Genre originality fathers and sons. Genre and compositional features of the novel by I.S.

The most important feature of the amazing talent of I.S. Turgenev - sharp feeling 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.

Clash of two political forces, liberal nobles and raznochintsev revolutionaries, found artistic expression in a new work, which is created in difficult period public opposition.

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 was very worried about leaving the magazine, because the memory of Belinsky was associated with him. The articles of Dobrolyubov, with whom Ivan Sergeevich constantly argued and sometimes disagreed, served real basis to depict ideological divisions. The radical young man was not on the side of gradual reforms, like the author of Fathers and Sons, but firmly believed in the path of revolutionary transformation of Russia. The editor of the magazine, Nikolai Nekrasov, supported this point of view, so the classics left the editorial office. fiction— Tolstoy and Turgenev.

The first sketches for the future novel were made at the end of July 1860 on the English Isle of Wight. The image of Bazarov was defined by the author as the character of a self-confident, hard-working, nihilist person who does not recognize compromises and authorities. Working on the novel, Turgenev involuntarily imbued with sympathy for his character. In this he is helped by the diary of the protagonist, which is kept by the writer himself.

In May 1861, the writer returns from Paris to his Spasskoe estate and makes the last entry in the manuscripts. In February 1862, the novel was published in Russkiy Vestnik.

Main problems

After reading the novel, you understand its true value, created by the "genius of measure" (D. Merezhkovsky). What did Turgenev like? What did you doubt? What did you dream about?

1. Central to the book are moral problem intergenerational relationships. "Fathers" or "children"? The fate of everyone is connected with the search for an answer to the question: what is the meaning of life? For the new people, it consists in work, but the old guard sees it in reasoning and contemplation, because crowds of peasants work for them. In this principled position and 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 moral choice: on which side is the truth? Turgenev believed that the past cannot be denied, because only thanks to it the future is being built. In the image of Bazarov, he expressed the need to preserve the continuity of generations. The hero is unhappy because he is lonely and understood, because he himself did not strive for anyone and did not want to understand. However, changes, whether the people of the past like it or not, will come anyway, and we must be ready for them. This is evidenced by the ironic image of Pavel Kirsanov, who lost his sense of reality, putting on ceremonial tailcoats in the village. The writer urges to be sensitive to changes and try to understand them, and not indiscriminately scold, like Uncle Arkady. Thus, the solution to the problem is in a tolerant attitude. different people each other and an attempt to know the opposite life concept. In this sense, the position of Nikolai Kirsanov won, who was tolerant of new trends and was never in a hurry to judge them. His son also found a compromise solution.
3. However, the author made it clear that there is a high purpose behind the tragedy of Bazarov. It is precisely such desperate and self-confident pioneers who pave the way for the world forward, so the problem of recognizing this mission in society also occupies 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 cruel morals of the conservative world are pushing him out because they feel threatened by 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 the eternal human values: love, friendship, art, relationship to nature. Turgenev knew how to reveal the depths of human nature in love, to test the true essence of a person with love. But not everyone passes this test, an example of this is Bazarov, who breaks down under the onslaught of feelings.

All the interests and ideas of the writer were entirely focused on the most important tasks of the time, went towards the most burning problems of everyday life.

Characteristics of the heroes of the novel

Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov- comes from the people. The son of a regimental doctor. Grandfather from the father's side "plowed the land." Eugene himself makes his way in life, receives a good education. Therefore, the hero is careless in clothes and manners, no one brought him up. Bazarov is a representative of the new revolutionary-democratic generation, whose task is to destroy the old way of life, to fight against those who slow down community development. A complex, doubting person, but proud and adamant. How to fix society, Yevgeny Vasilyevich is very vague. Denies old world, accepts only what is confirmed by practice.

