Fathers and sons are minor characters. Heroes of the novel fathers and sons of Turgenev essay
Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov - main character Romana, son of a regimental doctor, medical student, friend of Arkady Kirsanov. Bazarov is the brightest representative of the youth and mixed-democratic intelligentsia of the mid-19th century. Calling himself a “nihilist,” he denies the established social order and rejects any principles.
A beautiful aristocrat, 29 years old, whom Bazarov fell in love with. She considers herself to be a new generation of nobles: simple, calm, devoid of snobbery, preaches freedom of judgment and democracy. By nature, Anna Sergeevna is proud and smart. Left without a father at an early age, she raised her younger sister.
One of the main characters of the novel, the father of Arkady Kirsanov and the brother of Pavel Petrovich. In the past he was happily married, but remained a widower. Now he lives with a young girl, Fenechka, who gave birth to his son. Despite the fact that Nikolai Petrovich is no longer young, he tries to keep up with the times and is interested in music, poetry and art in general.
Brother of Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, uncle of Arkady and Bazarov's main opponent. He is the main opponent in ideological disputes with Bazarov and by the strength of his character is a worthy rival to him. Pavel Petrovich is distinguished by integrity, insight, aristocracy, high intelligence, sharp mind, nobility, willpower, liberal views and passion for everything English.
She is one of the main female characters in the novel. She is an ordinary peasant girl, left an orphan at an early age. Fenechka’s mother Arina Savishna worked as a housekeeper on the estate of Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov. When she died, he took upon himself the care of young Fenechka, with whom he later fell in love.
A minor character in the novel, an emancipated landowner, Sitnikov’s friend, a psedonihilist. She imitates the most extreme manifestations of radicalism, is constantly interested in the “women's question” and the situation of women around the world, is interested in the natural sciences, and despises George Sand.
A minor character in the novel, Bazarov's friend and student, a pseudo-nihilist. He is characterized by anxious tension, as well as dog-like devotion to his “teacher.” He tries in vain to imitate Bazarov, making him his idol. In his attempts to behave freely and boldly, to show harshness in his judgments and actions, he looks comical.
Kate
Odintsova's younger sister. A young and shy girl of 18 years old. Their love with Arkady developed slowly, but gradually the young people fell in love with each other and got married. In the future, they had a son, Kolya.
Vasily Ivanovich
Bazarov's father, a retired staff doctor. Lives on a remote estate, has few serf souls. He treats local peasants. He is interested in gardening and vegetable gardening. Evgeniy was his only son, after whose death his life also faded.
Arina Vlasevna
Bazarov's mother is a kind woman who passionately loves her son. She was very pious and believed in everything possible: in devils, dreams, omens, fortune telling, damage and even in the end of the world. In her youth she was beautiful, played the clavichord and knew French. Now I’ve gained weight and forgotten music and language. The death of her son practically killed her herself.
Prokofich
A servant in the Kirsanovs' house, a thin old man of about sixty years old. Nikolai Petrovich called him a grump. The only servant who did not love Bazarov.
Dunyasha
A servant in the Kirsanovs' house, a young girl who helps Fenechka take care of her little son Mitya. She really liked Bazarov.
Peter
Valet in the Kirsanovs' house. Stupid and proud person. He knew how to read syllables. At the end of the book, he married the daughter of a city gardener and received a good dowry. She chose him only because he had a watch.
Mitya
The little son of Nikolai Petrovich and Fenechka. He is not even a year old yet.
Matvey Ilyich
A noble relative of the Kirsanovs, to whom Arkady and Bazarov went from the estate. He advised them to go to the governor and get an invitation to the ball.
Governor
A fussy and forgetful person. He invited Bazarov and Kirsanov to his big ball, where they met Odintsova.
Princess X
Anna Sergeevna Odintsova's aunt, a thin and small old woman, a princess. After the death of her husband, Odintsova invited her to live on her estate and manage it. Now no one paid attention to her, although they treated her with respect and looked after her well. She died shortly after Bazarov's death.
Porfiry Platonich
Odintsova's neighbor, who often came to her to play cards. He was short, cheerful and already gray-haired. He loved to tell jokes.
Timofeich
Bazarov's father's clerk, Evgeniy's former uncle. He came to pick him up from Odintsova and said that his parents were really looking forward to him. He also came to her to bring her to the dying Bazarov.
Fedka
Servant in the Bazarovs' house. Upon the arrival of Bazarov and Arkady, he began to serve them. For the sake of their arrival, he was dressed in different clothes and given new boots, which he could not get used to.
