save their mother, brother, and sister.<\/p>\n This scene is deeply tragic and unsettling, illustrating the devastating impact of war on civilians in a brutal, merciless manner. It reminded me of the four decades of conflict in my country, during which countless civilians were slaughtered or tortured. Civilians often bear the heaviest burdens in times of war and conflict. In this scene, Leo Tolstoy emphasizes that war is morally reprehensible, merciless, and indiscriminate, sparing no one\u2014women, children, or the elderly\u2014all of whom become victims subjected to death, suffering, and unimaginable loss.<\/p>\n The death of Petya Rostov should be considered a tragedy, because he was very young and had joined the army to defend his motherland, only to be slain on the battlefield. Leo Tolstoy aims to teach us that war is a moral evil, as it claims the lives of many young people. This loss is devastating, because the younger generation represents the future of the country; instead, they go to war and are simply killed or maimed. This reminds me of my own country’s history, marked by four decades of conflict and catastrophic war, during which many young Afghan soldiers died or were injured. We lost them, and it is deeply saddening, because they were the future doctors, engineers, and professionals the country desperately needed. Their promising futures were tragically cut short.<\/p>\n Another important scene in the novel depicts the French forces occupying the city of Moscow. However, due to the harsh winter and the ravages of war, they are unable to survive; they lack food and means to keep warm. Here, Leo Tolstoy illustrates that war is morally wrong and destructive. These young soldiers perish despite having reached their final destination\u2014they have no future, and nothing is in their favor, evoking little sympathy from the reader. Moreover, this scene demonstrates that war destroys both sides, including the so-called victors. Tolstoy teaches us that human greed and ambition are extremely dangerous, leading to catastrophic consequences for individuals and future generations.<\/p>\n There is another soul-crushing scene that deeply breaks the reader\u2019s heart, and here Leo Tolstoy likely aims to demonstrate the evil of war. This scene occurs when Prince Andrei is gravely wounded on the battlefield; he survives for a time but ultimately dies before the eyes of his former love, his son, and other family members. His final moments are profoundly tragic and heartrending, as he discusses important matters with Natasha and his son. When he dies, Natasha weeps uncontrollably and speaks to him, evoking intense sorrow and empathy in every reader who encounters this passage. While reading these passages, I am reminded of my country’s history\u2014how, each day, young people perished, and their close relatives and family members gathered around their coffins to mourn and honor their memory. Here, Leo Tolstoy portrays and teaches us about the misery, cruelty, and heartbreak of conflict and how it separates us from our loved ones. Tolstoy reveals the harsh reality of life: death, and how we perceive and accept it as an inevitable yet painful part of our existence. Through Prince Andrei\u2019s death, Tolstoy connects personal grief with the broader tragedy of war.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Peace and Love Scenes:<\/strong><\/p>\n In contrast to the war scenes, the novel also depicts serene, tender, and intimate moments. While reading the love scene, I am reminded of the history and tranquility of my own country. As a young man, I heard from people and experts that before the wars, Kabul and Afghanistan were vibrant and carefree, with people enjoying life\u2019s pleasures and families living in harmony and unity. It was a golden era of peace, prosperity, and happiness for the people of my country.<\/p>\n Another important event before the war begins is the engagement of Natasha and Prince Andrei, depicting how they fall deeply in love and become betrothed. There are many scenes illustrating their romantic passion and tender affection. Leo Tolstoy aims to show that, before the war, people were focused on love, family, cinema outings, and lively social gatherings such as lunches and picnics. However, once the war starts, all these peaceful joys vanish, replaced by bloodshed, relentless gunfire, fatal injuries, destruction of cities, hunger, and countless other horrors. Thus, Tolstoy creates a striking and heartrending contrast between peace and war.<\/p>\n As an Afghan reading these scenes, we recognize the same scenarios and histories. Before the war, we had the opportunity to travel freely, attend joyful parties, and move from one corner of the city to another. We could listen to music and engage in stimulating, enlightening discussions about culture, literature, and many other topics. However, when the war began, we witnessed only violence, massacres, and destruction, and all those cherished, radiant days were lost. Here, Leo Tolstoy illustrates and teaches us how pre-war serenity is invaluable and how people treasure life and human connection during peaceful times.<\/p>\n During wartime, we witness Natasha\u2019s devotion, courage, and patriotism as she cares for the wounded by providing transportation for injured soldiers and tending to her former love, Prince Andrei. This scene is filled with heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering love. Here, Leo Tolstoy demonstrates that women bear the same burdens and responsibilities as men during war and on the battlefield, standing side by side with men in defending their motherland and territorial integrity. By creating this scene, Tolstoy argues that men and women are equally capable, and both contribute meaningfully and honorably to the defense of their country.<\/p>\n While reading these parts, I am reminded that during our war and conflicts, Afghan women paid the highest and most heartbreaking price. Yet, no one remembers or appreciates their sacrifices, resilience, and courage. We must acknowledge that women, as mothers and sisters, bear the heaviest burdens and suffer the most when anyone is killed.