The novel "Fathers and Sons" has a complex structure and multi-level conflict. Outwardly, it represents a contradiction between two generations of people. But this eternal conflict of fathers and children is complicated by ideological and philosophical differences. Turgenev's task was to show the pernicious influence of certain philosophical currents on modern youth, in particular nihilism.
What is nihilism?
Nihilism is an ideological and philosophical trend, according to which there are no and cannot be authorities, none of the postulates should be taken on faith. Bazarov's nihilism (as he himself notes) is a merciless denial of everything. German materialism served as the philosophical basis for the formation of the nihilistic doctrine. It is no coincidence that Arkady and Bazarov offer Nikolai Petrovich instead of Pushkin to read Buechner, in particular his work Matter and Force. Bazarov's position was formed not only under the influence of books, teachers, but also from live observation of life. Bazarov's quotes about nihilism confirm this. In a dispute with Pavel Petrovich, he says that he would gladly agree if Pavel Petrovich would present him "at least one decision in our modern life, in family or public life, which would not cause complete and merciless denial."
Basic nihilistic ideas of the hero
Bazarov's nihilism is manifested in his attitude to various spheres of life. In the first part of the novel, two ideas collide, two representatives of the older and younger generations - Evgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. They immediately feel dislike for each other, and then sort things out in polemics. 
Art
Bazarov speaks most sharply about art. He considers it a useless sphere that does not give a person anything but stupid romanticism. Art, according to Pavel Petrovich, is a spiritual sphere. It is thanks to him that a person develops, learns to love and think, understand another, learn about the world.
Nature
Bazarov's review of nature looks somewhat blasphemous: “Nature is not a temple, but a workshop. And the person in it is a worker. The hero does not see her beauty, does not feel harmony with her. In contrast to this review, Nikolai Petrovich strolls through the garden, admiring the beauty of spring. He cannot understand how Bazarov does not see all this, how he can remain so indifferent to God's creation.
The science
What does Bazarov appreciate? After all, he cannot have a sharply negative attitude towards everything. The only thing in which the hero sees value and benefit is science. Science as the basis of knowledge, human development. Of course, Pavel Petrovich, as an aristocrat and a representative of the older generation, also appreciates and respects science. However, for Bazarov, the ideal is the German materialists. For them, there is no love, affection, feelings, for them a person is just an organic system in which certain physical and chemical processes take place. The protagonist of the novel "Fathers and Sons" tends to the same paradoxical thoughts. 
Bazarov's nihilism is called into question, he is tested by the author of the novel. Hence, an internal conflict arises, which no longer takes place in the Kirsanovs' house, where Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich argue every day, but in the soul of Yevgeny himself.
The future of Russia and nihilism
Bazarov, as a representative of the advanced direction of Russia, is interested in its future. So, according to the hero, in order to build a new society, first you need to "clear the place."
oh does that mean? Of course, the expression of the hero can be interpreted as a call for revolution. The development of the country must begin with cardinal changes, with the destruction of everything old. Bazarov, at the same time, reproaches the generation of liberal aristocrats for their inaction. Bazarov speaks of nihilism as the most effective direction. But it is worth saying that the nihilists themselves have not yet done anything. Bazarov's actions are manifested only in words. Thus, Turgenev emphasizes that the characters - representatives of the older and younger generations - are very similar in some ways. Eugene's views are very frightening (this is confirmed by Bazarov's quotes about nihilism). After all, on what is any state built in the first place? On traditions, culture, patriotism. But if there are no authorities, if you do not appreciate art, the beauty of nature, if you do not believe in God, then what is left for people? Turgenev was very afraid that such ideas could come true, that Russia would then have a very hard time.
internal conflict in the novel. love test
There are two key characters in the novel who supposedly play a cameo role. In fact, they reflect Turgenev's attitude towards nihilism, they debunk this phenomenon. Bazarov's nihilism begins to be comprehended by him a little differently, although the author does not directly tell us this. So, in the city, Evgeny and Arkady meet Sitnikov and Kukshina. They are progressive people who are interested in everything new. Sitnikov is an adherent of nihilism, he expresses his admiration for Bazarov. At the same time, he himself behaves like a jester, he shouts out nihilistic slogans, it all looks ridiculous.
Zarov treats him with obvious contempt. Kukshina is an emancipated woman, simply slovenly, stupid and rude. That's about all there is to say about the characters. If they are representatives of the nihilism on which Bazarov has such high hopes, then what is the future of the country? From that moment on, doubts appear in the soul of the hero, which intensify when he meets Odintsova. The strength and weakness of Bazarov's nihilism manifest themselves precisely in the chapters that speak of the hero's love feelings. He strongly opposes his love, because it's all stupid and useless romanticism. But his heart tells him something else. Odintsova sees that Bazarov is smart and interesting, that there is some truth in his ideas, but their categorical nature betrays the weakness and dubiousness of his convictions.
Turgenev's attitude towards his hero
It is not for nothing that a stormy controversy unfolded around the novel "Fathers and Sons". First, the topic was very topical. Secondly, many representatives of literary criticism were, like Bazarov, passionate about the philosophy of materialism. Thirdly, the novel was bold, talented and new.
