Who are the fathers and sons? Turgenev fathers and sons. The main characters of the novel
In the second half of the 19th century, Russia was going through difficult times. This is a period of crisis in the national system of serfdom, and, as a consequence, increased discontent of the peasants, repeated outbreaks of popular uprisings and the need for fundamental changes in the economy and government structure. Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev could not remain silent and not respond to the call of time. He writes one of his best works - the novel “Fathers and Sons,” which revealed both the essence of those hot years and the inevitable split in society. In the 60s of the last century, the Russian public was mainly divided into two opposing camps. The first are democrats, spokesmen for the public opinion of the peasant masses, advocating a revolutionary path to change society. They were opposed by the liberal nobility - the old generation, which advocated gradual reforms. Both of them were against serfdom, but the latter were afraid of shock therapy, which could unwittingly lead to peasant revolts and the overthrow of the autocracy. It is around this clash of ideas and opinions that the plot of the work revolves.
If you read “Fathers and Sons” online, you will notice that the main character, Evgeny Bazarov, plays the role of a democrat. He is a representative of the younger generation, a medical student, a nihilist, who does not believe in anything and denies everything and everyone. In his opinion, the meaning of life lies in continuous work, in the desire to create something material. This is where his prejudice against “useless” nature and the arts, aimed solely at contemplation and not having any material basis, arises. Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, a prominent representative of the liberal nobility, a man of the older generation, comes into confrontation with him. Unlike Bazarov, who devotes every free minute to scientific experiments, he leads the measured life of a socialite. He cannot imagine life without love for nature, literature, painting, and is confident in the inviolability of such concepts as progress, liberalism, the basic principles of human existence, aristocracy and others. But the views and positions of these two heroes differ not only because they belong to the exponents of different ideologies. They are also representatives of different classes and two generations - fathers and sons, whose similarity and at the same time irreconcilability have always been, are and will be in any society and in any century. Hence the title of the book, “Fathers and Sons,” which shows that behind the external opposition there is a deeper problem, a more global confrontation.
Turgenev’s book “Fathers and Sons” can be downloaded in its entirety for free on our website.
Here is a summary of the final chapters of Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons,” namely chapters 21 – 28.
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Click on the desired chapter to go to its contents.
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 21. Summary.
The next morning, Arkady sees Bazarov's father planting turnips. Father asks Arkady about Evgeniy. He honestly answers that Evgeny Bazarov is one of the most remarkable people of his time. Father is very happy to hear such words.
During the day, while resting, Bazarov talks with Kirsanov. We are talking about life, about hatred. Bazarov says to Arkady: “ You are a gentle soul, a weakling, where can you hate!"Arkady wants to know how highly Bazarov thinks of himself. He answers: “ When I meet a person who would not give up in front of me... then I will change my opinion about myself e". Bazarov reminds Kirsanov how he once, passing by the house of the elder Philip, said:
“Russia will then achieve perfection when the last man has the same premises, and each of us must contribute to this...”
A Bazarov " I hated this last guy, Philip or Sidor, for whom... I have to bend over backwards and who won’t even say thank you». « Well, he will live in a white hut, and a burdock will grow out of me", says Evgeniy.
Bazarov believes that all people act based on sensation. He says:
“I’m pleased to deny it, my brain works that way - and that’s it! Why do I like chemistry? Why do you love apples? - also due to sensation. People will never go deeper than this.”
Bazarov, a very cynical person, asks Arkady not to speak beautifully; believes that there is no need to follow in the footsteps of Pavel Petrovich, whom he calls an idiot. Arkady is outraged by this characterization. Soon Vasily Ivanovich, Evgeny’s father, arrives. He announces that a priest will be present at dinner.
Bazarov is bored and is about to leave. The parents are very upset.
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 22. Summary.
On the way, the friends stopped by Odintsova’s again. However, she received them very coldly. A few hours later the young people left. In parting, Odintsova assured that she was waiting for them to visit again.
The friends went to the Kirsanov estate. There they were greeted with joy. Things are not going well for Nikolai Petrovich on his farm. Arkady is going to pretend that he is ready to help his father. Bazarov again conducts experiments on frogs.
Arkady learned from his father that Anna Sergeevna Odintsova’s late mother wrote to Arkady’s mother. Arkady asked his father to give him these letters. He needs them as a reason for a new trip to the Odintsov estate. Arkady went alone and saw Katya in the garden. The girl was very happy with him.
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 23. Summary
Meanwhile, Nikolai Petrovich communicates with Bazarov quite often. He is interested in the experiments conducted by the young naturalist. Bazarov often talks with Fenechka. One day he asks if she agrees to pay for him to cure the child. Bazarov says that he does not need money, but one of the roses that Fenechka collected for the morning bouquet. Fenechka gave Bazarov a rose. Eugene kissed the young woman on the lips. At that moment Pavel Petrovich was nearby.
