Heroes of the novel fathers and children of turgenev composition. Characteristics of the main characters based on the novel by I. S. Turgenev "Fathers and children Images of heroes fathers and children briefly

In 1862, Turgenev wrote the novel "Fathers and Sons". During this period, the final break between the two social camps is outlined: the liberal and the revolutionary-democratic. In his work, Turgenev showed a man of a new era. This is a common democrat Bazarov. Throughout almost the entire novel, Bazarov is accompanied by his friend Arkady. By origin, and also by social status, they belong to different social classes. According to his convictions, Bazarov is a "democrat to the end of his nails." Friends study together at the university, and they have several years of friendship.

At first, Arkady falls under the influence of Bazarov, he wants to be like Eugene, and at the same time he sincerely shares the views of an older and more authoritative comrade. "Young courage and young enthusiasm" makes Arcadia join the nihilists. But he is not guided by Bazarov's ideas in life. They do not become an organic part of him, which is why he will reject them so easily afterwards. In the future, Bazarov says to Arkady: "Our dust will eat your eyes, our dirt will stain you." That is, Arkady is not ready for the "tart, bitter, beastly life" of a revolutionary.

Bazarov, assessing the life of a revolutionary, is both right and wrong. Breaking the prevailing foundations, traditions, views always evokes fierce resistance from the old world, and the progressive fighters have a hard time. The revolutionary democratic ideal of happiness is revolutionary activity for the good of the people, despite personal hardships.

Arkady, of course, is not ready for this, since he is, in the words of Evgeny, "a soft liberal barich." In their "youthful enthusiasm" the liberals do not go further than a noble boil, but for Bazarov this is "nothing". Liberals do not "fight", but "imagine themselves to be fine fellows; revolutionaries want to fight." In assessing Arkady, Bazarov identifies him with the entire liberal camp. Spoiled by life in a noble estate, Arkady "involuntarily admires himself", he is pleased to "scold himself". Bazarov is bored, he "needs to break others." Arkady only wanted to seem like a revolutionary, there was a lot of youthful posturing in him, but in his heart he always remained a "liberal master".

But Arkady does not yet understand this. For the time being, he considers himself a "fighter" and appreciates Bazarov for his willpower, energy, and ability to work. At the Kirsanovs' estate, Bazarov was initially welcomed. Arkady asks his family to take care of Bazarov. But the revolutionary democratism of Bazarov absolutely does not fit with the liberal aristocracy of the Kirsanovs' house. He does not fit into their idle life. And here, as a guest, Bazarov continues to work. The way of life of friends on the estate is expressed by the author's phrase: "Arkady sybaritized, Bazarov worked." Bazarov conducts experiments, reads special books, collects collections, treats village peasants. According to Bazarov, work is a necessary condition of life. Arkady is never shown at work. Here, in the estate, Bazarov's attitude to both nature and the people is also revealed.

Bazarov considers nature not as a temple, but as a workshop, and the person in it as a worker. For Arkady, as for the rest of the Kirsanovs, nature is an object of admiration and contemplation. For Bazarov, this attitude means lordship. He objects to the prayerful contemplation of nature, meaningless from his point of view of enjoying its beauty. It requires an active attitude to nature, to the surrounding world. Himself. treats nature as a caring owner. Nature pleases him when he sees the fruits of active intervention in it. And here, too, the points of view of Arkady and Bazarov diverge, although Arkady has not yet talked about this.

The attitude of Bazarov and Arkady to both love and a woman is different. Bazarov is skeptical of love. He says that with a woman only a fool can feel free. But acquaintance with Madame Odintsova changes his views on love. She makes an impression on Bazarov with her beauty, charm, ability to behave with dignity and tact. He has a feeling for her when spiritual communication begins between them.

Odintsova is smart, able to understand the originality of Bazarov. Eugene, in spite of outward cynicism, discovers in love both an aesthetic feeling, and high spiritual demands, and respect for his beloved woman. But Odintsova is essentially an epicure lady. Peace is above all for her. Therefore, she extinguishes the emerging feeling for Bazarov. And in this situation, Bazarov behaves with dignity, does not become limp and continues to work. The mention of love for Madame Odintsova evokes Bazarov's recognition of "brokenness", and he does not want to talk about it,

Arkady's acquaintance with Katya, Odintsova's younger sister, reveals that his ideal is "closer", that is, he is in the family, on the estate. Arkady realized that he was "no longer that arrogant boy", that he had still "set himself tasks that he could not afford," that is, Arkady admitted that the life of a revolutionary was not for him. And Katya herself says that Bazarov is "predatory" and Arkady is "tame".

Bazarov is close to serfs. He is "their brother, not a master" for them. This is confirmed by Bazarov's speech, in which there are many popular proverbs and sayings, and his simplicity in dealing with ordinary people. Although in his father's estate the peasants regard Bazarov as a master, in all other episodes of the novel he is more “their own” for the people than any of the Kirsanovs. Arkady remains to a greater extent a master, a master for people. True, it also happens that some unfamiliar peasant mistook Bazarov for an eccentric when he wanted to "talk to the people." But this did not happen often.

In addition, Bazarov is demanding, one might even say, too demanding of himself. He tells Arkady that "every person must educate himself." His commitment to nihilism makes him feel ashamed of natural human feelings. He seeks to suppress their manifestations in himself. Hence Bazarov's somewhat dryness, even in relation to the closest people. But to Arkady's question whether Bazarov loves his parents, he answers simply and sincerely: "I love you, Arkady!"