There is an opinion that Turgenev condemns his hero. That he slanders the younger generation, seeing only the bad in them. But this opinion is wrong. If you look at the figure of Bazarov more closely, then you can see a strong, purposeful and noble nature in him. Bazarov's nihilism is only an outward manifestation of his mind. Turgenev, rather, feels disappointed that such a talented person has become obsessed with such an unjustified and limited teaching. Bazarov cannot but arouse admiration. He is bold and bold, he is smart. But other than that, he's also kind. It is no coincidence that all peasant children are drawn to him.
As for the author's assessment, it is most fully manifested in the finale of the novel. Bazarov's grave, to which his parents come, is literally immersed in flowers and greenery, birds sing over it. It is unnatural for parents to bury their children. The beliefs of the protagonist were also unnatural. And nature, eternal, beautiful and wise, confirms that Bazarov was wrong when he saw in it only material for achieving human goals.
Thus, Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" can be seen as a debunking of nihilism. Bazarov's attitude to nihilism is not just a commitment, it is a philosophy of life. But this teaching is questioned not only by representatives of the older generation, but also by life itself. Bazarov, in love and suffering, dies from an accident, science is unable to help him, and over his grave Mother Nature is still beautiful and calm.
What does Turgenev mean by nihilism?
Turgenev, one of the best writers of the classics of Russian literature, recalls that, after his return to St. Petersburg, when his novel was first published, he found that this term had already been picked up by many residents of the city. At that time, in 1862, fires broke out in St. Petersburg, and the first thing the writer heard when he arrived in St. Petersburg was the use of the term “nihilists” to the arsonists.
What does Turgenev mean by nihilism? He began writing the novel at a time when serfdom had not yet been abolished, when a revolutionary mood was growing in society, and against this background the ideas of denying and destroying the old order, old authorities and principles clearly emerged. The novel clearly shows the ideas of the democratic movement, which is formed and develops under the sign of the denial of the order of the noble-serf society, noble culture, the old world.
Nihilism, from the point of view of the writer, is the denial of old principles and foundations.
In his work, the writer highlights moral, philosophical and political issues and raises the eternal question of the relationship between fathers and children. Emphasizes the importance of love, friendship, the formation of personality, as well as the importance for each person of choosing their life path and self-determination.
The image of Bazarov in the work is endowed with the bright features of a nihilist, the hero openly opposes all the old principles, which becomes the cause of both Bazarov’s internal conflict and hostile misunderstanding by those around him.
In the novel, Turgenev demonstrated that nihilistic philosophy is not viable. He deliberately painted pictures of the impoverished Russian serf villages in order to show the social inequality existing in the country, the unfair government of the state by the ruling class. But at the same time, Bazarov’s nihilism in the novel Fathers and Sons, along with his hero, remains alone, since his ideas and worldview were not accepted even by his closest supporters - Kukshin, Sitnikov and Arkady, who betrayed his ideals.
Bazarov, who denied the existence of love, eventually underwent its tests, which he could not stand and broke down. The nihilist hero, who claimed that the mysterious female gaze is nothing more than artistic nonsense, falls in love with Anna Odintsova and discovers with horror the presence of romance in himself. The whole tragedy of the situation lies in the fact that Bazarov's love turned out to be non-reciprocal, doomed.
Video about Bazarov's nihilism in the novel "Fathers and Sons"
The novel ends with the death of Bazarov, who contracted typhus while opening the corpse of a peasant. Before his death, the hero shows all his best qualities: poetic love for Anna, tender, kind feelings towards his parents, which were previously hidden under external severity, courage, strong spirit, thirst for life.
With this finale, Turgenev shows the reader the personality of Bazarov, as a strong-willed person who is able to influence others. However, since society was not yet ready to accept his worldview, this hero turned out to be “superfluous” - his time has not yet come.
Thus, Turgenev quite clearly revealed the concept of "nihilism" in the novel "Fathers and Sons" using the example of his hero Bazarov. A hero of all times and peoples, who is born in a place where there is no social justice and prosperity.
What is nihilism in the modern sense?
Since the time of Turgenev, the concept of "nihilism" has gradually acquired a more extended meaning. So, today this term is used in philosophy, and in politics, and in everyday life. However, to the question "What is nihilism?" there is an unambiguous definition: this is a worldview, a position that not only questions, but also categorically denies generally accepted values: ideals, moral norms, forms of social life, generally accepted concepts of morality. There are several varieties of nihilism:
- moral nihilism.
- legal nihilism.
- mereological nihilism.
- Epistemological.
- Metaphysical.
- Philosophical and ideological nihilism.
A nihilist is a person who does not recognize any authority, does not take any principles on faith, criticizes any point of view, whatever it may be.
Moral nihilists have a position of denial of both moral and immoral foundations.
legal nihilism- a negative attitude towards law, which can be expressed in various degrees of intensity. Thus, passive and active forms of legal nihilism are distinguished.
- The passive form is characterized by disbelief in legal possibilities. Legal nihilists do not recognize the positive role of law in society.
- The active form is expressed in a hostile attitude to the laws, the promotion of a personal worldview among the people around. Such citizens can also be called anarchists.
Video about legal nihilism
Legal nihilism can be inherent both in society as a whole and in a social group or individual citizen, but none of the listed categories deliberately violates legal norms. That is, legal nihilists only do not recognize law and do not believe in its social value.
