It shows the underside of war, which is all about power, politics, and negotiation, when many people think it is just about fighting and winning. However, war is more than fighting and winning. It is hardship, it is power, and it is about gaining opportunities by defeating others. Oh it's ages since I had a ride in a train,' she sighed dreamily. 'Lie back on your soft seat, open a

The "angel of death" is fate or death that awaits many of the soldiers waiting for attack. In a few hours, many of these men will be dead or wounded, and there is nothing Varya can do to change it, it is inevitable. But then, at the observation point, everyone was excited and full of gleeful anticipation" (Akunin 122). This shows the "carnival" aspect of war, which as gruesome as

This is ironic, given that men of science are hardly thought to be the most socially adept individuals, and Nathan's ability to understand human nature is frequently revealed to be faulty. Nathan does not understand the emotional truths of human nature, and is not in touch with his gut, natural instincts even though he sees himself as an expert. Understanding something on an intellectual level does not necessarily mean

" (p.7) She believes that "chastity and hypocritical piety were shackles imposed on women" by men, and even debates with her fiancee whether it would be wrong or right to have an open relationship with another man. (p.9) Despite their unconventional attitudes towards marriage, Varya clearly loves Pyotr, who seems like the more conventional member of the pair. "Of course, he would settle for carnal love without a wedding ceremony,"

(p.60) Varya finds her beliefs most obviously challenged by the presence of the Ottoman Empire's harems. She says that modern women should never agree to live as wives in harem, as the custom is humiliating and barbaric. Even when seeking the truth, she cannot restrain herself, as during the begging of the section, she is disgusted to hear of the ladies of one harem, who loved their husband so passionately