Events in the lives of heroes fathers and sons. Genre and compositional features of the novel by I.S.

First stage

Thoughts about creating a new work describing the surrounding reality arose in Turgenev when he was in England on the Isle of Wight. Then he conceives a major story, the hero of which should be a young doctor. The prototype of Bazarov was accidentally met by Turgenev while traveling around railway young doctor. In him he saw the beginnings of nihilism, which was just emerging at that time. This amazed Ivan Sergeevich. He was simply fascinated by the views of this young man.

Beginning of work

Completion of the novel

First publications and disputes

Latest edition of the novel

Roman I.S. Turgenev’s “Fathers and Sons” became a unique work, reflecting the eternal confrontation between two generations not only within a single family, but also at the level of socio-political life of an entire country.

Main characters

• Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov- nihilist, student, studying to become a doctor. In nihilism, he is Arkady's mentor, protests against the liberal ideas of the Kirsanov brothers and the traditional views of his own parents. Falls in love with Odintsova. Dies of blood poisoning at the end of the novel.
• Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov- landowner, liberal democrat and father of Arkady. At the beginning of the work, he is ashamed to confirm his love for the non-aristocratic Fenechka, but following the example of the ideals represented by the nihilists, and with the approval of his brother, he marries her.
• Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov- brother of Nikolai Petrovich, an aristocrat, proud, self-confident, is an ardent supporter of liberalism. He cannot contain his hatred for Bazarov.
• Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov- a recent graduate of St. Petersburg University and a friend of Bazarov. He is also a nihilist, although this seems to stem from his admiration for Bazarov rather than his own beliefs.
• Vasily Ivanovich Bazarov- Bazarov's father, a retired army surgeon and a small holder of land, as well as serfs. Educated and enlightened, he nevertheless feels, like many, that rural isolation has left him beyond the reach of modern ideas. He thus maintains loyalty to the traditional ways, especially in devotion to God and to his son.
• Arina Vlasevna- Bazarov's mother, a devout follower of Orthodoxy. She loves her son deeply, but in her heart she is worried about his renunciation of all faiths.
• Anna Sergeevna Odintsova- a rich widow who entertains nihilistic friends on her estate. At first she sympathizes with Bazarov, but after his confession she does not respond with the same feelings.
• Ekaterina Sergeevna Lokteva- Anna Odintsova’s sister, a quiet girl, invisible in her sister’s shadow, plays the clavichord. Arkady spends a lot of time with her, languishing in love with Anna. But later he realizes his love for Katya. At the end of the novel, Catherine marries Arkady.
• Fenechka- mother of Nikolai Petrovich’s child. Lives with him in the same house.

Notes

Links

• "Fathers and Sons" on Wikisource

Wikimedia Foundation.

2010.

See what “Fathers and Sons (novel)” is in other dictionaries:

Fathers and Sons: Fathers and Sons Turgenev's novel Fathers and Sons (film, 1957) Fathers and Sons (film, 1958) Fathers and Sons (film, 1983) Fathers and Sons (film, 1992) Fathers and Sons (film, 2008) Fathers and children (RPA) ... Wikipedia FATHERS AND SONS - Roman I.S. Turgeneva*. Written in 1859–1861, it first appeared in print in 1862, that is, a year after the abolition of serfdom in Russia. Dedicated to the memory of the Russian critic V.G. Belinsky, some of whose character traits and views... ...

Linguistic and regional dictionary

This term has other meanings, see Fathers and Sons (meanings). Fathers and Sons Fathers and Sons ... Wikipedia Fathers and Sons (Turgenev) - novel in XXVIII chapters. Dedicated to the memory of Vissarion Grigorievich Belinsky. Written in 1861. Set in 1859. None of T.’s novels caused as many critical attacks on the author as O. and D. . T.’s intentions have been interpreted differently by critics...

Dictionary of literary types Bazarov, Evgeny Vasilievich ("Fathers and Sons") - novel in XXVIII chapters. Dedicated to the memory of Vissarion Grigorievich Belinsky. Written in 1861. Set in 1859. None of T.’s novels caused as many critical attacks on the author as O. and D. . T.’s intentions have been interpreted differently by critics...