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 24. Summary.
Two hours later, Pavel Petrovich asked Bazarov for his opinion about the duel and called him. Bazarov suggested choosing Peter, Nikolai Petrovich’s valet, as his second. Bazarov thought about the real reason for the duel and came to the conclusion that Pavel Petrovich himself loves Fenechka.
The next morning a duel was scheduled. Pavel Petrovich shot first. Then Bazarov shot, he wounded the enemy in the leg. Nikolai Petrovich was told that the reason for the duel was a dispute about politics. The wounded Pavel Petrovich developed a fever. When his brother visited him, Pavel Petrovich said: “ Isn’t it true, Nikolai, that Fenechka has something in common with Nellie?”(Nelly was the same Princess R whom Pavel Petrovich loved in his youth).
Bazarov looked after Pavel Petrovich as a doctor. After a while the doctor arrived, Bazarov got ready to leave. Pavel Petrovich says goodbye to him with dignity and shakes his hand. He also asks Fenechka to come to him and sit with him. Pavel Petrovich asks if Fenechka loves his brother.
Then he passionately asks her to always love Nikolai Petrovich and not cheat on him. Pavel Petrovich knows that it is very difficult to love and not be loved. At this moment Nikolai Petrovich arrives, and Fenechka runs away.
Pavel Petrovich asks his brother to promise him to marry Fenechka. And after the wedding, he himself wants to go abroad and stay there until he dies.
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 25. Summary.
Arkady, meanwhile, communicates with Katya. She noticed that Eugene's influence on Arkady was weakening. Katya thinks this is very good. She doesn’t like Bazarov, she believes that he is a stranger to everyone.
Arkady realizes that he has become attached to the girl. He tells her how special she is to him. Evgeniy came to Odintsova’s estate. He thought that Arkady was interested in Anna Sergeevna.
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 26. Summary.
Arkady proposes to Katya. When Bazarov finds out about this, he praises him. He treats Katya well:
“Some young ladies are considered smart only because they sigh intelligently; and yours will stand up for itself, and stand up so well that it will take you into its hands.”
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 27. Summary.
Bazarov went to his parents. They are happy because they thought that their son would not return. Bazarov's father tries not to interfere with his son. But he, despite all the efforts of his parents, is very bored. Bazarov finds something to do - helps his father treat the peasants. One day he asks his father for a “hell stone” to cauterize the wound. On this day, Bazarov opened a corpse and injured his finger. Bazarov knows that if cadaveric poison has entered the body, no one and nothing will help him.
After some time, Bazarov became very ill. He asks to inform Anna Sergeevna that he is dying.
Odintsova arrived with a German doctor. He said that there was no hope for recovery. Bazarov tells Odintsova that he loved her and asks her to kiss him goodbye. Anna Sergeevna kisses her forehead and gives her water. However, she does not take off her gloves. Bazarov died.
Fathers and Sons. Chapter 28. Summary.
Six months later, two weddings took place in Maryino. Arkady married Katya, and his father married Fenechka.
Pavel Petrovich first went to Moscow, then abroad. After some time, Odintsova also got married - “ not out of love, but out of conviction" - for an intelligent person.
Nikolai Petrovich became a peace mediator; Arkady turned out to be a good owner, his estate began to generate income. Soon he and Katya had a son.
Pavel Petrovich settled in Dresden. Kukshina also went abroad, to Heidelberg, where she began to study architecture. Sitnikov believes that he is continuing the work of Bazarov.
Bazarov's parents often come to their son's grave, which is located in a small rural cemetery. They cry and pray for a long time. They live only with memories of Evgenia.
“Are their prayers, their tears, fruitless? Isn’t love, holy, devoted love, omnipotent? Oh no! No matter how passionate, sinful, rebellious the heart may be hidden in the grave, the flowers growing on it serenely look at us with their innocent eyes: they tell us not only about eternal peace, but about that great peace of indifferent nature; they also talk about eternal reconciliation and endless life..."
On May 20, 1859, landowner Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov was waiting for his son Arkady to return from St. Petersburg: he graduated from the university with the rank of candidate. Nikolai Petrovich and Pavel Petrovich are the sons of a military general in 1812, who died early from a stroke. The mother also soon passed away, so the sons had to make their own way in life.
Pavel became a military man, like his father, and Nikolai married the daughter of an official and was happily married. The couple spent all their time together: reading, walking, playing the piano four hands, raising their son. But the wife died after 10 years of a happy life, and the widower took up economic reforms and raised his son.
