I. S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons” is dedicated to the memory of the outstanding critic of the forties V. G. Belinsky, with whom the author was friends and considered “a passionate, sinful, rebellious heart.” Turgenev used many of Belinsky’s character traits when creating a portrait of the main character of the novel - Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov.
Evgeny Bazarov is undoubtedly an interesting personality. Only his appearance: “dark blond hair, long and thick,” “hanging sand-colored sideburns,” which infuriated the Kirsanovs’ old servant Prokofich (“he with his sideburns is a real pig in the bush”). However, the opinions of others about Evgeniy are very contradictory. So, Pavel Kirsanov considers him “proud, impudent, cynic, plebeian,” and the yard boys “run after him like little dogs,” Prokofich calls him “a flayer and a scoundrel,” and Sitnikov bows to him, considering him a spiritual mentor. As a reader, I am attracted to Evgenia’s individuality: “I don’t share anyone’s opinions; I have my own”). His courage and directness with which he expresses his opinions are attractive. However, in some cases, these same qualities can rather be called bad form. An example is one of the most seemingly harmless cases when Evgeniy “characterizes” his uncle to the young Kirsanov: “How happy this idiot would be to hear you!”
Also, the undoubted shortcomings of Bazarov’s personality include excessive pride (“when I meet a person who did not save in front of me”, materialism “nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and a person is a worker in it”), contempt for others, “people who trees in the forest... one human specimen is enough to judge others"). Often he behaves not as he would like, but as, in his opinion, a nihilist should behave (for example, he expresses his interest in Odintsova also “extraordinary”: “What kind of figure is this? It doesn’t look like other women”, “Such a rich body - even now in the anatomical theater”).
One gets the impression that in an effort to maintain the image he himself created, he often overacts. It’s also funny how he defines the reason for his denial of everything: “I’m pleased to deny, my brain is designed like this - and that’s it!”
In a word, Bazarov is an undoubtedly interesting person. But this hero is quite difficult to like and sincerely love, since his behavior is devoid of naturalness, which he himself talks about so often.
My favorite pages of Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons".
When I started reading the novel "Fathers and Sons", I thought that I would not like it at all. But I was wrong. At first, Turgenev’s hero Bazarov was even somewhat disgusting to me. But when I learned more about him, I realized that he was just a common person, only different from others in his worldview, his attitude towards the world around him and people. Let him be both a nihilist and a cynic. but Bazarov is not at all a cruel person. It's just the way he is. And I accepted it.
As for my favorite pages in Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons,” I counted about three episodes. The very first episode that I liked and changed my attitude towards Evgeniy was his declaration of love to Anna Sergeevna. Here, I believe, was crucial moment. bazaars, all so cold and reserved, suddenly shows such strong feelings. "... Bazarov rested his forehead against the glass of the window. He was gasping for breath; his whole body was apparently trembling... this passion was beating in him, strong and heavy - a passion similar to anger and, perhaps, akin to it..." I understand how difficult it was for Bazarov to admit his feelings. AND to the common man This seems difficult, let alone Bazarov, who did not believe in love and romance at all.
The second scene I liked was Arkady’s declaration of love to Katya. Comparing the love of Arkady and Bazarov, it is clear that the feelings of the first are more tender, more pure. Arkady is so worried, he can’t confess his love and ask for Katya’s hand in marriage. “I wanted to tell you this, to find out your opinion and ask for your hand, because I am not rich and I feel that I am ready for all sacrifices... Haven’t you been convinced for a long time that everything is different... everything, everything else has long disappeared without a trace?.. I love you... believe me!” And the way Katya looked at him with an “important and bright look” touched me to the depths of my soul.
