As I was reading section 21 of Book 10, I noticed that when speaking with Pierre a Russian officer consistently addresses Napoleon as "him". Tolstoy makes a point of italicizing the word "his" when the officer explains to Pierre which land is claimed by the Russians and which land is claimed by the French, "That's his again [...] It was ours yesterday, but now it is his." (p.678) The Russian officer later speculates that, “He will probably pass round to the right of Moskva.” (p.679) Throughout the conversation the Russian officer refuses to speak the name "Napoleon". What is Tolstoy's trying to tell the reader through this sudden use of pronouns? Am I reading too much into the text? Perhaps, but my own interpretation of this change in language is that the use of "he" instead of Napoleon demonstrates Napoleon's growing power. The Russians seem almost scared to speak his name directly, which tells the audience that after the failed battle of Borodino the Russians are gradually beginning to recognize and perhaps even fear the strength of the French army. I couldn't help but think of The Harry Potter Series when first noticing this word choice. In Harry Potter all witches and wizards refuse to speak Lord Voldemort's name. Instead they refer to him as, "He who must not be named". It's a stretch- I know. But I believe that the omission of Napoleon’s name carries the same significance as the omission of Lord Voldemort's name. The Russians are acknowledging the fearful wrath of Napoleon.
I believe that it is a matter of disrespect rather than fear. At this point in the novel, there is no evidents that the Russians fear Napoleon, but there is evidents of their hatred for him. Not saying Napoleon’s name takes away the power that his name has. Therefore it makes the man himself less significant.
ReplyDeleteI think at this point in the war Napoleon's connection to Voldemort is stronger. Napoleon seems to be more and more alienating and aggressive, even in situations that are in his favor. He has become an untouchable leader that people are becoming more and more wary of. Using his actual name suggests a personal relationship with a person, the type of relationship that, at this point, Napoleon has moved past. Voldemort may be a hard character to find an analogy with, but I see the correlation.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the Harry Potter connection, although I think Jen is right and their refusal to say his name is probably done out of disrespect. However, I do think that a connection can still be made. I think Ellen has a point: Napoleon is becoming irrationally upset, much as Voldemort does at some points in the Harry Potter books. Not only does he become upset, we frequently see that Napoleon has delusions of grandeur. He thinks he has power and he thinks he is in control, but really he isn't. This is the same thing that happens to Voldemort in the seventh Harry Potter book.
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