However, it should be noted that Bazarov's parents are hopelessly "behind" their son. They cannot go not only on a level, but also after him. True, this "backwardness" of the old people of the Bazarovs does not deserve the not quite respectful, and sometimes - and simply disregard - attitude towards them by Enyushka. How can old people be required to think and act like young people? Is it not thanks to the efforts of his parents that Bazarov gets an education? In this case, Bazarov's maximalism looks very unattractive, Arkady loves his loved ones, but it seems that he is ashamed of this love. Bazarov gives a well-aimed, exhaustive, but at the same time rather evil characterization of Arkady's father and uncle, to which Arkady objects, but somehow sluggishly. By this, he seems to support the point of view of Bazarov, who believes that a nihilist should not express his feelings. Arkady flared up only when Bazarov called his uncle "an idiot" behind his back. Perhaps it was at this moment that the first serious crack appeared in the relationship of friends.

It should be noted that Bazarov's nihilism, unfortunately, leads to a denial of the old and the new art. For him, "Raphael is not worth a dime, and they (that is, new artists) are no better than him." He declares that "at forty-four years old it is stupid to play the cello," but reading Pushkin and in general "is no good at all." Bazarov considers art to be a form of profit. For him, "a decent chemist is more useful than any poet," and art is not capable of changing anything in life. This is the extreme of Bazarov's nihilism. Bazarov emphasizes the importance of scientists for Russia, since in science Russia at that time lagged behind the West. But Arkady really loves poetry, and he would have read Pushkin if Bazarov had not been around.

Arkady and Bazarov seem to be in opposition to each other; at first this confrontation is completely imperceptible, but gradually, in the course of the development of the action, it intensifies and comes to an open conflict and the rupture of friendly relations. This reveals one of the aspects of the conflict of the novel, expressed by the method of contrast. Note that in this case it is not “fathers” and “children” that are in conflict, but, so to speak, “children” with “children”. Thus, the gap between Bazarov and Arkady is inevitable.

Arkady is not ready for the "tart, bitter, beastly life" of a revolutionary. Bazarov and Arkady say goodbye forever. Evgeny breaks up with Arkady without saying a single friendly word to him, and to express them for Bazarov is "romanticism"

Arkady finds the ideal of family life. Bazarov dies, remaining true to his views. It is before death that the strength of his convictions is tested. Arkady, on the other hand, did not take nihilistic convictions. He understands that the life of a revolutionary democrat is not for him. Bazarov dies as a nihilist, while Arkady remains a "liberal barich". And at the end of the novel, Arkady refuses to remember his former friend at a common table.

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The problem of generations is one of the eternal topics that are touched upon by literature, philosophy, psychology and other areas. The work "Fathers and Sons", the characters in which are called upon to demonstrate this conflict, is immortal, because the ideas of Turgenev's novel are relevant to this day.

Features of the design and plot of the novel

The specificity of Turgenev's work is in the saturation with the details of everyday life. The reader is immersed in the atmosphere of the natural course of life, simple events, unpretentiousness and routine. The setting of the novel is as follows: two comrades come to rest in the village. Rest, care of parents surrounds young people. Arkady is engaged in "sibarism", having defended his diploma with honors. His friend, Bazarov, a student at a medical university, devotes time to experiments and experiments. The plot of the novel is embodied in the short, but frequent travels of the heroes: either the comrades visit Arkady's parents, then they leave for Bazarov's father's house, or they stop by Anna Sergeevna, the woman they met at the ball.

Ivan Turgenev follows the advice of Anton Chekhov, who said that fiction should repeat life in a combination of complexity and "holy simplicity." It seems to the reader that the writer is portraying an ordinary lunch or dinner, but at this time people gain happiness or, on the contrary, lose the joy of life. The most significant events begin here - at the kitchen table.

Parents and children - a classic "eternal" theme "

In literary criticism, there is an opinion that one of the central problems of Turgenev's novel is the eternal conflict between fathers and children. But in "Fathers and Children" (it's not for nothing that the writer gave the work such a name), the difference between moral norms and the depth of feelings is also demonstrated by the example of the difference between generations.

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Parents are the expression of the most sincere, touching, selfless and sacrificial love. This is how Bazarov's parents are depicted - not demanding anything in return. Father and mother are old men who miss their son, because for three years their child has not visited his father's house. However, the son's psychology differs from the parental one: despite the fact that Bazarov also loves his parents, the hero shows affection differently. Bazarov's feelings for his father and mother do not require constant communication and contact. The young man calmly enjoys the hospitality of the Kirsanovs, leaves with a friend in the city, then visits the house of a new acquaintance in Nikolskoye, returns to the estate of a friend, Arkady, and only after that decides to finally visit his parents.

The image of the intelligentsia in Turgenev's novel

Postmodern literature focuses on the fact that works are multifaceted, multi-level constructions that take into account the needs and interests of representatives of different readership. However, the trend towards diversity appeared earlier. Ivan Turgenev's novel is an example of this, because this text can be read in different ways. Someone pays attention to the plot line, someone - to political conflicts between the “left” and “right”, between the liberal democratic forces and conservatives, etc.

The intelligentsia is the younger generation, these are “children”. Conservatives, monarchists - this is the old generation, "fathers". Some literary critics believe that the author spoke disparagingly of the older generation in the novel. Let us recall the image of Bazarov's father. This is an old school man who, however, solely out of love for his son, out of a desire to be closer to Eugene, reads newfangled books, newspapers and argues in the context of new, liberal rhetoric. Meanwhile, this is only a mask, because the hero remains at the level of conservative ideas.

