How does Bazarov’s inner world appear in this fragment? based on the novel Fathers and Sons (I. S. Turgenev). Analysis of Bazarov's behavior What controls Bazarov's behavior

Analysis of Bazarov's behavior at a party. The work "Fathers and Sons" and received the best answer

Answer from Alina[guru]
In Maryino, Bazarov is a guest who differs in his democratic appearance from his landowner hosts. And he disagrees with Arkady in the main thing - in his idea of ​​​​life, although at first they are considered friends. But their relationship still cannot be called friendship, because friendship is impossible without mutual understanding, friendship cannot be based on the subordination of one to the other. Throughout the entire novel, the subordination of a weak nature to a stronger one is observed: Arkady to Bazarov. But still, Arkady gradually acquired his own opinion and no longer blindly repeated Bazarov’s judgments and opinions of the nihilist. In disputes, he does not stand up and expresses his thoughts. One day their argument almost led to a fight.
The difference between the heroes is visible in their behavior in Kirsanov’s “empire”. Bazarov is busy with work, studying nature, and Arkady is sybaritic and does nothing. The fact that Bazarov is a man of action can be seen immediately from his red bare hand. Yes, indeed, in any environment, in any home, he tries to get busy. His main business is the natural sciences, the study of nature and testing theoretical discoveries in practice. Passion for science is a typical feature of the cultural life of Russia in the 60s, which means that Bazarov keeps up with the times. Arkady is the complete opposite. He doesn’t do anything; none of the serious matters really captivates him. For him, the main thing is comfort and peace, and for Bazarov - not to sit idly by, to work, to move.
They have completely different opinions regarding art. Bazarov denies Pushkin, and unfoundedly. Arkady is trying to prove to him the greatness of the poet. Arkady is always neat, tidy, well dressed, and has aristocratic manners. Bazarov does not consider it necessary to observe the rules of good manners, so important in the life of a nobleman. This is reflected in all his actions, habits, manners, speeches, and appearance.
A major disagreement arose between “friends” in a conversation about the role of nature in human life. Here Arkady’s resistance to Bazarov’s views is already visible; gradually the “student” emerges from the power of the “teacher.” Bazarov hates many, but Arkady has no enemies. “You, gentle soul, are a weakling,” says Bazarov, realizing that Arkady can no longer be his associate. The “disciple” cannot live without principles. In this way he is very close to his liberal father and Pavel Petrovich. But Bazarov appears before us as a man of the new generation, which has replaced the “fathers” who were unable to solve the main problems of the era. Arkady is a person belonging to the old generation, the generation of “fathers”.
Pisarev very accurately assesses the reasons for the disagreements between the “student” and the “teacher”, between Arkady and Bazarov: “Bazarov’s attitude towards his friend casts a bright streak of light on his character; Bazarov has no friend, because he has not yet met a person who would not give in to him. Bazarov’s personality closes in on itself, because outside of it and around it there are almost no elements related to it.”
Arkady wants to be the son of his age and puts on himself the ideas of Bazarov, which absolutely cannot merge with him. He belongs to the category of people who are always looked after and always do not notice the care. Bazarov treats him patronizingly and almost always mockingly; he understands that their paths will diverge.