Doctor Odintsova
He came with Odintsova to examine the sick Bazarov, immediately determined that he had no chance of survival, which he managed to whisper to her before she met him.
Events described in I. S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons” on the eve of the peasant reform. The progressive public was divided into liberals and revolutionary democrats. Some welcomed the reform, while others were against such reform.
Evgeny Bazarov appears at the center of the novel. And Turgenev’s novel begins with Bazarov’s arrival at the Kirsanovs’ estate. Bazarov was the son of a doctor, he also went through a harsh school, then studied at the university on pennies, was interested in various sciences, knew botany, agricultural technology, geology well, never refuses medical care to people, in general he is proud of himself. But he aroused rejection and interest among people with his appearance: tall, old cloak, long hair. The author also emphasized his intelligence, pointing to his skull and face, expressing self-confidence. But the Kirsanovs were the best of the nobles. Bazarov's views evoke different feelings in them.
The characterization of Bazarov in the novel “Fathers and Sons” sounds in one word: he is a nihilist, he clearly defends his position of denying everything. He speaks poorly about art. Nature is not an object of admiration for the hero; for him it is not a temple, but a workshop, and man is a worker in it. And Bazarov calls love an unnecessary feeling. Bazarov's views are not typical for representatives of the radical nobility.
The author takes his hero through many trials, as well as through trials of love. When he had a meeting with Odintsova, Bazarov was sure that there was no love and there would not be any. He looks at women indifferently. For him, Anna Sergeevna is only a representative of one of the categories of mammals. He said that her rich body was worthy of the theater, but he did not think about her as a person. Then, unexpectedly, a feeling flares up for him, which puts him into a state of absent-mindedness. The longer he was visiting Madame Odintsova, the closer he became to her, the more attached he became to her.
A person who strongly believed in his theory of nihilism, accepting it 100%, breaks down at the first real life situation. True love overtakes the hero of Bazarov's novel and he does not know what to do or how to act correctly. He does not lose his pride because of unrequited feelings, he simply steps aside.
Bazarov's attitude towards others is different. He tries to captivate Arkady with his theory. Kirsanov hates Pavel Petrovich, and considers Nikolai Petrovich a kind, but already obsolete person. A feeling of internal confrontation with himself grows inside him. Trying to build his life on the basis of nihilism, he cannot subordinate it to all these dry canons.
Denying the existence of honor, he, at the same time, accepts the challenge to a duel, because he considers it right. Despising the principle of nobility, he actually behaves in a noble manner, which Pavel Kirsanov himself admits. Actions that require a certain analysis frighten Bazarov and he does not always understand what to do.
No matter how hard Bazarov tries, he cannot hide his tender feelings for his parents. This is especially evident when Bazarov’s death approaches. Saying goodbye to Odintsova, he asks not to forget the old people. The realization that Bazarov is a nihilist, but he believes in the existence of love, is painful and painful for him.
IVAN SERGEEVICH TURGENEV
(1818–1883)
NOVEL "FATHERS AND CHILDREN"
IN TABLES
The history of the creation of the novel “Fathers and Sons”
The idea appeared in the summer of 1860. In August 1861, the novel was completed.
In 1862 it was published as a separate publication. Turgenev dedicates it
V. G. Belinsky. The dedication had a programmatic and polemical tone.
The release of the novel became a social event. Criticism reacted vigorously to the novel; many articles and reviews appeared that were of a sharp polemical nature. The most famous reviews are articles
M. Antonovich “Asmodeus of our time”, D. Pisarev “Bazarov”,
N. Strakhova “Fathers and Sons” of Turgenev.” They also wrote about the novel
F. M. Dostoevsky, A. I. Herzen, M. E. Saltykov-Shchedrin, N. S. Leskov.
Conflicts of the novel
External
Interior
Confrontation between different generations.
It manifests itself in the relationships between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov, Nikolai Petrovich and Arkady, Bazarov and his parents.
The struggle between Bazarov’s worldview and feelings, the inapplicability of his theory in practice.
Plot of the novel
Chapter 1.
Exposition of the Kirsanovs.
The life story of Nikolai Petrovich, awaiting the arrival of his son Arkady
Chapters 2–3.
Bazarov's exposition
A portrait and the first characteristics of the main character of the novel are given - Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov, Arkady's friend who came with him.“Wonderful fellow, so simple” (Arkady about Bazarov)
Chapters 4–11.
The beginning of an external conflict. Development of action.
Bazarov meets Arkady's uncle, Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov.
An ideological polemic unfolds between the characters, the irreconcilability of their views turns into contempt on the part of Bazarov and hatred on the part of Pavel Petrovich.
