In all translations, this takes us to the end of the first section (Book 1, Volume 1, what-have-you).
Analysis:
It is worth discussing Tolstoy’s use of the French language in War and Peace. About two percent of the novel is written in French, although English translations approach this differently. Some include the French passages in the original; others translate them into English just like the Russian. Many critics have suggested that the use of French implies a social critique. The characters often lapse into French when they are being pretentious or deceptive, while they use Russian when they are being more forthcoming. The eccentric but straightforward Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky never uses French, and Tolstoy comments explicitly that Prince Andrei uses French “when he wanted to speak disdainfully.” In any case, there is a certain irony in the fact that the characters profess to hate Napoleon while using the French language.
In this section, Tolstoy demonstrates the power of suggestion in relationships, particularly romantic ones. Although they are not interested in marriage, both Pierre Bezukhov and Princess Marya Bolkonsky are influenced by others to desire marriage. Although Princess Drubetskoy and Mlle Bourienne are not particularly subtle, Pierre and Marya are completely oblivious to the fact that third parties first inspired their attraction to Hélène and Anatole, respectively.
The role of influence isn’t the only parallel between Pierre and Marya’s romantic misadventures. Because they are wealthy, both characters are in a position to choose if and when to get married. Both characters would be considered undesirable if they did not have so much money. Tolstoy explicitly notes at the beginning of this section that no one thought much of Pierre before his surprise inheritance, and Marya’s ‘plain’ appearance takes a major toll on her self-esteem.
Most importantly, each character must face an internal dilemma when considering marriage. Pierre must choose between rational consideration and physical attraction, and Marya must weigh Mlle Bourienne’s feelings against her own desire for earthly love and a family. Their very different responses to these dilemmas is a strong indicator of their moral fortitude (or lack thereof). Regardless of what they choose, what we do see in these characters is a serious moral consciousness and thoughtfulness that is hardly shared by every character. Both are sensitive to the conflict described above, and even if (as in Pierre’s case), they choose poorly, they are unique in having so directly confronted themselves and their competing desires.
In the second part of this section, Tolstoy explores the power of great individuals to change history. Despite his youth and his mild personality, Tsar Alexander has an exaggerated influence on the enlisted men’s morale – especially that of Nikolai Rostov, who was previously discouraged by his horrific first battle experience. However, Alexander’s influence is negated by that of Napoleon, who also visits his troops before the battle and rallies them even more effectively by appealing to their desire to protect their emperor. By including Napoleon’s speech in full, Tolstoy suggests that this feat of rhetoric was a decisive factor in the battle’s outcome. Further, it humanizes the emperor in a way that reminds us that history is not created by detached concepts like Napoleon, but rather by real men like Napoleon.
In fact, this section further indicates the historical nature of the novel. All of the battles thus far related are based on real battles, and Tolstoy does not change their outcome. And yet his focus is quite different from that of a historian; not only is he more interested in the way individual (rather than non-specific group) decisions affect the outcome, but he also wants to explore the effect of war on these individuals. Certainly, any writer of fiction would want to focus on the work’s particular characters, but many of the sections lack dramatic momentum, instead delving deeply into a character’s psychology, morality, and thoughts. What emerges is not only the way individuals can impact history, but how big historical events - like horrific battles the likes of which Europe had rarely seen - similarly affect individuals. It is arguably in terms of this large historical interest that Tolstoy’s novel is most epic and expansive in its scope.
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Thanks @kim.kovacs. I read a few pages in this new section this morning and I’m happy to see we are back with Pierre. He came off as very unlikeable in the first section as he came into his windfall inheritance. I can’t wait to see what he gets up to with all his money and prestige.
Also, looking forward to reading this section and catching up with some off the other characters.
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I don’t think this is a spoiler but this insight into Prince Andrey’s character was surprising to me:
At the end of my chapter 12 (Briggs trans) there is a section where Andrey is thinking about the next day’s battle and their possible (predicted) loss. He talks about wanting only “glory and the love of men.” He doesn’t care if he loses his family and all he holds dear. Glory and triumph are what he wants above all else.
