(360 words) In the works of many critics and publicists, one can often find a quote by Leo Tolstoy “a popular thought”. However, not everyone knows where exactly this phrase comes from. Such a concept as “people's thought,” L.N. Tolstoy reveals in the work “War and Peace” on the example of several heroes.
Who is he, that very true man from the people? Being in captivity, Pierre met Plato Karataev. This character is a collective image of the people. Plato became the embodiment of all "good", "round." He speaks proverbs and sayings, reflects on life topics, but does not take life seriously. Plato sincerely loves his homeland, respects the king, and submissively accepts all the hardships that fate presents him. This hardworking, wise hero helps Pierre to embark on a new life path, to find true life values.
However, the image of the people is revealed on the example of other characters. So, partisans played a special role in the outcome of World War II. Leo Tolstoy draws the attention of readers to Tikhon Scherbaty. Partisan waged war in his own way. He mercilessly killed enemies, defeated entire detachments. Unlike Pierre, Tikhon never felt pity for the Frenchman, the character did everything possible to end the war. Tikhon Shcherbaty became the embodiment of strength, courage of a simple Russian peasant.
The author pays special attention in the epic novel to “folk” scenes. The Russian spirit is best manifested in them. Recall how crowds of soldiers fled from Austerlitz. People went to battle, not realizing its significance. They did not want to fight, but to live in peace. That is why the author depicts a mass exodus from the battlefield. The Russians have a completely different attitude before and during the Battle of Borodino. All the soldiers calmly and as if "frivolously" were preparing for death. They realized the importance of this battle, so they were ready to stand to death. Prince Andrey said this before this event: "Whoever will fight wickedly and spare himself less will win." During the Battle of Borodino, French artillery mercilessly fired at Russian fortifications. However, our steadfast soldiers did not move a single step. They until the last stood in their positions.
In the novel of Leo Tolstoy, people are not only soldiers, peasants. These are nobles, and merchants, and great generals. Each person was affected by the war. The author shows how the people are transformed in the most critical historical periods, what sacrifices he is capable of for the sake of saving his country. The war is won not by experienced commanders, but by people who are not indifferent to the fate of the motherland. That is why the "Great Army" of Napoleon, who was in turmoil, lost to the strong spirit of the Russian people.
