"Fathers and Sons": the meaning of Turgenev's work. The problems of the novel "Fathers and Sons"

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 of fiction - Tolstoy and Turgenev - left the editorial office.

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?

1. Central to the book is the moral problem of 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 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.
2. 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 lies in the tolerant attitude of different people to each other and the attempt to learn the opposite concept of life. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 hinder social 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 of a young man who believes exclusively in scientific activity and denies 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 - a scientific fact - does not exist!
• 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.

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.

• 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.

Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov- father of Arkady and brother of Pavel Petrovich. It was not possible to make a military career, 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, 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.

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.

• 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."

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 a particular 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":

1. Ideological contradictions of the intelligentsia during the preparation of the reform on the abolition of serfdom;
2. "Fathers" and "children": relationships between generations and the theme of the family;
3. "New" type of man at the turn of two epochs;
4. Immeasurable love for the motherland, parents, woman;
5. Human and nature. The world around: 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 a 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.

The conflict between fathers and children has been going on since the beginning of time to this day. It is especially acutely felt during periods of change in public life, when the generation of the past acts as a conservative, and the youth stands up for novelty. This situation is typical for Russia in the 1960s. 19th century, she found her reflection in the novel by I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons". The clash of the old and the young generation overcomes the family conflict and affects the socio-political structure of the country - the Social Democrats stand up to fight the liberal aristocrats.

Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich

The young nihilist Yevgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov confronts the nobleman, aristocrat Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. The difference between generations is already expressed in the appearance of the characters.

Bazarov is a man of great willpower, a man of his word, a little removed from people. Turgenev pays special attention to the living mind of the hero. And Kirsanov is described only externally: he wears white underwear, starched collars, patent leather boots. Being a well-known socialite in the past, Pavel Petrovich retained his habits in his brother's village estate - the impeccability and elegance of the image.

Kirsanov does nothing, has no duties and aspirations, lives for his own pleasure. Bazarov is active, everything he does is useful for society, for science, for the people.

The life positions of the characters are extremely opposite. They argue constantly and argue about everything in the world: about how Russia should develop further, about the real and the irrational, about the usefulness of science and art, about the patriarchal nature of the people. Bazarov claims that everything old should be destroyed, and Pavel Petrovich is sure that all this should be preserved for future generations. Kirsanov is also outraged by the fact that Bazarov and his followers do not have a specific plan for transforming the world order. They call only to destroy, but they are not going to create. In response to a reproach for this, Bazarov says that first you need to "clear the place."

Bazarov and his parents

In Bazarov's relationship with his parents, a generational conflict is also clearly visible. Bazarov loves his father and mother, but at the same time feels contempt for their stupid aimless life. Despite the misunderstanding of each other, parents love Eugene. Love does not cease to exist even after the death of the hero. In the end, it turns out that only Bazarov was truly dear to his parents.

Arkady and family

In the Kirsanov family, the opposition of generations is not so obvious. Arkady Kirsanov is gradually turning into a copy of his father. In life, he appreciates the same things that he does: home, family life, peace. For him, this is much more important than the struggle for the global welfare of the world. Arkady just imitated Bazarov, and this caused a little strife in the family. And when Bazarov leaves Arkady's field of vision, and conflicts come to naught.

The theme of "fathers" and "children" in Russian literature

The relationship between fathers and children is one of the most important and significant in Russian literature. This problem is reflected in the comedy by A.S. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit", in the drama "Thunderstorm" by A.N. Ostrovsky, in the works of A.S. Pushkin and more. etc. The authors, as creative people, are on the side of the younger generation. However, Turgenev does not take a definite position, and gives the reader the opportunity to choose the right ideology for himself. I think it was important for Turgenev to show that only in peace and harmony can society develop properly in the future.

Most often, the title of a work is the key to its content and understanding. This is what happens with the novel by I. S. Turgenev “Fathers and Sons”. Only two simple words, but so many concepts that divided the characters into two opposite camps. Such a simple title reveals the essence of the novel "Fathers and Sons" in a complex issue.

The main problem of the novel

In his work, the author not only raises the problem of the collision of two opposite generations, but also tries to find a solution, to indicate the way out of the current situation. The confrontation between the two camps can be seen as a struggle between the old and the new, radicals and liberals, between democracy and aristocracy, purposefulness and confusion.

The author believes that the time has come for change and tries to show it in the novel. The old representatives of the nobility are being replaced by the young and restless, searching and fighting. The old system has already outlived itself, but the new one has not yet been formed, has not yet appeared, and the meaning of the novel "Fathers and Sons" clearly indicates the inability of society to live either in the old way or in the new way. This is a kind of transitional time, the border of eras.