The 1850s went down in Russian history as a time marked by the consolidation of the scattered intelligentsia. The events of the novel take place some time before the abolition of serfdom, in the late 1850s. On the nose - 1861 and the revolution. The author's biography also influenced the overall atmosphere of the novel.

During this period, the writer worked in the staff of Sovremennik, a well-known magazine in those years. In the work of Turgenev, a transformation is also outlined: from poetic texts to prose, from romanticism to realistic tendencies.

At this time, changes also appeared in the social structure of the Russian Empire: for example, a new system of the so-called commoners was born. These were people who could not be classified as nobles, merchants, bourgeoisie, artisans, etc. The origin of man, thus, ceases to play any role.

Dear you are ours! We suggest that you familiarize yourself with which came out from under his pen in 1857 and published in the Sovremennik magazine, delighted many writers, and also did not leave the readership indifferent.

The break with Sovremennik forces Turgenev to publish the novel in a conservative magazine. "Fathers and Sons" is published in the "Russian Bulletin". Around the work immediately after publication, a sharp controversy arises. However, the disputes are not about the literary side of the novel, but about the political: this is a controversy between the revolutionary democratic wing and the conservatives. As a result, the novel did not satisfy anyone - neither of the parties. Meanwhile, one cannot deny the relevance of Turgenev's work, because the writer showed the reasons for the discord between generations, the motives of misunderstandings that arise between parents and children, as well as the disastrous consequences that this conflict of generations leads to.

Thus, Turgenev's novel was published in 1862, and the reaction of literary critics and readers to the works was ambiguous. The palette of responses to Fathers and Sons was varied: from violent admiration for the novel to its extreme rejection and even condemnation.

Analysis of the characteristics of the central characters of "Fathers and Sons"

Ivan Turgenev uses the classic method: by characterizing the characters, behavior and decisions of the characters, the writer conveys to the reader the main ideas of the novel "Fathers and Sons". Therefore, one should turn to the analysis of the specifics of the characters in the work.

The main figures of the work of Turgenev

Bazarov

Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov has already turned thirty. This is an adult man who has an established system of views on the world. Bazarov is a skeptic and even a nihilist. Eugene rejects established values, questions conservative ideals. Turgenev describes Bazarov as a hero characterized by coldness, toughness, sarcastic and cynical character. Eugene discards all sorts of principles - as befits a nihilist. The hero gives the impression of being arrogant, self-confident, proud and arrogant. Often these traits are determined by the belief in intellectual superiority over most of the environment.

The role of nihilism in the life of Bazarov

Turgenev himself admitted that he abandoned everything "artistic" when he worked on the image of Bazarov. The figure of Eugene is notable for its sharpness and even some arrogance. Bazarov demonstrates the image of one of the political currents, which, among other things, inspired Turgenev to create the novel. The writer put revolutionary-democratic ideas into the mouth of Bazarov. Revolutionary and reformist ideals were what distinguished the “new man” of the mid-19th century. On the second side of the board is the liberal-minded nobility.

Bazarov has an independent character, a skeptical attitude towards reality, independence of judgments and actions, an outstanding, original mind.

The biography, the origin of the hero also influenced Bazarov's worldview system. Evgeny was born into the family of a regimental doctor, so Bazarov was proud that his grandfather worked on the land with the peasants. Bazarov also despises aristocrats, not hiding this position. Nihilism is felt in the speech of the hero, in the peculiarities of appearance, in manners and social position.

Bazarov's behavior is an outright challenge. The hero is deliberately careless, demonstratively lazy, and in speech he often uses common words. The whole appearance of Bazarov shows denial and protest against the authorities.

Kirsanovs

Nikolay

Father of Arkady Kirsanov. Turgenev describes Nikolai as perhaps the most positive character in the novel. The man is 44 years old, he is clean - in thoughts and in everyday habits. Nicholas is characterized by romance, calmness, poise. Kirsanov feels sincere love for his son. Nikolai's wife died, since then he was a widow, being depressed after the death of his beloved wife. However, later Nikolai was lucky to meet Fenechka, a simple peasant woman, who eventually became his wife.

Arkady

The young man comes from a prosperous, wealthy noble family. Arkady is much younger than Bazarov: young Kirsanov recently turned 23 years old. Youth, naivety and sentimentality are the features inherent in the image of Arkady. The young man is influenced by his comrade and friend - Evgeny Bazarov. Arkady graduated from the university, successfully defending his diploma. After that, both friends decided to stay with Kirsanov's parents. Arkady tries to inherit Bazarov in everything, but nihilism does not go well with the gentleness, generosity, kindness and romanticism of Arkady's nature. The youth is a just, timid and chaste boy. Despite the fact that Arkady considers Bazarov an example, the young man still believes in true love.

Once Arkadia meets Katya - a beautiful girl with whom Kirsanov develops a romantic relationship. Falling in love finally proves to Arkady that nihilism is not his philosophy. So the friendship between young Kirsanov and Bazarov is gradually declining.

Paul

The hero is 45 years old. Pavel is the brother of Nikolai Kirsanov and, accordingly, the uncle of Arkady. Once the man served as a guard officer. A hereditary aristocrat, Paul professes a system of views and beliefs characteristic of the aristocracy of that time. This means that Kirsanov is a supporter of liberal ideology. A typical nobleman, showing pride and pride in his actions and behavior. Once Paul suffered from unhappy love. After that incident, Kirsanov does not believe in love. He also acquired the traits of a misanthrope, skeptic and cynic. With relatives, Pavel practically broke off communication, having gone abroad.

"Fathers and Sons": supporting figures

Bazarov Sr.