- See also The son of a retired doctor, a medical student preparing for the doctor's exam. B. was tall, with a courageous voice, and a firm and swift gait. His long and thin face, with a wide forehead, flat at the top, down... ... A detailed narrative that usually gives the impression of being told about real people and events that are not actually such. No matter how long it may be, the novel always offers the reader a comprehensive... ...

Collier's Encyclopedia

This term has other meanings, see What to do?. What to do? Genre: novel Philosophical novel literary term , which became widespread in the 20th century. This term refers to works of art

A peculiar duology of the modern Russian prose writer Vladimir Sorokin (1995), one of the largest representatives of conceptualism (see CONCEPTUALISM). Both novels appeared at the same time and were identically printed. The words themselves are normal and... Encyclopedia of Cultural Studies

Books

• Fathers and Sons. Version 2. 0. Anthology of modern, Hovhannes Aznauryan, Roman Valerievich Senchin, Mikhail Fedorovich Lipskerov, German Umaralievich Sadulaev, Vadim Andreevich Levental, Yuri Vasilievich Buida, Vladimir Guga, Alexander Fedenko. Childhood is a cruel time. If you are in kindergarten they never forced you to wash the floor with your own shirt, unless you climbed into old cemeteries at night to be afraid, and were not teased in the yard...

Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons” reveals several problems at once. One reflects the conflict of generations and clearly demonstrates a way to get out of it while preserving the main thing - the value of family. The second demonstrates the processes taking place in the society of that time. Through dialogues and skillfully developed images of the characters, a type that has barely begun to emerge is presented. public figure, denying all the foundations of the existing statehood and ridiculing such moral and ethical values ​​as love feelings and sincere affection.

Ivan Sergeevich himself does not take either side in the work. As an author, he condemns both the nobility and representatives of new socio-political movements, clearly showing that the value of life and sincere affections is much higher than rebellion and political passions.

History of creation

Of all Turgenev’s works, the novel “Fathers and Sons” was the only one written in short terms. Only two years passed from the inception of the idea to the first publication of the manuscript.

The writer’s first thoughts regarding the new story came in August 1860 during his stay in England on the Isle of Wight. This was facilitated by Turgenev’s acquaintance with a young provincial doctor. Fate pushed them into bad weather on an iron road and, under the pressure of circumstances, they communicated with Ivan Sergeevich all night. New acquaintances were shown those ideas that the reader could later observe in Bazarov’s speeches. The doctor became the prototype of the main character.

(The Kirsanov estate from the film "Fathers and Sons", filming location Fryanovo estate, 1983)

In the autumn of the same year, upon returning to Paris, Turgenev worked out the plot of the novel and began writing chapters. Within six months, half of the manuscript was ready, and he finished it after arriving in Russia, in the middle of the summer of 1861.

Until the spring of 1862, reading his novel to friends and giving the manuscript to the editor of the Russian Messenger to read, Turgenev made corrections to the work. In March of the same year, the novel was published. This version was slightly different from the edition that was released six months later. In it, Bazarov was presented in a more unsightly light and the image of the main character was a little repulsive.

Analysis of the work

Main plot

The main character of the novel, the nihilist Bazarov, together with the young nobleman Arkady Kirsanov, arrives at the Kirsanov estate, where the main character meets his comrade’s father and uncle.

Pavel Petrovich is a sophisticated aristocrat who does not like Bazarov at all or the ideas and values ​​he displays. Bazarov also does not remain in debt, and no less actively and passionately, he speaks out against the values ​​and morality of the old people.

After this, the young people meet the recently widowed Anna Odintsova. They both fall in love with her, but temporarily hide it not only from the object of their adoration, but also from each other. The main character is ashamed to admit that he, who vehemently opposed romanticism and love affection, now himself suffers from these feelings.

The young nobleman begins to be jealous of the lady of his heart for Bazarov, omissions occur between friends and, as a result, Bazarov tells Anna about his feelings. Odintsova prefers him quiet life and arranged marriage.

Gradually, the relationship between Bazarov and Arkady deteriorates, and Arkady himself gets carried away younger sister Anna Ekaterina.