Chapters 12–13.
Development preparation
The struggle of Bazarov’s feelings and worldview, a parody of “provincial nihilists.”
Chapter 14.
Tie internal
conflict.
At the governor's ball, Bazarov meets Anna Sergeevna Odintsova.
Chapters 15–17.
Development of action
Bazarov and Arkady's trip to Nikolskoye, Bazarov's unexpected feelings.
Chapters 18–19.
Climax
internal conflict.
The hero's explanation with Odintsova, Bazarov's departure.
Chapters 20–21.
Worsening internal
conflict.
A visit by friends to Bazarov’s parental home, a trip to Nikolskoye, return to Maryino.
Chapters 22–23.
Development of external
conflict.
Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich collide again in their interest in Fenechka, a girl from the people who gave birth to a child for Nikolai Petrovich. Fenechka reminds Pavel Petrovich of his former love, Nelly, while Bazarov, through courting Fenechka, is trying to assert himself after his failure with Odintsova.
Chapter 24.
Climax
and decoupling of external
conflict.
A duel occurs between Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich, as a result of which Pavel Petrovich is slightly wounded, and Bazarov leaves Maryino. The ideological struggle fades into the background; personal feelings dominate in the relationships between the characters.
Chapters 25–26.
Bazarov goes through the city *** to Nikolskoye.
He breaks off relations with the Kirsanovs, with Arkady, his only friend, with Odintsova.
Chapter 27.
Worsening
and permission of internal
conflict
In the parental home, where memories of childhood are alive, natural, spontaneous feelings appear - something that Bazarov tried to suppress in himself, armed with the “latest theories.” During one of the operations, Bazarov becomes infected with typhus through a cut in his finger. With the death of the hero, an internal conflict that cannot be resolved in life comes to an end.
Chapter 28.
Epilogue.
Six months after Bazarov’s death, the weddings of Arkady and Odintsova’s sister, Katya Lokteva, and Nikolai Petrovich and Fenechka took place. Pavel Petrovich went abroad. Anna Sergeevna Odintsova married “not out of love, but out of conviction.” Bazarov's grave is visited by his old parents.
Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov
Bazarov's Nihilism
Bazarov calls himself a nihilist (from lat.nihil - nothing).
Bazarov's complex of beliefs is not an artistic exaggeration; his image reflects characteristic features representatives of democratic youth of the 1860s.
Nihilists deny their contemporary social order, oppose admiration for any authority, reject principles taken for granted, deny art and beauty, and explain any feelings, including love, physiologically.
“We guessed that chatting, just chatting about our ulcers, is not worth the trouble, that it only leads to vulgarity and doctrinaire; we saw that our wise men, the so-called progressive people and exposers, are no good, that we are engaged in nonsense, talking about some kind of art, unconscious creativity, about parliamentarism, about the legal profession and God knows what, when it comes to the urgent bread, when the grossest superstition is strangling us, when all our joint-stock companies are bursting solely because there is a shortage of honest people, when the very freedom that the government is fussing about will hardly benefit us, because our peasant is happy to rob himself in order to get drunk on dope in a tavern.”
“Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and man is a worker in it.”
“A decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet.”
“The important thing is that two and two make four, and the rest is all nonsense.”
“Every person must educate himself - well, at least like me, for example...”
“We act on what we recognize as useful. At the present time, the most useful thing is denial - we deny.”
“We break because we are strong.”
“But it’s necessary to build.
- This is no longer our business... First we need to clear the place.”
“So what? Are you acting, or what? Are you going to take action?
- Bazarov didn’t answer anything.”
Dynamics of Bazarov's image
At the beginning of the novel, Bazarov appears as a person confident in the correctness and indisputability of his view of life. However, gradually living life makes adjustments to his worldview.
Turgenev leads Bazarov through the tests of love and death - two ontological situations through which, according to Turgenev, only true knowledge of life is possible. (Ontology (from Greek.ун ( untos ) - existing andlogos - doctrine) - a section of philosophy that studies the foundations of existence, the world order, its structure).
Bazarov's initial self-confidence disappears, his inner life becomes more and more complex and contradictory.
The “blinders” of nihilism are pulled aside, and life in all its complexity appears before the hero.
Before his death, Bazarov becomes simpler and softer: he does not resist when his father insists on confession before his death, asks Odintsova to “caress” his parents. A complete reassessment of values takes place in the hero’s mind:
“And I also thought: I’ll screw up a lot of things, I won’t die, no matter what!” There is a task, because I am a giant! And now the giant’s whole task is to die decently.”