Vasily Bazarov is an old man who is distinguished by good nature and simplicity. Bazarov Sr. shows love and respect for his son, proud of how smart and educated Evgeny is. He tries to inherit his son. Previously, Vasily Ivanovich served as a military doctor, but now Bazarov continues his medical practice on a gratuitous basis: he treats the peasants who work for the Bazarovs on the estate. Vasily Ivanovich loves to talk, he tends to have "philosophical" conversations. The hero reads newfangled books and magazines, however, understanding very little from there.

A convinced conservative, Bazarov demonstrates commitment to revolutionary democratic ideals in order to be closer to his son. Life of Bazarov Sr. is modest and simple.

Evgeny Bazarov's mother

Arina Vlasyevna is a woman from the nobility who married a simple regimental doctor Vasily Bazarov. The estate in which the Bazarovs live is Arina's dowry. The woman is kind and sympathetic, but Arina Vlasyevna is distinguished by excessive piety and suspiciousness. Bazarova keeps the house in perfect cleanliness and tidiness, while the heroine herself is an example of neatness, care and affection.

The woman loves her son dearly, trying to please Eugene in everything. Knowing that Bazarov is not a supporter of a demonstrative and open expression of emotions, he avoids his son, trying to contact him less. Unlike her husband, Vasily Ivanovich, he cannot understand Eugene and his worldview.

Anna Odintsova

Anna Sergeevna is only 28 years old, but the woman has already managed to become a widow. Anna is arrogant and cruel. The writer describes the heroine as an unhappy woman, because Odintsova does not know love and has never had sincere feelings for anyone. Accustomed to a luxurious life, a proud and arrogant beauty builds relationships based on calculation. Receives Bazarov and Arkady Kirsanov as guests.

Katia

Katerina is the beloved of Arkady Kirsanov. The girl was raised by her older sister. The young heroine is distinguished by a meek and calm character. Katya is smart, kind, the girl has an inherent affection for nature, love for music. Meanwhile, Katerina's sister is strict and principled, the character of her older sister is much stronger than that of Katya. Therefore, the heroine is afraid of her sister.

Victor

Turgenev describes Viktor Sotnikov as coming from a noble family, who, meanwhile, hides his origin out of shame. Sotnikov is not very smart, he rather imitates authorities, inherits fashion, than is a legislator of innovations. The character of the hero is weak, too soft and cowardly. Sotnikov's behavior is characterized by vulgarity and stupidity, importunity and thoughtless adoption of everything new. Victor wants fame at any cost: in this, the hero resembles Herostratus - a character in ancient legends, who became famous for having burned the temple of Artemis.

Bazarov for Sotnikov appears as a mentor and teacher. However, after marriage, Victor falls under the heel of his wife and leaves his old hobbies.

Avdotya

The author portrayed Avdotya Kukshina as a landowner showing interest in new trends. Kukshina is friends with Bazarov, Kirsanov and Sotnikov. Avdotya welcomes the marginal intelligentsia at home and positions herself as an emancipated woman. The appearance of the heroine supports deliberately careless, and the behavior of a woman is distinguished by swagger - this Kukshina considers a sign of progressive views.

Fenechka

Fenechka- a kind of feminine ideal. A simple, pure, meek and gentle girl, about whom the reader does not receive too much information. Naturalness, coziness, a tendency to spend time at home and with family - these are some of Fenichka's traits. As a result, the peasant girl becomes the wife of Nikolai Kirsanov.

Dunya

Fenichki's maid helping the girl in taking care of the baby. A simple, naive and unassuming peasant woman, Dunya loves fun and laughter. Although at home, while performing household duties, the heroine shows severity and discipline.

Peter

Petya serves Pavel Ivanovich Kirsanov. Peter positions himself as an intelligent and enlightened person, although the hero is a stupid, ignorant and dark youth. However, this does not prevent Peter from being proud and narcissistic.

Nellie

Princess R., or Nelly, is that very unhappy love of Pavel Kirsanov. The author says little about Nelly, which makes the heroine mysterious and mysterious. In the eyes of the reader, the princess appears as an eccentric woman, under whose influence young minds easily fall. But one day Pavel Ivanovich finds out that Nelly is dead: from that moment on, life for Kirsanov loses its former meaning and color.

The problem of the relationship between fathers and children is eternal. The reason for it lies in differences in life views... Each generation has its own truth, and it is extremely difficult to understand each other, and sometimes there is no desire. Contrasting worldviews- this is the basis of the work Fathers and Sons, a summary of which we will consider.

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About the work

Creation

The idea of ​​creating the work "Fathers and Sons" arose from the writer Ivan Turgenev in August 1860... The author writes to Countess Lambert about his intention to write a new big story. In the fall he goes to Paris, and in September he writes to Annenkov about the final drawing up a plan and serious intentions to create a novel. But Turgenev works rather slowly and doubts a good result. However, having received an approving opinion from the literary critic Botkin, he plans to complete the creation in the spring.

Early winter - period of active work writer, within three weeks the third part of the work was written. Turgenev asked in letters to describe in detail how things are in the life of Russia. This happened before, and in order to be initiated into the events of the country, Ivan Sergeevich decides to return.

Attention! The history of writing ended on July 20, 1861, when the author was in Spassky. In the fall, Turgenev again went to France. There, during a meeting, he shows his creation to Botkin and Sluchevsky and receives many comments that push him to make changes to the text.

In the spring of next year, the novel is published in the magazine "Russian Bulletin" and he immediately became the object of polemical discussion. The controversy did not subside even after the death of Turgenev.

Genre and number of chapters

If we characterize the genre of the work, then "Fathers and Sons" is 28-chapter novel showing the socio - political situation in the country before the abolition of serfdom.