I didn’t know what to think of this. I have liked Andrey as much as any of the men but this shocking pronouncement made me pause. Do you think this is typical of the men in war? Something specifically Russian? Was Andrey uniquely driven? To think he would sacrifice all he holds dear for Glory … glory above all else.
This was who his father, contemptuous of Andrei’s wife, raised him to be. It should be interesting to see how the war affects the viewpoints of the characters.
Help me @Rannie. Was it discussed before Andrey left for the war? This is the problem with big books there are always details that get lost no matter how carefully I read. Thanks for your response.
Maybe more implied - and this is from my memory, so I may have a detail wrong, but here goes - we see how rigidly his father teaches Andrei’s sister. We see Andrei’s contempt for his wife at the party. In the country, while listening to her social prattling, the father turns away from her, then later says to Andrei, something like “ the wife is bad, then.” And then there’s the farewell scene as Andrei rides off to war, when he asks his father to raise his son rather than allow his wife to do so.
At this point, it seemed to me he was seeing the world with the viewpoint his father had drilled into him.
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That’s great info and I think you have the right take on it. Was Andrey the one with the pregnant wife? He didn’t seem to care much about her.
Thanks so much for helping me to connect the missing links.
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Oh, Lord, I hope he was the one with the pregnant wife. Otherwise, I’ve taken us both off in a wild goose chase! 
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thanks for the laugh.
@Rannie and @Anne_Glasgow 
. Yes, Andréy is the one with the pregnant wife, Princess Liza (and I think they call her “the little princess”).
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Well, Andrey certainly changed his tune by the end of this week’s section. Life (or war) sort of pulled the rug from under him.
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These are my thoughts of Part 3 of Book 1 of War and Peace:
In the first part the desires of the characters are still apparent in that they honor, society, or Gods will.
Pierre now has a higher place in society but that may lead into a situation he does not want. Vasili is conniving Pierre to marry his daughter Helene only to use him of their own needs.
On the battlefield the Tsar is still hero worshipped but this later changes at the horrific scene of the Russians and Austrians fleeing in disorder as the French are winning. Andrei is severely wounded as Napoleon approaches him and at first Andrei appears dead.. At that time while Andrei looks at the blue sky his senses are changed as Napoleon appears small and insignificant to Andrei , who prays to go back to his family.
I felt the theme of Part 3 is that the brutality of war and the cynicism of peace are both destructive and dangerous.
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Nice summary @Lynne_G. I thought the engagement scene was hysterical. Pierre didn’t quite know what hit him but he seemed very satisfied. And was it Mary(?) who walked away when she found her intended cheating? I love a strong woman, especially in those days
I guess Andrey didn’t quite know what hit him either but it seemed to make him a better man. We have lots of pages to go—I wonder if Andrey’s conversion will last past his healing.
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Anne, Thank you for your gracious compliment. I apologize for not answering your question sooner but I had to refer to my notes. Yes, I think it was Mary or Marya. I read different versions of how the names are spelled. She is the sister of Andrei or the book Andrey and in my ebook Andrew.
No need for apologies. I’m so impressed with those of you who write out thoughtful summaries of the sections. I just jot a note or question and move on.
I feel like the names may be the biggest discrepancy between the various translators. Plus the Russians always seem to use so many diminutives and endearments. Sometimes it takes me a moment. Thanks for the confirmation about Mary (or however her name is spelled). 
I totally agree with your view. I would add that Tolstoy has really shown disdain for many of the characters – those in “peace” and those in “war.”
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I finally finished Book 1, Part 3 and continue to be amazed at Tolstoy’s ability to write battle scenes. His use of alternating chapters between Bolkonsky and Rostov interesting, but I saw them as having the same characteristics: craving for recognition and glory, meeting the Tsar and dreaming of being elevated to his circle militarily, etc. Their daydreaming seemed to show their lack of being under fire and their immaturity. Bolkonsky seemed to rise to the occasion once in battle whereas Rostov hung back. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for them.