Significant for its time, the novel "Fathers and Sons", which was written by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev in the second half of the 19th century, has not lost its relevance to this day. At one time, the image of Yevgeny Bazarov, who is the main character of the novel "Fathers and Sons", was perceived as a model worth imitating, especially for young people. Now, considering the question of what the novel "Fathers and Sons" is about, we will only casually mention Bazarov's personal characteristics, focusing primarily on the plot.
The plot of the novel "Fathers and Sons"
Evgeny Bazarov embodied a whole bunch of ideals that can be clearly seen in his worldview. He was uncompromising, did not bow before authoritative people and their principles, did not follow previously established truths, giving priority to concepts that were useful in his opinion, and not beautiful.
So, in order to vividly show what the novel "Fathers and Sons" is about, we will now look directly at the events and the main characters. It is important to remember that the peasant reform of 1861 played a significant role in Russian history, and the events described by Turgenev unfold just on the eve of this reform - in the summer of 1859. Let's start to analyze the plot of the novel "Fathers and Sons".
Yevgeny Bazarov and Arkady Kirsanov visit Maryino to stay with the elder Kirsanovs for a short time - this is Arkady's father (Nikolai Petrovich) and uncle (father's brother Pavel Petrovich). However, Bazarov does not get along with them, and soon decides to leave. He goes, accompanied by Arkady, to one provincial town. Friends are happy to spend time in the company of Kukshina and Sitnikova, who belong to the ranks of progressive youth. And a little later they are invited to the ball to the governor, where they make acquaintance with Odintsova.
Having left for Odintsova's estate, which Bazarov and Arkady have already become interested in, they have fun in Nikolskoye, but Bazarov makes an unsuccessful attempt to explain his feelings to Odintsova, and he has to retreat. Bazarov has parents - Vasily and Arina, and it is to them that Bazarov goes again with Arkady. After a while, Bazarov gets bored of sitting in his parents' house, so they, having stopped at Nikolskoye (where they are coldly greeted), go to Maryino.
Nikolai Petrovich, father of Arkady Kirsanov, has illegitimate son, born from Fenechka - a girl who is kept in the Kirsanovs' house. Once, out of boredom and incomprehensible passion, Bazarov kissed a young woman Fenechka, but this scene was seen by his father's brother Pavel Petrovich, because of which he and Bazarov had a duel. Arkady decides to return to Nikolskoye, where he falls in love with Odintsova's sister Katya, Bazarov also comes there a little later, apologizing for his confession to Odintsova, but does not stay long, deciding to live with his parents again.
There, Bazarov, helping his father in treating the sick, becomes infected with typhus and dies, having seen Odintsova before his death. Arkady and Katya get married, Arkady's uncle Pavel Petrovich leaves his homeland, having gone abroad, and his father, nevertheless, marries Fenechka.
In this article, we only looked at what the novel "Fathers and Sons" is about and briefly saw the characterization of Bazarov. You can read more about the main characters of the novel and its analysis in other articles of our blog. We hope that you also found the plot of the novel "Fathers and Sons" useful.
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The action of the novel begins on May 20, 1859. A young man who has just graduated from the university, Arkady Kirsanov, goes to the inn, where his father, Nikolai Petrovich, is waiting for him. Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov is now 43 years old, but he does not look very young anymore. He worries before meeting with his son. Moreover, the son is not traveling alone - his student friend Yevgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov should also come to the estate with him.
Nikolai Petrovich devoted his whole life to raising his son. Even when Arkady was already a student, Nikolai Petrovich lived in St. Petersburg with him, met his friends and tried to understand how modern youth live. The wife of Nikolai Petrovich died 12 years ago, and now the son Arkady and brother Pavel Petrovich were the closest people to him. True, there was also a girl named Fenechka, whom Nikolai Petrovich loved, and who had a child by him, but for the time being the landowner tried to keep this fact a secret from his son.
The acquaintance of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov immediately develops into mutual hostility. The very next day, a major quarrel breaks out between them, the instigator of which, in truth, is Pavel Petrovich. For Bazarov, there is nothing that he would not deny. He believes that art cannot be more valuable and important than chemistry, and science is first of all practice, and only then theory. Nihilism (that is, the denial of everything) of Bazarov seems to Pavel Petrovich simply blasphemous. He cannot understand how it is possible to deny everything, including the love that he, Pavel Petrovich, once experienced, and which devastated him so much that, after parting with his beloved, he was no longer capable of any feelings or thoughts. Bazarov convinces him that he and his brother have no idea what modern life is.
In the provincial town, Bazarov and the younger Kirsanov meet those who consider themselves followers of Bazarov - Sitnikov and Kukshina. They do not learn anything and do not master any profession, but their nihilism has reached such an extent that they leave even Bazarov himself far behind.
Arkady meets Odintsova, it seems to him that he is in love with her. In fact, this is not so - his feeling is simply far-fetched. But Bazarov became seriously interested in Odintsova, and his dreams were not at all about how he read poetry to her under the moonlight, but about something more.
Arriving at Anna Sergeevna's home, friends meet her younger sister Katya, with whom Arkady becomes close.
Bazarov leaves Anna Sergeevna, because he does not want to become a "slave of his passion", he wants to remain independent of everything. Odintsova does not protest against his departure, since she also believes that the main thing is not passion, but calmness.
Bazarov goes to his parents, but cannot live with them without experiencing boredom, even for a couple of days. He returns to the estate to the Kirsanovs, where, due to liberties in relation to Fenechka, he is forced to fight in a duel with Pavel Petrovich. Bazarov easily wounds him and himself provides first aid. But after this duel, Pavel Petrovich begins to insist that his brother marry Fenechka, although he had previously actively opposed this.
