Introducing these chapters with an editorial flourish to show the reader that the"essential interests" of"real life" have nothing to do with the gamesmanship of Napoleon and Alexander, Tolstoy steps out of his novel as if to make sure we will understand the"message" of his story. This is our signal that the author is winding up to become more and more instructive. Indeed, Tolstoy becomes increasingly editorial in future chapters.
Thus encouraged to find a moral, we can immediately surmise that Andrey will not be happy as a government official. His"real life" has to do with his springtime awakening and his feelings for Natasha. By the same token, we realize that Pierre's disaffection with freemasonry is less"real" than his internal struggle against low passions. In effect, these experiences restate Tolstoy's discussion of Book V as both Pierre and Andrey discover that institutions which attempt to solve problems for the mass of individuals leave personal needs unsatisfied."Real life" refers to the individual dynamics of how a human being comes to terms with the conflicts in his own soul.
For Tolstoy, moreover,"real life" is expressed when an individual acknowledges his bond with nature and the instinctive life forces within himself. Thus Prince Andrey's self-comparison with the old oak is significant as a sign of his renascence. When the tree puts out new leaves, Andrey affirms his commitment to life and love.
