Where narrative devices and externalizing inner states of mind are insufficient to show the train of thought of his characters, Tolstoy uses the device of interior monolog. Having his characters talk to themselves, Tolstoy clearly shows us the development of their ideas and their abilities, or lack of abilities, of self-reflection. Andrey's thoughts on the eve of battle and his reflections on Kutuzov, Pierre's notions of right and wrong and his inspiration upon seeing the faces of soldiers at Borodino are a few examples of this device.
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