My third favorite episode is the death of Bazarov. I think this part of the novel cannot leave anyone indifferent. The atmosphere of the episode is filled with sadness. despair, fear and excitement of the hero’s parents, Bazarov’s external calm and internal rage and regret. Evgeniy regretted that he had not had time to do so much more; he was terribly angry with his body, which had let him down so much. But there was no fear in him, Bazarov was not afraid of death. While Vasily Ivanovich convinced himself that his son just had a cold, Bazarov does not try to deceive himself, he looks death in the face and is not a coward. What a strong, strong-willed person you have to be to behave so calmly, knowing that you will soon die, knowing that nothing can be done. Another person would have long ago fallen into despair and panic, but not Bazarov. He meets his death with his head held high, he does not break even until last minute in his life he remains true to himself and his principles. Evgeny does not console himself with hope, unlike his father. “Still, we will cure you!” - says Vasily Ivanovia. to which Evgeniy calmly replies: “Well, these are pipes. But that’s not the point. I didn’t expect that I would die so soon; it was an accident, very, to tell the truth, unpleasant.”
And of course, one cannot forget the farewell scenes of Bazarov and Anna Sergeevna.
- Well, thank you... This is royal. They say that kings also visit the dying.
- Evgeny Vasilyevich, I hope...
- Eh, Anna Sergeevna, let’s tell the truth. I'm finished. Got under a wheel. And it turns out that there was nothing to think about the future. Old joke death, and new for everyone. I’m still not giving up... and then unconsciousness will come and fume! Well, what can I tell you... I love you!..
Anna Sergeevna kisses him on the lips.
Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" became a great discovery for me, I learned a lot of new things. Overall, the novel resonated deeply with me. I think it was interesting for me to read precisely because I had never read anything like this before. The characters of the heroes, their behavior, and especially everything that concerns Bazarov, were new and fascinating to me. I think in ten years I will re-read this book and, undoubtedly, will make even more discoveries.
The fight took place that same day over evening tea. Pavel Petrovich went into the living room already ready for battle, irritated and determined. He was only waiting for an excuse to attack the enemy; but the pretext did not present itself for a long time. Bazarov generally spoke little in the presence of the “old Kirsanovs” (as he called both brothers), and that evening he felt out of sorts and silently drank cup after cup. Pavel Petrovich was burning with impatience; his wishes finally came true.
The conversation turned to one of the neighboring landowners. “Rubbish, aristocratic,” remarked indifferently Bazarov, who met him in St. Petersburg.
“Let me ask you,” Pavel Petrovich began, and his lips trembled, “according to your concepts, do the words “rubbish” and “aristocrat” mean the same thing?
“I said: “aristocratic,” said Bazarov, lazily taking a sip of tea.
- Exactly so, sir: but I believe that you have the same opinion about aristocrats as you do about aristocrats. I consider it my duty to tell you that I do not share this opinion. I dare say that everyone knows me as a liberal person who loves progress; but that is precisely why I respect aristocrats - real ones. Remember, dear sir (at these words, Bazarov raised his eyes to Pavel Petrovich), remember, dear sir,” he repeated with bitterness, “the English aristocrats. They do not give up an iota of their rights, and therefore they respect the rights of others; they demand the fulfillment of duties in relation to them, and therefore they themselves fulfill their duties. The aristocracy gave freedom to England and maintains it.
“We’ve heard this song many times,” objected Bazarov, “but what do you want to prove with this?”
“I want to prove eftim, dear sir.” (Pavel Petrovich, when he was angry, said with intent: “eftim” and “efto,” although he knew very well that the grammar did not allow such words. This quirk reflected the rest of the legends of Alexander’s time. The then aces, on rare occasions when they spoke native language, some used - efto, others - ehto: we, they say, are native Russians, and at the same time we are nobles who are allowed to neglect school rules), I want to prove that without self-esteem, without self-respect - and in an aristocrat these feelings are developed - there is no solid foundation for social... bien public ( public good (French).), a public building. Personality, dear sir, is the main thing: human personality must be as strong as a rock, for everything is built on it. I know very well, for example, that you deign to find my habits, my toilet, my cleanliness, finally, funny, but this all stems from a sense of self-respect, from a sense of duty, yes, yes, yes, duty. I live in a village, in the middle of nowhere, but I don’t give up on myself, I respect the person in me.
