Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary

The conversation turns unstoppably to politics, and Pierre makes his biggest blunder yet by saying that the execution of the Duc d'Enghier was a political necessity. This is shocking to most of the guests, and Hippolyte slaps his knee in amusement. Prince Andrei enjoys the conversation, but Anna Pavlovna gets more and more nervous as the men raise their voices in disagreement. Prince Hippolyte saves the day by telling a joke, for which his hostess is grateful.

The guests begin to leave the soiree. Pierre takes his leave awkwardly, and Anna Pavlovna tells him that she hopes he'll behave better next time. Hippolyte flirts shamelessly with the little princess as she waits for her carriage, and Andrei isn't pleased. Pierre goes home with Elizabeth (Lise) and Andrei Bolkonsky. The little princess goes upstairs to change, and the men relax...