• The writer displayed in Bazarov the type young man who believes exclusively in scientific activity and rejection of religion. The hero has a deep interest in the natural sciences. From childhood, his parents instilled in him a love of work.
• He condemns the people for illiteracy and ignorance, but is proud of his origin. The views and beliefs of Bazarov do not find like-minded people. Sitnikov, a talker and a phrase-monger, and the "emancipated" Kukshina are useless "followers".
• In Yevgeny Vasilyevich, a soul unknown to him rushes about. What should a physiologist and an anatomist do with it? It is not visible under a microscope. But the soul hurts, although it - scientific fact- No!
• Turgenev most novel explores the "temptations" of its 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 final 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 - carrier noble culture. Bazarov is disgusted by Pavel Petrovich's "starched collars", "long nails". But aristocratic manners the hero is 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 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. 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, 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 " more kids events than the 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: 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 means not older and younger generation, 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" teach serious attitude to the world 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 a “merciless” and “destructive criticism of 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 social - public life countries.

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. Every person has a unique spiritual image, whether he is a nihilist or a simple man in the street. Respect and reverence for another person is made up of respect for the fact that in him there is the same secret flicker of a living soul as in you.

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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, preserving the main thing - the value of the family. The second one demonstrates the processes taking place in the society of that time. Through dialogues and skillfully crafted images of heroes, a type that has barely begun to emerge is presented. public figure denies all the foundations of the existing statehood and subjected to ridicule such moral and ethical values ​​as love feelings and sincere affection.

Ivan Sergeevich himself does not take sides in the work. As an author, he condemns both the nobility and representatives of new social and political movements, clearly showing that the value of life and sincere affection is much higher than rebelliousness and political passions.

History of creation

Of all the works of Turgenev, the novel "Fathers and Sons" was the only one written in a short time. From the moment the idea was born to the first publication of the manuscript, only two years passed.

The first thoughts about the new story came to the writer in August 1860 during his stay in England on the Isle of Wight. This was facilitated by Turgenev's acquaintance with a provincial young doctor. Fate pushed them in bad weather on the railway and under the pressure of circumstances, they talked 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", the location of the filming is the Fryanovo estate, 1983)

In the autumn of the same year, upon his return 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 his arrival in Russia, in the middle of the summer of 1861.

Until the spring of 1862, reading his novel to friends and giving the manuscript for reading to the editor of the Russian Messenger, 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 published six months later. In it, Bazarov was presented in a more unsightly light and the image of the main character was a bit repulsive.

Analysis of the work

Main plot

The protagonist of the novel, the nihilist Bazarov, together with the young nobleman Arkady Kirsanov, arrives at the Kirsanovs' estate, where the protagonist meets his friend's father and uncle.

Pavel Petrovich is a refined aristocrat who absolutely does not like either Bazarov or the ideas and values ​​​​he shows. Bazarov also does not remain in debt, and no less actively and passionately, he speaks out against the values ​​and morals of the old people.

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

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

Gradually, relations between Bazarov and Arkady deteriorate, and Arkady himself gets carried away younger sister Anna Ekaterina.

Relations between the older generation of the Kirsanovs and Bazarov are heating up, it comes to a duel, in which Pavel Petrovich is injured. This puts a bullet between Arkady and Bazarov, and the main character has to return to Father's house. There he becomes infected with a deadly disease and dies in the arms of his own parents.

At the end of the novel, Anna Sergeevna Odintsova marries for convenience, Arkady and Ekaterina, as well as Fenechka and Nikolai Petrovich, marry. They play their weddings on the same day. Uncle Arkady leaves the estate and goes to live abroad.

Heroes of Turgenev's novel

Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov

Bazarov is a medical student, social status, a simple man, the son of a military doctor. He is seriously into natural sciences, shares the beliefs of nihilists and denies romantic attachments. He is self-confident, proud, ironic and mocking. Bazarov does not like to talk much.

Beyond love main character does not share admiration for art, has little faith in medicine, regardless of the education he receives. Not referring to himself as a romantic nature, 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, the existence of which he denied and ridiculed. Turgenev clearly demonstrates the intrapersonal conflict, at the moment when the feelings and beliefs of a person 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 temperament, he is naive and easily falls under the influence of Bazarov. Outwardly, he shares the beliefs of the nihilists, but in his heart, and further in the story it is clear, he appears as a generous, gentle and very sentimental young man. Over time, the hero himself understands this.