The origins of such an attitude towards generally established legal norms is distrust of the authorities, the consideration of laws as instructions from the government. Also, the reason for the development of such civic positions can be an example of the impunity of an official, a discrepancy between the prescriptions of laws and reality, vicious actions of justice, etc. rights and protection from arbitrariness.
Epistemological nihilists characterized by their negative attitude towards knowledge.
Nihilism in Russia
Nihilism exists only in Russia and post-Soviet countries. Residents of Western European countries, however, such a phenomenon is not inherent. Such mindsets began to form in the 50-60s of the 19th century. Their main ideologists are Pisarev, Dobrolyubov, Chernyshevsky. Also, some nihilistic features were inherent in Lenin, although he lived in a different era.
Despite the fact that Russian nihilism meant the denial of God, spirit, soul, norms and higher values, this phenomenon is still considered a religious phenomenon, since it arose on spiritual Orthodox soil. The basis of pure Russian nihilism is the Orthodox denial of the world, the feeling of the world being in evil, the attitude to wealth, luxury, creative excess in art and thoughts, as sins.
Nihilism Nietzsche
The nihilism of Nietzsche, the German philosopher and philologist, implies the depreciation of high values. That is, he connected the values and nature of a person who devalues them and at the same time still tries to hold on to them. Nietzsche argued that if a person falls, then you should not turn your shoulder to him. If a person was hit on the right cheek, then you should not substitute the left. He also believed that compassion is a destructive quality for a person, and therefore denied compassion for others.
Nihilism in Nietzsche's philosophy is the idea of the superman, the embodiment of the Christian ideal, free in all respects. He taught to respond to force with force, to be courageous, bold, to rely only on themselves. Good people he considered hypocrites, because they never tell the truth in person. Therefore, as he argued, the right person is an evil person who does not spare his loved ones.
Consequences of nihilism
Today, many argue whether nihilism is a disease or a cure for diseases. The philosophy of nihilists denies such values as moral principles and spiritual life - love, nature, art. But human morality is based precisely on these fundamental concepts.
Every sane person should understand that there are such values in the world that cannot be denied: love for life, love for people, the pursuit of happiness and enjoyment of beauty.
How do you feel about nihilists? Do you consider Bazarov in Turgenev's novel a real nihilist? Share your opinion in the comments.
The novel "Fathers and Sons" was written by I.S. Turgenev in 1862, a year after the abolition of serfdom. The action of the novel takes place in 1859 on the eve of the reform. It is quite natural that the main protagonist is a new hero of Russian literature - a nihilist revolutionary, a democrat of commoners.
Origin of Bazarov
Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov comes from a simple peasant family. His grandfather "plowed the land", his father and mother live modestly and simply, while taking care of the future of their son - they gave him an excellent medical education. Knowing firsthand about peasant life, Bazarov is well aware that significant changes are coming. In his mind, a plan has matured for the restructuring of the social order, which consists in the absolute destruction of the past and the construction of a new world.
Bazarov is a new person. He is a nihilist, a materialist, not subject to illusions, checking everything empirically. Bazarov is fond of the natural sciences, he works all day, looking for something new.
Personality, according to Bazarov, is a person with knowledge. He is sure that it is labor that makes a person a person. Evgeny Vasilievich always finds himself where his knowledge will be useful. It is beneficial
He expects it from other heroes and "superfluous" people, as well as from people of a new formation.
Bazarov is often rude and harsh in his statements: about women, about the past, about feelings. It seems to him that all this hinders the construction of a healthy society of the future. All who do not know how to work are not needed by mankind. In many respects it can be considered wrong. What is worth only the denial of the basic values of human existence: love, respect, principles, nature as a temple, the human soul.
The significance of the hero for society
Probably, Russian society needed such people in order to stir it up, to force it to look at everything that was happening from the outside. New people appear in society only during periods of historical upheaval, they have special spiritual power, stamina and steadfastness, the ability not to hide from the truth and be honest with themselves even on the verge of death.
Bazarov the nihilist understands perfectly well that life will never be easy, sacrifices will be needed from any person. And he is ready for them, without changing a single gram of his convictions. This makes it the most attractive for both contemporaries and the current reader.
Love in the life of Bazarov
The strength of his spirituality extends to Bazarov's love for Anna Odintsova, a strong and independent woman. He was captivated by her mind, the originality of her views on current events. Realizing that she cannot sacrifice everything for him, he confesses his feelings to her. Unrequited love for Anna Sergeevna seems to knock him out of his usual way of life. But it seems to me that if death had not interfered, Bazarov could have overcome himself and his unhappy feelings, which he thought were the weakness of his own personality.
Debunking Bazarov's theory
Sometimes strange and unusual, the hero I.S. Turgeneva delights readers with a set of qualities of a “perfect person”: fortitude, determination, stamina, ability to convince, etc., although it is impossible to agree on everything with Bazarov. His theory fails, and the hero realizes this - beauty, love and kindness become an integral part of his soul. And with them he dies, having found no use for his convictions.
In the novel by I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons" one of the problems is the confrontation between lordly and democratic Russia. Yevgeny Bazarov, the protagonist of the work, calls himself a "nihilist".
The characters in the novel interpret this concept in different ways. Arkady Kirsanov, who considered himself a follower of Bazarov, explains that a nihilist is a person who treats everything from a critical point of view. Pavel Petrovich, a representative of the older generation, said the following: "A nihilist is a person who does not bow to any authorities, who does not take a single principle on faith." But only Yevgeny Bazarov could fully feel the whole meaning of this philosophy, realize the strengths and weaknesses of nihilism.