Bazarov breaks up with Arkady and Odintsova and moves to live with his parents. Soon, opening the corpse of a man who died of typhus, he becomes infected and dies. Before his death, he explains to Odintsova, who comes to say goodbye to him. Six months after these events, two weddings take place at once - Arkady marries Katya, and Nikolai Petrovich marries Fenechka. Arkady takes over the management of the estate and achieves great success in this. Nikolai Petrovich is engaged in social work. Pavel Petrovich leaves to live in Dresden. And his elderly parents often come to Bazarov’s grave and grieve for their untimely departed son.
May 20, 1859 Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, a forty-three-year-old, but no longer young-looking landowner, anxiously awaits his son in the inn Arcadia who just graduated from university.
Nikolai Petrovich was the son of a general, but the military career intended for him did not take place (he broke his leg in his youth and remained “lame” for the rest of his life). Nikolai Petrovich early married the daughter of an obscure official and was happily married. To his deep grief, his wife died in 1847. He devoted all his strength and time to raising his son, even in St. Petersburg he lived with him and tried to get close to his son's comrades, students. Lately he was busy transforming his estate.
There comes a happy moment of meeting. However, Arkady does not appear alone: with him is a tall, ugly and self-confident young man, an aspiring doctor who agreed to stay with the Kirsanovs. His name is, as he certifies himself, Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov.
The conversation between father and son at first does not stick. Nikolai Petrovich is embarrassed by Fenechka, a girl whom he keeps with him and from whom he already has a child. Arkady in a condescending tone (this slightly jars his father) tries to smooth out the awkwardness that has arisen.
Pavel Petrovich, father's elder brother, is waiting for them at home. Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov immediately begin to feel mutual antipathy. But the yard boys and servants willingly obey the guest, although he does not even think about seeking their favor.
The very next day between Bazarov And Pavel Petrovich there is a verbal skirmish, and its initiator is Kirsanov Sr. Bazarov does not want to argue, but nevertheless speaks out on the main points of his convictions. People, according to his ideas, strive for this or that goal, because they experience various “sensations” and want to achieve “benefit”. Bazarov is sure that chemistry is more important than art, and in science the practical result is more important. He is even proud of his lack of "artistic meaning" and believes that there is no need to study the psychology of an individual individual: "One human specimen is enough to judge all others." For Bazarov, there is not a single "decree in our modern life ... which would not cause a complete and merciless denial." He has a high opinion of his own abilities, but he assigns a non-creative role to his generation - "first you need to clear the place."
To Pavel Petrovich, the "nihilism" professed by Bazarov and Arkady, who imitates him, seems to be a daring and unfounded doctrine that exists "in the void."
Arkady tries to somehow smooth out the tension that has arisen and tells his friend the story of the life of Pavel Petrovich. He was a brilliant and promising officer, a favorite of women, until he met the socialite Princess R*. This passion completely changed the existence of Pavel Petrovich, and when their romance ended, he was completely devastated. From the past, he retains only the sophistication of costume and manners and a preference for all things English.
The views and behavior of Bazarov irritate Pavel Petrovich so much that he again attacks the guest, but he quite easily and even condescendingly breaks all the "syllogisms" of the enemy aimed at protecting traditions. Nikolai Petrovich seeks to soften the dispute, but he cannot agree with Bazarov's radical statements in everything, although he convinces himself that he and his brother are already behind the times.
Young people go to the provincial town, where they meet with Bazarov's "disciple", the offspring of the farmer, Sitnikov. Sitnikov takes them to visit the "emancipated" lady, Kukshina. Sitnikov and Kukshina belong to the category of "progressives" who reject any authority, chasing the fashion for "free thinking". They don’t really know anything and don’t know how, but in their “nihilism” they leave both Arkady and Bazarov far behind. The latter openly despises Sitnikova, while at Kukshina's he "does more champagne."
Arkady introduces a friend to Odintsova, a young, beautiful and rich widow, whom Bazarov is immediately interested in. This interest is by no means platonic. Bazarov cynically says to Arkady: “I’ve got it…”
It seems to Arkady that he is in love with Odintsova, but this feeling is feigned, while mutual attraction arises between Bazarov and Odintsova, and she invites young people to stay with her.
In the house of Anna Sergeevna, the guests get acquainted with her younger sister Katya, who is constrained. And Bazarov does not feel at ease, he began to get annoyed in a new place and "looked angrily." Arkady is also uncomfortable, and he seeks solace in Katya's company.
The feeling inspired in Bazarov by Anna Sergeevna is new to him; he, who so despised all manifestations of "romanticism", suddenly discovers "romanticism in himself." Bazarov explains with Odintsova, and although she did not immediately free herself from his embrace, however, after thinking, she comes to the conclusion that "calmness […] is the best thing in the world."
Not wanting to become a slave to his passion, Bazarov leaves for his father, a district doctor who lives nearby, and Odintsova does not hold back the guest. On the way, Bazarov sums up what happened and says: “... It is better to beat stones on the pavement than to let a woman take possession of at least the tip of her finger. It’s all […] nonsense.”
Bazarov's father and mother cannot breathe in their beloved "Enyusha", and he is bored in their company. After a couple of days, he leaves his parental home, returning to the Kirsanovs' estate.
Out of heat and boredom, Bazarov draws attention to Fenechka and, finding her alone, kisses the young woman tightly. An accidental witness to the kiss is Pavel Petrovich, who is outraged to the depths of his soul by the act of "this hairy one." He is especially indignant also because it seems to him: in Fenichka there is something in common with Princess R *.
According to his moral convictions, Pavel Petrovich challenges Bazarov to a duel. Feeling embarrassed and realizing that he is sacrificing his principles, Bazarov agrees to shoot with Kirsanov Sr. (“From a theoretical point of view, a duel is absurd; well, from a practical point of view, this is a different matter”).