Relations between the older generation of the Kirsanovs and Bazarovs are heating up, it comes to a duel, in which Pavel Petrovich is wounded. This puts an end to it between Arkady and Bazarov, and the main character has to return to his father’s house. There he becomes infected fatal disease and dies in the arms of his own parents.

In the finale of the novel, Anna Sergeevna Odintsova gets married by convenience, Arkady and Ekaterina, as well as Fenechka and Nikolai Petrovich get married. They have their weddings on the same day. Uncle Arkady leaves the estate and goes to live abroad.

Heroes of Turgenev's novel

Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov

Bazarov - medical student, social status, a simple man, the son of a military doctor. He is seriously interested in natural sciences, shares the beliefs of nihilists and denies romantic attachments. He is self-confident, proud, ironic and mocking. Bazarov doesn’t like to talk a lot.

Besides love main character does not share admiration for art, has little faith in medicine, despite the education he receives. Without considering myself romantic natures, Bazarov loves beautiful women and, at the same time, despises them.

Most interesting point in a novel, this is when the hero himself begins to experience those feelings whose existence he denied and ridiculed. Turgenev clearly demonstrates intrapersonal conflict, at that moment when a person’s feelings and beliefs diverge.

Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov

One of central characters Turgenev's novel is a young and educated nobleman. He is only 23 years old and barely graduated from university. Due to his youth and character, he is naive and easily falls under the influence of Bazarov. Outwardly, he shares the beliefs of the nihilists, but in his soul, and this is evident later in the plot, he appears as a generous, gentle and very sentimental young man. Over time, the hero himself understands this.

Unlike Bazarov, Arkady loves to talk a lot and beautifully, he is emotional, cheerful and values ​​affection. He believes in marriage. Despite the conflict between fathers and children demonstrated at the beginning of the novel, Arkady loves both his uncle and his father.

Anna Sergeevna Odintsova is an early widowed rich person who at one time married not out of love, but out of calculation, in order to protect herself from poverty. One of the main heroines of the novel loves peace and her own independence. She never loved anyone or became attached to anyone.

For the main characters, she looks beautiful and inaccessible, since she does not reciprocate anyone. Even after the death of the hero, she remarries, and again for convenience.

The widow Odintsova's younger sister, Katya, is very young. She is only 20 years old. Catherine is one of the sweetest and most pleasant characters in the novel. She is kind, sociable, observant and at the same time demonstrates independence and stubbornness, which only beauty the young lady. She comes from a family of poor nobles. Her parents died when she was only 12 years old. Since then, she was raised by her older sister Anna. Ekaterina is afraid of her and feels awkward under Odintsova’s gaze.

The girl loves nature, thinks a lot, she is direct and not flirtatious.

Father of Arkady (brother of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov). Widower. He is 44 years old, a completely harmless person and an undemanding owner. He is soft, kind, attached to his son. He is a romantic by nature, he likes music, nature, poetry. Nikolai Petrovich loves a quiet, calm, measured life in the wilderness of the village.

At one time, he married for love and lived happily in marriage until his wife died. During for long years I couldn’t come to my senses after the death of my beloved, but over the years I found love again and it became Fenechka, a simple and poor girl.

A sophisticated aristocrat, 45 years old, Arkady's uncle. At one time he served as a guard officer, but because of Princess R. his life changed. A former socialite, a heartthrob who easily won the love of women. All his life he built in the English style, read newspapers in foreign language, managed business and everyday life.

Kirsanov is a clear supporter of liberal views and a man of principles. He is self-confident, proud and mocking. Love at one time crippled him, and from a lover of noisy companies, he became an ardent misanthrope who avoided the company of people in every possible way. At heart the hero is unhappy and at the end of the novel he finds himself far from his loved ones.

Analysis of the novel's plot

The main plot of Turgenev's novel, which has become a classic, is Bazarov's conflict with the society in which he found himself by the will of fate. A society that does not support his views and ideals.

The conventional plot of the plot is the appearance of the main character in the Kirsanovs' house. In the course of communication with other characters, conflicts and clashes of views are demonstrated that test Evgeniy’s beliefs for stability. This also happens within the main love line- in the relationship between Bazarov and Odintsova.