Bazarov associated nihilism with the establishment of a materialistic worldview, with the development of the natural sciences. The hero really did not take anything on faith, thoroughly checking everything with experiments and practice, he considered nature not a temple, but a workshop where a person is a worker. And Bazarov himself never sat idle, did not sybaritize, like Arkady, for example. Eugene completely denied art in all its manifestations, did not believe in love, despised it, calling it "romanticism" and "nonsense." Pushkin's work was considered nonsense, playing the cello was a disgrace. During a dispute with Pavel Petrovich, Evgeny declared that a decent chemist is much more useful than a poet. He valued only what he could touch with his hands and denied the spiritual principle. A quote can confirm this: “You study the anatomy of the eye: where does the mysterious look come from?”. Yevgeny Bazarov was proud of his theory, considered its truths unshakable.
A special role is played by the female images of Turgenev. They are always imbued with a slight romanticism: in a woman, Turgenev sees a being of a higher order. Most often, it is they who awaken the best spiritual qualities in heroes, changing them radically. So it happened with Bazarov. Fate seemed to play a cruel joke with him. More recently, having heard a frank story about the misfortune of Pavel Petrovich, the nihilist said that the person who put life on the map of love is not a man and a male.
Anna Odintsova appeared in Bazarov's life. Bazarov immediately drew attention to her. “What is this figure? She doesn’t look like other women, ”Evgeny is impressed. Later, the hero realizes that she is special. He likes her presence, her closeness to him makes him happy. Without noticing it himself, Bazarov tried with all his might to impress her, but denied his feelings, covered himself with rudeness. Eugene began to gradually change, get angry, worried. Previously adhering to the theory “If you like a woman, try to get the point, but if you can’t, turn away.” But, despite the fact that it was difficult to get sense from Odintsova, he could not turn away. When he remembered her, he involuntarily realized the "romantic" in himself. His struggle with feeling was unsuccessful. Love could not languish in his soul for a long time, it demanded recognition. “I love you, stupidly, madly,” the hero says breathlessly, unable to cope with the streams of passion. Anna Sergeevna was not able to love, Bazarov did not receive a return and fled to his parents' house. Not even from Odintsova, but from himself.
Yevgeny is still a strong nature, he did not become limp, but he was disappointed in the theory. Vedas, what he rejected and despised, took possession of him. The hero understands that love is higher, more complicated than theories, does not obey the laws of physics. This speaks of the failure of nihilism. It was love that led to a crisis in the views and attitude of Bazarov to life. The inability to love Odintsova, the need to rethink one's values and principles led to the fact that the hero dies tragically, because this is the only way to achieve complete peace.
I.S. Turgenev shows that it is impossible to completely deny what is the basis of human existence. Spirituality takes over. Feelings that are born in the soul of even the most ardent nihilist can destroy any foundations and ideas. Real values cannot be despised, no matter how hard people try to do it. Such a position will only lead to confrontation with oneself, boundless internal struggle. And you should always remember that the power of love lies in the fact that everyone is powerless before it.
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» I.S. Turgenev was introduced to a wide range of readers in 1861, at a difficult time for the state, threatening revolution. The two main opposing camps, the liberals of the nobility and the revolutionary democrats, understood that changes were inevitable, but the first advocated the introduction of reforms, and the second - for radical transformations.
The protagonist of the work acts as a "new man" in the understanding of Turgenev. He did not have a very attractive appearance, often showed arrogance, harshness in judgments and categorical statements. Nevertheless, he is endowed with an extraordinary mind and fresh ideas.
It is impossible to call Arkady Kirsanov a true like-minded person of Bazarov. Although he considers it significant and mainly defines himself as a wonderful person, but for Arkady the great test is the maximalist pressure of Bazarov's put forward demands. Kirsanov considers love and family to be the main ones, and not progressive ideas.
Cause contempt in Bazarov, but are "necessary" to carry out dubious assignments. Using such a technique as satire, Turgenev describes these two characters, making a conscious emphasis on their stupidity, incoherence and licentiousness.
Sitnikov characterizes Kukshina as "the front line". In those days, divorces were rare, but Avdotya Nikitichna "parted" with her husband. But he does not know how to manage his independence. Chaotic life and periodic scandals - that's her lot.
Sitnikov, although he positions himself as a person of a progressive mind, nevertheless, is strenuously trying to integrate into a secular society where his presence is not accepted. Nihilism for him is just a way to put on a mask of originality, to hide his true origin and the ability to seem like an intelligent person.
Kukshina and Sitnikov are caricature images that make a negative impression, have cheeky manners and do not actually correspond to the definitions with which they associate themselves, being “pseudo-nihilists”, constantly emphasizing progressive views. But in fact they are people of primitive and simple thinking. These characters are full of fake unnaturalness. These characteristics are clearly endowed by I.S. Turgenev to Kukshin and Sitniki on the pages of numerous examples of their words, behavior, appearance and manners.
It goes without saying that Bazarov should have like-minded people, but, in fact, they are absent, since the “pseudo-nihilists” are not truly true to their convictions, which they only hide behind in pursuit of their goals. Thus, we can conclude that Bazarov suffered loneliness in his aspirations and public views.