Bazarov slightly wounds the enemy and gives him first aid himself. Pavel Petrovich behaves well, even makes fun of himself, but at the same time both he and Bazarov are embarrassed. Nikolai Petrovich, from whom the true reason for the duel was hidden, also behaves in the most noble manner, finding an excuse for the actions of both opponents.
The consequence of the duel is that Pavel Petrovich, who had previously strongly objected to his brother's marriage to Fenechka, now himself persuades Nikolai Petrovich to take this step.
And Arkady and Katya establish a harmonious understanding. The girl shrewdly remarks that Bazarov is a stranger to them, because "he is predatory, and we are tame."
Having completely lost hope for reciprocity, Odintsova Bazarov breaks himself and breaks up with her and Arkady. In parting, he says to his former comrade: “You are a nice fellow, but you are still a soft, liberal gentleman ...” Arkady is upset, but pretty soon he is comforted by Katya’s company, declares his love to her and is sure that he is also loved.
Bazarov, on the other hand, returns to his parental penates and tries to forget himself in work, but after a few days "the fever of work jumped off him and was replaced by dreary boredom and deaf anxiety." He tries to talk to the peasants, but finds nothing but stupidity in their heads. True, even the peasants see in Bazarov something "like a pea jester."
Practicing on the corpse of a typhoid patient, Bazarov injures his finger and gets blood poisoning. A few days later, he notifies his father that, by all indications, his days are numbered.
Before his death, Bazarov asks Odintsova to come and say goodbye to him. He reminds her of his love and admits that all his proud thoughts, like love, have gone to dust. “And now the whole task of the giant is how to die decently, although no one cares about this ... Anyway: I won’t wag my tail.” He says bitterly that Russia does not need it. “Yes, and who is needed? A shoemaker is needed, a tailor is needed, a butcher is needed ... "
When Bazarov is communed at the insistence of his parents, "something resembling a shudder of horror was instantly reflected on the dead face."
Six months pass. Two couples are getting married in a small village church: Arkady with Katya and Nikolai Petrovich with Fenechka. Everyone was happy, but something in this contentment was also felt artificial, “as if everyone had agreed to play some kind of ingenuous comedy.”
Over time, Arkady becomes a father and a zealous owner, and as a result of his efforts, the estate begins to generate significant income. Nikolai Petrovich takes on the duties of a conciliator and works hard in the public arena. Pavel Petrovich lives in Dresden and, although he still looks like a gentleman, "it's hard for him to live."
Kukshina lives in Heidelberg and hangs out with students, studies architecture, in which, according to her, she discovered new laws. Sitnikov married a princess who pushed him around, and, as he assures, he continues Bazarov's "case", working as a publicist in some dark magazine.
Decrepit old men often come to Bazarov’s grave and weep bitterly and pray for the repose of the soul of their untimely deceased son. The flowers on the grave mound are reminiscent of more than just the tranquility of "indifferent" nature; they also speak of eternal reconciliation and endless life...
On May 20, 1859, Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov is waiting for his son Arkady at the inn. The fate of Nikolai Petrovich was not always easy. His father is a military general, so a military career was a priority in the family. The older brother, Pavel, had a predisposition for this type of activity, but the younger one, Nikolai, was far from military service and a little cowardly for this. A leg injury chained him to the bed for 2 months (later, he remained lame) and saved him from "military service". At 18, he entered the university. The father died suddenly from a stroke, and the mother did not live long after that - soon the brothers were left orphans. As soon as the days of mourning passed, Nikolai married the daughter of the official Prepolovensky. For ten years, the couple lived in perfect harmony, then Kirsanov's wife died. Having hardly survived the loss, Nikolai Petrovich returned to the village - he found solace in his son. When Arkady grew up, his father took him to the university. For three winters he lived with him in the city, on the fourth he returned to his estate.
Chapter II
Arkady meets with his father. Nikolai Petrovich is very excited. The son introduces him to his friend Yevgeny Bazarov, about whom he "often wrote." Bazarov will stay at the Kirsanovs' house for an indefinite period. Arkady sits down with his father in the carriage. Eugene continues to ride on the tarantass.
Chapter III
Emotions overwhelm Nikolai Petrovich - he is glad for the arrival of his son - he is constantly trying to hug him. On the way, he asks Arkady about his affairs, a new friend. Bazarov is a future doctor. In general, he is a curious and versatile person. The father informs his son about the death of the nanny and that the girl Fenya lives in the house. Nikolai Petrovich had to sell the forest - he needed money. This news upsets the son. "It's a pity for the forest," he says.
Yevgeny asks Arkady for matches. Bazarov lights up, Kirsanov-son keeps him company. Nikolai Petrovich never smokes, so the pungent smell of tobacco is unpleasant to him, but he tries not to show it so as not to offend his son.
Chapter IV
No one came out to meet the visitors. Nikolai Petrovich leads Arkady and Yevgeny into the house. There he orders the servant to prepare dinner. A well-built, neatly dressed man comes out to meet him. This is Arkady's uncle, Pavel Petrovich, who decided to greet his nephew who had arrived.
Acquaintance with Bazarov did not bring positive emotions to his uncle, he did not like Eugene. At dinner everyone was laconic, especially Bazarov. After that, everyone went about their business. Arkady and Yevgeny went into the rooms. Bazar shares with Arkady his impressions of his relatives. He mockingly speaks of his uncle: “What panache in the village, just think! Nails, nails, at least send them to the exhibition! Arkady gently stands up for his uncle, explaining that Yevgeny simply knows little about Pavel Petrovich, which is why he seems eccentric to him. The friends went to their rooms. Arkady falls asleep with a happy smile on his face. Eugene was also awake for a short time. Nikolai Petrovich, impressed by the arrival of his son, could not sleep for a long time. His brother sat long after midnight - he had a magazine in his hands, but he did not read it, but looked at the lights in the fireplace. Fenechka slept restlessly - from time to time she glanced at her little son.