New society

The representative of the new generation is Bazarov. It is he who is assigned the main role that creates the conflict of the novel "Fathers and Sons". He represents a whole galaxy of young people who have taken the form of complete denial for faith. They reject everything old, but they bring nothing to replace this old one.

A very clearly conflicting worldview is shown between Pavel Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov. Straightforwardness and rudeness against manners and sophistication. The images of the novel "Fathers and Sons" are multifaceted and contradictory. But, the system of his values ​​\u200b\u200bclearly indicated by Bazarov does not make him happy. He himself outlined his purpose for society: to break the old. But how to build something new on the ruined foundation of ideas and views is no longer his business.
The problem of emancipation is considered. The author shows this as a possible alternative to the patriarchal system. But only the female image of the emancipe is given unsightly, completely different from the usual Turgenev girl. And, again, this was not done by chance, but with a clear intention to show that before destroying something that has been established, it is necessary to find a replacement for it. If this does not happen, then the changes will not succeed, even what was clearly intended for a positive solution to the problem may change in a different direction and become a sharply negative phenomenon.

The problems of the novel "Fathers and Sons"

The novel "Fathers and Sons" was created by Turgenev in a hot time for Russia. The growth of peasant uprisings and the crisis of the serf system forced the government to abolish serfdom in 1861. In Russia, it was necessary to carry out a peasant reform. The society split into two camps: in one were revolutionary democrats , the ideologists of the peasant masses, in another - the liberal nobility, who stood for the reformist path.The liberal nobility did not put up with serfdom, but feared a peasant revolution.

The great Russian writer shows in his novel the struggle between the worldviews of these two political trends. The plot of the novel is built on the opposition of the views of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov, who are the brightest representatives of these trends. Other questions are also raised in the novel: how one should treat the people, work, science, art, what transformations are necessary for the Russian countryside.

The title already reflects one of these problems - the relationship between two generations, fathers and children. Disagreements on various issues have always existed between the youth and the older generation. So here, a representative of the younger generation, Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov, cannot, and does not want to understand the “fathers”, their life credo, principles. He is convinced that their views on the world, on life, on relations between people are hopelessly outdated. “Yes, I will spoil them ... After all, this is all pride, lion's habits, folly ...”. In his opinion, the main purpose of life is to work, to produce something material. That is why Bazarov has a disrespectful attitude to art, to sciences that do not have a practical basis; to "useless" nature. He believes that it is much more useful to deny what, from his point of view, deserves to be denied, than to watch indifferently from the side, not daring to do anything. “At the present time, denial is most useful - we deny,” says Bazarov.

For his part, Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov is sure that there are things that cannot be doubted (“Aristocracy ... liberalism, progress, principles ... art ...”). He values ​​habits and traditions more and does not want to notice the changes taking place in society.

The disputes between Kirsanov and Bazarov reveal the ideological intent of the novel.

These characters have a lot in common. Both in Kirsanov and in Bazarov pride is highly developed. Sometimes they can not calmly argue. Both of them are not subject to other people's influences, and only experienced and felt by them themselves makes the heroes change their views on some issues. Both the commoner democrat Bazarov and the aristocrat Kirsanov have a huge influence on those around them, and neither one nor the other can be denied strength of character. And yet, despite such a similarity of natures, these people are very different, due to the difference in origin, upbringing and way of thinking.

Differences already appear in the portraits of the heroes. The face of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov is "unusually correct and clean, as if drawn with a thin and light chisel." And in general, the whole appearance of Uncle Arkady "... was graceful and thoroughbred, his hands were beautiful, with long pink nails." Bazarov's appearance is the complete opposite of Kirsanov. He is dressed in a long robe with tassels, he has red hands, his face is long and thin ", with a wide forehead and not at all an aristocratic nose. The portrait of Pavel Petrovich is a portrait of a "secular lion" whose manners match his appearance. The portrait of Bazarov undoubtedly belongs to a "democrat to the end of his nails", which is also confirmed by the behavior of the hero, independent and self-confident.

Eugene's life is full of vigorous activity, he devotes every free minute of his time to natural science studies. In the second half of the 19th century, the natural sciences were on the rise; there appeared materialistic scientists who, through numerous experiments and experiments, developed these sciences, for which there was a future. And Bazarov is the prototype of such a scientist. Pavel Petrovich, on the contrary, spends all his days in idleness and groundless, aimless reflections-memories.