Roman I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons" was published in 1862. It immediately attracted the attention of broad public circles in Russia and since then continues to arouse great interest among readers both by the severity of the questions posed in it and by its artistic merits. In this work, Turgenev managed to raise deep political, philosophical and aesthetic problems, capture real life conflicts, reveal the essence of the ideological struggle between the main social forces in Russia in the late 50s and early 60s of the XIX century.
The image of Yevgeny Bazarov - the main character of the novel - shocked the imagination of the entire reading public. In Russian literature, a raznochinets-democrat was depicted for the first time - a man of great willpower and strong convictions. K. A. Timiryazev, an outstanding naturalist, compared him in terms of social significance with the historical personality of Peter the Great: “The one and the other were, first of all, the embodiment of the“ eternal worker ”, anyway“ on the throne ”or in the workshop of science ... Both created, destroying ". The main conflict between the democratic hero and the liberals is formulated in the words of Bazarov addressed to Arkady Kirsanov: “You have neither impudence nor anger, but there is young courage and young enthusiasm; this is not suitable for our cause. Your noble brother is further than noble humility or it can't reach a noble boil, and that's nothing. You, for example, don't fight—and you already imagine yourself doing fine—but we want to fight." What are the views of this hero, who so takes up arms against the "noble humility" of the nobles and calls on his future like-minded people to "fight"? Turgenev endowed Bazarov with a peculiar attitude to philosophy, politics, science, and art. Only by clarifying this originality, one can understand all the actions of the hero, his inconsistency, his relationship with other characters in the novel.
Bazarov is a nihilist, a denier, a destroyer. In his denial, he stops at nothing. Why did Turgenev see the hero of his time in Bazarov? He began to work on the novel at a time when the abolition of serfdom had not yet taken place, when revolutionary sentiments were still growing and, above all, the ideas of denial and destruction in relation to the old order, old authorities and principles were striking. It should be noted that Bazarov's nihilism is not absolute. Bazarov does not deny what has been verified by experience and life practice. So, he is firmly convinced that labor is the basis of life and the vocation of man, that chemistry is a useful science, that the main thing in a person's worldview is a natural-scientific approach to everything. Bazarov says that he is preparing himself to do "a lot of things", however, what kind of things these are and what exactly Bazarov is striving for remains unclear. "At the present time, it is most useful to deny - we deny," he says. Bazarov is the spokesman for the ideas of the advanced democratic movement, which took shape and developed under the sign of the denial of everything historically associated with the nobility-serf society, with the noble culture, with the old world. In those years, in the circles of advanced student youth, it was primarily about the destruction of the old, that is, everything that formed the basis of life in pre-reform Russia. Herzen wrote: "We do not build, we break, we do not return a new revelation, but eliminate the old lie." Bazarov also declares the same.
How does the hero's nihilistic views affect his relationships with other characters in the novel?
When Arkady informed his uncle and father that Bazarov was a nihilist, they tried to give their own definition of this word. Nikolai Petrovich said: "Nihilist ... this is from the Latin nihil, nothing, as far as I can tell; therefore, this word means a person who ... who does not recognize anything?" Pavel Petrovich immediately picked up: "Say: who respects nothing." Arkady explained to them: "A nihilist is a person who does not bow to any authorities, who does not accept a single principle on faith, no matter how respected this principle may be." However, Pavel Petrovich remained of his opinion: a nihilist is a person "who respects nothing." At first, he did not attach serious importance to Bazarov's convictions, considering him an empty critic. However, he soon lost his calmness and self-confidence. Bazarov turned out to be not as empty and safe as he first thought, since he denied just everything that was close and dear to Pavel Petrovich and that was the essence of his existence, and this nihilist, judging by his statements, "was going to act." Bazarov, on the other hand, was imbued with ever greater contempt and irony towards the liberal "aristocrat". In this carefully traced ideological and psychological process of accumulation and growth, first of deep hostility and antipathy, and then of direct hostility, the very reality of that time was reflected. If in the relations between democrats and liberals in the late 1840s hostility, irony, polemical clashes prevailed, then by the end of the 1850s these relations became irreconcilably hostile. Their meetings in the same environment immediately gave rise to disputes and conflicts. According to eyewitnesses, such disputes arose between Turgenev himself and democratic critics. Turgenev was infuriated by the sight of the always calm and confident Dobrolyubov, and he tried to provoke a dispute with him, not recognizing his principles. Dobrolyubov, in turn, said that he was bored with Turgenev, and rejected his views on life. The psychology of these disputes, their essence and form, perhaps in a somewhat exaggerated form, Turgenev transferred to the pages of his novel.
Thus, placing a man from the democratic camp at the center of the novel and recognizing his strength and importance, Turgenev did not sympathize with him in many ways. He endowed his hero with a nihilistic attitude towards art and made it clear that he did not share his views. At the same time, the writer did not begin to find out the reasons for Bazarov's negative attitude towards art. However, it is not difficult to guess what these reasons are. Bazarov and his like-minded people (in reality, and not in the novel, since he does not have them in the novel) denied art because in the 1850s and 1860s it was placed by some poets and critics above those urgent civil, political tasks that, from their point of view, should have been resolved in the first place. They objected to people seeking to put art above socio-political problems even when it came to the works of such geniuses as Raphael or Shakespeare. This is what Bazarov does, declaring: "Rafael is not worth a penny"; "A decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet," etc. He does not want to admire the beauty of nature: "Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and man is a worker in it." Of course, Turgenev cannot support his hero here. Indeed, in the history of Russian literature there was, perhaps, no other such a major writer who would have loved nature so sincerely, selflessly and tenderly and so fully, versatilely reflected its beauty in his work.