<\/p>\n Finally, another important scene occurs when the war ends, and people begin to move forward, heal, and rebuild their lives. Here, Leo Tolstoy once again illustrates life after devastating conflict. For example, in the novel, Natasha and Pierre get married and focus on their blossoming new life, thinking about clothes, a baby, and shopping. Tolstoy shows that despite the bloodshed, hardships, and grim days, there is renewed hope, promise, and brighter times ahead. As human beings, we should believe in those better days and continue striving for peace. This scene demonstrates that even after tragedy and suffering, people still yearn for harmony and a fulfilling life; they are not completely broken or helpless.<\/p>\n In conclusion, the novel transitions from peace to war and back to peace, illustrating that although war is destructive, morally devastating, and harrowing, human beings continue to seek love, hope, and a better, more meaningful future.<\/p>\n War and Peace as a Primary Tool of Soft Power:<\/strong><\/p>\n War and Peace can serve as a primary tool of soft power for many governments, large institutions, and organizations that study and engage with various types of conflicts. There are numerous lessons and narratives that these countries and institutions can utilize to develop awareness manuals, guidelines, doctrines, and strategies. It can be an essential instrument of soft power for small, medium, and even major powers that have concluded that war and intervention are not effective solutions. Instead, the focus should be on winning the hearts and minds of people without resorting to coercive force. This approach aligns with the core definition of soft power as articulated by Professor Joseph Nye, who introduced and developed the concept.<\/p>\n Any government and institution focused on peace and conflict studies, as well as those inspired by war and peace novels, create supplementary reading materials to raise awareness and encourage individuals and nations to avoid conflict and war. This material should convey a fundamental lesson: coercion and war are not viable solution. For example, when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Russia, he led a massive army but ultimately faced defeat; only 20,000 of the original 60,000 soldiers survived and returned home.<\/p>\n What Moral Lessons Can We Learn from War and Peace?<\/strong><\/p>\n Leo Tolstoy\u2019s most powerful message in War and Peace is his profound rejection of violence, coercion, and force, coupled with his unwavering faith in nonviolence as the only moral path forward. Through the vivid and often harrowing battle scenes in War and Peace, he exposes the devastating and deeply immoral nature of war.<\/p>\n Reading these scenes today, as inhabitants of the 21st century, we cannot help but feel that his message speaks directly to us: we are called to strive diligently for peace and to resolve our conflicts, differences, and misunderstandings through nonviolent means. For Tolstoy, peace is not merely the absence of war; it is a living expression of love, harmony, and joy, beautifully reflected in the serene and affectionate moments he portrays, which stand in stark contrast to the destruction that war inflicts upon society.<\/p>\n At the same time, the novel reminds us that no nation, regardless of its size, can be subdued when its people are united in spirit and purpose. Tolstoy\u2019s portrayal of Russia\u2019s resistance illustrates that once a nation stands together, it will inevitably rise against those who attempt to impose their will. History itself echoes this truth: when Napoleon Bonaparte marched into Russia with an army of 600,000, only about 20,000 survived the campaign\u2014a stark testament to the cost of aggression and the strength of a united people.<\/p>\n Tolstoy vividly portrays the resilience, patience, patriotism, heroism, and profound love that people have for their motherland. His characters do not succumb to despair or helplessness; instead, they endure, persevere, and move forward with quiet determination. Even when Napoleon\u2019s forces occupied Moscow, hope did not disappear. The belief that their land could be reclaimed remained alive, and that hope itself became a form of resistance. Through numerous scenes of courage and sacrifice, Tolstoy inspires us to love our country, resist discouragement, and trust that even in the darkest hours, freedom can one day be restored.<\/p>\n Finally, War and Peace emphasize that the family is the fundamental foundation of society. Through scenes of both tranquility and turmoil, Tolstoy reveals how families anchor individuals, providing strength in hardship and sharing moments of joy. In times of crisis, these bonds become even more significant. Indeed, the novel suggests that war and suffering, while tragic, can dissolve social barriers and bring people closer together, uniting them on a common path and fostering deeper harmony and empathy.<\/p>\n Tolstoy concludes his *Great War* with a marriage and a peaceful home. He reminds us that after the cannons fall silent, the greatest act of heroism is simply to live, to love, and to plant a garden once more.<\/p>\n I look at the muddy ruins of our villages and the scarred streets of Kabul, and I do not see a finished story. I see a nation in the midst of its most difficult chapter. But if Pierre Bezukhov could find his soul in the ashes of a burning Moscow, then we, too, can find our way back to the rustic beauty of our mud houses. We are not a people of war; we are a people of the waiting for the curtain to rise on a peace that is finally, permanently ours. As the sun sets over the mountains of my country, I close Tolstoy\u2019s book and realize: the peace we seek is not just the absence of guns it is the presence of the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yama Hotak I first opened Latif Bahand\u2019s Pashto translation of War and Peace while the sounds of the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5478,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5477","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nThe Rostov family scene depicts life before the war and invasion, illustrating how they were joyful, harmonious, composed, and graciously hospitable. They led normal lives filled with love, laughter, lively parties, and graceful dancing. Natasha is radiant and revels in her life, and this scene in the novel captures the calm, idyllic, and blissful period before Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion. Aristocrats and common people alike savor this untroubled and contented existence.<\/p>\n