Criticism's perception of Bazarov's image
Two points of view
M. Antonovich (Sovremennik magazine). Articles “Asmodeus of our time”, “Mistakes”, “ Contemporary novels»
He interpreted the image of Bazarov as a caricature of modern youth in the image of a “glutton, talker and cynic”
D. Pisarev “Bazarov”
Reveals the historical significance of the type depicted by Turgenev. Believed that Russia was modern stage its development requires people like Bazarov: they are critical of everything that has not been verified by them personal experience, accustomed to relying only on themselves, have reason and will
Novel character system
Two camps
"Fathers"
"Children"
Younger generation
Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov;
Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov;
Bazarov's parents
(Vasily Ivanovich and Arina Vlasevna)
Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov;
Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov;
Kukshina Avdotya Nikitishna;
Victor Sitnikov
Bazarov's doubles
Sitnikov
Kukshina
He calls himself an “old acquaintance” of Bazarov and his student.
Sitnikov’s commitment to new ideas is ostentatious: he is dressed in a Slavophile Hungarian dress, his business cards, in addition to French, there is also a Russian text written in Slavic script.
Sitnikov repeats Bazarov's thoughts, vulgarizing and distorting them.
In the epilogue Sitnikov“hangs around in St. Petersburg and, according to his assurances, continues the “work” of Bazarov.<…>His father still pushes him around, and his wife considers him a fool... and a writer.”
She considers herself one of the “emancipated ladies.” She is “concerned” with the “women’s issue”, physiology, embryology, chemistry, education, etc. She is cheeky, vulgar, stupid.
In the epilogue:“She is now in Heidelberg and is no longer studying natural sciences, but architecture, in which, according to her, she has discovered new laws.
She still hangs out with students, especially young Russian physicists and chemists,<…>who, at first surprising the naive German professors with their sober view of things, subsequently
surprise the same professors with their complete inaction and absolute laziness.”
The doubles are parodies of Bazarov and reveal the weaknesses of his maximalist worldview.
For Sitnikov and Kukshina, fashionable ideas are just a way to stand out.
They contrast with Bazarov, for whom nihilism is a consciously chosen position.
Anna
Sergeevna
Odintsova
A young beautiful woman, a rich widow.
Odintsova's father was a famous card sharper. She received an excellent upbringing in St. Petersburg, raising her younger sister, Katya, whom she sincerely loves, but hides her feelings.
Odintsova is smart, reasonable, and self-confident. She exudes calmness and aristocracy.
Most of all she values peace, stability and comfort. Bazarov arouses her interest, gives food to her inquisitive mind, but her feelings for him do not lead her out of her usual balance.
She is incapable of strong passion.
Fenechka
A young woman of “ignoble origin” whom Nikolai Petrovich loves. Fenechka is kind, selfless, simple-minded, honest, open, she sincerely and deeply loves Nikolai Petrovich and her son Mitya. The main thing in her life is family, so Bazarov’s persecution and Nikolai Petrovich’s suspicions offend her.
Kate
Lokteva
Younger sister of Anna Sergeevna Odintsova.
Sensitive nature - loves nature, music, but at the same time shows strength of character.
Katya does not understand Bazarov, she is even afraid of him; Arkady is much closer to her. She tells Arkady about Bazarov:“He is predatory, and you and I are tame.”
Katya is the embodiment of the ideal family life, which Arkady secretly strived for, thanks to her, Arkady returns to the camp of his fathers.
The problem of relationships between fathers and children is eternal. The reason lies in differences in life views. Each generation has its own truth, and it is extremely difficult to understand each other, and sometimes there is no desire. Contrasting worldviews- this is the basis of the work Fathers and Sons, summary, which we will consider.
About the product
Creation
The idea of creating the work “Fathers and Sons” arose from the writer Ivan Turgenev in August 1860. The author writes to Countess Lambert about his intention to write a new big story. In the fall he goes to Paris, and in September he writes to Annenkov about the final drawing up a plan and serious intentions in creating a novel. But Turgenev works rather slowly and doubts a good result. However, having received an approving opinion from the literary critic Botkin, he plans to complete the creation in the spring.
The beginning of winter - period of active work writer, within three weeks the third part of the work was written. Turgenev asked to describe in detail in his letters how things were in the life of Russia. This happened before, and in order to be privy to the events of the country, Ivan Sergeevich decides to return.
Attention! The history of writing ended on July 20, 1861, when the author was in Spassky. In the fall, Turgenev again goes to France. There, during a meeting, he shows his creation to Botkin and Sluchevsky and receives many comments that push him to make changes to the text.