Apparently, the problem of nihilism was not just of interest to the writer, it was suffered by him, since the adherents of this direction denied a lot of what was dear to him. However, the appearance of such a direction should have indicated that a crisis was ripe in the social system of Russia, and for many, the fascination with nihilistic views became a desperate attempt to find a way out of it. Perhaps Turgenev exaggerated somewhat, conveying the essence of this direction, but thanks to this, the problem of nihilism became even more acute. The writer showed the inconsistency of nihilistic views, forcing the protagonist now and then to enter into an argument with himself. Bazarov in many ways contradicted his convictions: in romantic love for Odintsova, in a duel with Pavel Petrovich, etc. The emotional throwing of the protagonist should have prompted the reader to think: should he join the ranks of nihilists or try to find some other way out of the situation .
Yevgeny Bazarov is the most attractive, most significant, but also the most controversial hero of Turgenev's novel Fathers and Sons. He, unlike the "not real nihilist", his friend Arkady Kirsanov, is the most real nihilist. What is nihilism? Bazarov's constant opponent, the aging aristocrat Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, reproaching the young raznochintsy - an admirer of natural scientific methods and an opponent of all and sundry authorities - of nihilism, means by this word an indiscriminate denial of the achievements of modern (in the conditions of Russia - noble) civilization, non-recognition of established norms of behavior in society. Bazarov, in a dispute with Pavel Petrovich, proclaims: “We act by virtue of what we recognize as useful ... At the present time, denial is most useful - we deny. - Everything? - Everything. - How? Not only art, poetry ... but also... "Everything," Bazarov repeated with inexpressible calm. "But allow me," Nikolai Petrovich began. "You deny everything, or, to put it more precisely, you destroy everything... Why, "It's not our business anymore... First we need to clear the place." The protagonist of "Fathers and Sons" actually calls for a revolution, for the destruction of the existing social order, so that in the cleared place it would be more convenient to build a beautiful new world in accordance with socialist ideals. At the same time, Bazarov believes in the creative power of science and denies any significance to poetry and art. He asserts that "a decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet," that "Rafael is not worth a penny," that Pushkin is "nonsense." Bazarov does not believe in words, he is entirely a man of action and ironically declares to Pavel Petrovich: "Aristocratism, liberalism, progress, principles ... just think how many foreign ... and useless words! A Russian person does not need them for nothing." Turgenev sympathizes with his hero, but, as an honest artist, he also shows the unattractive features of the "new people". Bazarov is convinced that he is working for the good of the people. But he never manages to find a common language with a man. Bazarov teases him, treats him with obvious irony: "Well, tell me your views on life, brother, because in you, they say, all the strength and future of Russia, a new era in history will begin from you ..." Nihilists to the people, like independent strength, they do not believe and rely mainly on themselves, they hope that the peasants will later be carried away by the positive example of the raznochintsy revolutionaries. The writer called Bazarov "an expression of our latest modernity." Later, people of this type, who appeared in Russia on the eve of the abolition of serfdom, were called not only "nihilists", but also "sixties" - by the time they began their activities, which coincided with the decade of reforms. However, the Bazarovs did not like the reformist path, they wanted more radical and faster changes. At the same time, there was no reason to doubt their personal disinterestedness. Turgenev himself testified in one of his letters: “All the true deniers whom I knew, without exception (Belinsky, Bakunin, Herzen, Dobrolyubov, Speshnev, etc.), came from relatively kind and honest parents. And this is great meaning: this takes away from the figures, from the deniers, every shadow of personal indignation, personal irritability. They follow their own path only because they are more sensitive to the demands of people's life. " True, Bazarov’s instinct for people’s life is just not enough. However, the conviction that he knows how the peasants should live for their happiness is certainly present in Turgenev's hero. Turgenev, in one of his letters, described his vision of Bazarov's image as follows: "I dreamed of a gloomy, wild, large figure, half out of the soil, strong, vicious, honest, - and yet doomed to death, - because she is all - still stands on the eve of the future ... "The author of "Fathers and Children" believed that Bazarov's time had not yet come, although he had little doubt that sooner or later such people would triumph in Russia. And another great Russian writer, Vladimir Nabokov, more than a hundred years after the publication of Turgenev's novel, when the descendants of the former nihilists had long ruled in his homeland, highly appreciated the image of the first nihilist in Russian literature: "Turgenev was able to realize his plan: to create a male character young Russian man, not at all like a journalistic doll of a socialist type and at the same time devoid of any introspection... Needless to say, Bazarov is a strong man, and if he crossed the thirty-year milestone ... he could certainly become a great thinker, a famous doctor or an active revolutionary." Turgenev managed to create a living character, and not a stilted character illustrating some kind of stilted idea. Bazarov is also familiar with the feeling of love, somewhat softening his rough soul. However, Odintsova, Bazarov's beloved, nevertheless renounced him: "She forced herself to reach a certain line, forced herself to look beyond her - and saw behind her not even an abyss, but emptiness ... or disgrace." The writer left readers with a choice: what is still lurking in Bazarov's soul - is it only immunity to beauty or indifference to the lives of other people in general. But Bazarov is clearly not indifferent to death. He realizes: "Yes, go and try to deny death. It denies you, and that's it!" There is something in the protagonist of "Fathers and Sons" besides his nihilism and faith in practical reason, which attracts the sympathy of readers to Bazarov. At the same time, the extremes of Bazarov's nihilism in the novel are opposed by living life itself, given by Turgenev with amazing psychological depth. Critic N.N. Strakhov: "Looking at the picture of the novel more calmly and at some distance, we can easily notice that, although Bazarov is head and shoulders above all other persons, although he majestically passes across the stage, triumphant, worshiped, respected, loved and mourned, there is, however, that - something that, on the whole, is higher than Bazarov. What is it? Looking more closely, we will find that this is the highest - not some faces, but the life that inspires them. Higher than Bazarov is that fear, that love, those tears that he inspires.Above Bazarov is the stage on which he passes.
