Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary

The troops are in poor shape, and General Kutuzov wants the political leaders to be aware of this. The troops are to be inspected by a contingent of allied leaders, and Kutuzov wants their ragged uniforms to be apparent. Unfortunately, the aide-de-camp is not aware of Kutuzov's intentions and gets the troops looking their very best. Kutuzov is displeased and has them put on their great coats, which do not look good. As Kutuzov inspects them he comes across an insolent soldier who will not stand up straight because of a leg injury. It is Dolohov, of dancing bear fame.

The inspectors arrive. They include Russian and Austrian officials as well as a Croat convoy. They walk up and down the lines of soldiers, Kutuzov pointing out the worn boots and shaking his head. Kutuzov is an old military...