Main idea

What are we talking about? In his creation "fathers and children" Turgenev describes contradiction and misunderstanding of different generations, and also wants to find a way out of this situation, ways to get rid of the problem.

The struggle between the two camps is a confrontation between everything that is well-established and fundamentally new, era of democrats and aristocrats, or helplessness and determination.

Turgenev tries to show what has come time for a change and instead of people of the outdated system, nobles, active, energetic and young people come. The old system is obsolete, but a new one has not yet been formed... The novel "Fathers and Sons" shows us the borderline of epochs when society is in turmoil and is unable to live neither according to the old canons, nor according to the new ones.

The new generation in the novel is represented by Bazarov, around whom the confrontation of "fathers and children" takes place. He is a representative of a whole galaxy of the younger generation, for whom complete denial of everything has become the norm. Everything old is unacceptable for them, but they cannot bring something new.

Between him and the elder Kirsanov, a conflict of worldviews is vividly shown: the rude and straightforward Bazarov and the mannered and refined Kirsanov. The images described by Turgenev are multifaceted and ambiguous. The attitude to the world does not bring happiness to Bazarov at all. Before society, they were assigned their purpose - struggle with the old foundations but bringing new ideas and views in their place does not bother him.

Turgenev did this for a reason, thereby showing that before the collapse of something established, it is required to find a worthy replacement for this. If there is no alternative, then even what was intended to solve the problem positively will only make it worse.

Generational conflict in the novel "Fathers and Sons".

Heroes of the novel

The main characters in Fathers and Sons are:

• Bazarov Evgeny Vasilievich. Young student comprehending the profession of a doctor. Adheres to the ideology of nihilism, calls into question the liberal views of the Kirsanovs and the traditional views of their own parents. At the end of the work, he falls in love with Anna, and his views of denial of everything in the world are changed by love. He will become a rural doctor, due to his own carelessness, he will be infected with typhus and die.
• Kirsanov Nikolai Petrovich. Is the father of Arcadia, a widower. Landowner. She lives on the estate with Fenechka, a commoner woman, to whom he feels and is ashamed of this, but then takes her as his wife.
• Kirsanov Pavel Petrovich. He is Nikolai's older brother. He retired officer, a representative of the privileged stratum, proud and self-confident, shares the ideas of liberalism. He often participates in disputes with Bazarov on a variety of topics: art, science, love, nature, and so on. Hatred of Bazarov develops into a duel, the initiator of which he himself was. In a duel he is wounded, fortunately the wound will be minor.
• Kirsanov Arkady Nikolaevich. Is the son of Nikolai... Candidate of Science at the University. Like his friend Bazarov, he is a nihilist. At the end of the book he will give up his worldview.
• Bazarov Vasily Ivanovich. Is the father of the protagonist, was a surgeon in the army. He did not leave medical practice. He lives on the estate of his wife. Educated, he understands that while living in the village, he was cut off from modern ideas. Conservative, religious.
• Bazarova Arina Vlasyevna. Is the mother of the protagonist... She owns the Bazarov estate and fifteen serfs. Superstitious, pious, suspicious, sensitive woman. Infinitely loves his son, and worries because he renounced the faith. She herself is a follower of the Orthodox faith.
• Odintsova Anna Sergeevna. Is a widow, rich... On his estate he accepts friends with nihilistic views. She likes Bazarov, but after his declaration of love, reciprocity is not observed. In the foreground, he puts a calm life in which there are no worries.
• Katerina. Sister of Anna Sergeevna, but unlike her, it is quiet and invisible. He plays the clavichord. Arkady Kirsanov spends a lot of time with her, while he is passionately in love with Anna. Then he realizes that he loves Katerina and marries her.

Other heroes:

• Fenechka. The daughter of the housekeeper of Kirsanov's younger brother. After her mother died, she became his mistress and gave birth to a son from him.
• Sitnikov Victor. He is a nihilist and an acquaintance of Bazarov.
• Kukshina Evdokia. An acquaintance of Victor, a nihilist.
• Kolyazin Matvey Ilyich. He is a city official.

The main characters of the novel "Fathers and Sons".

Plot

Fathers and children are summarized below. 1859 - year when the novel begins.

Young people arrived in Maryino and live in the house of brothers Nikolai and Pavel Kirsanov. The elder Kirsanov and Bazarov do not find a common language, and frequent conflict situations force Yevgeny to leave for another city N. Arkady also goes there. There they communicate with urban youth (Sitnikova and Kukshina), who adhere to nihilistic views.

At the governor's ball, they hold acquaintance with Odintsova, and then they go to her estate, Kukshina is destined to stay in the city. Odintsova rejects a declaration of love, and Bazarov has to leave Nikolskoye. He and Arkady go to the parental home and stay there. Eugene does not like the excessive care of his parents, he decides to leave Vasily Ivanovich and Arina Vlasyevna, and

Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" was written in 1861. He was immediately destined to become a symbol of the era. The author especially clearly expressed the problem of the relationship between two generations.

To understand the plot of the work, we suggest reading "Fathers and Sons" in a summary of the chapters. The retelling was performed by a teacher of Russian literature, it reflects all the important points of the work.

Average reading time is 8 minutes.

main characters

Evgeny Bazarov- a young man, a medical student, a bright representative of nihilism, a trend when a person denies everything in the world.

Arkady Kirsanov- a recent student who came to the estate of his parents. Under the influence of Bazarov, he is fond of nihilism. At the end of the novel, he realizes that he cannot live like this and abandons the idea.