The charm of nature, the charm of art, women's love, family love, parental love, even religion, all this - living, full, powerful - forms the background against which Bazarov is drawn ... The further we go in the novel ... the the figure of Bazarov becomes gloomier and more intense, but at the same time the background of the picture becomes brighter and brighter. "Bazarov, like many other representatives of his generation, is impatient. He strives for quick changes, even during his lifetime. Eugene does not delve into the soul of an individual , being convinced that people are all the same. In order to benefit them, you only need to correct society - and people will stop suffering. Bazarov says to his friend Arkady Kirsanov: "How do you look from the side and from afar at the deaf life that the "fathers" lead here" , it seems: what is better? Eat, drink, and know that you are doing the right thing, the most reasonable way. But no: longing will overcome. I want to mess with people, at least scold them, but mess with them. "The last sentence, one might say, is the creed of Russian nihilism (or, what is the same, revolutionaries - after all, Turgenev pointed out in one of his letters that if Bazarov "is called nihilist, it should be read: revolutionary"). Nihilists are ready to sharply criticize not only the authorities, but also the people: for darkness, humility, inertia. And at the same time they are ready to mess with the peasants - but only in the mass, with all at once. In the same conversation with Arkady, Bazarov sharply places himself above everyone, including the people, for the good of which he himself and his comrades are working: “When I meet a person who would not give in to me ... then I will change my mind about to himself. Hate! Yes, for example, you said today, passing by the hut of our elder Philip, - it is so nice, white, - now, you said, Russia will then reach perfection when the last peasant has the same room, and each of us must contribute to this ... And I began to hate this last peasant, Philip or Sidor, for whom I have to climb out of my skin and who won’t even thank me ... and why should I thank him? Well, he will live in a white hut, and burdock will grow out of me; Well, what's next?" In Turgenev's novel, Bazarov concentrates both the best and worst features of the Russian revolutionary youth of the late 50s - early 60s of the XIX century - the very eve of the era of the Great Reforms. Then the question of the abolition of serfdom was already a foregone conclusion and it was only about the terms and conditions of the peasant reform.The youth of the heterogeneous Bazarov generation advocated radical transformations and hoped to rely on the peasantry, to raise it to fight for their pria, Bazarov attracts with his energy, determination, passion for exploring nature, for everyday work. Not without reason, at the beginning of the novel, the writer emphasized that while Arkady was idly spending time, Bazarov was working. However, the protagonist repels with his intolerance, denial of poetry, art, everything that relates to the spiritual life of a person, tries to reduce it to natural physiological processes. Turgenev shows the superiority of Bazarov even over the best representatives of the old noble generation, but still, perhaps subconsciously, he fears that over time such people will dominate society. To some extent, he connects his hopes with "fake" nihilists like Arkady Kirsanov. In terms of strength of character, intellectual pressure and polemical art, he is certainly inferior to his friend Bazarov. However, in the finale of "Fathers and Sons" it was Arkady who "became a zealous owner" and the "farm" (Kirsanov's estate) began to bring "a rather significant income." Young Kirsanov has all the chances to successfully fit into the Russian post-reform reality, and the well-being of the owner should gradually lead to a happier life for his employees. To gradual, to a slow but sure improvement in the conditions of people's life due to economic progress and "small deeds", which should be carried out for the benefit of the bulk of the population by representatives of the educated classes, including the nobility, who are not adjacent to either the government or the revolutionary camp , Turgenev pinned his hopes.
The novel "Fathers and Sons" has a complex structure and a multi-level conflict. Outwardly, it represents a contradiction between two generations of people. But this eternal is complicated by ideological and philosophical differences. Turgenev's task was to show the pernicious influence of certain philosophical currents on modern youth, in particular nihilism.
What is nihilism?
Nihilism is an ideological and philosophical trend, according to which there are no and cannot be authorities, none of the postulates should be taken on faith. (as he himself notes) is a merciless denial of everything. German materialism served as the philosophical basis for the formation of the nihilistic doctrine. It is no coincidence that Arkady and Bazarov offer Nikolai Petrovich instead of Pushkin to read Buechner, in particular his work Matter and Force. Bazarov's position was formed not only under the influence of books, teachers, but also from live observation of life. Bazarov's quotes about nihilism confirm this. In a dispute with Pavel Petrovich, he says that he would gladly agree if Pavel Petrovich would present him "at least one decision in our modern life, in family or public life, which would not cause complete and merciless denial."