Chapter V
Eugene woke up before everyone else and went for a walk. He quickly ran around the whole yard and found him not in the very at its best- only the gazebo was in good condition. Bazarov met local boys, they all go together to catch frogs for experiments.
Nikolai Petrovich comes to his son's room and finds him already dressed. They go down to the veranda for tea. Arkady suspects that Fenya did not fall ill by chance. His guess is confirmed by his father: "she is ashamed." Therefore, Arkady goes to her room, where he meets his brother. Returning, the young man reproaches his father for not telling him about his brother. Seeing the joy of his son, Nikolai Petrovich was moved. Pavel Petrovich comes to the veranda, he joins the huggers. Father and uncle learn that Bazarov is a nihilist (a person who denies any principles and authorities). For the older generation, this trend looks strange. Bazarov returns with the frogs.
Chapter VI
Eugene joins everyone. The conversation over tea drinking is not going well. Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov begin to argue desperately. “A decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet,” says Eugene. Pavel Petrovich is trying to defend his opinion, but Evgeny's monosyllabic answers have a depressing effect on him. Nikolai Petrovich does not give a final quarrel. He tries to translate the conversation by asking Bazarov for help in matters of agronomy. He agrees, but critically remarks: “First, you need to learn the alphabet and then take up the book, but we haven’t seen the basics yet.” “Well, you, I see, are like a nihilist,” thought Nikolai Petrovich. However, he did not express his opinion on this matter.
Left alone with Arkady, Eugene expresses bewilderment at the behavior of his uncle. Arkady tries to stand up for Pavel Petrovich. “You have already dealt with him too harshly,” Arkady claims, but this fact does not bother Bazarov, he is sure of the correctness of his act.
Chapter VII
To change the friend's attitude towards his uncle, Arkady tells the story of his life. Pavel Petrovich, like his brother, elementary education received at home, then his training continued on military service. “From childhood he was distinguished by remarkable beauty; besides, he was self-confident, a little mocking and somehow amusingly bilious - he could not help but like. Soon Kirsanov became popular, they wanted to see him as a guest in many decent houses.
One day he met Princess R. There were not the most decent rumors about her. And to be honest, she led a strange life. "She had a well-bred and decent, but stupid husband and had no children." Kirsanov fell madly in love with her. Unfortunately, the feeling was not mutual. Pavel Nikolaevich was jealous of the princess, he went after her all the time and soon got tired of her. After parting, Kirsanov's life went downhill. He left the service and traveled for four years behind his beloved abroad, but he never achieved reciprocity. Pavel Petrovich returned home in the hope of living his former life. The news of the death of Princess R. finally unsettled him - he came to live with his brother in the village.
Chapter VIII
Pavel Petrovich does not know how to have fun. Out of boredom, he goes to Fenya to look at Mitya's little nephew: "What a booty." Suddenly, Nikolai Petrovich enters Fenechka's room.
Arkady's father met Fenya three years ago. He had to stop at a restaurant.
The cleanliness and order that reigned everywhere pleasantly surprised him, so he offers a job to Feni's mother, Arina, on his estate. Things were not going well in their tavern, so she agrees. After some time, Arina dies, and Kirsanov falls head over heels in love with a young girl.
Chapter IX
Bazarov meets Fenya. He liked the girl. He, with her permission, takes Mitya in his arms. The boy sits calmly in Yevgeny's arms, which surprises Fenya and Dunya. Arkady also decides to take his brother, but the kid throws a tantrum. Bazarov tells Fene that in which case she can safely turn to him for help. After that, he and Arkady leave. From the house came the sound of a cello. This is Nikolai Petrovich playing in his spare time. Such an occupation for a 44-year-old old man causes an attack of ridicule from Bazarov, “but Arkady, no matter how much he revered his teacher, did not even smile this time.”
Chapter X
Two weeks have passed since the arrival of Arkady and Evgeny. To Bazarov, those around him had a twofold impression. The courtyards loved him, Fenya liked him too. Once the girl had to wake up a young doctor - Mitya "had convulsions." Bazarov successfully provided assistance, helped Fenya to sit with the child.
Pavel Petrovich hated the guest, and his brother was afraid of Yevgeny and his influence on Arkady.
Nikolai Petrovich becomes an accidental witness to the conversation between Arkady and Evgeny. The latter calls him a retired man. Kirsanov Sr. is offended. He shares his impressions with his brother. Arkady, on the advice of a friend, brings his father to read Buechner's pamphlet, but the reading does not cause positive impressions.
At dinner, Bazarov was laconic. A carelessly spoken phrase about the usefulness of aristocracy (he called one of the representatives of the aristocrats "rubbish aristocrat") was immediately picked up by Pavel Petrovich. There was a scandal. Bazarov accused the aristocrats of living life senselessly, and Pavel Petrovich reproached Bazarov for belonging to nihilism that people like Bazarov aggravate the situation in Russia.
After the departure of Evgeny and Arkady, Nikolai Petrovich recalls a desperate quarrel with his mother, who did not understand the newfangled tendencies of the hourly development. Now such a conflict of generations arose between him and Arkady. “The pill is bitter - and you need to swallow it. Now our turn has come, and our heirs can tell us: they say, you are not of our generation, swallow the pill, ”concludes Kirsanov.
Chapter XI
Nikolai Petrovich goes to his favorite gazebo - he recalls his young years and his first wife Maria. "He wanted to keep that blissful time with something stronger than memory." Fenya's voice take him out of the world of dreams. Some time later, Kirsanov returns to the house. Along the way, he meets his brother, who notes that Nikolai is very pale.
Yevgeny convinces Arkady to go to the city. There are two reasons for this. The first is an invitation sent to Nikolai Petrovich from Kolyazin Matvey Ilyich. The second is an occasion to see an old friend of Eugene. Friends decide to go.