The opposition is main reception, which the author used when writing the novel. It is reflected not only in its title and demonstrated in the conflict, but is also reflected in the repetition of the protagonist’s route. Bazarov twice ends up at the Kirsanovs’ estate, twice visits Odintsova, and also returns twice to his parents’ house.

The denouement of the plot is the death of the main character, with which the writer wanted to demonstrate the collapse of the thoughts expressed by the hero throughout the novel.

In his work, Turgenev clearly showed that in the cycle of all ideologies and political disputes there is a large, complex and diverse life, where traditional values, nature, art, love and sincere, deep affections always win.

The most important feature of the amazing talent of I.S. Turgenev - a keen sense of his time, which is the best test for an artist. The images he created continue to live, but in another world, the name of which is the grateful memory of descendants who learned love, dreams and wisdom from the writer.

The clash of two political forces, liberal nobles and raznochintsy revolutionaries, found artistic expression in a new work, which was created during 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 for a long time have worked. The writer had a hard time leaving the magazine, because the memory of Belinsky was connected with him. The articles of Dobrolyubov, with whom Ivan Sergeevich constantly argued and sometimes disagreed, served as a real basis for depicting ideological differences. The radically minded 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 or authorities. While working on the novel, Turgenev involuntarily develops sympathy for his character. In this he is helped by the diary of the main character, which is kept by the writer himself.

In May 1861, the writer returned from Paris to his Spasskoye estate and made his last entry in the manuscripts. In February 1862, the novel was published in the Russian Bulletin.

Main problems

After reading the novel, you understand its true value, created by the “genius of proportion” (D. Merezhkovsky). What did Turgenev love? What did you doubt? What did you dream about?

1. Central to the book is moral problem relationships between generations. "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 new people it lies in work, but the old guard sees it in reasoning and contemplation, because crowds of peasants work for them. In this fundamental position there is a place for irreconcilable conflict: fathers and children live differently. In this discrepancy we see the problem of misunderstanding of opposites. The antagonists cannot and do not want to accept each other, this impasse is especially evident in the relationship between Pavel Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov.
2. The problem is just as acute moral choice: whose side is the truth on? Turgenev believed that the past cannot be denied, because only thanks to it the future is 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 people of the past like it or not, will still come, and we must be prepared for them. This is evidenced by the ironic image of Pavel Kirsanov, who lost his sense of reality while putting on ceremonial tailcoats in the village. The writer calls for a sensitive response to changes and trying to understand them, and not indiscriminately criticize, like Uncle Arkady. Thus, the solution to the problem is in a tolerant attitude different people each other and an attempt to understand the opposite life concept. In this sense, the position of Nikolai Kirsanov, who was tolerant of new trends and was never in a hurry to judge them, won. His son also found a compromise solution.
3. However, the author made it clear that there is a high purpose behind Bazarov’s tragedy. It is precisely such desperate and self-confident pioneers who pave the way forward for the world, so the problem of recognizing this mission in society also occupies important place. Evgeniy repents on his deathbed that he feels useless, this realization destroys him, but he could have become a great scientist or a skilled doctor. But the cruel mores of the conservative world are pushing him out, because they feel threatened by him.
4. The problems of the “new” people, the diverse intelligentsia, and difficult relationships in society, with parents, and in the family are also obvious. The commoners do not have profitable estates and a position in society, so they are forced to work and become embittered when they see 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.
5. Problems of eternal human values: love, friendship, art, attitude to nature. Turgenev knew how to reveal the depths of human character 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 feeling.

All the interests and plans of the writer were entirely focused on the most important tasks of the time, moving towards the most pressing problems of everyday life.

Characteristics of the characters in the novel

Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov- comes from the people. Son of a regimental doctor. My grandfather on my father’s side “plowed the land.” Evgeny makes his own way in life, gets a good education. Therefore, the hero is careless in clothes and manners; no one raised him. 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 social development. A complex man, doubtful, but proud and adamant. Evgeniy Vasilyevich is very vague about how to correct society. Denies old world, accepts only what is confirmed by practice.

