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BOOK 4

Tolstoy uses the Rostov family as a metaphor for Russia itself. Though imperfect and rash, they love each other and love everyone too. Denisov instantly recognizes the Rostov family as a home, a home he always wanted and is why he attaches himself to this family the rest of his life. Sonya too will attach herself to this surrogate family her whole life, though for different reasons.