Jane, here are the two posts I missed as well as the latest one.

The thistle is used to set the mood of the story. Two ideas are addressed. The first is that things are more beautiful when left alone. The flower which is destroyed by being picked demonstrates this opinion. The second is perhaps the more relevant message, and that is of the flower wounded but still standing. This image later may be parallel the our protagonist after he talks about his wounds after diving into the great abyss (which he accounts for his limp/unhealed leg).

Adeev's story shows the insignificance of a common soldier in war. He dies for no real reason and has no great honor come to him. The first account of him should also be compared to the description of the events which happen while he is away. His father's respect and his mother's weeping portray him on a far less impersonal level. From these two sections a clear distinction is made between the personal and professional lives of soldiers. In addition to this comparison, one should also consider Adeev's portrayal of being a single, unimportant soldier as a contrast to the large amount of leverage, power, and respect given to Hadji Murad.

Nicolas I, is a dick. He is self-centered and arrogant to point of being subconsciously insecure. This insecurity can be seen when Tolstoy mentions his need for praise on him great strategic decisions which, in reality, could be much better. He is racist; he holds grudges against entire countries and anyone of their descent. He doesn't respect woman. He thinks he is the most important man in the world and is doing the universe a favor by ruling his country. But in the end, he makes a fairly decent character because of the hatred he arouses.