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

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

For the main characters, she looks beautiful and inaccessible, because she does not reciprocate with anyone. Even after the death of the hero, she remarries, and again by calculation.

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

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, he is a completely harmless person and an undemanding owner. He is soft, kind, attached to his son. By nature, he is a romantic, he likes music, nature, poetry. Nikolai Petrovich loves a quiet, calm, measured life in the countryside.

At one time he married for love and lived happily in marriage until his wife died. During for long years could not recover after the death of his beloved, but over the years he found love again and she became Fenechka, a simple and poor girl.

Refined aristocrat, 45 years old, uncle of Arkady. At one time he served as an officer of the guard, but because of Princess R. his life changed. A secular lion in the past, a heartthrob who easily won the love of women. All his life he built in the English style, read newspapers in foreign language, conducted business and life.

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

Analysis of the plot of the novel

The main plot of Turgenev's novel, which has become 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 conditional 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, which test Evgeny's beliefs for stamina. 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 is demonstrated in the conflict, but also reflected in the repetition of the protagonist's route. Bazarov ends up twice on the Kirsanovs' estate, visits Odintsova twice, and also returns twice to his parents' house.

The denouement of the plot is the death of the protagonist, 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.

Main characters

• Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov- nihilist, student studying to be a doctor. In nihilism, he is Arkady's mentor, protesting 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 presented by the nihilists, and with the approval of his brother, he marries her.
• Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov- Nikolai Petrovich's brother, 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 from his own convictions.
• Vasily Ivanovich Bazarov- Bazarov's father, a retired army surgeon and a small owner of land, as well as serfs. Educated and enlightened, he nevertheless feels, like many, that rural isolation has left him out of reach. modern ideas. He thus retains loyalty to the traditional ways, manifested 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 is a wealthy widow who entertains nihilist 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- the sister of Anna Odintsova, a quiet girl, invisible in the shadow of her sister, 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.
• bauble- the mother of the child Nikolai Petrovich. Lives with him in the same house.

Notes

Links

• "Fathers and Sons" at Wikisource

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

Fathers and Sons: Fathers and Sons novel by Turgenev 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. Turgenev*. Written in 1859-1861, 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 Dictionary

This term has other meanings, see Fathers and children (meanings). Fathers and Sons Fathers and Sons ... Wikipedia

Fathers and sons (Turgeneva)- a novel in XXVIII chapters. Dedicated to the memory of Vissarion Grigoryevich Belinsky. Written in 1861. Action time 1859. None of T.'s novels caused as many attacks on the author as O. and D.. T.'s intentions are interpreted by critics differently ... Dictionary of literary types

Bazarov, Evgeny Vasilievich ("Fathers and Sons")- See also The son of a retired doctor's staff, a medical student preparing for the doctor's exam. B. was tall, with a courageous voice, with a firm and swift gait. His long and thin face, with a wide forehead, flat upwards, downwards ... ... Dictionary of literary types

Detailed narration that tends to give the impression of a story about real people and events that are not really such. No matter how large it is, the novel always offers the reader a detailed in its entirety ... ... Collier Encyclopedia

This term has other meanings, see What to do?. What to do? Genre: novel

Philosophical novel literary term which became popular in the 20th century. This term denotes works of art, written in a novel form, in the plot or images of which known role play philosophical ... ... Wikipedia

A peculiar dilogy of the modern Russian prose writer Vladimir Sorokin (1995), one of major representatives conceptualism (see CONCEPTUALISM). Both novels appeared at the same time and were printed in the same way. The words themselves are the norm and ... Encyclopedia of cultural studies

Books

• Fathers and Sons. Version 2. 0. Anthology of the modern, Aznauryan Hovhannes, Senchin Roman Valerievich, Lipskerov Mikhail Fedorovich, Sadulaev German Umaralievich, Levental Vadim Andreevich, Buyda Yuri Vasilyevich, Guga Vladimir, Fedenko Alexander. Childhood is a tough time. If you are in kindergarten never forced to wash the floor with your own shirt, unless you climbed into the old cemeteries at night to be afraid and teased in the yard ...

