Part III of Book I focuses on Pierre. We are taken off the battlefield. The attitude has changed toward the new Count Bezúkhov, with this section serving as a critique on the vane pursuits of men within Tolstoy’s own class.

Instead of retreating after being foiled in his attempt to usurp Pierre’s estate, Vassily uses his proximity to become Pierre’s mentor. He even uses his daughter, Hélène, to attract Pierre’s focus. The description of Vassily is as a true man of this world. His heart is so corrupted, he barely notices the sins he commits throughout the day. Schemes consume his existence. He had dozens going on at once, in various stages.

Pierre’s life is turned on its head – no longer neglected, he was always signing papers, making appearances and visiting his estates. So quickly did those who thought him foolish become convinced of his nobility. He was lured into a state of intoxication - as though he were the center of an important movement. Vassily procured fancy titles for Pierre, one being “Gentleman of the Bedchamber” Камер-юнкер (Kammer-junker) which conferred the status of “Councilor of State.”

Pierre’s relationship changed with the “three princesses” who lived in his father’s mansion. He showed them mercy, letting them stay and granting Vassily’s request to endow the eldest with 30,000 rubles. It seemed so natural to Pierre that everyone love him and he could not help believing their sincerity.

Vassily had the air of a man oppressed by business, who would not leave a helpless youth to the designs of OTHER rogues. Vassily had Pierre accompany him to St. Petersburg, on the way telling him a “diplomatic career now lies open before you.” As he used pleasing words, Vissily siphoned thousands of rubles collected from Pierre’s peasants.

Pierre found a similar atmosphere in Petersburg -- bewilderment, bustle and continual expectation among aristocratic acquaintances. Many of his friends were confronting the War. He was aware that Anatole, Andrei and Dólokhov were abroad. Much of his time was taken up with dinners and balls but chiefly he was at Prince Vasssily’s, mansion, spending time with Hélène.

Pierre received one of Anna Pávlovna’s invitations, which noted “You will find the beautiful Hélène here.” Pierre realized the growing link between them was noticed by others. Anna, who hosted the event that got the novel moving, was symbolic of the change of attitude. She now found Pierre charming in every way. At her gala, a diplomat from Berlin explained the latest alliance between Czar Alexander and Frederik William III, who conferred in Potsdam.

Anna arranges for Pierre to stay close to Hélène. “Isn’t she exquisite?” Anna said to Pierre, as she glided about. “And how she carries herself! Such masterly perfection of manner! Happy the man who wins her!” Anna ensures they will both entertain Anna’s elderly aunt. Hélène quickly gave Pierre her smile that none forgot. The conversation among the three was dull – as the aunt spoke of a collection of snuffboxes.

Helene wore a lovely dress cut very low at front and back. The two were very close and had an unspoken conversation. “So, you have never noticed before how beautiful I am? Yes, I am a woman who may belong to anyone—to you too.” At that moment Pierre felt that Hélène must be his wife. Hélène already had power over him and he realized this may NOT be a good thing.

Pierre could not sleep that night. He considered, “Yes, she’s good looking…but there is something vile, something wrong… I have been told that her brother Anatole was in love with her and she with him, that there was quite a scandal and that that’s why he was sent away. And Hippolyte is her brother... Prince Vassily is her father... It’s bad....” In considering her worthlessness, he nevertheless envisioned Hélène as his wife and how she would love him and become quite different.