Roman I.S. Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" was published in 1862, and in it the author reflected the main conflict that split Russian society on the eve of the era of reforms. This is a conflict between common democrats who advocate decisive reforms, and liberals who prefer the path of gradual reforms. Turgenev himself belonged to the second camp, but he made the hero of the novel his ideological opponent, a commoner by birth and a nihilist by views, Evgeniy Bazarov.
Our first meeting with the hero takes place on May 20, 1859, when Arkady Kirsanov, returning after graduation to his native “nest of nobility,” brings with him his new friend, Bazarov. The figure of Bazarov immediately attracts our attention: one can feel inner strength, calm confidence, independence in views, actions, and judgments. He undoubtedly had a strong influence on Arkady. Turgenev draws the reader’s attention to Bazarov’s careless manners, to his clothes, “a robe with tassels,” which the hero himself calls “clothes,” to his naked red hand, which obviously did not know white gloves and was accustomed to work. The author draws a portrait of the hero: we see his long and thin face with a wide forehead, “it was enlivened by a calm smile and expressed self-confidence and intelligence.” Bazarov was studying to become a doctor and next year he was going to “become a doctor.”
Bazarov's main subject of interest is natural sciences. He had deep and broad knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. He, as Arkady puts it, “knows everything.” But, as we soon see, Bazarov’s knowledge was somewhat one-sided. The hero recognized only those sciences that brought visible practical benefit. Therefore, Bazarov admired the natural sciences and did not recognize philosophy or art at all. He said: “And what is science - science in general? There are sciences, just as there are crafts, knowledge, but science in general does not exist at all.”
This narrow-mindedness is explained by Bazarov’s beliefs. He calls himself a “nihilist,” that is, a person who “does not bow to any authority, who does not accept a single principle on faith, no matter how respected this principle may be.” Bazarov believes only in what can be verified by experience, experiment. He denies the usefulness of literature, painting, music, and art in general for humans, because, as it seems to him, they do not bring practical benefit. “A decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet,” says Bazarov. “Raphael is not worth a penny.” Turgenev's hero does not understand that art is as important for a person as practical sciences. No wonder there is a wise Russian proverb: “Man does not live by bread alone.” These views of Bazarov undoubtedly impoverish him as a person, and we cannot accept them. In this regard, the image of Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, who knows how to subtly feel and understand beauty, seems more sympathetic to me: he loves Pushkin, enthusiastically plays the cello, and admires the beauty of Russian nature. Bazarov is indifferent to the beauty of nature, he looks at it purely practically. “Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and man is a worker in it,” he says.
But there are also positive aspects to Bazarov’s views - this is the denial of outdated concepts and ideas. First of all, this applies to his views on the nobility and, in particular, on the aristocracy. Bazarov always emphasized his non-noble origins, although his mother comes from impoverished nobles and his parents even have their own small estate and eleven serfs. The hero is proud of his closeness to the people, he even introduces himself in the folk way - Evgeny Vasiliev. “My grandfather plowed the land,” says Bazarov. He was accustomed to working since childhood, studied with “copper money,” supported himself, and did not take a penny from his parents. Great hard work, efficiency, perseverance, willpower, practicality - these are the qualities that Bazarov can deservedly be proud of and that attract us to Bazarov. He constantly works: he conducts experiments, “cuts frogs,” and is engaged in medical practice. These activities of Bazarov sharply contrast with the “sybaritism” of Arkady and the aristocratic idleness of Pavel Petrovich, whom Bazarov sincerely despises and considers a worthless person.
But not all of Eugene’s actions evoke our sympathy. We cannot approve of his feelings for his parents, whom he treats somewhat arrogantly and condescendingly and to whom he unwittingly causes pain. But they love him so sincerely, they are so proud of him! Bazarov's attitude towards Arkady can also not always be called comradely. Evgeniy sometimes seems rude and insensitive. But behind this external rudeness hides a tender, vulnerable heart, capable of deep feeling. Although Bazarov denies the feeling of love, he himself is capable of deep and sincere love. This proves his attitude towards Anna Sergeevna Odintsova. It is her who the dying Bazarov asks to call to him so that he can see him again before his death.
The death of Bazarov, so truthfully depicted in the novel, makes a strong impression on us. Turgenev himself considered Bazarov a tragic figure, because, according to the author, he had no future. DI. Pisarev in the article “Bazarov” wrote: “Without being able to show us how Bazarov lives and acts, Turgenev showed us how he dies... To die the way Bazarov died is the same as to accomplish a great feat.” The hero dies without renouncing his views, his beliefs, without betraying himself. And the tragic death of Bazarov is the final chord of his short but bright life.
The personality of Evgeny Bazarov, his views, actions, of course, are ambiguous; we can accept them or not. But they are undoubtedly worthy of our respect.

One of the main characters of the novel “Fathers and Sons” is Yevgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov - a young nihilist, a student at a medical university, the son of an army doctor and a pious landowner. is very prominent in literature and criticism and is the subject of constant discussion. The whole point is what traits I.S. put into him. Turgenev. Bazarov amazingly combines rudeness and tenderness, unceremoniousness and erudition, sensuality and nihilism. Separately, we should consider the question of how Bazarov shows his attitude towards the people around him.