... since ancient tragedy we already know that real conflicts are those in which both sides are right to a certain extent.
I. S. Turgenev

According to the genre "Fathers and Sons" (1861) - a novel, but if you open genre originality of this work, then it is a social (ideological) and psychological novel.

The theme of the novel "Fathers and Sons" is the image of the socio-political situation on the eve of the abolition of serfdom. In 1859-1861, the first revolutionary situation developed in Russia, which ended with the abolition of serfdom "from above". The revolutionary situation was characterized, on the one hand, by peasant unrest throughout the country, and, on the other hand, by a special intensity of the socio-political struggle. Turgenev closely followed the political clashes in society (on the pages of magazines, in books) and reflected in his novel ideological struggle liberals and revolutionary democrats.

In "Fathers and Sons" the struggle of the main social forces Russia on the eve of the reform of 1861, which makes the novel social. Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, speaking on the fashionable topic of liberal reforms, actually defends the interests of the most conservative local nobility which is afraid of real social transformations. Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov and Arkady belong to real noble liberals and are waiting for reforms from the authorities, since personal experience see that changes in the economic life of the country are necessary, that serfdom hinders the development of Russia. Yevgeny Bazarov is the representative of the most decisive part of Russian society - the democrats, who advocate the most radical transformations in all areas of Russian life with the help of the revolution. Bazarov - a nobleman in the second generation - due to his poverty, did not have time to assimilate noble virtues and prejudices. It would be more correct to call him an intellectual, and not a nobleman, but a raznochinsk one. Bazarov can be attributed to the type of heroes who received domestic literary criticism the name "new people", it is thanks to this hero that the novel "Fathers and Sons" is of serious historical and literary interest.

Conventionally, the novel can be divided into two parts. In the first, the author reveals the image of Bazarov in a clash with ideological opponents. Turgenev describes in detail the disputes between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov, who express different opinions on the same issues this allows us to clarify the genre originality of the novel: it is not only social, but also ideological. A.S. Griboedov’s comedy “Woe from Wit” is constructed in a similar way: ideological opponents are Chatsky and Famus Society- argue in different ways public affairs(on noble service, on education, on family relations, on patriotism, etc.). In Fathers and Sons, ideological opponents discuss the most pressing issues of their time: the need for reforms, the mood of the people, the rural community, the role of the nobility in society, nihilists, Russian history, art, etc. One can compare, for example, the attitude of ideological opponents towards the people. Pavel Petrovich declares that he loves the people, but Turgenev reports that the aristocrat is talking with the peasants, burying his nose in a perfumed handkerchief (VII). In the epilogue, the author venomously remarks that Pavel Petrovich's love for the people manifests itself in one thing: in Dresden, on his table, there is a silver ashtray in the form of a peasant's bast shoes. Bazarov, for his part, proudly pronounces that he himself came out of the people: “My grandfather plowed the land” (X). At the same time, the young nihilist does not hide the fact that he looks at the peasant rather contemptuously, and, after all, the peasant himself has a very bad opinion of himself. In fairness, it should be noted that Bazarov looks at his own person just as soberly, without sentimentality.

In all disputes with Pavel Petrovich, Bazarov wins: the village aristocrat cannot object to the comprehensive criticism of the Russian order given by the nihilist. In these clashes, Turgenev draws attention to the probative force and justice of Bazarov’s views, but in some matters (regarding art, love, nature, family relations) the writer cannot agree with his resolute hero, although he diligently cites his bold statements that there is no love, but only the physiological attraction of the sexes; that Raphael is "not worth a penny" (X); that nature is nothing, that parental love- annoying feeling.