Chapter XII
Comrades are coming to town. Pay a visit to Matvey Ilyich. The absence of Pavel and Nikolai Kirsanov first surprises Kolyazin, then he notes: "Your dad was always an eccentric."
Arkady and Evgeniev visit the governor and receive an invitation to the ball. Suddenly, on the street, friends meet an acquaintance of Bazarov - Sitnikov. The young man leads them to visit Kukshina.
Chapter XIII
Avdotya Nikitishna Kukshina is an eccentric person. Arkady did not like her: she looked untidy, she was completely unable to carry on a conversation - she asked a lot of questions and did not give an opportunity to answer them, she constantly changed the subject, even her gait and plasticity irritated Arkady. It seemed to him that the girl looked like an elephant in a china shop, meanwhile, the young man thought, the girl herself, perhaps, thinks this is quite nice. Evgeny and Victor (Sitnikov) behaved very cheekily, in fact indecently, but this did not embarrass the hostess, but it did embarrass Arkady.
Chapter XIV
The action takes place at a ball given in honor of Matvey Ilyich. Since Arkady dances badly, and Yevgeny cannot dance at all, there is nothing left to do but watch the audience. Sitnikov joins friends. Victor scathingly criticizes everyone present - this process brings him pleasure. Everything changes after the arrival of Anna Sergeevna Odintsova. Sitnikov introduces Bazarov and Kirsanov to the woman. Arkady spends about an hour talking with her and falls in love. Bazarov Odintsov is also of interest. He recommends that his friend take advantage of Anna Sergeevna's invitation and pay the woman a visit to the hotel.
Chapter XV
The meeting with Anna Sergeevna made an impression on both friends. Arkady noticed with surprise that Yevgeny was embarrassed. Eugene himself was also amazed by his reaction: “Here you go! the women were scared!" he thought.
From a lyrical digression, the reader learns about the vicissitudes of Anna Sergeevna's fate. Her father lost a lot of cards and soon died. The girls were left orphans - their mother died earlier, at a time when the family's well-being was good. Anna, at the time of her father's death, was 20, and her sister Katya was 12 years old. The girls had no experience in housekeeping, so Anna resorts to the help of her aunt. Anna marries for convenience and after six years of married life remains a widow. She leads a measured life and avoids the bustle of the city.
Bazarov behaved very strangely during the visit: he did not resort to his favorite criticism and nihilism, but talked all the time about medicine and botany, which caused Anna an unprecedented interest in his person. Odintsova treated Arkady kindly, it seemed that she took him for a "younger brother" and nothing more. Anna invites young people to her estate.
Chapter XVI
Friends do not miss the opportunity and go to Nikolskoye to Odintsova. Here they meet her younger sister Katya and her aunt. Anna devotes more time to Bazarov. She willingly supports the conversation on the topic of biology and geology. Eugene is flattered by such attention, he behaves differently than usual. Arkady experiences mixed feelings: resentment and jealousy. He has no choice but to spend time with Katya. She is a sweet and modest girl, she plays the piano well. Music becomes the link that allows them to keep up the conversation.
Chapter XVII
The time spent at Odintsova's estate flies by unnoticed. Friends feel at ease here, despite the fact that they have to adjust to the existing schedule of the day. Eugene notes that it is rather boring to live according to the regime, meanwhile, Anna claims that this is the only way you can not die of boredom in the village.
Eugene has changed dramatically, the reason for this was his love for Anna. He began to avoid communication with Arkady, there was a feeling that Bazarov was ashamed and felt embarrassed. Eugene's love is mutual, but Anna is in no hurry to admit it and tries to maintain at least a minimum distance in relation to Eugene.
Arkady is sad, he is offended by the fact that preference was given not to him, but to a friend. Over time, Kirsanov finds pleasure in spending time with Katya: he can discuss with her what Bazarov does not encourage - music and nature.
Bazarov's father's manager meets Yevgeny and informs him that the parents are concerned about the absence of their son and are looking forward to his arrival. Eugene decides to go.
Chapter XVIII
Anna invites Bazarov to continue yesterday's conversation about the goals of life. He agrees. During the conversation, Eugene confesses his love, but does not receive a reciprocal move. Anna decided that “calmness is still the best thing in the world” and therefore reduced the whole situation to the fact that Bazarov misunderstood her, and she was Bazarova.
Chapter XIX
Odintsova hardly restrains her emotions. The situation is saved by the arrival of Porifiy Platonovich, a neighbor who loved to play cards. The visitor jokes a lot, tells all sorts of stories, which defuses the situation that has arisen after Evgeny and Anna's explanations.
In the future, the unpleasant conversation of lovers reinforces the depressing impression - Eugene secretly wants Anna to offer him to stay and not leave, but Anna pretends not to understand. “After all, excuse my insolence, you don’t love me and you will never love me,” as a result, Bazarov tells her.
Sitnikov arrives and this somewhat saves the situation that has heated up again. In a private conversation, Evgeny tells Arkady that he is leaving. Kirsanov decided to keep him company. Arkady expresses bewilderment at Victor's arrival. “We need the Sitnikovs. Me, you understand this, I need such boobies. It’s not for the gods, in fact, to burn the pots! Eugene answers him.
We bring to your attention the story of I. Turgenev, which talks about the difficult relationship between the girl Asya and the narrator.
After this phrase, Kirsanov has a feeling of bewilderment: “So we are gods with you? that is, you are a god, but am I not an idiot?” “Yes,” repeated Bazarov sullenly, “you are still stupid.”
On the way to Bazarov's parents, Arkady notices that his friend has changed a lot. "Nothing! We'll get better, ”says Eugene.
Chapter XX
Friends are coming. Bazarov's father and mother meet them. The mother was very touched - she constantly tries to hug and kiss her son.