“Excuse me, Pavel Petrovich,” said Bazarov, “you respect yourself and sit with your hands folded; What good is this for the bien public? You wouldn't respect yourself and do the same thing.
Pavel Petrovich turned pale.
- This is a completely different question. I don’t have to explain to you now why I’m sitting with my hands folded, as you deign to put it. I just want to say that aristocracy is a principle, and in our time only immoral or empty people can live without principles. I told this to Arkady the next day of his arrival and I repeat it to you now. Isn't that right, Nikolai?
Nikolai Petrovich nodded his head.
“Aristocracy, liberalism, progress, principles,” Bazarov said meanwhile, “just think, how many foreign... and useless words!” Russian people don’t need them for nothing.
- What do you think he needs? To listen to you, we are outside humanity, outside its laws. For mercy - the logic of history requires...
- What do we need this logic for? We can do without it.
- How so?
- Yes, just like that. I hope you don't need logic to put a piece of bread in your mouth when you're hungry. Where do we care about these abstractions!
Pavel Petrovich waved his hands.
“I don’t understand you after that.” You insult the Russian people. I don’t understand how you can not recognize the principles and rules! Why are you acting?
“I already told you, uncle, that we do not recognize authorities,” Arkady intervened.
“We act because of what we recognize as useful,” said Bazarov. “In these times, the most useful thing is denial—we deny.”
-- All?
-- All.
-- How? not only art, poetry... but also... scary to say...
“That’s it,” Bazarov repeated with inexpressible calm.
Pavel Petrovich stared at him. He did not expect this, and Arkady even blushed with pleasure.
“But excuse me,” Nikolai Petrovich spoke. “You deny everything, or, to put it more precisely, you destroy everything... But you also need to build.”
- This is no longer our business... First we need to clear the place.
-- Current state The people demand this,” Arkady added with importance, “we must fulfill these demands, we do not have the right to indulge in the satisfaction of personal egoism.”
Bazarov apparently did not like this last phrase; she emanated philosophy, that is, romanticism, for Bazarov called philosophy romanticism; but he did not consider it necessary to refute his young student.
-- No no! - Pavel Petrovich exclaimed with a sudden impulse, - I don’t want to believe that you, gentlemen, really know the Russian people, that you are representatives of their needs, their aspirations! No, the Russian people are not what you imagine them to be. He sacredly honors traditions, he is patriarchal, he cannot live without faith...
“I won’t argue against this,” interrupted Bazarov, “I’m even ready to agree that you’re right about this.”
- And if I'm right...
“Still, this doesn’t prove anything.”
“It doesn’t prove anything,” Arkady repeated with the confidence of an experienced chess player who foresaw the apparently dangerous move of his opponent and therefore was not at all embarrassed.
- How does it not prove anything? - muttered the amazed Pavel Petrovich. - So, you are going against your people?
- And even if it was like that? - exclaimed Bazarov. “The people believe that when thunder roars, it is Elijah the prophet riding across the sky in a chariot. Well? Should I agree with him? And besides, he’s Russian, and isn’t I Russian myself?
- No, you are not Russian after everything you just said! I cannot recognize you as a Russian.
“My grandfather plowed the land,” Bazarov answered with arrogant pride. “Ask any of your men which of us—you or me—he would rather recognize as a compatriot.” You don’t even know how to talk to him.
“And you talk to him and despise him at the same time.”
- Well, if he deserves contempt! You condemn my direction, but who told you that it is accidental in me, that it is not caused by the very spirit of the people in whose name you advocate so much?
- Of course! We really need nihilists!
- Whether they are needed or not is not for us to decide. After all, you also consider yourself not useless.
- Gentlemen, gentlemen, please, no personalities! - Nikolai Petrovich exclaimed and stood up.
