Andrei’s death has a profound effect on Marya and Natasha. The two women keep to themselves, never discussing their pain. Marya is the first to emerge from her mourning period. She must return with Andrei’s son to her family’s estate. Natasha has no such responsibilities, so she is consumed by grief. Only her love for her mother helps her heal. The news of Petya’s death has a terrible effect on Countess Rostov, but Natasha’s constant companionship is enough to preserve her sanity. After three weeks together, both women emerge from their mourning. The countess is a hollow, aged version of her old self, while Natasha is exhausted. However, she returns to something approaching normality. Marya and Natasha become close friends, so close that they are only ever truly comfortable in one another’s company. As Natasha’s strength returns, she begins to put grief behind her.

Kutuzov would rather harry the French, escorting them out of Russia, but he cannot prevent his men from engaging with the enemy. He unwillingly fights a battle at Vyazma, in which the Russians massacre the fleeing, miserable French soldiers. Kutuzov cannot control the generals and officers who are keen on glory. These men do not realize that the soldiers are hardly fit enough to carry out the orders—they believe that Kutuzov is incompetent and senile.