At one time, he was considered a public hero, when it was fashionable to deny intangible things and sensations. Despite the fact that in addition to Bazarov, the novel contains several other representatives of a similar worldview (Arkady Kirsanov, Kukshina and Sitnikov), it is Evgeny who is a true nihilist. Despite all his desire to demonstrate the novelty of his views, Arkady does not fully believe in the denial of love, faith and other feelings, and sometimes forgets himself, revealing his true face.

Two other supporters of nihilism only boast of their views, poorly understanding the very essence of the phenomenon. But if Bazarov treats Kirsanov condescendingly, rather even patronizing him, then Evgeniy openly despises his university acquaintances. However, quotations from the text may be best demonstrated. On this basis, an analysis of the work should be carried out, considering the relationship of the hero with each of the characters.

Bazarov: attitude towards others

On the one hand, the hero is cynical and selfish. Having first appeared in the house, he immediately and without embarrassment, in a rather cheeky manner, demonstrates his worldview, criticizes the passion of the owner of the house - Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov - for poetry, advising him to read German materialists instead. Bazarov openly argues with his brother, Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, almost ridiculing the latter’s views, and later even challenges him to a duel. Evgeny skillfully manipulates Arkady, provoking him to replace his father’s book with the one proposed by Bazarov.

But there is another side to how Bazarov treats others. For example, he demonstrates unprecedented delicacy, treating Nikolai Petrovich’s beloved Fenechka, a simple girl and servant in the Kirsanovs’ house, with sympathy and respect. He is gentle with her child, which immediately charms the mother. Evgeny also nobly leaves the duel with Kirsanov, not ending it with murder, but only shooting Pavel Petrovich in the leg. And he has friendly feelings towards Arkady, taking care of him and trying to guide him on the true path along the path of nihilism. In general, we can conclude that E. Bazarov’s attitude towards others in the novel “Fathers and Sons” is ambiguous, and depends on what the people themselves are.

Image of Evgeny Bazarov

Bazarov has a very specific, even repulsive appearance: he has long hair, rough hands, and sloppy clothes. But at the same time, everyone around him surprisingly warms up to him. Perhaps because Evgeniy is sincere in his statements, is not a hypocrite and does not try to please everyone around him, unlike the same Pavel Petrovich. Turgenev sought to create just such an image, fearing that due to excessive straightforwardness the reader would not be able to discern the true essence of Bazarov and understand the author's idea. The main contradiction in Bazarov’s attitude towards others is that although he sacredly believes in his ideology and denies any intangible things, he still cannot resist his instincts and falls in love with Arkady’s good friend - the rich and educated widow Anna Sergeevna Odintsova.

At first he tries to overcome his feelings, justifying himself by saying that he was impressed only by the “rich body” of the young woman, as if specially created for (in his words). But then the nihilist succumbs to emotions and confesses his feelings to Odintsova. Love for Anna Sergeevna slightly shook Bazarov’s views, but still did not change them. But she influenced Arkady, who revealed his feelings to Ekaterina, Anna Sergeevna’s sister. Subsequently, the younger Kirsanov married a girl.

Evgeny Bazarov - hero of our time

Thus, it is obvious that although the hero is too straightforward and even slightly rude, he is still a kind and caring person and has a certain inner charisma. His main advantage lies in how sincerely Bazarov shows his attitude towards the people around him. He does not strive to please everyone around him, does not stick out his progressive views, does not shout at every corner about far-reaching plans, although they really are, because with the help of materialism Evgeniy strives to make the world a better place, to make everyone happy. He devotedly loves his parents and tries to achieve everything in life on his own. It is these traits that make him a positive character in the novel and allow him to be classified even as a hero of our time.

The greatest creation of the master of psychology I.S. Turgenev. He created his novel at a turning point, when progressive people of society were interested in the future of Russia, and writers were interested in the search for a hero of the time. Bazarov (the characterization of this character clearly demonstrates what the most developed youth of that time was like) is the central character of the novel, all the threads of the narrative come down to him. He is the brightest representative of the new generation. Who is he?