Pavel Petrovich smiled and, placing his hand on his brother’s shoulder, made him sit down again.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I will not be forgotten precisely because of that sense of dignity that Mr. ... Mr. Doctor mocks so cruelly.” Excuse me,” he continued, turning again to Bazarov, “perhaps you think that your teaching is new? You are wrong to imagine this. The materialism you preach has been in use more than once and has always proven untenable...
-- Again foreign word! - Bazarov interrupted. He began to get angry, and his face took on a kind of copper and rough color. “First of all, we don’t preach anything; this is not in our habits...
-What are you doing?
- This is what we do. Before, not long ago, we said that our officials take bribes, that we have neither roads, nor trade, nor proper courts...
“Well, yes, yes, you are accusers,” that’s what it’s called, I think. I agree with many of your denunciations, but...
“And then we realized 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 ones bread, when the grossest superstition strangles us, when all our joint stock companies burst solely because there turns out to be a lack 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 just to get drunk on dope in a tavern.
“So,” interrupted Pavel Petrovich, “so: you were convinced of all this and decided not to take anything seriously yourself.”
“And they decided not to take on anything,” Bazarov repeated gloomily.
He suddenly felt annoyed with himself, why he had made such a fuss in front of this master.
- But just swear?
- And swear.
-And this is called nihilism?
“And this is called nihilism,” Bazarov repeated again, this time with particular insolence.
Pavel Petrovich narrowed his eyes slightly.
- So that’s how it is! - he said in a strangely calm voice. - Nihilism should help all grief, and you, you are our saviors and heroes. But why do you honor others, even the same accusers? Don't you talk like everyone else?
“They are not sinners than other sins,” Bazarov said through clenched teeth.
- So what? Are you acting, or what? Are you going to take action?
Bazarov did not answer. Pavel Petrovich trembled, but immediately controlled himself.
“Hm!.. Act, break...” he continued. - But how can you break it without even knowing why?
“We break because we are strong,” Arkady noted.
Pavel Petrovich looked at his nephew and grinned.
“Yes, the force never gives an account,” said Arkady and straightened up.
- Unhappy! - Pavel Petrovich cried out; he was absolutely not able to hold on any longer—even if you thought that in Russia you are supporting you with your vulgar maxim! No, this can drive an angel out of patience! Force! Both the wild Kalmyk and the Mongol have strength - but what do we need it for? We value civilization, yes, yes, dear sir, we value its fruits. And don’t tell me that these fruits are insignificant: the last dirty guy, un barbouilleur, a pianist who gets five kopecks an evening, and those are more useful than you, because they are representatives of civilization, and not brute Mongolian force! Are you imagining yourself advanced people, and all you have to do is sit in a Kalmyk tent! Force! Yes, remember, finally, gentlemen, mighty, that you are only four and a half people, and there are millions of those who will not allow you to trample under your feet their most sacred beliefs, who will crush you!
“If they crush you, that’s the way to go,” said Bazarov. - Only the grandmother said something else. There are not as many of us as you think.
-- How? Are you seriously thinking of getting along, getting along with the whole people?
“As a result of a penny candle, you know, Moscow burned down,” answered Bazarov.
-- So-so. First, almost satanic pride, then mockery. This is what young people are passionate about, this is what the inexperienced hearts of boys conquer! Look, one of them is sitting next to you, because he is almost praying for you, admire it. (Arkady turned away and frowned.) And this infection has already spread far. I was told that in Rome our artists never set foot in the Vatican. Raphael is considered almost a fool, because he is supposedly an authority; and they themselves are powerless and fruitless to the point of disgusting, and they themselves don’t have enough imagination beyond “The Girl at the Fountain”, no matter what! And the girl is written very badly. In your opinion, they are great, don’t they?
“In my opinion,” objected Bazarov. “Raphael is not worth a penny, and they are no better than him.”
- Bravo! Bravo! Listen, Arkady... this is how modern young people should express themselves! And how, do you think, they won’t follow you! Previously, young people had to study; They didn’t want to be branded as ignorant, so they toiled unwillingly. And now they should say: everything in the world is nonsense! - and the trick is in the bag. The young people were delighted. And in fact, before they were just idiots, but now they suddenly became nihilists.
