Arms and the Man

Raina and Catherine see Sergius as a brave and capable soldier. Raina even goes so far as to hold Sergius’ portrait above her, as if in prayer, murmuring “My hero! My hero” (5).

Later in the act, a soldier appears seeking shelter; his opinion of Sergius is a bit different from the womens'. He describes Sergius' leadership skills on the day of the battle as idiotic and suicidal. The victory was not based on skill in warfare but luck.