The second part of the novel, according to the writer, should prove to both the readers and the hero himself how wrong he was in his nihilistic attitude towards universal human values. At the ball in provincial city Bazarov meets Anna Sergeevna Odintsova and later truly falls in love with her. So Bazarov learns from personal experience that ideal love still exists - he himself suffers from unrequited love. If in the first part of the novel the young nihilist declares to Arkady: “Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and man is a worker in it” (IX), now he understands how important nature-temple is for a person, where he can take a break from everyday bustle, calm nerves, without interference to think over their ideas and problems. Enamored Bazarov walks in the far corners of the park, in the forest, in the field. The first part of Bazarov’s explanation with Odintsova takes place in a poetic setting (at the window open to the garden, into which summer night, fresh and mysterious). In other words, Turgenev demonstrates that the erroneous views of the protagonist, still a very young man, are shattered when confronted with real life.

The writer treats his hero with both obvious sympathy and prejudice. The author recognizes the strength of Bazarov's personality. This is manifested, first, in the fact that ideological disputes the nihilist always wins over the liberal nobles. Secondly, the death of Bazarov, depicted in the finale, confirms the strength of his character, as D.I. Pisarev rightly pointed out in his analysis of the novel. Bazarov, even before his death, does not change his life principles and courageously meets his end. Thirdly, next to the main character, two more "nihilist-progressives" are depicted - Kukshina and Sitnikov, who are an evil caricature of advanced people of his time.

But Turgenev, a man of liberal convictions, while recognizing the strength of a hero, cannot agree with his nihilistic views on human feelings, art, cannot approve of radical statements about the old way of life, created by the efforts of entire generations, and yet Bazarov calmly declares to Pavel Petrovich: “First, you need to clear the place, and others will build” (X). These aspects of the personality of the young nihilist cause the writer to have a negative attitude, therefore Bazarov is portrayed in the novel tendentiously, that is, the author deliberately sharpens and enhances some character traits and some controversial statements of the hero.

First of all, tendentiousness is manifested in the description of the appearance of the protagonist, given at the beginning of the novel: a long face, long hair sand color, strange sideburns, red hands without gloves, an old hoodie coat. No wonder Pavel Petrovich's valet called the guest "a real pig in the bush" (X). In addition, the portrait shows that, firstly, Bazarov is a poor man and that, secondly, he despises the manners of noblemen such as secular lion Pavel Petrovich and deliberately gives little attention to clothes. Turgenev's prejudice was also manifested in the fact that his hero, contrary to his strong convictions, participates in a duel, which is depicted as a parody of a real duel. Bazarov, wanting to be cured of his unhappy love for Odintsova, flirts with Fenechka. He deservedly despises the insignificant Sitnikov, but at the same time he cynically declares that he needs such boobies for dirty deeds: “It’s not for the gods (...) to burn pots” (XIX). Finally, at the behest of the author, Bazarov dies due to a stupid accident, having never done anything in life.

"Fathers and Sons" is a psychological novel, because Turgenev pays great attention depicting the feelings and experiences of their characters. At the same time, the peculiarity of the psychologism (“iceberg principle”) of the writer is to give the reader himself the opportunity to guess about the feelings of the characters by a few hints. The actions of the heroes in Turgenev are not accompanied by long painful thoughts, as in the novels of F.M. Dostoevsky; heroes in Turgenev do not solve their own worldview problems in long internal monologues, like the heroes of Leo Tolstoy. According to Turgenev, a writer should not spend psychological analysis in front of the reader: he does all this with the characters in advance, and presents the reader only with the results of the experiences and thoughts of the characters.

An example of Turgenev's psychologism is the love story of Arkady Kirsanov. The young man very accurately comprehends his life impressions - observations of nature, the characters of the people he met (the Loktev sisters, Bazarov's parents, Bazarov himself). Arkady follows the romance between Odintsova and Bazarov with sadness and jealousy, and he himself imperceptibly falls in love with the quiet, shy Katya, who seems to him a simple and sweet girl. Both in life and in love, he is only capable of ordinary deeds, and to love a woman like Odintsova, all the more so to love hopelessly, is beyond Arkady's power.

So, in the center of the socio-psychological novel "Fathers and Sons" stands new hero epoch - new person- Bazarov. The appearance of people of this type in Russian life became the most important social phenomenon of the 50s and 60s of the 19th century. Many Russian writers tried to understand and portray them.

