The most important feature of the amazing talent of I.S. Turgenev - a keen sense of his time, which is the best test for the artist. The images created by him continue to live, but in a different world, whose name is the grateful memory of the descendants who learned love, dreams and wisdom from the writer.

The clash of two political forces, liberal nobles and raznochintsy revolutionaries, has found artistic embodiment in a new work, which is being created in a difficult period of social confrontation.

The idea of ​​"Fathers and Sons" is the result of communication with the staff of the Sovremennik magazine, where the writer worked for a long time. The writer was very worried about leaving the magazine, because the memory of Belinsky was associated with him. Dobrolyubov's articles, with whom Ivan Sergeevich constantly argued and sometimes disagreed, served as a real basis for depicting ideological differences. The radical young man was not on the side of gradual reforms, like the author of Fathers and Sons, but firmly believed in the path of revolutionary transformation of Russia. The editor of the magazine, Nikolai Nekrasov, supported this point of view, so the classics of fiction - Tolstoy and Turgenev - left the editorial office.

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

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

Main problems

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

1. Central to the book is the moral problem of relationships between generations. "Fathers" or "children"? The fate of everyone is connected with the search for an answer to the question: what is the meaning of life? For the new people, it consists in work, but the old guard sees it in reasoning and contemplation, because crowds of peasants work for them. In this principled position there is a place for an irreconcilable conflict: fathers and children live differently. In this divergence we see the problem of misunderstanding of opposites. The antagonists cannot and do not want to accept each other, especially this impasse can be traced in the relationship between Pavel Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov.
2. Just as acute is the problem of moral choice: on whose side is the truth? Turgenev believed that the past cannot be denied, because only thanks to it the future is being built. In the image of Bazarov, he expressed the need to preserve the continuity of generations. The hero is unhappy because he is lonely and understood, because he himself did not strive for anyone and did not want to understand. However, changes, whether people of the past like it or not, will come anyway, and we must be ready for them. This is evidenced by the ironic image of Pavel Kirsanov, who lost his sense of reality, putting on ceremonial tailcoats in the village. The writer urges to be sensitive to changes and try to understand them, and not indiscriminately scold, like Uncle Arkady. Thus, the solution to the problem lies in the tolerant attitude of different people to each other and the attempt to learn the opposite concept of life. In this sense, the position of Nikolai Kirsanov won, who was tolerant of new trends and was never in a hurry to judge them. His son also found a compromise solution.
3. However, the author made it clear that there is a high purpose behind the tragedy of Bazarov. It is these desperate and self-confident pioneers who are paving the way for the world forward, so the problem of recognizing this mission in society also occupies an important place. Eugene repents on his deathbed that he feels unnecessary, this realization destroys him, and he could become a great scientist or a skilled doctor. But the cruel mores of the conservative world push him out, because they feel threatened in him.
4. The problems of the "new" people, the raznochintsy intelligentsia, difficult relationships in society, with parents, in the family are also obvious. Raznochintsy do not have profitable estates and position in society, therefore they are forced to work and become hardened, seeing social injustice: they work hard for a piece of bread, and the nobles, stupid and mediocre, do nothing and occupy all the upper floors of the social hierarchy, where the elevator simply does not reach . Hence the revolutionary sentiments and the moral crisis of an entire generation.
5. Problems of eternal human values: love, friendship, art, attitude to nature. Turgenev knew how to reveal the depths of human nature in love, to test the true essence of a person with love. But not everyone passes this test, an example of this is Bazarov, who breaks down under the onslaught of feelings.

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

Characteristics of the heroes of the novel

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

• The writer displayed in Bazarov the type of a young man who believes exclusively in scientific activity and denies religion. The hero has a deep interest in the natural sciences. From childhood, his parents instilled in him a love of work.
• He condemns the people for illiteracy and ignorance, but is proud of his origin. The views and beliefs of Bazarov do not find like-minded people. Sitnikov, a talker and a phrase-monger, and the "emancipated" Kukshina are useless "followers".
• In Yevgeny Vasilyevich, a soul unknown to him rushes about. What should a physiologist and an anatomist do with it? It is not visible under a microscope. But the soul hurts, although it - a scientific fact - does not exist!
• Turgenev spends most of the novel exploring the "temptations" of his hero. He torments him with the love of old people - parents - what to do with them? And love for Odintsova? Principles are in no way compatible with life, with the living movements of people. What remains for Bazarov? Only die. Death is his last test. He accepts her heroically, does not comfort himself with the spells of a materialist, but calls for his beloved.
• The spirit conquers the enraged mind, overcomes the delusions of the schemes and postulates of the new teaching.

Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov - bearer of noble culture. Bazarov is disgusted by Pavel Petrovich's "starched collars", "long nails". But the hero's aristocratic manners are an inner weakness, a secret consciousness of his inferiority.