General characteristics (appearance, occupation)

As a writer-psychologist, Turgenev thought through everything to the smallest detail. One of the ways to characterize a character is the hero's appearance. Bazarov has a high forehead, which is a sign of intelligence, and narrow lips, which speak of arrogance and arrogance. However, the hero’s clothing plays a big role. Firstly, it shows that Bazarov is a representative of the raznochintsy democrats (the younger generation opposed to the older generation of liberal aristocrats of the 40s). He is dressed in a long black robe with tassels. He is wearing loose trousers made of coarse fabric and a simple shirt - this is how Bazarov is dressed. The image turned out to be more than telling. He does not chase fashion trends; moreover, he despises the elegance of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, whose appearance is completely opposite. Simplicity in clothing is one of the principles of the nihilists, whose position the hero took, so he feels closer to the common people. As the novel shows, the hero really manages to get close to ordinary Russian people. Bazarov is loved by the peasants, and the children of the courtyards follow on his heels. By occupation, Bazarov (characteristics of the hero in terms of profession) is a doctor. And who else could he be? After all, all his judgments are based on German materialism, where a person is considered only as a system in which its own physical and physiological laws operate.

Bazarov's Nihilism

Bazarov, whose character is certainly one of the most striking in the literature of the 19th century, adhered to one of the most popular teachings of the time - nihilism, which means “nothing” in Latin. The hero does not recognize any authorities, does not bow to any life principles. The main thing for him is science and knowledge of the world through experience.

External conflict in the novel

As noted above, Turgenev’s novel is multifaceted; two levels of conflict can be distinguished in it: external and internal. At the external level, the conflict is represented by disputes between Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov.

Disputes with Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov concern different aspects of human life. Bazarov is most irreconcilable in relation to art, primarily poetry. He sees in her only empty and useless romanticism. The second thing the characters dialogue about is nature. For people like Nikolai Petrovich and Pavel Petrovich, nature is God’s temple in which a person rests; they admire its beauty. Bazarov (the character’s quotes confirm this) is categorically against such glorification; he believes that nature “is a workshop, and man is a worker in it.” In a conflict with Pavel Petrovich, the hero often behaves rather rudely. He speaks unflatteringly about him in the presence of his nephew, Arkady Kirsanov. All this does not show Bazarov from the best side. It is for this portrayal of the hero that Turgenev will subsequently suffer. Bazarov, whose characterization in many critical articles is not in favor of Turgenev, was undeservedly scolded by the author; some even believe that Turgenev is slandering the entire younger generation, undeservedly accusing them of all sins. However, we should not forget that the older generation is also not praised in the text.

Relationships with parents

Bazarov's nihilism clearly manifests itself at all moments of his life. Parents who have not seen their son for a long time are waiting for him with rapture. But they are slightly embarrassed by their serious and educated child. The mother pours out her feelings, and the father sheepishly apologizes for such incontinence. Bazarov himself strives to leave his parents’ home as quickly as possible, apparently because he is afraid to suddenly show warm feelings. According to German materialism, a person cannot have any spiritual attachments. On his second visit, Evgeniy also asks his parents not to disturb him, not to bother him with their care.

Internal conflict

The internal conflict in the novel is obvious. It lies in the fact that the hero begins to doubt his theory, he becomes dissuaded from it, but cannot come to terms with it. Bazarov’s first doubts about nihilism arise when he meets Sitnikov and Kukshina. These people call themselves nihilists, but they are too petty and insignificant.

Love line in the novel

The test of the hero by love is classic for the novel genre, and the novel “Fathers and Sons” is no exception. Bazarov, an inveterate nihilist who denies any romantic feelings, falls in love with the young widow Odintsova. She captivates him at first sight when he sees her at the ball. She differs from other women in her beauty, majesty, her gait is graceful, every movement is royally graceful. But her most important trait is intelligence and prudence. It is prudence that will prevent her from staying with Bazarov. At first, their relationship seems friendly, but the reader immediately understands that a spark of love flashed between them. However, none of them is able to step over their principles. Evgeny Bazarov's confession looks ridiculous, because at the moment of revelation his eyes are more full of anger than love. Bazarov is a complex and contradictory image. What makes him angry? Of course, his theory collapsed. Man is and has always been a creature with a living heart, in which the strongest feelings glow. He, who denies love and romance, is conquered by a woman. Bazarov's ideas collapsed; they were refuted by life itself.