Basic nihilistic ideas of the hero
Bazarov's nihilism is manifested in his attitude to various spheres of life. In the first part of the novel, two ideas collide, two representatives of the older and younger generations - Evgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. They immediately feel dislike for each other, and then sort things out in polemics.
Art
Bazarov speaks most sharply about art. He considers it a useless sphere that does not give a person anything but stupid romanticism. Art, according to Pavel Petrovich, is a spiritual sphere. It is thanks to him that a person develops, learns to love and think, understand another, learn about the world.
Nature
Bazarov's review looks somewhat blasphemous, not a temple, but a workshop. And the person is a worker in it. "The hero does not see her beauty, does not feel harmony with her. In contrast to this review, Nikolai Petrovich walks through the garden, admires the beauty of spring. He cannot understand how Bazarov does not see all this, how he can remain so indifferent to God's creation.
The science
What does Bazarov appreciate? After all, he cannot have a sharply negative attitude towards everything. The only thing the hero sees value and benefit in is science. Science as the basis of knowledge, human development. Of course, Pavel Petrovich, as an aristocrat and a representative of the older generation, also appreciates and respects science. However, for Bazarov, the ideal is the German materialists. For them, there is no love, affection, feelings, for them a person is just an organic system in which certain physical and chemical processes take place. The protagonist of the novel "Fathers and Sons" tends to the same paradoxical thoughts.
Bazarov's nihilism is called into question, he is tested by the author of the novel. Hence, an internal conflict arises, which no longer takes place in the Kirsanovs' house, where Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich argue every day, but in the soul of Yevgeny himself.
The future of Russia and nihilism
Bazarov, as a representative of the advanced direction of Russia, is interested in its future. So, according to the hero, in order to build a new society, first you need to "clear the place." What does this mean? Of course, the expression of the hero can be interpreted as a call for revolution. The development of the country must begin with cardinal changes, with the destruction of everything old. Bazarov, at the same time, reproaches the generation of liberal aristocrats for their inaction. Bazarov speaks of nihilism as the most effective direction. But it is worth saying that the nihilists themselves have not yet done anything. Bazarov's actions are manifested only in words. Thus, Turgenev emphasizes that the characters - representatives of the older and younger generations - are very similar in some ways. Eugene's views are very frightening (this is confirmed by Bazarov's quotes about nihilism). After all, on what is any state built in the first place? On traditions, culture, patriotism. But if there are no authorities, if you do not appreciate art, the beauty of nature, if you do not believe in God, then what is left for people? Turgenev was very afraid that such ideas could come true, that Russia would then have a very hard time.
internal conflict in the novel. love test
There are two key characters in the novel who supposedly play a cameo role. In fact, they reflect Turgenev's attitude towards nihilism, they debunk this phenomenon. Bazarov's nihilism begins to be comprehended by him a little differently, although the author does not directly tell us this. So, in the city, Evgeny and Arkady meet Sitnikov and Kukshina. They are progressive people who are interested in everything new. Sitnikov is an adherent of nihilism, he expresses his admiration for Bazarov. At the same time, he himself behaves like a jester, he shouts out nihilistic slogans, it all looks ridiculous. Bazarov treats him with obvious contempt. Kukshina is an emancipated woman, simply slovenly, stupid and rude. That's about all there is to say about the characters. If they are representatives of the nihilism on which Bazarov has such high hopes, then what is the future of the country? From that moment on, doubts appear in the soul of the hero, which intensify when he meets Odintsova. The strength and weakness of Bazarov's nihilism manifest themselves precisely in the chapters that speak of the hero's love feelings. He strongly opposes his love, because it's all stupid and useless romanticism. But his heart tells him something else. Odintsova sees that Bazarov is smart and interesting, that there is some truth in his ideas, but their categorical nature betrays the weakness and dubiousness of his convictions.
Turgenev's attitude towards his hero
Not without reason around the novel "Fathers and Sons" a stormy controversy unfolded. First, the topic was very topical. Secondly, many representatives of literary criticism were, like Bazarov, passionate about the philosophy of materialism. Thirdly, the novel was bold, talented and new.
There is an opinion that Turgenev condemns his hero. That he slanders the younger generation, seeing only the bad in them. But this opinion is wrong. If you look at the figure of Bazarov more closely, then you can see a strong, purposeful and noble nature in him. Bazarov's nihilism is only an outward manifestation of his mind. Turgenev, rather, feels disappointed that such a talented person has become obsessed with such an unjustified and limited teaching. Bazarov cannot but arouse admiration. He is bold and bold, he is smart. But other than that, he's also kind. It is no coincidence that all peasant children are drawn to him.
As for the author's assessment, it is most fully manifested in the finale of the novel. Bazarov's grave, to which his parents come, is literally immersed in flowers and greenery, birds sing over it. It is unnatural for parents to bury their children. The beliefs of the protagonist were also unnatural. And nature, eternal, beautiful and wise, confirms that Bazarov was wrong when he saw in it only material for achieving human goals.
Thus, Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" can be seen as a debunking of nihilism. Bazarov's attitude to nihilism is not just a philosophy of life. But this teaching is questioned not only by representatives of the older generation, but also by life itself. Bazarov, in love and suffering, dies from an accident, science is unable to help him, and over his grave Mother Nature is still beautiful and calm.