• Kirsanov believes that self-respect means taking care of your appearance and never losing your dignity, even in the countryside. He composes his daily routine in the English manner.
• Pavel Petrovich retired, indulging in love experiences. This decision of his became a "resignation" from life. Love does not bring joy to a person if he lives only by its interests and whims.
• The hero is guided by principles taken "on faith" that correspond to his position as a feudal lord. Honors the Russian people for patriarchy and obedience.
• In relation to a woman, the strength and passion of feelings are manifested, but he does not understand them.
• Pavel Petrovich is indifferent to nature. The denial of her beauty speaks of his spiritual limitations.
• This man is deeply unhappy.

Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov- father of Arkady and brother of Pavel Petrovich. It was not possible to make a military career, but he did not despair and entered the university. After the death of his wife, he devoted himself to his son and the improvement of the estate.

• The characteristic features of the character are gentleness, humility. The intelligence of the hero causes sympathy and respect. Nikolai Petrovich is a romantic at heart, loves music, recites poetry.
• He is an opponent of nihilism, he tries to smooth out any emerging differences. Live in harmony with your heart and conscience.

Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov- a person who is not independent, deprived of his life principles. He is completely subordinate to his friend. He joined Bazarov only out of youthful enthusiasm, since he did not have his own views, so in the final there was a gap between them.

• Subsequently, he became a zealous owner and started a family.
• “A nice fellow,” but “a soft, liberal barich,” Bazarov says about him.
• All Kirsanovs are "more children of events than fathers of their own actions."

Odintsova Anna Sergeevna- an "element" "related" to Bazarov's personality. On what basis can such a conclusion be drawn? The firmness of the outlook on life, "proud loneliness, intelligence - make it" close "to the protagonist of the novel. She, like Eugene, sacrificed personal happiness, so her heart is cold and fearful of feelings. She herself trampled on them, having married by calculation.

The conflict of "fathers" and "children"

Conflict - “collision”, “serious disagreement”, “dispute”. To say that these concepts have only a "negative connotation" means to completely misunderstand the processes of development of society. “Truth is born in a dispute” - this axiom can be considered a “key” that opens the veil on the problems posed by Turgenev in the novel.

Disputes are the main compositional technique that allows the reader to determine his point of view and take a certain position in his views on a particular social phenomenon, area of ​​development, nature, art, moral concepts. Using the "reception of disputes" between "youth" and "old age", the author affirms the idea that life does not stand still, it is multifaceted and many-sided.

The conflict between "fathers" and "children" will never be resolved, it can be described as a "constant". However, it is the conflict of generations that is the engine of development of everything earthly. On the pages of the novel, there is a burning controversy caused by the struggle of the revolutionary democratic forces with the liberal nobility.

Main Topics

Turgenev managed to saturate the novel with progressive thought: protest against violence, hatred for legalized slavery, pain for the suffering of the people, the desire to found their happiness.

The main themes in the novel "Fathers and Sons":

1. Ideological contradictions of the intelligentsia during the preparation of the reform on the abolition of serfdom;
2. "Fathers" and "children": relationships between generations and the theme of the family;
3. "New" type of man at the turn of two epochs;
4. Immeasurable love for the motherland, parents, woman;
5. Human and nature. The world around: workshop or temple?

What is the meaning of the book?

Turgenev's work sounds like an alarming tocsin over all of Russia, calling on fellow citizens to unite, to reason, to fruitful activity for the good of the Motherland.

The book explains to us not only the past, but also the present day, reminds us of eternal values. The title of the novel does not mean the older and younger generations, not family relationships, but people of new and old views. "Fathers and Sons" is valuable not so much as an illustration to history, many moral problems are raised in the work.

The basis of the existence of the human race is the family, where everyone has their own duties: the elders (“fathers”) take care of the younger ones (“children”), pass on the experience and traditions accumulated by their ancestors, educate them in moral feelings; the younger ones honor adults, adopt from them everything important and best that is necessary for the formation of a person of a new formation. However, their task is also the creation of fundamental innovations, which is impossible without some denial of past delusions. The harmony of the world order lies in the fact that these “ties” do not break, but not in the fact that everything remains the same.

The book has great educational value. To read it at the time of the formation of one's character means to think about important life problems. "Fathers and Sons" teaches a serious attitude to the world, an active position, patriotism. They teach from a young age to develop firm principles, engaging in self-education, but at the same time honor the memory of their ancestors, even if it does not always turn out to be right.

Criticism about the novel

• After the publication of Fathers and Sons, a fierce controversy erupted. M.A. Antonovich in the Sovremennik magazine interpreted the novel as "merciless" and "destructive criticism of the younger generation."
• D. Pisarev in the "Russian Word" highly appreciated the work and the image of the nihilist created by the master. The critic emphasized the tragedy of character and noted the firmness of a person who does not back down before trials. He agrees with other critiques that "new" people can be resented, but "sincerity" cannot be denied. The appearance of Bazarov in Russian literature is a new step in the coverage of the social and public life of the country.