“So your vaunted self-esteem has betrayed you,” Bazarov remarked phlegmatically, while Arkady flushed and his eyes sparkled. “Our dispute has gone too far... It seems it’s better to stop it.” “And then I will be ready to agree with you,” he added, standing up, “when you present me with at least one resolution in our modern life, in the family or in society, that would not cause complete and merciless denial.
“I’ll present you with millions of such decisions,” exclaimed Pavel Petrovich, “millions!” Yes, at least the community, for example.
A cold smile curled Bazarov’s lips.
“Well, about the community,” he said, “you’d better talk to your brother.” He now seems to have experienced in practice what a community, mutual responsibility, sobriety and similar things are.
- Family at last, family, the way it exists among our peasants! - Pavel Petrovich shouted.
“And I think it’s better for you not to go into detail about this question.” Have you ever heard of daughters-in-law? Listen to me, Pavel Petrovich, give yourself a couple of days, you’ll hardly find anything right away. Go through all our classes and think carefully about each one, while Arkady and I...
“We should mock everyone,” Pavel Petrovich picked up.
- No, cut frogs. Let's go, Arkady; goodbye, gentlemen.
Both friends left. The brothers were left alone and at first they only looked at each other.
“Here,” Pavel Petrovich finally began, “here are the youth of today!” These are our heirs!
“Heirs,” repeated Nikolai Petrovich with a sad sigh. Throughout the entire argument, he sat as if on coals and only furtively glanced painfully at Arkady. - Do you know what I remembered, brother? Once I quarreled with my late mother: she screamed, did not want to listen to me... I finally told her that you, they say, cannot understand me; We supposedly belong to two different generations. She was terribly offended, and I thought: what should I do? The pill is bitter - but you have to swallow it. Now it’s our turn, and our heirs can tell us: you’re not of our generation, swallow the pill.
“You are already too complacent and modest,” objected Pavel Petrovich, “on the contrary, I am sure that you and I are much more right than these gentlemen, although we express ourselves, perhaps, in a somewhat outdated language, vieilh, and do not have that daring arrogance ... And these current youth are so inflated! You ask someone else: what kind of wine do you want, red or white? "I have a habit of preferring red!" - he answers in a deep voice and with such an important face, as if the whole universe is looking at him at this moment...
- Would you like some more tea? - said Fenechka, sticking her head through the door: she did not dare to enter the living room while the voices of those arguing were heard in it.
“No, you can order the samovar to be taken,” answered Nikolai Petrovich and rose to meet her. Pavel Petrovich abruptly told him: bon soir ( Good evening (French).), and went to his office."
Differences in views on life between the liberal P.P. Kirsanov and the nihilist E. Bazarov lead to constant clashes between them. They argue about many things current problems that time. As a result, we see their attitude towards social order, nobility, people, religion, art.Pavel Petrovich is forced to admit that not everything is in order in society. For Bazarov, petty accusations are not enough if the foundations are rotten. “Correct society,” is the only benefit he sees in this. Kirsanov’s answer: “We value civilization. Its fruits are dear to us...” This means that this person is not going to change anything. Unlike aristocrats, whose main occupation is “doing nothing,” nihilists are not inclined to engage in empty talk. Activities - their the main objective. But what kind of activity? The youth came to destroy and expose, but someone else should do the building. “First we need to clear the place,” says Bazarov.No less important is the dispute between the heroes about the Russian people.Pavel Petrovich is touched by his religiosity and patriarchy, backwardness and traditionalism. Bazarov, on the contrary, despises the peasant for his ignorance, believes that “the grossest superstition is strangling the country.” At the same time, Kirsanov is dismissive of ordinary people: While talking to the peasants, he "winces his face and sniffs the cologne." Bazarov is proud that he knows how to speak with the people, and his “grandfather plowed the land.”Serious differences between “fathers” and “sons” are also found in their attitude towards art and nature.Pavel