• The writer depicted the type in Bazarov young man who believes exclusively in scientific activity and one who denies religion. The hero has a deep interest in 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. Bazarov's views and beliefs do not find like-minded people. Sitnikov, a talker and phrase-monger, and the “emancipated” Kukshina are worthless “followers”.
• A soul unknown to him is rushing about in Evgeny Vasilyevich. What should a physiologist and 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 - his parents - what to do with them? What about love for Odintsova? The principles are in no way compatible with life, with the living movements of people. What remains for Bazarov? Just die. Death is his final test. He accepts her heroically, does not console himself with the spells of a materialist, but calls his beloved.
• The spirit conquers the enraged mind, overcomes the errors of the schemes and postulates of the new teaching.

Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov - bearer of noble culture. Bazarov is disgusted by Pavel Petrovich’s “starched collars” and “long nails”. But the hero’s aristocratic manners are an internal weakness, a secret consciousness of his inferiority.

• Kirsanov believes that respecting yourself means taking care of your appearance and never losing your dignity, even in the village. He organizes his daily routine in the English manner.
• Pavel Petrovich retired, indulging in love experiences. This decision of his became a “retirement” 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”, corresponding to his position as a gentleman - a serf owner. The Russian people are honored for their patriarchy and obedience.
• In relation to a woman, strength and passion of feelings are manifested, but he does not understand them.
• Pavel Petrovich is indifferent to nature. Denial of her beauty speaks of his spiritual limitations.
• This man is deeply unhappy.

Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov- Arkady's father and brother 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.

• The characteristic features of the character are gentleness and humility. The hero's intelligence evokes sympathy and respect. Nikolai Petrovich is a romantic at heart, loves music, recites poetry.
• He is an opponent of nihilism and tries to smooth out any emerging disagreements. Lives in accordance with his heart and conscience.

Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov- a person who is not independent, deprived of his own life principles. He completely obeys his friend. He joined Bazarov only because of his youthful enthusiasm, since he did not have his own views, so in the finale there was a break between them.

• Subsequently, he became a zealous owner and started a family.
• “A nice fellow,” but “a soft, liberal gentleman,” Bazarov says about him.
• All the Kirsanovs are “more children of events than fathers of their own actions.”

Odintsova Anna Sergeevna- an “element” “related” to Bazarov’s personality. On what basis can this conclusion be made? The firmness of her outlook on life, “proud loneliness, intelligence - make her “close” to the main character of the novel. She, like Evgeny, sacrificed personal happiness, so her heart is cold and fearful of feelings. She herself trampled on them by marrying for convenience.

Conflict between "fathers" and "children"

Conflict – “clash”, “serious disagreement”, “dispute”. To say that these concepts have only a “negative connotation” means to completely misunderstand the processes of social development. “Truth is born in dispute” - this axiom can be considered a “key” that lifts the curtain on the problems posed by Turgenev in the novel.

Disputes - main compositional device, allowing the reader to determine his point of view and take a certain position in his views on a particular social phenomenon, area of ​​development, nature, art, moral concepts. Using the “technique of debate” between “youth” and “old age,” the author affirms the idea that life does not stand still, it is multifaceted and multifaceted.

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 on earth. On the pages of the novel there is a heated debate caused by the struggle of revolutionary democratic forces with the liberal nobility.

Main topics

Turgenev managed to saturate the novel with progressive thought: protest against violence, hatred of legalized slavery, pain for the suffering of the people, the desire to found their happiness.

The main themes in the novel “Fathers and Sons”:

1. Ideological contradictions of the intelligentsia during the preparation of the reform on the abolition of serfdom;
2. “Fathers” and “sons”: relationships between generations and the theme of family;
3. A “new” type of person at the turn of two eras;
4. Immense love for the homeland, parents, woman;
5. Human and nature. The world: workshop or temple?

What is the point of the book?

Turgenev’s work sounds an alarming alarm bell over all of Russia, calling on fellow citizens to unite, sanity, and 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, and people of new and old views. “Fathers and Sons” is valuable not only as an illustration of history; the work touches on many moral issues.

The basis of the existence of the human race is the family, where everyone has their own responsibilities: the elders (“fathers”) look after the younger ones (“children”), pass on to them the experience and traditions accumulated by their ancestors, and instill moral feelings in them; 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, impossible without some denial of past misconceptions. The harmony of the world order lies in the fact that these “connections” are not broken, but not in the fact that everything remains the old fashioned way.

