War and Peace Lesson Plan

At the beginning of book one part II, what happens in the conversations between Kutuzov and the Austrian general from the Hofkriegsrath? What is each general trying to get the other general to do? Why do they interact the way that they do?

Kutuzov is meeting with the general from the Austrian Hofkriegsrath to make decisions about the alliance between the Russian and Austrian armies in fighting Napoleon. Kutuzov doesn't want to join the Austrians right now because he thinks his army is not yet strong enough after their march from Russia for them to be successful. He is also doubtful of the leadership and strategic position of the Austrian army. Kutuzov first tries to...