War and Peace Lesson Plan

What do you think is the significance of the Rostovs' financial situation and what has caused it? How is Nikolai helpful when he comes home?

The Rostovs' financial situation is largely of Ilya's making, since he has not been cautious of budgeting their spending. It also is a function of how expensive it is to keep up with the social norms of the aristocracy. The Rostovs are maintaining at least two homes (in Petersburg and Moscow) as well as a country estate where one of the maintenance costs is stocking a hunting ground. They support Sonya and Anna Mikhailovna who live with them, supply Nikolai's war equipment, host parties at their club, and provide lavish hospitality...