Petrovich does not shy away from spiritual life and culture. He is irritated by Bazarov's denial of everything that has no practical meaning. For Bazarov, “reading Pushkin is a waste of time, playing music is ridiculous, enjoying nature is absurd.” He believes that art softens the soul and distracts from business.Kirsanov, realizing that he cannot defeat the nihilist in an argument, resorts to the last method of solving the problem - a duel. Ironically depicting the fight, Turgenev emphasizes the absurdity of Pavel Petrovich’s behavior, the inconsistency of his belief that by force it is possible to force the generation of “children” to think the same way as the generation of “fathers”. Kirsanov and Bazarov each remain with their own opinion.There was no winner in this confrontation between the nihilist and the aristocrat. The ending of the novel emphasizes the lifelessness of the ideas of both heroes. Pavel Petrovich leaves for Dresden, where he continues to lead an aristocratic lifestyle, realizing that a completely different time is coming in Russia. Bazarov goes to the village to visit his parents, admitting the inconsistency of his views.Thus, in the novel “Fathers and Sons” I.S. Turgenev showed the ideological struggle of two generations, the struggle of the old world becoming obsolete and the new world being born. We see that the principles and ideals of the “fathers” are becoming a thing of the past, but the younger generation, armed with the ideas of nihilism, is not able to ensure the future of Russia, because before destroying, you need to know what to build. Under no circumstances should the experience of predecessors be discarded. A strong thread must connect one generation to another, only then is movement forward possible.
The first scene that impressed me was Arkady's meeting with his father. Nikolai Petrovich “seemed much more anxious than his son,” and Arkasha cheerfully responded to the caresses. Both heroes were glad to meet each other.
The story of Uncle Arkady was very unusual, maybe that’s what hooked me on it. In his youth, having fallen in love with the mysterious Princess R., Pavel Petrovich leaves his service and follows her abroad, where the girl tries to hide from an obsessive admirer.
The relationship does not finally work out, and Kirsanov returns to Russia. A few years later, R. dies, and Pavel Petrovich tries to find peace on his brother’s estate, remaining an inveterate bachelor.
For me personally, Bazarov’s acquaintance with Odintsova - the most important moment in the book. It is interesting that Anna Sergeevna makes an indelible impression on Evgeny Vasilyevich, but at first he responds in his usual cynical way: “Let’s see what category of mammals this person belongs to.” Arkady notices with surprise that his friend, in the presence of one of the most beautiful women blushes, and in conversation tries to select topics that do not relate to his views and beliefs.
One of the most emotionally powerful moments of the novel for me is the nihilist’s declaration of love: “So know that I love you, stupidly, madly...”; “Bazarov rested his forehead against the glass of the window.
He was suffocating." It turns out that a person who is confident in the correctness and steadfastness of his convictions can be mistaken.
Although it was not easy and even painful for Eugene to discover the ability to love in himself, but after going through this school of life, he enriches his soul and becomes more humane.
I don’t even know how to accurately describe the moment of meeting and “Enyusha” with his parents. On the one hand, he is touching, on the other, awkward, because Vasily Ivanovich and Arina Vlasyevna were very happy about the arrival of their son, but knowing that he did not approve of such a manifestation of feelings, they tried to remain more restrained: “And his lips and eyebrows were twitching, and his chin was shaking ... but he apparently wanted to conquer himself and seem a little indifferent.”
The next page that sank into my soul is Arkady’s declaration of love followed by his marriage proposal. Katya, who has become so close to Kirsanov Jr., answers him with consent: “Ekaterina Sergeevna,” he said in a trembling voice and clenching his hands, “I love you forever and irrevocably, and I don’t love anyone except you. I wanted to tell you this, find out your opinion and ask your hand, and..."
I described my favorite pages of the novel. I think that in ten years I will re-read this book and discover a lot more new things and I will like even more moments.