Kirsanov Nikolay Petrovich- landowner, widower, father of Arkady. Lives on an estate with Fenechka, who bore him a son. He adheres to advanced ideas, loves poetry and music.

Kirsanov Pavel Petrovich- an aristocrat, a former military man. Brother of Nikolai Kirsanov and uncle Arkady. A prominent representative of the liberals.

Vasily Bazarov- retired army surgeon, father of Eugene. Lives on his wife's estate, is not rich. Engaged in medical practice.

Bazarova Arina Vlasyevna- Eugene's mother, a devout and very superstitious woman. Little educated.

Odintsova Anna Sergeevna- a rich widow who sympathizes with Bazarov. But he values ​​calmness in his life more.

Lokteva Katya- Anna Sergeevna's sister, a modest and quiet girl. Marries Arkady.

Other characters

Fenechka- a young woman who has a little son from Nikolai Kirsanov.

Victor Sitnikov- an acquaintance of Arkady and Bazarov.

Evdokia Kukshina- Sitnikov's acquaintance, who shares the beliefs of the nihilists.

Matvey Kolyazin- city official

Chapter 1.

The action begins in the spring of 1859. At the inn, the small landowner Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov is awaiting the arrival of his son. He is a widower, lives on a small estate and has 200 souls. In his youth, he was promised a career in the military, but a small leg injury prevented him. He studied at the university, got married and began to live in the village. 10 years after the birth of his son, his wife dies, and Nikolai Petrovich goes headlong into the economy and raising his son. When Arkady grew up, his father sent him to St. Petersburg to study. There he lived with him for three years and again returned to his village. He is very worried before the meeting, especially since the son is not traveling alone.

Chapter 2.

Arkady introduces his father to a friend and asks him not to stand on ceremony with him. Eugene is a simple person, and you can not be ashamed of him. Bazarov decides to ride in a tarantass, and Nikolai Petrovich and Arkady sit in a carriage.

Chapter 3.

During the journey, the father cannot calm down his joy from meeting his son, all the time he tries to hug him, asks about his friend. Arkady is a little shy. He tries to show his indifference and speaks in a cheeky tone. He always turns to Bazarov, as if afraid that he will hear his reflections on the beauty of nature, that he is interested in affairs on the estate.
Nikolai Petrovich says that the estate has not changed. Stammering a little, he informs his son that the girl Fenya lives with him, and immediately rushes to say that she can leave if Arkady wants it. The son replies that this is not necessary. Both feel uncomfortable and change the subject.

Looking at the desolation that reigned around, Arkady thinks about the benefits of transformations, but he does not understand how to implement them. The conversation flows smoothly into the beauty of nature. Kirsanov Sr. is trying to recite a poem by Pushkin. He is interrupted by Eugene, who asks Arkady to light a cigarette. Nikolai Petrovich falls silent and is silent until the end of the journey.

Chapter 4.

No one met them at the manor house, only an old servant and a girl who appeared for a moment. Leaving the carriage, the elder Kirsanov leads the guests into the living room, where he asks the servant to serve dinner. At the door, they encounter a handsome and very well-groomed elderly man. This is the elder brother of Nikolai Kirsanov, Pavel Petrovich. His impeccable appearance stands out strongly against the background of the unkempt-looking Bazarov. An acquaintance took place, after which the young people went to put themselves in order before dinner. Pavel Petrovich, in their absence, begins to ask his brother about Bazarov, whose appearance he did not like.

During the meal, the conversation did not go well. Everyone spoke little, especially Eugene. After eating, everyone immediately went to their rooms. Bazarov told Arkady his impressions of the meeting with his relatives. They quickly fell asleep. The Kirsanov brothers did not sleep for a long time: Nikolai Petrovich was still thinking about his son, Pavel Petrovich looked thoughtfully at the fire, and Fenechka looked at her little sleeping son, whose father was Nikolai Kirsanov. The summary of the novel "Fathers and Sons" does not convey all the feelings that the heroes experience.

Chapter 5.

Waking up before everyone else, Eugene goes for a walk to explore the surroundings. The boys follow him and all go to the swamp to catch frogs.

The Kirsanovs are going to drink tea on the veranda. Arkady goes to the said sick Fenechka, learns about the existence of his little brother. He rejoices and blames his father for hiding the fact of the birth of another son. Nikolai Kirsanov is moved and does not know what to answer.

The senior Kirsanovs are interested in the absence of Bazarov and Arkady talks about him, says that he is a nihilist, a person who does not take principles for granted. Bazarov returned with the frogs, which he carried to the experiment room.

Chapter 6.

During joint morning tea, a serious dispute flares up in the company between Pavel Petrovich and Eugene. Both do not try to hide their dislike for each other. Nikolai Kirsanov tries to turn the conversation into another direction and asks Bazarov to help him with the choice of fertilizers. He agrees.

In order to somehow change Eugene's ridicule about Pavel Petrovich, Arkady decides to tell his friend his story.

Chapter 7.

Pavel Petrovich was a military man. Women adored him, and men envied him. At 28, his career was just beginning, and he could go far. But Kirsanov fell in love with a princess. She had no children, but had an old husband. She led the life of a windy coquette, but Pavel fell deeply in love and could not live without her. After parting, he suffered a lot, quit the service and for 4 years traveled for her all over the world.

Returning to his homeland, he tried to lead the same lifestyle as before, but upon learning of the death of his beloved, he left for the village to his brother, who at that time became a widower.

Chapter 8.

Pavel Petrovich does not know what to do with himself: he is present at the conversation between the manager and Nikolai Kirsanov, he goes to Fenechka to look at little Mitya.