Next spring the novel will be published in magazine "Russian Herald" and he immediately became the object of polemical discussion. The controversy did not subside even after the death of Turgenev.
Genre and number of chapters
If we characterize the genre of the work, then “Fathers and Sons” is 28 chapter novel, showing the socio-political situation in the country before the abolition of serfdom.
main idea
What are we talking about? In his creation “Fathers and Sons” Turgenev describes contradiction and misunderstanding of different generations, and also wants to find a way out of the current situation, ways to get rid of the problem.
The struggle between the two camps is a confrontation between everything that is established and what is radically new, era of democrats and aristocrats, or helplessness and determination.
Turgenev is trying to show what has come time for change and instead of people of the outdated system, nobles, active, energetic and young people come. The old system has become obsolete, and the new one has not yet been formed. The novel “Fathers and Sons” shows us the turn of an era when society is in turmoil and is unable to live either according to the old canons or the new ones.
The new generation in the novel is represented by Bazarov, around whom the confrontation between “fathers and sons” takes place. He is a representative of a whole galaxy of the younger generation, for whom complete denial of everything has become the norm. Everything old is unacceptable to them, but they can't bring anything new.
The conflict of worldviews is clearly shown between him and the elder Kirsanov: the rude and straightforward Bazarov and the mannered and refined Kirsanov. The images described by Turgenev are multifaceted and ambiguous. Bazarov's attitude towards the world does not bring happiness at all. They outlined their purpose to society - fight against old ways, but the introduction of new ideas and views in their place does not excite him.
Turgenev did this for a reason, thereby showing that before the collapse of something established, it is necessary to find a worthy replacement for it. If there is no alternative, then even what was intended to solve the problem positively will only make it worse.
Conflict of generations in the novel “Fathers and Sons.”
Heroes of the novel
The main characters of “Fathers and Sons” are:
- Bazarov Evgeny Vasilievich. Young student learning to become a doctor. Adheres to the ideology of nihilism, questions the liberal views of the Kirsanovs and the traditional views of his own parents. At the end of the work, he falls in love with Anna, and his views of denying everything in the world are changed by love. He will become a village doctor, and due to his own carelessness he will become infected with typhus and die.
- Kirsanov Nikolai Petrovich. Is the father of Arkady, widower. Landowner. He lives on the estate with Fenechka, a commoner woman, whom he feels and is ashamed of, but then takes her as his wife.
- Kirsanov Pavel Petrovich. He is Nikolai's older brother. He retired officer, a representative of a privileged layer, is proud and self-confident, shares the ideas of liberalism. Often participates in disputes with Bazarov at the most different topics: art, science, love, nature and more. Hatred towards Bazarov develops into a duel, which he himself initiated. During the duel he is wounded, fortunately the wound turns out to be minor.
- Kirsanov Arkady Nikolaevich. Is the son of Nicholas. Candidate of Sciences at the University. Like his friend Bazarov, he is a nihilist. At the end of the book he will abandon his worldview.
- Bazarov Vasily Ivanovich. Is the father of the main character, was a surgeon in the army. He did not leave his medical practice. Lives on his wife's estate. An educated person understands that living in a village, he was cut off from modern ideas. Conservative, religious.
- Bazarova Arina Vlasevna. She is the main character's mother. She owns the Bazarov estate and fifteen serfs. Superstitious, pious, suspicious, sensitive woman. He loves his son infinitely, and is worried that he has renounced his faith. She herself is a follower of the Orthodox faith.
- Odintsova Anna Sergeevna. Is a widow, rich. On his estate he welcomes friends who hold nihilistic views. She likes Bazarov, but after his declaration of love, there is no reciprocity. He puts a calm life in the foreground, in which there are no worries.
- Katerina. Anna Sergeevna's sister, but unlike her, she is quiet and unnoticeable. He plays the clavichord. Arkady Kirsanov spends a lot of time with her, while he is passionately in love with Anna. Then he realizes that he loves Katerina and marries her.
Other heroes:
- Fenechka. Daughter of the housekeeper of Kirsanov's younger brother. After his mother died, she became his mistress and gave birth to his son.
- Sitnikov Victor. He is a nihilist and acquaintance of Bazarov.
- Kukshina Evdokia. Victor's friend, a nihilist.
- Kolyazin Matvey Ilyich. He is a city official.
The main characters of the novel "Fathers and Sons".
Plot
Fathers and sons are summarized below. 1859 – year when the novel begins.