Friendship

Arkady Kirsanov is one of Bazarov's most devoted supporters. However, it is immediately noticeable how different they are. There is too much romanticism in Arcadia, as in his relatives. He wants to enjoy nature, he wants to start a family. Surprisingly, Bazarov, whose quotes addressed to Pavel Petrovich are harsh and unfriendly, does not despise him for this. He guides him on his path, realizing at the same time that Arkady will never be a true nihilist. At the moment of a quarrel, he insults Kirsanov, but his words are rather thoughtless than evil. Remarkable intelligence, strength of character, will, calmness and self-control - these are the qualities that Bazarov possesses. Arkady’s characterization looks weaker against his background, because he is not such an outstanding personality. But at the end of the novel, Arkady remains a happy family man, and Evgeny dies. Why?

The meaning of the novel's ending

Many critics reproached Turgenev for “killing” his hero. The ending of the novel is very symbolic. For heroes like Bazarov, the time has not come, and the author believes that it will never come at all. After all, humanity endures only because it has love, kindness, and respect for the traditions of its ancestors and culture. Bazarov is too categorical in his assessments, he does not take half measures, and his sayings sound blasphemous. He encroaches on the most valuable things - nature, faith and feelings. As a result, his theory crashes against the rocks of the natural order of life. He falls in love, cannot be happy only because of his beliefs, and in the end he dies altogether.

The epilogue of the novel emphasizes that Bazarov's ideas were unnatural. Parents come to their son's grave. He found peace in the midst of beautiful and eternal nature. Turgenev depicts the cemetery landscape in a pointedly romantic manner, once again conveying the idea that Bazarov was wrong. The “workshop” (as Bazarov called it) continues to bloom, live and delight everyone with its beauty, but the hero is no more.

Bazarov's inner world and its external manifestations. Turgenev paints a detailed portrait of the hero upon his first appearance. But strange thing! The reader almost immediately forgets individual facial features and is hardly ready to describe them after two pages. The general outline remains in the memory - the author presents the hero’s face as repulsively ugly, colorless in color and defiantly irregular in sculptural modeling. But he immediately separates the facial features from their captivating expression (“It was enlivened by a calm smile and expressed self-confidence and intelligence”).

The first thing that catches your eye in Bazarov’s behavior can be interpreted as a manifestation of self-confidence. He is distinguished by a certain rudeness of behavior, an unwillingness to follow the rules of good manners and even basic standards of decency. His behavior contrasts with the sincere, affable manner of the good-natured Nikolai Petrovich, the exquisite, coldish courtesy of his brother, or the enthusiastic verbosity of Arkady. Here the hero meets his friend’s father, the future owner of the house where he has a place to stay: “Nikolai Petrovich<…>squeezed him tightly<...>hand,” Bazarov “immediately gave him his,” and “answered kind questions in a lazy but courageous voice.” The casual manner of communication he adopts extends to representatives of all classes. Here, at the inn, for the first time we become witnesses of Bazarov’s communication with the men. “Well, turn around, fat beard!” - Bazarov turned to the coachman. However, this apt, rude description did not offend the men at all: “Listen, Mityukha,” picked up another coachman standing right there.<…>, - what did the master call you? Thickbeard is."

Those around him are attracted by Bazarov’s stern simplicity more than by Pavel Petrovich’s aristocratic courtesy, from which, as Fenechka aptly remarks, “it will give you the cold.” Nikolai Petrovich, although “afraid of the young nihilist,” nevertheless “readily listened to him, willingly attended his physical and chemical experiments.” The servants “attached” to him, not excluding Peter, who was limited in complacency. Bazarov is followed “like little dogs” by peasant children. He also became friends with Fenechka. At first, the young nihilist allowed himself an ironic remark addressed to Nikolai Petrovich. But when he approached the shy Fenechka, he behaved with all courtesy. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he began with a polite bow, “Arkady Nikolaevich is a friend and a humble person.” The stern doctor unmistakably touched a weak string in the mother’s heart - he showed attention to her child. Even little Mitya recognized Bazarov’s charm: “Children feel who loves them.” Subsequently, Bazarov more than once, as a doctor, will come to Mitya’s aid. And all this with constant jokes and banter. Behind this lies a desire so that Fenechka does not feel obligated to him. Here, in this house, Fenechka, an unofficial wife and mother of an illegitimate child, sometimes has a hard time already - Bazarov understands this. On a human level, he sympathizes with Fenechka, but prefers not to interfere in a difficult family situation. “She’s a mother - well, she’s right.”