The story of the acquaintance of Nikolai Kirsanov and Fenichka: three years ago he met her at a tavern, where things were going badly for her and her mother. Kirsanov took them to the estate, fell in love with the girl, and after the death of her mother began to live with her.

Chapter 9.

Bazarov meets Fenechka and the child, says that he is a doctor, and if the need arises, they can contact him without hesitation. Hearing Nikolai Kirsanov playing the cello, Bazarov laughs, which causes Arkady's disapproval.

Chapter 10.

For two weeks everyone got used to Bazarov, but they treated him differently: the servants loved him, Pavel Kirsanov hated him, and Nikolai Petrovich doubted his influence on his son. One day, he overheard a conversation between Arkady and Eugene. Bazarov called him a retired person, which greatly offended him. Nikolai complained to his brother, who decided to rebuff the young nihilist.

An unpleasant conversation took place during the evening tea. Having called one landowner "rubbish aristocrat", Bazarov displeased the elder Kirsanov, who began to assert that following the principles, a person benefits society. Eugene, in response, accused him of living meaninglessly, like other aristocrats. Pavel Petrovich objected that the nihilists, by their denial, only aggravate the situation in Russia.

A serious dispute broke out, which Bazarov called senseless and the young people left. Nikolai Petrovich suddenly remembered how a long time ago, being just as young, he quarreled with his mother, who did not understand him. Now the same misunderstanding arose between him and his son. The parallel between fathers and children is the main thing that the author pays attention to.

Chapter 11.

Before going to bed, all the inhabitants of the estate were busy with their thoughts. Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov goes to his favorite gazebo, where he remembers his wife and reflects on life. Pavel Petrovich looks into the night sky and thinks about his own. Bazarov invites Arkady to go to the city and visit an old friend.

Chapter 12.

The friends left for the city, where they spent time in the company of Matvey Ilyin, a friend of the Bazarov family, visited the governor and received an invitation to the ball. Bazarov's longtime acquaintance Sitnikov invited them to visit Evdokia Kukshina.

Chapter 13.

They did not like visiting Kukshina, since the hostess looked untidy, had meaningless conversations, asked a bunch of questions, but did not expect answers. In conversation, she constantly jumped from subject to subject. During this visit, the name of Odintsova Anna Sergeevna was first heard.

Chapter 14.

Arriving at the ball, friends meet Madame Odintsova, a sweet and attractive woman. She shows attention to Arkady, asking him about everything. He talks about his friend and Anna Sergeevna invites them to visit.

Odintsova interested Eugene in her dissimilarity from other women, and he agreed to visit her.

Chapter 15.

Friends come to visit Odintsova. The meeting made an impression on Bazarov and he, unexpectedly, was embarrassed.

Odintsova's story makes an impression on the reader. The girl's father lost and died in the village, leaving the ruined estate to the two daughters. Anna was not at a loss and took up the household. I met my future husband and lived with him for 6 years. Then he died, leaving his fortune to his young wife. She did not like urban society and most often lived on the estate.

Bazarov did not behave as usual, which greatly surprised his friend. He talked a lot, talked about medicine, botany. Anna Sergeevna willingly kept up the conversation, as she was versed in the sciences. She treated Arkady as a younger brother. At the end of the conversation, she invited the young people to her estate.

Chapter 16.

In Nikolskoye, Arkady and Bazarov met other inhabitants. Anna's sister Katya was shy and played the piano. Anna Sergeevna talked a lot with Yevgeny, walked with him in the garden. Arkady, who liked her, seeing her infatuation with a friend, was a little jealous. A feeling arose between Bazarov and Odintsova.

Chapter 17.

While living on the estate, Bazarov began to change. He fell in love, despite the fact that he considered this feeling a romantic bileberd. He could not turn his back on her and imagined her in his arms. The feeling was mutual, but they did not want to open up to each other.

Bazarov meets the manager of his father, who says that his parents are waiting for him, they are worried. Eugene announces his departure. In the evening, a conversation takes place between Bazar and Anna Sergeevna, where they try to understand what each of them dreams of getting out of life.

Chapter 18.

Bazarov confesses his love to Odintsova. In response, he hears: "You did not understand me," and feels extremely uncomfortable. Anna Sergeevna believes that without Eugene she will be calmer and does not accept his confession. Bazarov decides to leave.

Chapter 19.

There was a not entirely pleasant conversation between Madame Odintsov and Bazarov. He told her that he was leaving, he could stay only on one condition, but it was impossible and Anna Sergeevna would never love him.

The next day Arkady and Bazarov leave for Evgeny's parents. Saying goodbye, Odintsova expresses hope for a meeting. Arkady notices that his friend has changed a lot.

Chapter 20.

In the house of the elders Bazarovs they were well received. The parents were very happy, but knowing that their son did not approve of such a manifestation of feelings, they tried to keep more restrained. During dinner, the father talked about how he was doing the household, and the mother only looked at her son.

After dinner, Eugene refused to talk to his father, citing fatigue. However, he did not fall asleep until morning. Fathers and Sons does a better job of portraying intergenerational relationships than other works.

Chapter 21

Bazarov spent very little time in his parents' house, as he was bored. He believed that with their attention they interfere with his work. There was an argument between friends, which almost turned into a quarrel. Arkady tried to prove that it was impossible to live like that, Bazarov did not agree with his opinion.

Parents, having learned about Evgeny's decision to leave, were very upset, but tried not to show their feelings, especially his father. He reassured his son that since he had to leave, then he had to do it. After leaving, the parents were left alone and were very worried that their son had abandoned them.