N.G. Chernyshevsky saw them, one might say, from the inside, because he himself belonged to such people. In the novel "What to do?" "new people" are described as heroes of their time: they found in life a philosophical " golden mean”, work both for themselves and for the public good, defend their human dignity without humiliating someone else. N.S. Leskov assessed the “new people” from the outside and very critically, therefore, in the novel “Nowhere” he portrayed them as unscrupulous functionaries who dream of power over the “anthill” (Rodion Raskolnikov will talk about this later), and power will bring them and material well-being.

Turgenev, determining his place in the political struggle of the 60s, preferred to stay with the "fathers". In other words, Turgenev looked at the "new people" from the outside, but as a wise "ancestor", who notes both strong and weak sides younger generation. Such a balanced and benevolent approach to "new people" makes the novel "Fathers and Sons" especially interesting, and the image of Bazarov - bright and convincing.

Significant for its time, the novel "Fathers and Sons", which was written by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev in the second half of the 19th century, has not lost its relevance to this day. At one time, the image of Yevgeny Bazarov, who is the main character of the novel "Fathers and Sons", was perceived as a model that should be imitated, especially for young people. Now, considering the question of what the novel "Fathers and Sons" is about, we will only casually mention Bazarov's personal characteristics, focusing primarily on the plot.

The plot of the novel "Fathers and Sons"

Evgeny Bazarov embodied a whole bouquet ideals that are clearly traced in his worldview. He was uncompromising, did not bow before authoritative people and their principles, did not follow previously established truths, giving priority to concepts that were useful in his opinion, and not beautiful.

So, in order to vividly show what the novel "Fathers and Sons" is about, we will now look directly at the events and the main characters. It is important to remember that the peasant reform of 1861 significant role V Russian history, and the events described by Turgenev unfold just on the eve of this reform - in the summer of 1859. Let's start to analyze the plot of the novel "Fathers and Sons".

Yevgeny Bazarov and Arkady Kirsanov visit Maryino to stay with the elder Kirsanovs for a short time - this is Arkady's father (Nikolai Petrovich) and uncle (father's brother Pavel Petrovich). However, Bazarov does not get along with them, and soon decides to leave. He goes, accompanied by Arkady, to one provincial town. Friends are happy to spend time in the company of Kukshina and Sitnikova, who belong to the ranks of progressive youth. And a little later they are invited to the ball to the governor, where they make acquaintance with Odintsova.

Having left for Odintsova's estate, which Bazarov and Arkady have already taken a great interest in, they have fun in Nikolskoye, but Bazarov undertakes failed attempt to explain to Odintsova his feelings, and he has to retreat. Bazarov has parents - Vasily and Arina, and it is to them that Bazarov goes again with Arkady. After a while, Bazarov gets bored of sitting in parental home, so they, having stopped at Nikolskoye (where they are coldly greeted), go to Maryino.

Nikolai Petrovich, father of Arkady Kirsanov, has illegitimate son, born from Fenechka - a girl who is kept in the Kirsanovs' house. Once, out of boredom and incomprehensible passion, Bazarov kissed a young woman Fenechka, but this scene was seen by his father's brother Pavel Petrovich, because of which he and Bazarov had a duel. Arkady decides to return to Nikolskoye, where he falls in love with Odintsova's sister Katya, Bazarov also comes there a little later, apologizing for his confession to Odintsova, but does not stay long, deciding to live with his parents again.

There, Bazarov, helping his father in treating the sick, becomes infected with typhus and dies, having seen Odintsova before his death. Arkady and Katya get married, Arkady's uncle Pavel Petrovich leaves his homeland, having gone abroad, and his father, nevertheless, marries Fenechka.

In this article, we only looked at what the novel "Fathers and Sons" is about and briefly saw the characterization of Bazarov. You can read more about the main characters of the novel and its analysis in other articles of our blog. We hope that you also found the plot of the novel "Fathers and Sons" useful.