Household members, servants, children - all of them are truly interesting to him as a human being. And he himself is an interesting personality, which irresistibly attracts people of all classes. Arkady imitates Bazarov in the artless simplicity of his behavior. It turns out, however, that being simple and democratic with everyone is very difficult. For Arkady, this comes out deliberately, and despite all the sincerity of his intentions, it is unnatural. He wants to meet Fenechka and without warning goes to her room. Left in the living room with his heart beating, it occurs to the father “that Arkady would have shown him almost more respect if he had not touched this matter at all.” Arkady was delighted to meet his stepmother and the presence of his little brother in the world. But behind the impulse of generosity hides an arrogance hidden from oneself. Secretly, the young man admires the breadth of his own views. It doesn’t occur to Arkady that such generosity humiliates his father, even though he is pleased with the sincerity of his eldest son’s feelings. About the ensuing scene of a kindred embrace, the author notes: “...There are touching situations from which you still want to get out of it as soon as possible.”

There is a gradation in the rudely uninhibited manners of Kirsanov’s guest. In some cases they mask subtle delicacy, as with Fenechka. In others, they are an open response to disguised rudeness. So on the day of his arrival, he “took off” after Arkady, even though he had no intention of leaving for a minute. But he preferred an unceremonious departure to pointed disregard on the part of Pavel Petrovich (“He didn’t shake hands<…>, put it back in my pocket"). Later we see how Bazarov’s external severity helps him hide his inner embarrassment and even timidity (in his relationship with Anna Sergeevna). In any case, the author interprets Bazarov’s behavior to us not only as a feature of his character, but also as a national feature. “The only good thing about a Russian person is that he has a very bad opinion of himself,” Bazarov casually but meaningfully drops in a conversation with Arkady.

Another feature of Bazarov, which cannot but arouse respect for him, is “a noble habit of work.” This is the organic impossibility of an idle existence. It is noted that Bazarov woke up “earlier than anyone else” in the Kirsanovs’ house the next day after a tiring journey. When “about two weeks” had passed since his arrival, as a matter of course, the author says: “Life in Maryino went on in its own order: Arkady was sybaritizing, Bazarov was working.” Carrying out scientific experiments and observations, the hero is not afraid to get his hands dirty: “His linen coat and trousers were stained with mud; a tenacious marsh plant entwined the crown of his old round hat...”

The “enlightened mind” becomes the support for innate hard work. With knowledge of the matter, Bazarov “explains” to his friend which trees, based on the state of the soil, should be planted in the garden instead of the dead oaks. “In a few minutes” he penetrated into the weak points of Nikolai Petrovich’s economy. In everything related to applied, experimental, scientific knowledge, Bazarov shows broad education, observation and intelligence. At the same time, knowledge was not easy for him. The son of a doctor, the owner of a village and twenty-two souls of peasants probably had a more difficult time than his friend. Subsequently, Bazarov’s father proudly reveals to Arkady a family secret: “...If someone else in his place would have pulled and pulled from his parents; and with us, believe me? He never took an extra penny!..” Absolute selflessness, a man’s desire to rely solely on his own strengths distinguishes Bazarov. “...The Rudins have knowledge without will; the Bazarovs have both knowledge and will...” - the critic rightly pointed out. With good reason, one can apply to Bazarov the definition that Rudin did not receive - “a genius.”

