Characterization of Platon Karataev in the novel "War and Peace"

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

On the pages of the novel "War and Peace" even seemingly minor characters appear for a reason. The characterization of Platon Karataev occupies an important place in the work of L. N. Tolstoy. Let's try to remember what this hero was like.

Meeting of Pierre Bezukhov with Platon Karataev

The characterization of Platon Karataev in Leo Tolstoy's great work begins from the moment he met Pierre. This meeting takes place in a difficult life period for Bezukhov: he managed to avoid execution, but saw the death of other people. The protagonist lost faith in the possibility of the improvement of the world and in God. A native of the “Platosha” people helps Pierre to overcome this turning point in his life.

People's Philosopher

Platon Karataev, whose characterization is the topic of this article, is a man who was able to introduce Pierre Bezukhov to the people's beginning and the wisdom of ordinary people. He is a real philosopher. It is no coincidence that L. N. Tolstoy gave Karataev the name Plato. His speech is full of folk sayings, this seemingly ordinary soldier exudes wise calmness.

Meeting with Platon Karataevbecame for Pierre one of the most significant in life. Even after many years, the already aging Bezukhov evaluates his actions and thoughts according to the principles that he learned for himself while communicating with this casual acquaintance.

"Round" start

The characterization of Platon Karataev, which develops in our mind, is very unusual thanks to the figurative speech of the author. Tolstoy mentions the "round" and controversial movements of the popular philosopher. Platon Karataev's hands are folded as if he is about to hug something. His kind brown eyes and pleasant smile sink into the soul. There was something soothing and pleasant in his whole appearance, in his movements. Platon Karataev was a participant in a large number of military campaigns, but, having been captured, he abandoned everything "soldier" and returned to the warehouse of a native of the people.

Why does Tolstoy endow his hero with roundness of movements? Probably, Lev Nikolaevich emphasizes with this the peaceful nature of Platon Karataev. Modern psychologists say that soft, charming, flexible people who are mobile and relaxed at the same time usually prefer to draw a circle. The circle is a symbol of harmony. It is not known whether the author of the great novel knew about this, but intuitively, of course, he felt it. The characteristic of Platon Karataev is an unconditional confirmation of Tolstoy's life wisdom.

Platosha's speech

Speech can tell a lot about a hero like Platon Karataev. "War and Peace" - a characteristic of the psychologic althe world of characters, since in this novel Tolstoy pays a lot of attention to the peculiarities of the language and behavior of those about whom he wants to tell in more detail.

The first words with which our hero turned to Bezukhov are filled with simplicity and affection. The speech of Platon Karataev is melodious, it is permeated with folk sayings and sayings. His words not only reflect his own thoughts, but also express folk wisdom. “An hour to endure, and a century to live,” said Platon Karataev.

Characterization of this character is impossible without mentioning his story about a merchant who was sentenced to hard labor for someone else's crime.

Platon Karataev's speech, his statements are a reflection of the ideas of the Christian faith about humility, justice.

On the meaning of life

The characterization of Platon Karataev in the novel "War and Peace" is given by the author in order to show a different type of person, not like Pierre Bezukhov and Andrei Bolkonsky. This simple soldier, unlike the aforementioned main characters, does not think about the meaning of life, he just lives. Platon Karataev does not fear death, he believes that a higher power controls his life. This hero looks at his life not as something separate, but as part of a whole. The essence of Karataev's nature is the love that he feels for everything in the world.

In conclusion, it should be said that L. N. Tolstoy, having created the image of Platon Karataev, wanted to show how important a person is not in himself, but as a member of society, who carries out commongoals. Only by participating in public life, you can realize your desires. This is the only way to achieve harmony. All this became clear to Pierre after meeting Platon Karataev. In accordance with this idea, I would like to add that this folk hero, of course, is of interest to us in itself. However, much more important is the role he played in the life of Pierre Bezukhov. Thanks to this meeting, the main character was able to find inner harmony and harmony with the world and people.

The image of Platon Karataev is a spiritual folk principle, boundless harmony, which is given only through faith in God, in his will for everything that happens in life. This hero loves everyone around, even the French, to whom he was captured. Thanks to conversations with the “folk philosopher”, Pierre Bezukhov comes to understand that the meaning of life is to live, realizing the divine principle of everything that happens in the world.

So, we have characterized Platon Karataev. This is a native of the people who managed to bring into the life of the main character, Pierre Bezukhov, an understanding of the wisdom of ordinary people.