The book has great educational value. Reading it at the time of forming your character means thinking about important life problems. "Fathers and Sons" teach serious attitude to the world active position, patriotism. They teach from a young age to develop strong 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 a “merciless” and “destructive criticism of the younger generation.”
• D. Pisarev in “Russian Word” highly appreciated the work and the image of a nihilist created by the master. The critic emphasized the tragedy of character and noted the firmness of a person who does not retreat from trials. He agrees with other writers of criticism that the “new” people may cause resentment, but it is impossible to deny them “sincerity.” The appearance of Bazarov in Russian literature is a new step in illuminating socially - public life countries.

Can you agree with the critic on everything? Probably no. He calls Pavel Petrovich “a small-sized Pechorin.” 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 his “favorite child.”

What is "nihilism"?

For the first time, the word “nihilist” is heard 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 professor V. Bervy. However, Dobrolyubov interpreted it in a positive sense and assigned it to the younger generation. The word was introduced into widespread use by Ivan Sergeevich, 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 Vasilyevich Bazarov still teaches us about his fate. Every person has a unique spiritual image, whether he is a nihilist or a simple layman. Respect and reverence for another person consists of respect for the fact that in him there is the same secret flicker of a living soul that is in you.

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The novel became iconic for its time, and the image of the main character Evgeniy Bazarov was perceived by young people as an example to follow. Ideals such as uncompromisingness, lack of admiration for authorities and old truths, the priority of the useful over the beautiful were perceived by the people of that time and were reflected in Bazarov’s worldview.

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  The action in the novel takes place in the summer of 1859, that is, on the eve of the peasant reform of 1861.

  Evgeny Bazarov and Arkady Kirsanov come to Maryino and spend some time staying with the Kirsanovs (father Nikolai Petrovich and uncle Pavel Petrovich). Tensions with the elder Kirsanovs force Bazarov to leave Maryino and go to provincial town***. Arkady goes with him. Bazarov and Arkady spend time in the company of local “progressive” youth - Kukshina and Sitnikov. Then, at the governor’s ball, they meet Odintsova. Bazarov and Arkady go to Nikolskoye, Odintsova’s estate, and Mrs. Kukshina, wounded by them, remains in the city. Bazarov and Arkady, infatuated with Odintsova, spend some time in Nikolskoye. After an unsuccessful declaration of love, Bazarov, who frightened Odintsova, is forced to leave. He goes to his parents (Vasily and Arina Bazarov), and Arkady goes with him. Bazarov and Arkady are visiting his parents. Tired of the manifestations of parental love, Bazarov leaves his discouraged father and mother, and together with Arkady he goes back to Maryino. On the way, they accidentally stop at Nikolskoye, but, having met a cold reception, they return to Maryino. Bazarov lives for some time in Maryino. A surge of passion spills out into a kiss with Fenechka, her mother. illegitimate son Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, and because of her he shoots himself in a duel with Pavel Petrovich. Arkady, having returned to Maryino, leaves alone for Nikolskoye and stays with Odintsova, becoming more and more carried away by her sister Katya. Having completely ruined relations with the older Kirsanovs, Bazarov also goes to Nikolskoye. Bazarov apologizes to Odintsova for his feelings. Odintsova accepts the apology, and Bazarov spends several days in Nikolskoye. Arkady declares his love to Katya. Having said goodbye to Arkady forever, Bazarov returns to his parents. Living with his parents, Bazarov helps his father treat the sick and dies from blood poisoning, accidentally cutting himself during an autopsy of a man who died of typhus. Before death last time sees Odintsova, who comes to him at his request. Arkady Kirsanov marries Katya, and Nikolai Petrovich marries Fenechka. Pavel Petrovich is leaving abroad forever.