It was the writer’s task to show his human attractiveness in the hero. “The “contemporary” will probably shower me with contempt for Bazarov,” he wrote in his diary, “and will not believe that during the entire time of writing I felt an involuntary attraction to him.” In one of his letters, Turgenev directly stated: “...If the reader does not fall in love with Bazarov with all his rudeness, heartlessness, ruthless dryness and harshness<...>“I am guilty and did not achieve my goal.”

But as in the case of Rudin, the dissonant notes in the hero’s appearance are becoming increasingly stronger. “Thought and deed merge into one,” the radical critic D.I. wrote with delight about Bazarov. Pisarev. No sooner said than done. Bazarov noticed the “disorder” - the owner of the house, Nikolai Petrovich, “Pushkin is reading<…>. This is no good. After all, he’s not a boy: it’s time to give up this nonsense.” Bazarov recognizes “something practical” as useful reading. And on the same day, Arkady “silently, with such gentle regret on his face,” “like a child,” took the ill-fated book from his father. Instead, on the advice of a friend, I “placed” a brochure by a German naturalist. Stop... We see how in Bazarov’s nature, at first glance, open, simple and whole, aspirations appear that the moral sense cannot accept. And they arise as a kind of continuation of attractive traits. We said that Bazarov’s charm attracts everyone with whom life encounters him. A few days after his arrival, he is already the focus of interest at home. The hero knows this and uses it, forcing those around him to live as he sees fit. External simplicity hides the need to skillfully manipulate others. After all, he didn’t take the book himself from the owner of the house, but pushed his friend to do this, knowing that Arkady would be happy to demonstrate his open-mindedness, and Nikolai Petrovich would not object to his son. But, subordinating the interests of others, Bazarov considers himself free from all the responsibilities of the hostel. Turgenev makes us witnesses how the hero violates all the rules of hospitality, respect for elders and even moral norms. In the same episode with the book, Bazarov’s actions clearly lead to a quarrel between father and son. The guest allows himself rude attacks against Uncle Arkady, in his presence and behind his back. The attentive reader will notice that this is done demonstratively. The hero is obviously convinced that he has every right to do this. But what about his democracy, his intelligence, which in our eyes is inherent in a person engaged in science?

The simpler and more democratic Bazarov behaves, the more sharply his dissimilarity from those around him appears. It is clear to anyone that this is an extraordinary person. Odintsova, to whom he introduces himself as a “future district doctor,” objected with liveliness: “You yourself don’t believe this.”<…>. Is it possible for you to be satisfied with such modest activities?<…>!” Bazarov’s father, Vasily Ivanovich, asks Arkady: “... After all, he will not achieve in the medical field<…>fame?..”

Of course, not in medicine, although in this respect he will be one of the first scientists.

On what<…>?

It's hard to say now, but he will be famous.

Does Bazarov know what hopes are placed on him? He knows. Bazarov casually reminds Arkady that he is the “grandson of a sexton.” And he adds: “Like Speransky.” Mikhail Mikhailovich Speransky (1772-1839), born into a poor spiritual family, thanks solely to his intelligence and talents, made a dizzying career - to count and minister of the court. Speransky was the closest adviser to two emperors - Alexander I and Nicholas I. Irritated by his independent character, frightened by the radicalism of the proposed reforms, Alexander sent Speransky into exile. Subsequently, Nicholas, who was claiming the throne, and the Decembrists agreed on one thing - the future government could not manage without Speransky’s experience and knowledge...

A comparison thrown as if by the way reveals to us the boundaries of Bazarov’s ambition. He is obviously preparing himself for the future of a statesman. The only difference is that Speransky agreed to climb the steps of the existing social ladder. Bazarov is a nihilist. A special episode is devoted to an explanation of this social term and its meaning in the novel. Bazarov does not participate in it, although it is primarily about him. Arkady “with a grin” (how can one not know such simple things!) explains to his father and uncle: “... This word means a person who...” “Who does not recognize anything?” - Nikolai Petrovich guesses. Pavel Petrovich strengthens the negative connotation of the meaning of “nihil” - “nothing”: “...Who does not respect anything.” But this turns out to be too weak. “Who treats everything from a critical point of view...” “A nihilist,” Arkady formulates, clearly from Bazarov’s words, “is a person who does not bow to any authority, who does not take a single principle for granted, no matter how respectful he may be.” principle". But this definition does not sufficiently reflect Bazarov’s radicalism. It is not without reason that the most common verbs in the speeches of young people are “not to believe,” “to deny,” “to break,” and “to destroy.” “First we need to clear the place,” Bazarov says about the task of himself and his like-minded people. "Turgenev's hero rejects<…>really everything - all really existing forms of social structure, economic life, culture, everyday life and even human psychology<…>. Russia is in a dead end, from which there is no way out<…>. The existing world must be destroyed completely, to the ground..."