II
Arkady introduces his father to his friend Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov. The young man was tall, his thin face with a wide forehead, greenish eyes and drooping sandy sideburns expressed self-confidence and intelligence. The dark blond hair was thick and long. Dressed casually - in a long robe with tassels. Arkady assures his father that Bazarov is a wonderful person. He and his father sit in a carriage, and his friend rides in a tarantass.
III
On the way, Arkady asks his father about the health of his uncle, who also lives on the Maryino estate, named so by Nikolai Petrovich in honor of his deceased wife Maria, and talks about his friend. He says that Evgeniy is studying natural sciences and wants to take the doctor’s exams.
The father complains that his men get drunk, don’t work well, and don’t pay their dues. He reports that Arkady's nanny has died, but the old servant Prokofich is still alive. There are almost no changes in Maryino, but Kirsanov had to sell the forest because he needed money. Arkady sees how dilapidated everything is and demands obvious changes. But returning home fills him with joy. A few minutes later, both crews stop next to a new wooden house - this is Maryino, or Novaya Slobodka, and for the peasants - Bobyliy Khutor.
IV
Only the servant Peter meets the Kirsanovs. Pavel Petrovich, Arkady's uncle, arrives. Even in the countryside, he continues to follow English fashion, so he goes out in a dark English suite with a fashionable low tie, his feet in patent leather ankle boots. He has short-cropped gray hair and a handsome face, especially his eyes. Kirsanov has a youthful build. He offers Arkady a beautiful hand with well-groomed nails.
The uncle greets his nephew by shaking his hand, and then kisses him, that is, lightly touches his fragrant mustache to his cheeks. He does not shake hands with Bazarov; on the contrary, he puts it in his pocket. The young people leave the road to “clean up”, and Pavel asks his brother who “this hairy one” is. After dinner, Evgeniy tells his friend that his uncle is eccentric, and his father is a “nice guy,” but he doesn’t know anything about farming. The young people soon fall asleep, but the older Kirsanovs do not sleep for a long time.
V
Early in the morning, Bazarov goes to the swamp to get frogs for experiments. Arkady meets Fedosya Nikolaevna, his father's new wife, and his half-brother Mitya. The father is embarrassed in front of his son, but Arkady supports him. Pavel Petrovich is wearing an elegant suit in the morning; he asks his nephew who Bazarov is. Arkady replies that his friend is a nihilist. The brothers decide that this is someone who does not believe in anything, but Arkady corrects that his friend does not recognize or accept any principles on faith.
Fedosya Nikolaevna brings Pavel Petrovich cocoa in a large cup. She doesn’t feel too confident, but Arkady encourages her with a smile. Bazarov arrives with a bag full of frogs and goes to change for breakfast.
VI
During breakfast, an argument begins between Arkady's uncle and the young guest. Kirsanov talks about the role of art and natural sciences, and Evgeniy proves that “a decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet.” Kirsanov is outraged by the unceremoniousness of the son of the district “doctor”. The younger brother steers the conversation away from the dangerous topic and asks for advice on farming. The brothers leave, and Arkady says that Bazarov insulted his uncle. He offers to talk about the life of the elder Kirsanov, so that Evgeny will feel sympathy for him.
VII
Having been educated at home, Pavel Kirsanov became an officer. A brilliant career awaited him, he was spoiled by female attention, and men were secretly jealous and dreamed of destroying him. But the meeting with Princess R. became fatal for him.
This society lady was married, but she drove men crazy. Kirsanov achieved reciprocity, but the princess’s love soon passed. Pavel Petrovich resigned and pursued her abroad. After the final break with the princess, he returned to Russia gray and old. He spent time playing cards at the club, and after her death he stayed with his brother in Maryino, never getting married.
VIII
Pavel Petrovich visits Fenechka in the outbuilding. She is the daughter of a former housekeeper who died of cholera. Nikolai Petrovich took pity on the orphan, she became his assistant, and then gave birth to a son, Mitya, whom Kirsanov’s brother comes to see. He looks at the six-month old boy, tries to play with him, noticing the obvious resemblance to Nikolai Petrovich, who is here. And his brother goes to his room and throws himself on the sofa in despair.
IX
Bazarov also meets Fenechka, finding her very pretty. Arkady says that his father needs to formalize his relationship with her. Bazarov considers his father not a very good master: the men are deceiving him. Hearing the forty-four-year-old father of the family play the cello, Bazarov begins to laugh, which offends his friend.
X
Life in Maryino goes on, even everyone gets used to Bazarov. Only Pavel Petrovich does not accept him, considering him a plebeian. The young nihilist also confuses Nikolai Petrovich: he accidentally hears him calling him a “retired man.” This offends Kirsanov, and he tells his brother that their song is over, but he does not want to give up his position - he will still enter into a “fight with the doctor.”