“Well, full, full, Arisha! Stop it, ”her husband calms down. Parents received visitors well. Despite the fact that today they did not expect guests, mother managed to set a good table. After dinner, Evgeny's father (Vasily Ivanovich) wanted to talk to his son, but he, citing fatigue, refused. Eugene himself could not fall asleep until the morning - bitter memories of Anna haunted him.
Chapter XXI
Arkady woke up and saw that Vasily Ivanovich was digging up the beds. Kirsanov went out into the street. He talks with Eugene's father about his son: he expresses his admiration for him and prophesies that he will become famous in the future. Bazarov's parents produced the most that is on Arkady best impression.
In a conversation with a friend, Kirsanov tries to convey the idea that Yevgeny's life is absurd. Bazarov allows himself to speak extremely rudely towards his friend, and exalt himself. “You are a tender soul, a weakling, where can you hate! .. You are shy, you have little hope for yourself,” he says.
Eugene reproaches his friend for his ability to speak beautifully, compares him to Pavel Petrovich, and at the end calls his uncle an idiot. Such an appeal offends Kirsanov, Evgeny tries to expose the current situation in the light of kindred feelings, convincing Arkady that he stubbornly refuses to accept obvious things.
The ensuing dispute turned into a quarrel. The unexpected appearance of Vasily Ivanovich prevents the further development of the conflict.
Eugene and Arkady leave. Parents are upset that their son left, but they are not able to change the situation: "the son is a cut piece."
Chapter XXII
On the way, friends stop by Nikolskoye. Anna Sergeevna is extremely dissatisfied with their arrival and does not seek to hide it. The unwelcoming reception intensified the state of despondency and melancholy.
In Maryino (the estate of the Kirsanovs), a warm welcome awaited the visitors - they had time to miss them and were looking forward to their return. After inquiring about the trip, life returned to its usual course: Eugene again took up experiments with frogs and ciliates, Nikolai Pavlovich was busy dealing with hired workers, Arkady tried, if not to help his parent, then at least create such an appearance. In one of the conversations with his father, Arkady learns that they have letters of correspondence from Arkady's mother and Anna and Katerina Odintsov's mother. He decides to take the letters to Nikolskoye because he is bored, and the letters have become an excellent reason for the trip. On the way, the young man is afraid that he will be an unwanted guest. But everything turned out differently. Surprisingly, Anna spoke to him "in an affectionate voice and went to meet him, smiling and squinting from the sun and wind."
Chapter XXIII
The true purpose of Arkady's trip to Nikolskoye was not hidden from Bazarov. After the departure of Kirsanov, Evgeny fell into research and solitude. He stops arguing with the tenants, but still has a dislike for them. Only person, to whom he treats favorably - this is Fenya. Gradually, he becomes close to a woman and falls in love with her. Fenya also feels sympathy for Bazarov. She feels at ease with him.
Once in the gazebo, Eugene, under the pretext of sniffing a rose that has plucked, contrives to kiss Fenya. Pavel Petrovich becomes a witness to this scene. Eugene and Fenya leave the arbor.
Chapter XXIV
Pavel Petrovich comes to Bazarov's room and challenges him to a duel. The real reason was a kiss in the gazebo, however, another version was put forward for others: hostility caused by disagreements.
In a duel, Eugene wounds his opponent in the leg. Pavel Petrovich loses consciousness. Bazarov helps him.
By evening, the patient's condition worsened, although neither Bazarov nor the visiting doctor find the injury dangerous.
Pavel Petrovich is talking to Fenya. He tells her that he saw a kiss in the gazebo, asks her never to leave her brother: “What could be worse than to love and not be loved!”
Pavel Petrovich asks his brother to fulfill his request - to marry Fenya.
Chapter XXV
Katya and Arkady became very close. Bazarov suddenly arrives. He decided to personally tell Arkady about what had happened in Maryino. Yevgeny thinks that Kirsanov has come to explain himself to Anna Sergeevna, and this makes him angry. Arkady tries to convince his friend that Anna is not the object of his adoration, but Eugene does not believe. Bazarov tells about Arkady's love for Anna to Anna herself and, seeing her amazement, realizes that Arkady did not lie to him.
Chapter XXVI
Kirsanov talks about his feelings to Katya and learns about their reciprocity. He intends to marry the girl. Bazarov leaves for his parents.
They say goodbye to Arkady, with no hope of ever meeting again.
Chapter XXVII
The Bazarovs are very happy about the return of their son, which cannot be said about Evgeny. He is bored in his parents' house and does not know what to do with himself. Gradually begins to help his father in the treatment of patients. “Bazarov once even pulled out a tooth from a visiting peddler,” which became a subject of pride for Vasily Ivanovich.
An accidental cut caused Yevgeny to become infected with typhus.
He realizes that he does not have long to live and asks through his father to convey Odintsova's request. Eugene wants to see her. Anna Sergeevna arrives. Eugene is already in a serious condition, he tells the woman about his real feelings for her and falls asleep. “Bazarov was no longer destined to wake up. By evening, he fell into complete unconsciousness, and the next day he died.
Chapter XXVIII
Six months have passed. Nikolai Petrovich and Fenya, Arkady and Katya got married on the same day. Pavel Petrovich recovered and went abroad. Arkady became interested in the affairs of the estate and not without success - soon things went smoothly. Anna Sergeevna, over time, also got married, but, however, not for love. For everyone, the future life turned out well, except for the two old men who came to the grave and sobbed long and inconsolably. There, under the silent stone, their son Eugene was buried.
The most important feature of the amazing talent of I.S. Turgenev - a keen sense of his time, which is the best test for the artist. The images created by him continue to live, but in a different world, whose name is the grateful memory of the descendants who learned love, dreams and wisdom from the writer.
The clash of two political forces, liberal nobles and raznochintsy revolutionaries, has found artistic embodiment in a new work, which is being created in a difficult period of social confrontation.