  Main characters

  • Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov- nihilist, student, studying to become a doctor. In nihilism, he is Arkady's mentor, protests against the liberal ideas of the Kirsanov brothers and the conservative views of his parents. Revolutionary-democrat, commoner. By the end of the novel, he falls in love with Odintsova, changing his nihilistic views on love. Love turned out to be a test for Bazarov, he understands that there is an obvious romantic in him - he even declares his love to Odintsova. At the end of the book he works as a village doctor. Opening up a man who died of typhus, he himself becomes infected through carelessness. After death, a religious ceremony is performed over him.
  • Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov- landowner, liberal, father of Arkady, widower. Loves music and poetry. Interested in progressive ideas, including in agriculture. At the beginning of the novel, he is ashamed of his love for Fenechka, a woman from common people, but then marries her.
  • Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov- Nikolai Petrovich’s elder brother, a retired officer, an aristocrat, proud, self-confident, an ardent supporter of liberalism. He often argues with Bazarov about love, nature, aristocracy, art, and science. Lonely. In my youth I experienced tragic love. He sees in Fenechka Princess R., with whom he was in love. He hates Bazarov and challenges him to a duel, in which he is slightly wounded in the thigh.
  • Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov- son of Nikolai Petrovich’s first wife, Maria. Recent candidate of science at St. Petersburg University and friend of Bazarov. He becomes a nihilist under the influence of Bazarov, but then abandons these ideas.
  • Vasily Ivanovich Bazarov- Bazarov’s father, a retired army surgeon. Not rich. Manages his wife's estate. Moderately educated and enlightened, he feels that rural life left him isolated from modern ideas. He holds generally conservative views, is religious, and loves his son immensely.
  • Arina Vlasevna- Bazarov's mother. It is she who owns the village of the Bazarovs and 15 souls of serfs. Devout follower of Orthodoxy. Very superstitious. She is suspicious and sentimentally sensitive. She loves her son and is deeply concerned about his renunciation of faith.
  • Anna Sergeevna Odintsova- a rich widow who welcomes nihilistic friends to her estate. He sympathizes with Bazarov, but after his confession he does not reciprocate. Considers a calm life without worries to be more important than anything, including more important than love.
  • Katerina (Ekaterina Sergeevna Lokteva) - Anna Sergeevna Odintsova’s sister, a quiet girl, invisible in her sister’s shadow, plays the clavichord. Arkady spends a lot of time with her, languishing in love with Anna. But later he realizes his love for Katya. At the end of the novel, Catherine marries Arkady.

  Other heroes

  • Victor Sitnikov- an acquaintance of Bazarov and Arkady, an adherent of nihilism. He belongs to that category of “progressives” who reject any authority, chasing the fashion for “free thinking.” He doesn’t really know anything and doesn’t know how to do anything, but in his “nihilism” he leaves both Arkady and Bazarov far behind him. Bazarov openly despises Sitnikov.
  • Evdoksiya Kukshina- an acquaintance of Sitnikov, who, like him, is a pseudo-adherent of nihilism.
  • Fenechka(Fedosya Nikolaevna) - daughter of Nikolai Petrovich’s housekeeper, Arina Savishna. After the death of her mother, she became the master's mistress and the mother of his child. It becomes the reason for a duel between Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, since Bazarov, finding Fenechka alone, kisses her deeply, and Pavel Petrovich becomes an accidental witness to the kiss, who is deeply outraged by the act of “this hairy guy”, he is especially indignant also because and he himself is not completely indifferent to his brother’s beloved. In the end, Fenechka became the wife of Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov.
  • Dunyasha- maid under Fenechka.
  • Peter- servant of the Kirsanovs.
  • Princess R. (Nelly)- beloved of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov.
  • Matvey Ilyich Kolyazin- an official in the City ***.
  • Sergey Nikolaevich Loktev- father of Anna Sergeevna Odintsova and Katerina. The famous swindler and gambler, after 15 years of living in Moscow and St. Petersburg, “lost to dust” and was forced to settle in the village.
  • Princess Avdotya Stepanovna- Anna Sergeevna Odintsova’s aunt, an angry and arrogant old woman. After the death of her father, Anna Sergeevna settled her with her. At the end of the novel she dies, “forgotten on the very day of death.”
  • Timofeich- clerk of Vasily Ivanovich Bazarov, former uncle of Evgeny Bazarov. A shabby and agile old man with faded yellow hair.