In the evening, an argument breaks out between them. Kirsanov considers himself an aristocrat, because he has principles. Bazarov says that this is of no benefit to society. Denial is the most useful thing right now. Aristocrat Kirsanov is outraged: is it really necessary to deny culture, art, and faith? Bazarov asserts: everything must be denied. To build something new, you first “need to clear the place.”
Kirsanov loses his temper during an argument, and Bazarov ends the argument with a cold grin. The friends leave, leaving the “fathers” with gloomy thoughts. Nikolai thinks that the heirs have made it clear: “You are not from our generation,” and Pavel remains confident that life without principles is impossible.
XI
After the argument, Nikolai Petrovich plunged into sad thoughts. He clearly feels that he is too old, feels a deep gap between him and his son. His brother does not share his feelings. And the young people decide to go for a few days to the provincial town to visit a noble relative of the Kirsanovs.
XII
Matvey Ilyich Kolyazin, once the trustee of the Kirsanov brothers, greeted the young people cordially and offered to go on a visit to the governor, and he invited his friends to his ball. On the way, Bazarov is recognized by Viktor Sitnikov, who considers himself his student. He invites friends to Evdokia Kukshina, an emancipated young lady living nearby. She assures that she will feed her breakfast and drink champagne.
XIII
Avdotya Nikitishna Kukshina greets guests while lying on the sofa. The room is in disarray, and the hostess herself is a match: she considers herself “emancipated,” speaks coyly to men, and begs for compliments. Sitnikov and Evdokia are having a meaningless conversation, inserting buzzwords. Bazarov drinks champagne, and Kirsanov compares the situation to bedlam, and he and Evgeny leave. Sitnikov jumps out after him.
XIV
Soon, at the governor's ball, friends see Anna Sergeevna Odintsova, a widow raising her younger sister. During the dance, Arkady manages to talk about his friend who doesn’t believe in anything. Odintsova shows interest and invites them to her hotel tomorrow. This woman also did not leave Bazarov indifferent: he stated that she “doesn’t look like other women,” and then spoke rather cynically about her “rich body,” which could easily be placed in an anatomical theater.
XV
The next day, friends come to Odintsova. Anna and Katerina were the daughters of the formerly famous handsome man, swindler and gambler Sergei Loktev. The mother died early, and Loktev himself lost completely and left the children a small inheritance. Odintsov fell in love with Anna: he is twenty-five years older than her, but she accepted the proposal and lived in marriage for six years, taking her younger sister with her. After the death of her husband, she traveled a lot, but then settled in her beloved Nikolskoye estate. There were all sorts of rumors about her in the city, but Anna Sergeevna rarely appeared there and did not attach importance to secular opinion.
A young woman meets them in a simple morning dress and greets them warmly. Further, Kirsanov notices with surprise that Bazarov seeks to engage his interlocutor in conversation and even becomes embarrassed from time to time. Anna invites them to her place in Nikolskoye.
XVI
Once at Odintsova’s estate, the friends were slightly embarrassed by the strict reception, reminiscent of ministerial chambers. But meeting Anna’s younger sister, Katerina Sergeevna, calmed the situation. Arkady and Anna remember his late mother, and Bazarov looks at albums with paintings out of boredom. The hostess offers to argue about something, because she is a terrible debater. Anna Sergeevna is surprised how one can live without artistic taste, but Bazarov claims that he does not need this, because he is a doctor, and all patients are the same for him. Odintsova does not accept this, because people are different from each other. Bazarov believes that all human vices depend on the social structure: if society is corrected, there will be no diseases.
Aunt Odintsova came, Princess X...ya, an evil old woman. Nobody paid attention to her, but they treated her respectfully. In the evening, Bazarov plays preference with Anna Sergeevna, and Arkady is forced to be with Katya. She plays a Mozart sonata for him, and Arkady notices that Katya is pretty. Anna also thinks about the guests in the evening, especially about Evgeniy. She liked him for his novelty of views and lack of posing. In the morning, she calls him to “botanize” him, and Arkady again spends time with Katya.
XVII
Friends lived with Odintsova for fifteen days. Life flowed smoothly, and young people usually did not see each other all day. As a rule, Bazarov went for a walk with Anna, and Arkady spent time with Katya, but this did not bother him. Soon Bazarov feels that his attitude towards Odintsova is different from his previous relationships with women. He increasingly imagines how this woman will belong to him, and recognizes the romance in himself.
Timofeich (the Bazarovs’ serf) appears and tells how the parents were exhausted, having been waiting for their son for a long time. Bazarov uses this excuse to leave Nikolskoye and sort out his feelings. The night before, he almost reveals his feelings to Anna.
XVIII
In the morning, Anna Sergeevna calls Bazarov to her place and continues the conversation interrupted the day before, forcing him to confess his love. When Evgeny rushes to embrace her, she says that he misunderstood her. Left alone, she relives the confession, even experiencing a feeling of guilt in front of Bazarov, but decides that peace of mind is still more valuable to her.