The idea of "Fathers and Sons" is the result of communication with the staff of the Sovremennik magazine, where the writer worked for a long time. The writer was very worried about leaving the magazine, because the memory of Belinsky was associated with him. Dobrolyubov's articles, with whom Ivan Sergeevich constantly argued and sometimes disagreed, served as a real basis for depicting ideological differences. The radical young man was not on the side of gradual reforms, like the author of Fathers and Sons, but firmly believed in the path of revolutionary transformation of Russia. The editor of the magazine, Nikolai Nekrasov, supported this point of view, so the classics left the editorial office. fiction— Tolstoy and Turgenev.
The first sketches for the future novel were made at the end of July 1860 on the English Isle of Wight. The image of Bazarov was defined by the author as the character of a self-confident, hard-working, nihilist person who does not recognize compromises and authorities. Working on the novel, Turgenev involuntarily imbued with sympathy for his character. In this he is helped by the diary of the protagonist, which is kept by the writer himself.
In May 1861, the writer returns from Paris to his Spasskoe estate and makes the last entry in the manuscripts. In February 1862, the novel was published in Russkiy Vestnik.
Main problems
After reading the novel, you understand its true value, created by the "genius of measure" (D. Merezhkovsky). What did Turgenev like? What did you doubt? What did you dream about?
- Central to the book are moral problem intergenerational relationships. "Fathers" or "children"? The fate of everyone is connected with the search for an answer to the question: what is the meaning of life? For the new people, it consists in work, but the old guard sees it in reasoning and contemplation, because crowds of peasants work for them. In this principled position there is a place for an irreconcilable conflict: fathers and children live differently. In this divergence we see the problem of misunderstanding of opposites. The antagonists cannot and do not want to accept each other, especially this impasse can be traced in the relationship between Pavel Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov.
- Just as acute is the problem of moral choice: on whose side is the truth? Turgenev believed that the past cannot be denied, because only thanks to it the future is being built. In the image of Bazarov, he expressed the need to preserve the continuity of generations. The hero is unhappy because he is lonely and understood, because he himself did not strive for anyone and did not want to understand. However, changes, whether the people of the past like it or not, will come anyway, and we must be ready for them. This is evidenced by the ironic image of Pavel Kirsanov, who lost his sense of reality, putting on ceremonial tailcoats in the village. The writer urges to be sensitive to changes and try to understand them, and not indiscriminately scold, like Uncle Arkady. Thus, the solution to the problem is in a tolerant attitude. different people each other and an attempt to know the opposite life concept. In this sense, the position of Nikolai Kirsanov won, who was tolerant of new trends and was never in a hurry to judge them. His son also found a compromise solution.
- However, the author made it clear that there is a high purpose behind the tragedy of Bazarov. It is these desperate and self-confident pioneers who are paving the way for the world forward, so the problem of recognizing this mission in society also occupies an important place. Eugene repents on his deathbed that he feels unnecessary, this realization destroys him, and he could become a great scientist or a skilled doctor. But the cruel mores of the conservative world push him out, because they feel threatened in him.
- The problems of the "new" people, the raznochintsy intelligentsia, difficult relationships in society, with parents, in the family are also obvious. Raznochintsy do not have profitable estates and position in society, therefore they are forced to work and become hardened, seeing social injustice: they work hard for a piece of bread, and the nobles, stupid and mediocre, do nothing and occupy all the upper floors of the social hierarchy, where the elevator simply does not reach . Hence the revolutionary sentiments and the moral crisis of an entire generation.
- Problems of eternal human values: love, friendship, art, attitude to nature. Turgenev knew how to reveal the depths of human nature in love, to test the true essence of a person with love. But not everyone passes this test, an example of this is Bazarov, who breaks down under the onslaught of feelings.
All the interests and ideas of the writer were entirely focused on the most important tasks of the time, went towards the most burning problems of everyday life.
Characteristics of the heroes of the novel
Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov- comes from the people. The son of a regimental doctor. Grandfather from the father's side "plowed the land." Eugene himself makes his way in life, receives a good education. Therefore, the hero is careless in clothes and manners, no one brought him up. Bazarov is a representative of the new revolutionary-democratic generation, whose task is to destroy the old way of life, to fight against those who slow down community development. A complex, doubting person, but proud and adamant. How to fix society, Yevgeny Vasilyevich is very vague. Denies the old world, accepts only what is confirmed by practice.
- The writer displayed in Bazarov the type young man who believes exclusively in scientific activity and rejection of religion. The hero has a deep interest in the natural sciences. From childhood, his parents instilled in him a love of work.
- He condemns the people for illiteracy and ignorance, but is proud of his origin. The views and beliefs of Bazarov do not find like-minded people. Sitnikov, a talker and a phrase-monger, and the "emancipated" Kukshina are useless "followers".
- In Yevgeny Vasilyevich, a soul unknown to him rushes about. What should a physiologist and an anatomist do with it? It is not visible under a microscope. But the soul hurts, although it - scientific fact- No!
- Turgenev spends most of the novel exploring the "temptations" of his hero. He torments him with the love of old people - parents - what to do with them? And love for Odintsova? Principles are in no way compatible with life, with the living movements of people. What remains for Bazarov? Only die. Death is his last test. He accepts her heroically, does not comfort himself with the spells of a materialist, but calls for his beloved.
- The spirit conquers the enraged mind, overcomes the delusions of the schemes and postulates of the new teaching.
- Kirsanov believes that self-respect means taking care of your appearance and never losing your dignity, even in the countryside. He composes his daily routine in the English manner.
- Pavel Petrovich retired, indulging in love experiences. This decision of his became a "resignation" from life. Love does not bring joy to a person if he lives only by its interests and whims.
- The hero is guided by principles taken "on faith" that correspond to his position as a feudal lord. Honors the Russian people for patriarchy and obedience.
- In relation to a woman, the strength and passion of feelings are manifested, but he does not understand them.