The views of those arguing on art and nature are opposite. Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov admires works of art. He is able to admire the starry sky, enjoy music, poetry, painting. Bazarov, on the other hand, denies art (“Rafael is not worth a penny”), approaches nature with utilitarian standards (“Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and man is a worker in it”). Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov also does not agree that art, music, nature are nonsense. Coming out onto the porch, "... he looked around, as if wanting to understand how one can not sympathize with nature." And here we can feel how Turgenev expresses his own thoughts through his hero. A beautiful evening landscape leads Nikolai Petrovich to the “sorrowful and gratifying game of lonely thoughts”, brings back pleasant memories, opens up to him the “magic world of dreams”. The author shows that by denying admiring nature, Bazarov impoverishes his spiritual life.

But the main difference between a raznochint-democrat, who ended up on the estate of a hereditary nobleman, and a liberal lies in his views on society and the people. Kirsanov believes that aristocrats are the driving force behind social development. Their ideal is "English freedom", that is, a constitutional monarchy. The path to the ideal lies through reforms, glasnost, progress. Bazarov is sure that aristocrats are incapable of action and there is no benefit from them. He rejects liberalism, denies the ability of the nobility to lead Russia to the future.

Disagreements arise about nihilism and the role of nihilists in public life. Pavel Petrovich condemns nihilists because they "respect no one", live without "principles", considers them unnecessary and powerless: "You are only 4-5 people." To this, Bazarov replies: "Moscow burned down from a penny candle." Speaking of the denial of everything, Bazarov has in mind religion, the autocratic-feudal system, generally accepted morality. What do the nihilists want? First of all, revolutionary action. And the criterion is the benefit to the people.

Pavel Petrovich glorifies the peasant community, family, religiosity, patriarchy of the Russian peasant. He claims that "the Russian people cannot live without faith." Bazarov, on the other hand, says that the people do not understand their own interests, are dark and ignorant, that there are no honest people in the country, that “a man is happy to rob himself just to get drunk on dope in a tavern.” However, he considers it necessary to distinguish between popular interests and popular prejudices; he argues that the people are revolutionary in spirit, therefore nihilism is a manifestation of precisely the people's spirit.

Turgenev shows that, despite his tenderness, Pavel Petrovich does not know how to talk with ordinary people, “grimaces and sniffs cologne.” In a word, he is a real gentleman. And Bazarov proudly declares: "My grandfather plowed the land." And he can win over the peasants, although he teases them. The servants feel "that he is still his brother, not a gentleman."

This is precisely because Bazarov possessed the ability and desire to work. In Maryino, on the Kirsanov estate, Evgeny worked because he could not sit idle, “some kind of medical and surgical smell” was established in his room.

Unlike him, representatives of the older generation did not differ in their ability to work. So, Nikolai Petrovich tries to manage in a new way, but nothing works out for him. He says about himself: “I am a soft, weak person, I spent my life in the wilderness.” But, according to Turgenev, this cannot serve as an excuse. If you can't work, don't take it. And the biggest thing that Pavel Petrovich did was helping his brother with money, not daring to give advice, and “not jokingly imagined himself to be a practical person.”

Of course, most of all a person is manifested not in conversations, but in deeds and in his life. Therefore, Turgenev, as it were, leads his heroes through various trials. And the strongest of them is the test of love. After all, it is in love that the soul of a person is revealed fully and sincerely.

And then the hot and passionate nature of Bazarov swept away all his theories. He fell in love, like a boy, with a woman whom he highly valued. “In conversations with Anna, Sergeevna, he expressed even more than before his indifferent contempt for everything romantic, and left alone, he indignantly recognized the romance in himself.” The hero is going through a severe mental breakdown. “…Something…was possessed by him, which he never allowed, over which he always mocked, which revolted all his pride.” Anna Sergeevna Odintsova rejected him. But Bazarov found the strength to accept defeat with honor, without losing his dignity.

And Pavel Petrovich, who also loved very much, could not leave with dignity when he became convinced of the woman’s indifference to him: couldn't get in the right track." And in general, the fact that he seriously fell in love with a frivolous and empty secular lady says a lot.

Bazarov is a strong person, he is a new person in Russian society. And the writer carefully considers this type of character. The last test he offers his hero is death.

Anyone can pretend to be whoever they want. Some people do this all their lives. But in any case, before death, a person becomes what he really is. All pretense disappears, and it is time to think, maybe for the first and last time, about the meaning of life, about what good you did, whether they will remember or forget as soon as they are buried. And this is natural, because in the face of the unknown, a person discovers something that he may not have seen during his lifetime.