XIX
Odintsova feels awkward with Bazarov: she invites him to stay, but he says that he can only stay as a loved one. Sitnikov appears and defuses the situation. In the evening, Evgeniy tells his friend that he is going to see his parents. Arkady offers to go with him. The next morning, Anna Sergeevna says goodbye to Bazarov, but says that they will see each other again.
On the way, Arkady notes how haggard and thin his friend has become over these days. Evgeniy reproaches himself that they behaved stupidly in women's company: one should not allow a woman to take possession of even the tip of a finger. After twenty-five miles, which seemed to Arkady “as much as fifty,” they reached a small village where the old Bazarovs lived.
XX
Bazarov’s father, Vasily Ivanovich, meets his friends on the porch. He tries to hide his excitement and joy. And mother Arina Vlasyevna hugs her Enyusha, whom she has not seen for three years. Bazarov carefully takes her to a small, modest house and greets her father, a former military doctor, like a man. Arkady is given a place in the dressing room, and the old people do not know what to treat their dear guests with.
Evgeniy talks with his father about affairs on the estate, about his military past, about how Vasily Ivanovich treats men. The son speaks half-jokingly, slightly teasing his parents, but Arkady feels that he loves them. His mother is a very pious, suspicious, poorly educated woman who believes in omens and dreams. Arkady sleeps well on a soft mattress, but Bazarov did not fall asleep that night.
XXI
In the morning, Arkady has a long conversation with Vasily Ivanovich and understands that he literally idolizes his son. But my son is bored. He doesn’t know what to do, so at the first opportunity he lashes out at Arkady. He talks about the meaning of life, calls himself “self-deluded,” but does not tolerate other opinions. As a result, the friends almost came to blows. The next morning, the young people leave, and the old people grieve, because they understand that their son has grown up and lives his own life.
XXII
On the way, they decided to stop by Odintsova, but she greets them coldly, and they are forced to take their leave. In Maryino, everyone rejoices at the arrival of the “young gentlemen,” even Pavel Petrovich feels excited. His brother's affairs leave much to be desired: the men do not pay their rent on time, they quarrel, they drink, and the manager has become lazy and creates the appearance of work.
Bazarov takes up his experiments so as not to think about Odintsova, and Arkady, having learned about the presence of letters from Anna Sergeevna’s mother to his late mother, takes them to Nikolskoye to see Anna and... Katya again.
XXIII
The Kirsanov brothers show interest in Bazarov’s experiments, and he finds himself a person with whom he devotes his soul. This is Fenechka, who feels freer with Bazarov than with the nobles Kirsanov, and he likes her for her spontaneity, youth and beauty.
One morning, Bazarov sees Fenechka sorting roses in the gazebo. They talk about science, female beauty, and Bazarov asks to give one rose for medical help to Mitya. They smell the flower, and Bazarov kisses Fenechka right on the lips, which Pavel Petrovich witnesses.
XXIV
Two hours later, Kirsanov Sr. appears in Bazarov’s room with an offer to fight a duel. They make an appointment for tomorrow morning so that no one finds out. Peter's servant is hired as a second. Bazarov understands that Pavel Petrovich himself loves Fenechka.
Kirsanov brings pistols to the duel, and Evgeniy counts the steps. Kirsanov takes careful aim, but misses, and Bazarov, without aiming, hits Pavel Petrovich’s leg. He faints. Peter runs after the droshky in which his younger brother arrives.
The men explain the reason for the duel by political differences, and Bazarov leaves. Pavel Petrovich, delirious, remembers Princess R., whom Fenechka is so similar to. He invites his brother to formalize his marriage with Fedosya Nikolaevna.
XXV
Arkady spends a lot of time with Katya. She convinces him that without Bazarov’s influence he is different - “tame.” Arkady is surprised by this discovery. When he compares Katya with Anna, she is offended and asks not to compare with her sister. The young man passionately declares that for him she is the best. At his place he discovers Bazarov, who arrived secretly from Anna. He told about the latest events in Maryino. But Anna Sergeevna wants to see Bazarov, and they decide that they will remain friends.