- Pavel Petrovich is indifferent to nature. The denial of her beauty speaks of his spiritual limitations.
- This man is deeply unhappy.
- The characteristic features of the character are gentleness, humility. The intelligence of the hero causes sympathy and respect. Nikolai Petrovich is a romantic at heart, loves music, recites poetry.
- He is an opponent of nihilism, he tries to smooth out any emerging differences. Live in harmony with your heart and conscience.
- Subsequently, he became a zealous owner and started a family.
- “A nice fellow,” but “a soft, liberal barich,” Bazarov says about him.
- All Kirsanovs are "more children of events than fathers of their own actions."
Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov - bearer of noble culture. Bazarov is disgusted by Pavel Petrovich's "starched collars", "long nails". But the hero's aristocratic manners are an inner weakness, a secret consciousness of his inferiority.
Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov- father of Arkady and brother of Pavel Petrovich. Do military career failed, but he did not despair and entered the university. After the death of his wife, he devoted himself to his son and the improvement of the estate.
Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov- a person who is not independent, deprived of his life principles. He is completely subordinate to his friend. He joined Bazarov only out of youthful enthusiasm, since he did not have his own views, so in the final there was a gap between them.
Odintsova Anna Sergeevna- an "element" "related" to Bazarov's personality. On what basis can such a conclusion be drawn? The firmness of the outlook on life, "proud loneliness, intelligence - make it" close "to the protagonist of the novel. She, like Eugene, sacrificed personal happiness, so her heart is cold and fearful of feelings. She herself trampled on them, having married by calculation.
The conflict of "fathers" and "children"
Conflict - “collision”, “serious disagreement”, “dispute”. To say that these concepts have only a "negative connotation" means to completely misunderstand the processes of development of society. “Truth is born in a dispute” - this axiom can be considered a “key” that opens the veil on the problems posed by Turgenev in the novel.
Disputes are the main compositional technique that allows the reader to determine his point of view and take a certain position in his views on this or that. social phenomenon, area of development, nature, art, moral concepts. Using the "reception of disputes" between "youth" and "old age", the author affirms the idea that life does not stand still, it is multifaceted and many-sided.
The conflict between "fathers" and "children" will never be resolved, it can be described as a "constant". However, it is the conflict of generations that is the engine of development of everything earthly. On the pages of the novel, there is a burning controversy caused by the struggle of the revolutionary democratic forces with the liberal nobility.
Main Topics
Turgenev managed to saturate the novel with progressive thought: protest against violence, hatred for legalized slavery, pain for the suffering of the people, the desire to found their happiness.
The main themes in the novel "Fathers and Sons":
- Ideological contradictions of the intelligentsia during the preparation of the reform on the abolition of serfdom;
- "Fathers" and "children": relationships between generations and the theme of the family;
- "New" type of man at the turn of two epochs;
- Immeasurable love for the motherland, parents, woman;
- Human and nature. The world: workshop or temple?
What is the meaning of the book?
Turgenev's work sounds like an alarming tocsin over all of Russia, calling on fellow citizens to unite, to reason, to fruitful activity for the good of the Motherland.
The book explains to us not only the past, but also the present day, reminds us of eternal values. The title of the novel does not mean the older and younger generations, not family relationships, but people of new and old views. "Fathers and Sons" is valuable not so much as an illustration to history, many moral problems are raised in the work.
The basis of the existence of the human race is the family, where everyone has their own duties: the elders (“fathers”) take care of the younger ones (“children”), pass on the experience and traditions accumulated by their ancestors, educate them in moral feelings; the younger ones honor adults, adopt from them everything important and best that is necessary for the formation of a person of a new formation. However, their task is also the creation of fundamental innovations, which is impossible without some denial of past delusions. The harmony of the world order lies in the fact that these “ties” do not break, but not in the fact that everything remains the same.
The book has great educational value. To read it at the time of the formation of one's character means to think about important life problems. "Fathers and Sons" teaches a serious attitude to the world, an active position, patriotism. They teach from a young age to develop firm principles, engaging in self-education, but at the same time honor the memory of their ancestors, even if it does not always turn out to be right.
Criticism about the novel
- After the publication of Fathers and Sons, a fierce controversy erupted. M.A. Antonovich in the Sovremennik magazine interpreted the novel as "merciless" and "destructive criticism of the younger generation."
- D. Pisarev in the "Russian Word" highly appreciated the work and the image of the nihilist created by the master. The critic emphasized the tragedy of character and noted the firmness of a person who does not back down before trials. He agrees with other critiques that "new" people can be resented, but "sincerity" cannot be denied. The appearance of Bazarov in Russian literature is new step in the coverage of the social and public life of the country.
Is it possible to agree with the critic on everything? Probably no. He calls Pavel Petrovich "Pechorin of small sizes." But the dispute between the two characters gives reason to doubt this. Pisarev claims that Turgenev does not sympathize with any of his heroes. The writer considers Bazarov to be his "favorite brainchild."
What is "nihilism"?
For the first time, the word "nihilist" sounds in the novel from the lips of Arkady and immediately attracts attention. However, the concept of "nihilist" is in no way connected with Kirsanov Jr.
The word "nihilist" was taken by Turgenev from N. Dobrolyubov's review of a book by the Kazan philosopher, conservative-minded professor V. Bervi. However, Dobrolyubov interpreted it in a positive sense and assigned it to the younger generation. Ivan Sergeevich introduced the word into wide use, which became synonymous with the word "revolutionary".
The "nihilist" in the novel is Bazarov, who does not recognize authorities and denies everything. The writer did not accept the extremes of nihilism, caricaturing Kukshina and Sitnikov, but sympathized with the main character.
Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov still teaches us with his destiny. Any person has a unique spiritual image, whether he is a nihilist or a simple layman. Respect and reverence for another person is made up of respect for the fact that in him there is the same secret flicker of a living soul as in you.
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