It is a pity, of course, that Turgenev "kills" Bazarov. Such a brave, strong man would live and live. But, perhaps, the writer, having shown that such people exist, did not know what to do with his hero further ... The way Bazarov dies could do honor to anyone. He does not pity himself, but his parents. He is sorry to leave life so early. Dying, Bazarov admits that he "fell under the wheel", "but still bristles." And bitterly he says to Odintsova: “And now the whole task of the giant is how to die decently .., I won’t wag my tail.”

Bazarov is a tragic figure. It cannot be said that he defeats Kirsanov in a dispute. Even when Pavel Petrovich is ready to admit his defeat, Bazarov suddenly loses faith in his teaching and doubts his personal need for society. "Does Russia need me? No, apparently I don't," he reflects. Only the proximity of death restores Bazarov's self-confidence.

Whose side is the author of the novel on? It is definitely impossible to answer this question. Being a liberal by conviction, Turgenev felt the superiority of Bazarov, moreover, he claimed: "My whole story is directed against the nobility as an advanced class." And further: "I wanted to show the cream of society, but if cream is bad, then what is milk?"

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev loves his new hero and in the epilogue gives him a high rating: "... a passionate, sinful, rebellious heart." He says that not an ordinary person lies in the grave, but really a person Russia needs, smart, strong, with non-stereotypical thinking.

It is known that I.S. Turgenev dedicated the novel to Belinsky and argued: "If the reader does not fall in love with Bazarov with all his rudeness, heartlessness, ruthless dryness and harshness, it is my fault that I did not achieve my goal. Bazarov is my favorite brainchild."

Turgenev wrote the novel "Fathers and Sons" in the last century, but the problems raised in it are relevant in our time. What to choose: contemplation or action? How to relate to art, to love? Is the generation of fathers right? Each new generation has to solve these questions. And, perhaps, it is the impossibility of solving them once and for all that drives life.

The idea of ​​the novel by I.S. Turgenev “Fathers and Sons” arose from the writer in the pre-reform 1860. In a year, serfdom will be abolished in Russia. And in the work, the author conveys the atmosphere of the time of fracture and turmoil. We will talk about the problems of this work in this article.

Serfs are no longer so willing to carry out the orders of their landlords. There are a large number of young people with radical views and ideas. An ideological conflict is brewing between raznochintsev revolutionaries and liberals. In the novel, Bazarov represents a revolutionary raznochinets, and Pavel Petrovich represents the liberal nobility.

At this time, people of a new generation, nihilists, are already appearing in Russia, whose views are shared by Bazarov. The protagonist is well aware that the time for such people has not yet come and directly declares this: “... yes, make more children. They will be smart, that they will be born on time, not like you and me. Nihilism is the denial of everything that is recognized in society: love, family and other values.

Against the background of Bazarov's convictions, he has an ideological conflict with his friend's uncle Pavel Kirsanov. The first dispute between them takes place on the topic of science and art. In it, the protagonist drops a phrase that succinctly reveals the direction of his views: "A decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet." This dispute gave rise to the first wave of misunderstanding between Bazarov and Pavel Kirsanov.

After some time, their quarrel resumed with renewed vigor and reached its climax. This time, the subject of disagreement between Paul and Eugene was questions about the people, laws, and the social system. Bazarov sees the need to “clear up space”, which is a minimum program, but at the same time, his plans do not include a maximum program. On the question of the people, Bazarov is of the opinion that the people should be educated, while Pavel Petrovich, on the contrary, is inclined to adhere to the opposite point of view. When discussing the laws, Bazarov claims that they are not being implemented, while Pavel Petrovich is sure of the opposite.

Bazarov, with his nihilistic views, should be alien to the feeling of love, but suddenly he realizes his feelings for Odintsova. This confuses and annoys the main character, but nevertheless he decides to express his sympathies, to open up, but in response he receives a refusal, because for Anna Sergeevna "calmness ... is the best thing in the world."

At the end of the novel, we observe how, day after day, the disease depletes Bazarov's strength. At this time, he thinks about many things in his life. When Odintsova comes to visit him in the last minutes, he argues: “Russia needs me ... No, apparently it’s not needed.” Perhaps Evgeny understands that his beliefs are still being born in the minds of young people, the time for new, progressive events lies ahead. Society does not yet accept people like Bazarov and does not take their worldview seriously. But to some extent, it can be argued that nihilism prevented Bazarov from living a full life, which should be filled with real feelings and experiences.

Filippova Anastasia spoke about the problems of the novel "Fathers and Sons"