Bazarov, as a statesman, thinks in all-Russian categories. We have little doubt that he is ready to take on national responsibilities. For now, his weapon is science. Natural science knowledge is useful not only as a means of revealing the secrets of nature and helping a suffering person. The main opponent of nihilism, critic and writer Mikhail Nikiforovich Katkov was the first to understand this: “He is engaged in these sciences (natural) because, in his opinion, they directly lead to the solution of questions about these first causes,<…>a weapon for destroying prejudices and for bringing people to their senses.” “To enlighten people,” Bazarov is convinced, the book of German materialists is most suitable. No wonder he almost forces the unreasonable Nikolai Petrovich to read Buchner’s popular pamphlet. Ludwig Büchner (1824-1899) - German doctor, naturalist and philosopher, convinced materialist. He was one of the propagandists of the theory of “social Darwinism.” It was proposed to transfer Charles Darwin’s discoveries in the field of natural sciences to the structure of human society: the principles of natural selection, the struggle for existence, the survival of the fittest as determining factors of social life. “The Germans are our teachers in this,” Bazarov says with gratitude.

But he goes further than his teachers. The Russian nihilist is inclined to interpret the title of Buchner's brochure “Matter and Force”, omitting one letter, as “Matter - Force”. Everything that is intangible, that cannot be touched, measured, tested experimentally, is a prejudice. Culture, art, the power of nature, respect for the elderly - these are prejudices that must be destroyed in the name of the common good. Bazarov the nihilist offers this as a scientist and as a public figure. The scientist Bazarov doubts the existence of these unreal concepts. The leader of the Bazaars denies their need, based on their belonging to the old world. The old world is bad - is it not the fault of culture? If he is to be swept away, his attributes will inevitably fall. This is what the “hero of his time” thinks. But there is also Bazarov, a man who should be familiar with feelings and experiences?

“The religion of denial is directed against all authorities, and is itself based on the crudest worship of authority<…>she has her own merciless idols,” the same Katkov venomously noted. The youth of the 1860s, contemporaries of Chernyshevsky, Dobrolyubov, Pisarev, built their lives according to strict laws, deliberate, developed by reading books and conversations with friends. It is not for nothing that the word “principles” sounds harsh, rude, and categorical from their lips. And if for the sake of ideas it is necessary to abandon previous attachments, to step over feelings - well, it’s not scary. The hero proudly calls himself “self-made.” Subsequently, Bazarov will tell his friend that to succumb to feelings for him means to “fall apart.” In return, they are given the proud consciousness that they themselves, from beginning to end, build their own destiny: “Upbringing? ...Every person must educate himself - well, at least like me, for example<…>. As for time, why will I depend on it? It’s better to let it depend on me.”

It is important for the author that Bazarov is precisely a Russian person, who, even in his extremes, was the embodiment of typical traits of national character. It was not for nothing that Ivan Sergeevich saw in him a “pendant” (parallel) to the national hero, the rebel Pugachev. Even in “Notes of a Hunter,” Turgenev noted that “the Russian man is so confident in his strength and strength that he is not averse to breaking himself: he pays little attention to his past and boldly looks forward. What<…>it’s reasonable - give him that, and where it comes from - he doesn’t care.” Then the writer was inclined to evaluate this quality as unconditionally positive. But having encountered the philosophy and practice of nihilism, I was alarmed. After all, the goals of nihilism are sublime and beautiful - the happiness of humanity. But is it not too much to give up in the name of “reasonable”? First of all, enter into battle with your own soul, as the main character does throughout the novel. This is largely why Bazarov for his creator is a “tragic”, “wild”, “gloomy” figure.