The young people arrived in Maryino and live in the house of brothers Nikolai and Pavel Kirsanov. The elder Kirsanov and Bazarov do not find a common language, and frequent conflict situations force Evgeniy to leave for another city N. Arkady also goes there. There they communicate with urban youth (Sitnikova and Kukshina), who adhere to nihilistic views.
At the governor's ball they hold meeting Odintsova, and then go to her estate, Kukshina is destined to stay in the city. Odintsova rejects the declaration of love, and Bazarov has to leave Nikolskoye. He and Arkady go to parents' house and are visiting there. Evgeny does not like the excessive care of his parents, he decides to leave Vasily Ivanovich and Arina Vlasevna, and
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The problem of generations is one of the eternal topics that are touched upon in literature, philosophy, psychology and other areas. The work “Fathers and Sons,” in which the characters are called upon to demonstrate this conflict, is immortal, because the ideas of Turgenev’s novel are relevant to this day.
Features of the design and plot of the novel
The specificity of Turgenev’s work is its richness in everyday details. The reader is immersed in the atmosphere of the natural flow of life, simple events, unpretentiousness and everyday life. The setting of the novel is as follows: two comrades come to rest in the village. Rest and parental care surround young people. Arkady is engaged in “sybaritism”, having defended his diploma with honors. His friend Bazarov, a student at a medical university, devotes time to experiments and experiments. The plot of the novel is embodied in short-term but frequent travels of the heroes: either the comrades are visiting Arkady’s parents, then they are leaving for Bazarov’s father’s house, or they are visiting Anna Sergeevna, a woman they met at the ball.
Ivan Turgenev follows the advice of Anton Chekhov, who said that artistic fiction should replicate life in a combination of complexity and “holy simplicity.” It seems to the reader that the writer is depicting an ordinary lunch or dinner, but at this time people gain happiness or, on the contrary, lose the joy of life. The most significant events begin here - at the kitchen table.
Parents and children – a classic “eternal” theme”
In literary criticism there is an opinion that one of central problems Turgenev's novel is an eternal conflict between fathers and children. But in “Fathers and Sons” (it’s not for nothing that the writer gave the work such a title), using the example of the difference between generations, the difference between moral standards and depth of feelings is also demonstrated.
The Real Books website is glad to see you! We invite you to get acquainted with what Ivan Turgenev wrote.
Parents are an expression of the most sincere, touching, selfless and sacrificial love. This is how Bazarov’s parents are depicted—demanding nothing in return. Father and mother are old people who miss their son, because it’s been three years since their child visited his father’s house. However, the son’s psychology differs from that of his parents: despite the fact that Bazarov also loves his parents, the hero shows affection differently. Bazarov's feelings for his father and mother do not require constant communication and contact. The young man calmly enjoys the hospitality of the Kirsanovs, goes to the city with a friend, then visits the house of a new acquaintance in Nikolskoye, returns to the estate of his friend, Arkady, and only after that he finally decides to visit his parents.
The image of the intelligentsia in Turgenev's novel
Postmodern literature focuses on the fact that works are multifaceted, multi-level structures that take into account the needs and interests of representatives of different readerships. However, the trend towards versatility appeared earlier. Ivan Turgenev’s novel is an example of this, because this text can be read in different ways. Some people pay attention to the plot outline, others - to the political conflicts between the “left” and “right”, between liberal democratic forces and conservatives, etc.
The intelligentsia is the younger generation, these are “children”. Conservatives and monarchists are the old generation, the “fathers.” Some literary critics believe that the author made derogatory remarks about the old generation in the novel. Let's remember the image of Bazarov's father. This is a man of the old school, who, however, solely out of love for his son, out of a desire to be closer to Eugene, reads newfangled books, newspapers and argues in the context of new, liberal rhetoric. Meanwhile, this is just a mask, because the hero remains at the level of conservative ideas.
The 1850s went down in Russian history as a time distinguished by the consolidation of a disparate intelligentsia. The events of the novel take place some time before the abolition of serfdom, in the late 1850s. The year 1861 and the revolution are upon us. The author's biography also influenced the general atmosphere of the novel.
During this period, the writer worked on the staff of Sovremennik, a well-known magazine in those years. Turgenev’s work also shows a transformation: from poetic texts to prose, from romanticism to realistic trends.
In the social structure Russian Empire At this time, changes also appeared: for example, a new system of so-called commoners was born. These were people who could not be classified as nobles, merchants, townspeople, artisans, etc. The origin of a person, thus, ceases to play any role.
You are our dears! We invite you to familiarize yourself with which came from his pen in 1857 and, published in the Sovremennik magazine, delighted many writers, and also did not leave the readership indifferent.