Illustrations for the novel “Fathers and Sons”
I. S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons” is dedicated to the state of mind in Russia in the mid-19th century, when, after a humiliating defeat in the Crimean War, on the eve of the peasant reform, the enlightened part of society was looking for ways for Russia to maintain its place among the great civilized states of the worldTurgenev wrote the novel “Fathers and Sons” throughout 1861. Published it in the second issue of the literary and socio-political magazine “Russian Messenger” in February 1862
The main characters of the novel
- Evgeniy Bazarov – medical student
- Arkady Kirsanov is a recent student. Bazarov's friend
- Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov - landowner, father of Arkady
- Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov - brother of Nikolai Kirsanov and uncle of Arkady
- Vasily Ivanovich Bazarov – Evgeny’s father, doctor
- Arina Vlasevna Bazarova - Evgeniy's mother
- Anna Sergeevna Odintsova - a rich widow, Bazarov's love
- Katya Odintsova - sister of Anna Sergeevna
The action takes place in 1859 on the noble estates of the Kirsanovs and Bazarovs, where two young men Arakdiy Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov alternately come to stay with their parents. In conversations and disputes between the older and younger generations of nobles, a fundamental dissimilarity in their positions and views on reality is revealed. The exponent of the “fathers” point of view is Arkady Kirsanov’s uncle Pavel Petrovich, his opponent is Evgeny Bazarov. Pavel Petrovich is a liberal. His beliefs are based on the ideals of respect for human rights, freedom, honor, and dignity. He believes in progress, the progressive movement of history from bad to better, and calls for gradual transformations of society that will turn Russia into a truly civilized country. Evgeny Bazarov is a nihilist, that is, a person of revolutionary sentiments. He argues that in order to carry out just reforms, the existing order must be completely destroyed, while denying not only slow, careful reformation, but also everything that is dear to the civilization of the “fathers”: love, poetry, music, the beauty of nature, such moral categories as duty, right, obligation
“Your father is a good fellow,” said Bazarov, ... “The other day, I see, he is reading Pushkin, ... please explain to him that this is no good. After all, he is not a boy: it’s time to quit this nonsense “
“I already told you, uncle, that we do not recognize authorities,” Arkady intervened. “We act because of what we recognize as useful,” said Bazarov. - At the present time, denial is the most useful thing - we deny. - All? - All. - How? not only art, poetry... but also... it’s scary to say... “That’s it,” Bazarov repeated with inexpressible calm. Pavel Petrovich stared at him. He did not expect this, and Arkady even blushed with pleasure. “But excuse me,” Nikolai Petrovich spoke. - You deny everything, or, to put it more precisely, you destroy everything... But you also need to build. “This is no longer our business... First we need to clear the place” (Chapter 10)
There is also a love line in the novel. Bazarov meets Anna Sergeevna Odintsova, with whom he falls in love, confesses this to her, but does not receive reciprocity. Touching and outrageous in the novel are the pages where Bazarov’s parents are described, their love for their son and his indifference to them.
Nihilist, nihilism (lat. nihil) - the denial of all norms, principles, laws - the concepts that Turgenev introduced into the novel have become household names in Russian society
— “I also had to see a frightened, elderly, good-natured official who suspected her old husband based only on the fact that he did not go to make congratulatory visits to friends at Easter, reasonably saying that at his age it is already hard to chatter on visits... But his wife, frightened by rumors about nihilists, she was so alarmed that she kicked out of her house her nephew, a poor student, to whom she had previously been disposed... for fear that her husband would finally turn into a nihilist from cohabitation with a young man."
— “Some young ladies frightened their parents with what would happen if they were not given entertainment, that is, taking them to balls, theaters and sewing outfits for them. To avoid shame, parents went into debt and fulfilled the whims of their daughters.”
— “In one family, a daughter wanted to study, and the mother, fearing that she would not succeed, rebelled against this; discord arose, and it ended with the mother, after a heated scene, driving her daughter out of the house. The girl was lost for six months, running around in the cold for penny lessons in bad shoes and a cold coat and caught consumption. When the mother received the news that her daughter was hopelessly ill, she rushed to her... but it was too late - the daughter died, and the mother soon went mad with grief."
— “Cut hair, the absence of a crinoline or a lambskin hat on a woman’s head created a sensation in the public and horrified many. Such a woman could not escape the contemptuous glances and ridicule accompanied by the nickname (Panaeva “Memoirs”)
The novel “Fathers and Sons” in society
“I don’t remember that any literary work caused so much noise and aroused so many conversations as Turgenev’s story “Fathers and Sons”(Panaeva)
—
According to some readers, Turgenev ridiculed the “nihilists.”
“This general, as soon as he entered, already started talking about “Fathers and Sons”: Well done writer; he deftly defamed these shaggy gentlemen and learned whores! Well done!.. He came up with a name for them - nihilists! It simply means worm!.. Well done Let him write another book about these nasty worms that have spread among us!”
—
For others, Bazarov became a role model.
“our entire young generation, with its aspirations and ideas, can recognize itself in the characters in this novel” (D. I. Pisarev).
“Soon after the appearance of Fathers and Sons, Turgenev came from abroad to reap laurels. Admirers almost carried him in their arms, organized dinners and evenings in his honor, gave speeches of gratitude, etc. I think that none of the Russian writers received so many ovations during their lifetime" (Panaeva)
Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons” in a chapter-by-chapter summary will be useful to any student in preparing for literature lessons and OGE and Unified State Examinations in both literature and the Russian language.