Chapter 22.

On the way, Arkady decided to turn into Nikolskoye. The friends were greeted very coldly. Anna Sergeevna did not go down for a long time, and when she appeared, she had a displeased expression on her face and it was clear from her speech that they were not welcome.

In the estate of the Kirsan elders, they were delighted. Bazarov began to deal with wholesalers and his own frogs. Arkady helped his father in managing the estate, but he constantly thought about the Odintsovs. Finally, having found correspondence between his mothers and Madame Odintsova, he finds an excuse to visit them. Arkady is afraid that they will not welcome him, but one of them was greeted warmly and cordially.

Chapter 23.

Bazarov understands the reason for Arkady's departure and is completely devoted to work. He retires and no longer argues with the inhabitants of the house. He treats everyone badly, making an exception only for Fenichka.
Once in the gazebo they talked a lot, and, deciding to check his thoughts, Bazarov kissed her on the lips. This was seen by Pavel Petrovich, who silently went into the house. Bazarov felt uneasy, his conscience awoke.

Chapter 24.

Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov is offended by Bazarov's behavior and challenges him to a duel. They do not want to confess their true reasons to the family and say that they fought because of political differences. Evgeny wounds Kirsanov in the leg.

Having completely ruined his relationship with the Kirsanov elders, Bazarov leaves for his parents, but on the way turns to Nikolskoye.

Arkady is more and more interested in Anna Sergeevna's sister, Katya.

Chapter 25.

Katya talks with Arkady and convinces him that without the influence of a friend he is completely different, sweet and kind. They try to declare their love to each other, but Arkady gets scared and hurries away. In his room, he finds Bazarov who has arrived, who told him about what happened in Maryino in his absence. Having met with Madame Odintsova, Bazarov admits his mistakes. They tell each other that they want to be just friends.

Chapter 26.

Arkady confesses his love to Katya, asks for her hand in marriage, and she agrees to become his wife. Bazarov says goodbye to his friend, viciously accusing him of not being suitable for decisive matters. Eugene leaves for his parents' estate.

Chapter 27.

Living in his parents' house, Bazarov does not know what to do. Then he begins to help his father, heals the sick. Opening a peasant who died of typhus, he accidentally wounds himself and becomes infected with typhus. A fever sets in, he asks to send for Madame Odintsova. Anna Sergeevna arrives and sees a completely different person. Before his death, Eugene tells her about his real feelings, and then dies.

Chapter 28.

Six months have passed. Two weddings took place in one day, Arkady with Katya and Nikolai Petrovich with Fenya. Pavel Petrovich went abroad. Anna Sergeevna also got married, becoming a companion not out of love, but out of conviction.

Life went on and only two old people constantly spent time at the grave of their son, where two Christmas trees grew.

This short retelling of "Fathers and Sons" will help to understand the main idea and essence of the work, for deeper knowledge we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the full version.

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The events that are described in the novel by I. S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons" on the eve of the peasant reform. The progressive public was divided into liberals and revolutionary democrats. Some welcomed the reform, while others were against such a reform.

Evgeny Bazarov appears in the center of the novel. And Turgenev's novel begins with Bazarov's arrival at the Kirsanovs' estate. Bazarov was the son of a doctor, he also went through a harsh school, then studied at the university for a pittance, was fond of various sciences, knew botany, agricultural technology, geology well, never refused medical assistance to people, in general, he was proud of himself. But he caused rejection and interest in people with his appearance: tall, old cloak, long hair. The author also emphasized his intelligence, pointing to the skull and face, expressing self-confidence. But the Kirsanovs were the best of the nobles. Bazarov's views evoke different feelings in them.

The characterization of Bazarov in the novel "Fathers and Sons" sounds in one word: he is a nihilist, he vividly defends his position of denying everything. He speaks badly about art. Nature is not an object of admiration for the hero, she is not a temple for him, but a workshop, and a person is a worker in it. And Bazarov calls love an unnecessary feeling. Bazarov's views are not typical of representatives of the radical nobility.

The author leads his hero through many trials, as well as through trials of love. When he had a meeting with Madame Odintsova, Bazarov was sure that there was no love, and would not be at all. He looks at women indifferently. Anna Sergeevna for him is only a representative of one of the categories of mammals. He said that her rich body was worthy of the theater, but he did not think about her as a person. Then, unexpectedly for him, a feeling flares up, which brings him into a state of absent-mindedness. The longer he was visiting Madame Odintsova, the closer he gets to her, the more he becomes attached to her.

A person who strongly believed in his theory of nihilism, accepting it 100%, breaks down at the very first real life situation. Genuine love overtakes the hero of Bazarov's novel and he does not know what to do and how to do the right thing. He does not lose pride because of an unrequited feeling, he just steps aside.
Bazarov's attitude to others is different. He tries to captivate Arcadia with his theory. He hates Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, and considers Nikolai Petrovich a kind, but already obsolete man. Inside him, a feeling of internal confrontation with himself grows. Trying to build his life on the basis of nihilism, he cannot subordinate it to all these dry canons.

Denying the existence of honor, he, at the same time, accepts the challenge to a duel, as he considers it right. Despising the principle of nobility, he behaves in a noble manner, which Pavel Kirsanov himself admits. Actions requiring a certain analysis of Bazarov are frightening and he does not always understand how to act.
As Bazarov does not try, he fails to hide his tender feelings for his parents. This is especially evident when Bazarov's death is approaching. Saying goodbye to Madame Odintsova, he asks not to forget the old people. The realization that the bazaars are a nihilist, but he believes in the existence of love, is painful and painful for him.