The break with Sovremennik forced Turgenev to publish the novel in a conservative magazine. “Fathers and Sons” is published in “Russian Bulletin”. A sharp controversy arises around the work immediately after its publication. However, the debate is not about the literary side of the novel, but about the political one: this is a polemic between the revolutionary-democratic wing and the conservatives. As a result, the novel did not satisfy anyone - neither of the parties. Meanwhile, the relevance of Turgenev’s work cannot be denied, because the writer showed the reasons for the discord between generations, the motives for the misunderstandings that arise between parents and children, as well as the disastrous consequences that this generational conflict leads to.
Thus, Turgenev’s novel was published in 1862, and the reaction literary critics and readers' response to the works was mixed. The range of reviews for “Fathers and Sons” was varied: from intense admiration for the novel to its extreme rejection and even condemnation.
Analysis of the characteristics of the central characters of “Fathers and Sons”
Ivan Turgenev uses the classical method: using the characteristics of the heroes, behavior and decisions of the characters, the writer conveys to the reader the main ideas of the novel “Fathers and Sons”. Therefore, one should turn to an analysis of the specifics characters works.
The main figures of Turgenev's work
Bazarov
Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov has already turned thirty. This is an adult man who has an established system of views on the world. Bazarov is a skeptic and even a nihilist. Evgeniy rejects established values and questions conservative ideals. Turgenev describes Bazarov as a hero distinguished by his coldness, harshness, sarcastic and cynical character. Eugene discards all principles - as befits a nihilist. The hero gives the impression of an arrogant, self-confident, proud and arrogant person. Often these traits are determined by confidence in intellectual superiority over most of the environment.
The role of nihilism in Bazarov's life
Turgenev himself admitted that he abandoned everything “artistic” when he worked on the image of Bazarov. Eugene’s figure is distinguished by sharpness and even some unceremoniousness. Bazarov demonstrates the image of one of the political movements that, among other things, inspired Turgenev to create the novel. The writer put revolutionary democratic ideas into Bazarov’s mouth. Revolutionary and reformist ideals are what distinguished the “new man” of the mid-19th century. On the second side of the board are the liberal-minded nobility.
Bazarov has an independent character, a skeptical attitude towards reality, independence of judgment and action, and an extraordinary, original mind.
The hero's biography and origin also influenced Bazarov's worldview system. Evgeniy was born into the family of a regimental doctor, so Bazarov was proud that his grandfather worked on the land with the peasants. Bazarov also despises aristocrats, without hiding this position. Nihilism is felt in the hero’s speech, especially appearance, in manners and social position.
Bazarov's behavior is a frank challenge. The hero is deliberately careless, demonstratively lazy, and in his speech he often uses common words. Bazarov's whole appearance shows denial and protest against authorities.
Kirsanovs
Nikolai
Father of Arkady Kirsanov. Turgenev describes Nicholas as perhaps the most positive hero novel. The man is 44 years old, he is pure in his thoughts and everyday habits. Nikolay is characterized by romance, calmness, and balance. Kirsanov feels sincere love for his son. Nicholas's wife died, and since then he has been a widower, being depressed after the death of his beloved wife. However, then Nikolai was lucky enough to meet Fenechka, a simple peasant woman who eventually became his wife.
Arkady
The young man comes from a prosperous, wealthy noble family. Arkady is much younger than Bazarov: young Kirsanov recently turned 23 years old. Youth, naivety and sentimentality are traits inherent in the image of Arkady. The young man is influenced by his comrade and friend - Evgeny Bazarov. Arkady completed his studies at the university, successfully defending his diploma. After this, both friends decided to stay with Kirsanov’s parents. Arkady tries to follow Bazarov in everything, but nihilism does not fit well with the gentleness, generosity, kindness and romanticism of Arkady's nature. The young man is a fair, timid and chaste boy. Despite the fact that Arkady considers Bazarov an example, the young man still believes in true love.
One day Arkady meets Katya - beautiful girl, with whom Kirsanov develops a romantic relationship. Falling in love finally proves to Arkady that nihilism is not his philosophy. So the friendship of young Kirsanov and Bazarov gradually declines.
Paul
The hero turned 45 years old. Pavel is the brother of Nikolai Kirsanov and, accordingly, uncle of Arkady. The man once served as a guards officer. A hereditary aristocrat, Paul professes a system of views and beliefs characteristic of the aristocracy of that time. This means that Kirsanov is a supporter of liberal ideology. A typical nobleman, showing pride and self-esteem through his actions and behavior. One day Paul suffered because of unhappy love. After that incident, Kirsanov does not believe in love. He also acquired the traits of a misanthrope, a skeptic and a cynic. Pavel practically broke off communication with his relatives by moving abroad.