Chapters 1-3
The novel begins with the landowner Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov awaiting the arrival of his son at his estate, Maryino. The action takes place in the spring of 1859. When Nikolai Petrovich was young, many believed that he could become a good soldier, but this did not happen due to the injury he received. After finishing his studies at the university, he married and settled on the estate. Nikolai Petrovich's wife died ten years after the birth of his son Arkady, and Kirsanov spent a lot of time raising the boy. When the time came to study, he sent Arkady to St. Petersburg, living with him there for the first three years. Now his son must visit him in the village, and Nikolai Petrovich is very worried about meeting the matured Arkady; Moreover, he will not come alone, but together with his friend, Evgeny Bazarov.
Arkady introduces his father to his friend and tells Nikolai Petrovich that Evgeny is a simple person, and you can behave naturally with him. Father and son are traveling in a carriage, and Bazarov is in a tarantass.
The elderly landowner is very happy to meet his son, constantly wants to hug him, which is why Arkady feels a little embarrassed and, in order not to show this, behaves somewhat cheekily. Also, the young man turns towards his friend, as if afraid that Bazarov can hear his questions about affairs on the estate and discussions about the beauties of nature. Nikolai Petrovich reports that there are no major changes in the life of the estate, except that now the girl Fenya lives with him. He is embarrassed and says that Fenya can leave if her son is against her being in the house; Arkady does not consider this necessary. Father and son feel awkward and change the direction of the conversation. Young Kirsanov sees desolation reigning everywhere; he believes that some changes are needed, but does not know what exactly. Then the men again discuss the splendor of nature; Nikolai Petrovich begins to read aloud a poem by Pushkin, but then Bazarov appears and asks his friend for a cigarette. Throughout the rest of the journey, the elder Kirsanov does not utter a word.
Chapters 4-5
Near the house, the men are met only by an old servant and a girl who briefly appears. Nikolai Petrovich invites everyone into the living room and tells the servant to serve dinner there. There, guests meet a neat elderly man, who turns out to be Nikolai’s older brother, Pavel Petrovich; his well-groomed appearance strongly contrasts with Bazarov’s unkempt appearance. After the acquaintance, the young people go to clean themselves up, and at this time Pavel Petrovich asks Nikolai about Bazarov, whose appearance aroused some hostility in him. They spoke little during dinner, and after it they immediately went to their rooms. Eugene shared with his friend his thoughts about his father and uncle; then they fell asleep almost immediately. The Kirsanov brothers remained awake for several more hours: Nikolai was thinking about his son, Pavel was thinking about something, looking at the fireplace fire. Fenechka looked at her baby, whose father is none other than Nikolai Petrovich.
The next morning, Bazarov, who woke up earlier than the others, goes for a walk; He is kept company by local boys, with whom he catches frogs. The rest are going to drink tea at this time. Arkady, going to see Fenichka, who is sick, finds out that he has a little brother. This news pleases the young man, and he reproaches his father for not informing him about the birth of his son. Nikolai Petrovich and his brother are surprised by Bazarov's absence and ask Arkady questions about his friend; he says that Eugene is a nihilist, that is, a person who does not take anything for granted. Then Bazarov himself appears and carries the frogs into the room for further experiments.
Chapters 6-7
During a tea party, Pavel Petrovich argues with Bazarov; men have negative attitudes towards each other and do not hide it. Nikolai Petrovich, trying to avoid a scandal, asks the young man to help him choose fertilizers, and he agrees. Arkady tells his friend about Pavel Petrovich, hoping to change his opinion about his uncle. It turns out that Pavel Petrovich was a military man; He was destined for a great career, but at the age of 28 he fell in love with a princess who was married to an old man. The woman’s character was rather flighty, but this did not stop Pavel Petrovich from loving her. However, their relationship did not last long; The separation greatly upset the man; he quit his service and spent four years following his beloved in different countries. Then he tried to continue his career, but soon learned that the princess had died. After this, Pavel Petrovich came to his brother, who also remained a widower.
Chapters 8-11
Nikolai Petrovich met Fenechka three years ago. He met her and her mother in a tavern; Things were really bad for women. Nikolai took them to his estate. After the death of Fenechka’s mother, he began to live with a girl who won his heart.
After a conversation with a friend, Bazarov meets Fenya and her son; he says that if they need medical help, they can always turn to him. After a while, Evgeniy hears Nikolai Kirsanov playing the cello and laughs. Arkady does not approve of his friend's behavior.