“Fathers and Sons”: supporting figures
Bazarov Sr.
Vasily Bazarov is an old man who is distinguished by his good nature and simplicity. Bazarov Sr. shows love and respect for his son, proud of how smart and educated Evgeny is. He is trying to succeed his son. Previously, Vasily Ivanovich served as a military doctor, but now Bazarov continues to practice medicine free of charge: he treats peasants who work for the Bazarovs on the estate. Vasily Ivanovich loves to talk, he tends to have “philosophical” conversations. The hero reads newfangled books and magazines, however, understanding very little from them.
A staunch conservative, Bazarov demonstrates his commitment to revolutionary democratic ideals in order to be closer to his son. The life of Bazarov Sr. is modest and simple.
Mother of Evgeny Bazarov
Arina Vlasevna is a woman from the noble class who married a simple regimental doctor, Vasily Bazarov. The estate in which the Bazarovs live is Arina’s dowry. The woman is kind and sympathetic, but Arina Vlasevna is distinguished by excessive piety and suspiciousness. Bazarova keeps the house perfectly clean and tidy, while the heroine herself is an example of neatness, care and affection.
The woman loves her son dearly, trying to please Evgeniy in everything. Knowing that Bazarov is not a supporter of demonstrative and open expression of emotions, he avoids his son, trying to have less contact with him. Unlike her husband, Vasily Ivanovich, she cannot understand Evgeny and his worldview.
Anna Odintsova
Anna Sergeevna is only 28 years old, but the woman has already become a widow. Anna is arrogant and cruel. The writer describes the heroine as an unhappy woman, because Odintsova does not know love and has never had sincere feelings for anyone. Accustomed to a luxurious life, the proud and arrogant beauty builds relationships based on calculation. Hosts Bazarov and Arkady Kirsanov.
Kate
Katerina is the beloved of Arkady Kirsanov. The girl was raised by her older sister. The young heroine is distinguished by a meek and calm character. Katya is smart, kind, and the girl has a natural affinity for nature and a love of music. Meanwhile, Katerina’s sister is strict and principled; her older sister’s character is much stronger than Katya’s. That's why the heroine is afraid of her sister.
Victor
Turgenev describes Viktor Sotnikov as coming from a noble family, who, meanwhile, hides his origins out of shame. Sotnikov is not distinguished by great intelligence; he rather imitates authorities, follows fashion, rather than being a trendsetter of innovations. The hero's character is weak, too soft and cowardly. Sotnikov's behavior is characterized by vulgarity and stupidity, importunity and thoughtless adoption of everything new. Victor wants fame at any cost: in this the hero resembles Herostratus, a character in ancient legends who became famous for burning the temple of Artemis.
For Sotnikov, Bazarov appears in the role of mentor and teacher. However, after marriage, Victor falls under his wife’s heel and leaves his former hobbies.
Avdotya
The author portrayed Avdotya Kukshina as a landowner showing interest in new trends. Kukshina is friends with Bazarov, Kirsanov and Sotnikov. Avdotya welcomes the marginalized intelligentsia into her home and positions herself as an emancipated woman. The heroine maintains a deliberately careless appearance, and the woman’s behavior is characterized by swagger - this Kukshina considers a sign of progressive views.
Fenechka
Fenechka- a kind of female ideal. A simple, pure, meek and gentle girl about whom the reader does not receive too much information. Naturalness, coziness, a tendency to spend time at home and with family - these are some of Fenechka’s traits. As a result, the peasant girl becomes the wife of Nikolai Kirsanov.
Dunya
Fenechka's maid, helping the girl take care of the baby. A simple, naive and unassuming peasant woman, Dunya loves fun and laughter. Although at home, while performing household duties, the heroine shows rigor and discipline.
Peter
Petya serves under Pavel Ivanovich Kirsanov. Peter positions himself as an intelligent and enlightened person, although the hero is a stupid, ignorant and dark young man. However, this does not stop Peter from being proud and narcissistic.
Nellie
Princess R., or Nellie, is the same unhappy love of Pavel Kirsanov. The author says little about Nellie, which makes the heroine mysterious and enigmatic. In the eyes of the reader, the princess appears as an eccentric woman, under whose influence young minds easily fall. But one day Pavel Ivanovich finds out that Nellie has died: from that moment on, life loses its former meaning and color for Kirsanov.