Two weeks pass. During this time, all the inhabitants of the estate got used to Bazarov, but Pavel Petrovich continues to hate him. Once Nikolai Petrovich overheard a conversation between his son and a friend, during which Evgeniy called Arkady a “retired man,” which was very offensive. Nikolai told his brother about this. Soon after drinking tea, another unpleasant conversation took place, during which Bazarov accused Arkady’s father of living, like all aristocrats, without any meaning. Pavel Petrovich expressed disagreement with the position of the young man, saying that nihilists like Bazarov only worsen the situation in society. A serious dispute arose; Evgeniy considered it pointless to continue the conversation and left. Arkady also left with him. Nikolai Petrovich remembered that once, when he was still his son’s age, he had a fight with his mother, who also did not understand his point of view. Now he himself cannot look at what is happening through the eyes of the young.
Chapters 12-14
The next day, Bazarov and Arkady leave for the city to visit an old friend; there they received an invitation to a ball, and Evgeniy’s acquaintance, Sitnikov, invited his friends to visit Evdokia Kukshina. Her friends didn't like it; Evdokia turned out to be an unkempt woman who did not listen to her interlocutor at all.
At the ball, young people meet Anna Sergeevna Odintsova. She drew attention to Arkady, who told the girl about his friend; Odintsova invited them to visit. It seemed to Bazarov that Anna Sergeevna was different from other women.
Chapters 15-19
Soon, friends came to visit the girl. They find out that she was married to a rich man for six years; He recently died, leaving her a rich inheritance. Bazarov's behavior at a party was unusual, and he spoke much more than usual. Anna Sergeevna spoke to Arkady as if she were a younger brother. As a farewell, she invited young people to her estate - Nikolskoye. There they met her sister Katya. Anna Sergeevna often walked in the garden with Bazarov, and Arkady experienced some feelings of jealousy.
Evgeny fell in love with Odintsova, despite the fact that he considered love nonsense. His feeling was mutual, but neither he nor Anna Sergeevna wanted to openly admit it. One day Bazarov met his father’s manager, who said that his parents were waiting for Evgeniy’s return and were worried about him. He decides to leave and soon confesses his love to Odintsova, but she says: “You don’t understand me.” The girl believes that she will be calmer alone. The next day the young people leave; Arkady thinks that Evgeny has changed a lot during his life in Nikolskoye.
Chapters 20-24
At the Bazarovs' estate, friends are greeted warmly and cordially. During dinner, the mother looked at her son all the time, and the father talked about the affairs of the estate. Father wanted to talk to Evgeniy after dinner, but he refused, citing fatigue; in fact, the young man was unable to sleep until the morning. Upon learning that their son was leaving again, the parents were very upset. After his departure, the Bazarovs were worried, deciding that Evgeniy had abandoned them. On the way back, the young people stop at Nikolskoye; there they were given a cold reception, and Anna Sergeevna looked dissatisfied.
Arkady and Evgeny return to Maryino, where their arrival caused sincere joy. Bazarov started experimenting, and Arkady started helping his father. However, young Kirsanov often thought about the Odintsovs; one day he finds correspondence between his mother and Odintsova’s mother and, under this pretext, goes to Nikolskoye, where he is given a warm welcome. At this time, Bazarov plunges headlong into experiments and moves away from all the inhabitants of the estate, except Fenechka. One day in the gazebo he kisses a girl on the lips; Pavel Petrovich witnesses what happened, but says nothing. Evgeny begins to feel awkward; his conscience torments him. Soon Pavel Petrovich challenges Bazarov to a duel; They do not give the real reason for this, saying that they are shooting because of political differences. During the duel, Evgeniy wounds his opponent in the leg.
Chapters 25-28
After this, Bazarov goes to his parents’ estate, but on the way decides to visit Nikolskoye. There, Arkady develops a good relationship with Anna Sergeevna’s sister, Katya. She says that Arkady is actually kind, but Bazarov has a negative influence on him. The young people try to confess their love to each other, but Arkady, frightened, goes to his room, where he meets Bazarov. Evgeny informs him about everything that happened in Maryino. Then Bazarov talks to Odintsova; they decide to remain friends.
Arkady proposes to Katya, and she agrees. Bazarov goes to his parents, having previously told his friend that he is “not suitable for decisive matters.” Living on his parents' estate, Evgeniy helps his father and treats the sick. Once, during the autopsy of a peasant who died of typhus, he was injured and became infected with a fatal disease. After some time, the young man began to develop a fever. He wants to see Odintsova; when the girl arrives, Bazarov shares his true feelings with her, after which he dies.
Six months later, two weddings take place in Maryino on the same day. Arkady marries Katya, and Nikolai Petrovich marries Fenechka. Pavel Petrovich goes abroad, Anna Sergeevna also gets married, and Bazarov’s parents spend almost all their time at their son’s grave.