Is it possible to agree with the critic on everything? Probably no. He calls Pavel Petrovich "Pechorin of small sizes." But the dispute between the two characters gives reason to doubt this. Pisarev claims that Turgenev does not sympathize with any of his heroes. The writer considers Bazarov to be his "favorite brainchild."

What is "nihilism"?

For the first time, the word "nihilist" sounds in the novel from the lips of Arkady and immediately attracts attention. However, the concept of "nihilist" is in no way connected with Kirsanov Jr.

The word "nihilist" was taken by Turgenev from N. Dobrolyubov's review of a book by the Kazan philosopher, conservative-minded professor V. Bervi. However, Dobrolyubov interpreted it in a positive sense and assigned it to the younger generation. Ivan Sergeevich introduced the word into wide use, which became synonymous with the word "revolutionary".

The "nihilist" in the novel is Bazarov, who does not recognize authorities and denies everything. The writer did not accept the extremes of nihilism, caricaturing Kukshina and Sitnikov, but sympathized with the main character.

Evgeny Vasilievich Bazarov still teaches us with his destiny. Any person has a unique spiritual image, whether he is a nihilist or a simple layman. Respect and reverence for another person is made up of respect for the fact that in him there is the same secret flicker of a living soul as in you.

The most important thing in preparing for the final essay is the formation of a personal bank of arguments that will help to reveal even the most difficult topic. In this case, the Literaguru team, which has been creating literary examples for more than a year, will help you. To supplement our selection, write in the comments which piece to add, and we will definitely write the appropriate argument especially for you.

1. In the novel by I. S. Turgenev “Fathers and Sons”, the characters are on opposite sides of the barricades, because they are representatives of different generations. Their conflict occurs, it would seem, out of the blue, but under it lie serious reasons that have made themselves felt for more than one century. Every time, every century, fathers and children quarrel and do not find a common language. So it is in the book: Evgeny and Pavel Petrovich disliked each other at first sight. The owner of the house did not even give a hand, and the guest rudely and mockingly brought his charter into a strange monastery. The aristocrat saw an ill-mannered and arrogant upstart in the raznochinets, and the scientist and physician considered the idle gentleman a worthless and empty person. And all because times are changing, and fathers cannot adapt to changes, and children do not want to learn from their experience because of self-confidence. Pavel Petrovich could teach Yevgeny Vasilyevich a lot, namely tact, restraint and manners. And Bazarov could introduce the old people into a new world of transformations. But both generations cannot understand and hear each other, and the reason for this conflict is the uncompromising and categorical nature of fathers and children.
2. In the novel by I. S. Turgenev “Fathers and Sons”, some reasons are revealed that explain the reluctance of many children to learn from the experience of their elders. From Anna's personal history, we learn that their father went bankrupt from senseless and excessive revelry. As a result, the man left the children to their fate, because women at that time could not work, and without capital as a dowry, they could not get married. He ruined their future with his irresponsibility. Because of him, Odintsova actually sold herself, becoming the wife of an unloved person. She did this to provide for her younger sister. Of course, after this, children's trust in their fathers is greatly weakened, and they no longer want to learn anything from them. Thus, the older generation sometimes discredits itself before its descendants, so they break the historical ties between the past and the future.

N. V. Gogol, Dead Souls

• N. V. Gogol's poem "Dead Souls" tells about the childhood of the protagonist. His father radically influenced his worldview. Little Pavlusha learned from him the strictest economy, and also learned from an early age the importance of money. He remembered the covenant "Take care of a penny" for the rest of his life. The man also taught his son to please the bosses, to be friends only with the rich, and more than anything in the world to appreciate the “penny”, because she alone will not sell or deceive. Wanting, apparently, to please his father, the boy began to engage in entrepreneurship at school, and there he acquired unscrupulousness, which allowed him to move on to serious frauds in the future. So, the wrong upbringing led to a deplorable result: Chichikov turned into a swindler and a swindler who never found truly close people.
• N. V. Gogol's poem "Dead Souls" tells the tragedy of the Plyushkin family. After the death of his kind and hospitable wife, the head of the family began to go crazy. From a thrifty and industrious owner, he began to turn into a hard-hearted miser. His suspicion and greed began to reflect on the children. The eldest daughter ran away from home, and her father cursed her, but then forgave her when she brought him grandchildren. At the same time, he flatly refused to help her and her children, although his storerooms were bursting with supplies. The fate of the son was even more tragic. When he asked for money for a uniform, having settled in the army, the old man angrily sent him a curse. The young man got into gambling debts, but even then the father did not even think about helping his son out, although the young man was threatened with dishonor. The youngest daughter of the landowner died, remaining with him in the house. It is not surprising that Plyushkin vegetated alone, because he himself dispersed all his children, and even starved half of the servants. Thus, parents do not always lose the support of their children due to the selfishness of the younger generation. Sometimes they themselves become the culprits of their misfortune.

• Ingratitude to parents is always a tragedy, both for fathers and children, just not everyone realizes its detrimental effect on a person’s fate in time. Such an example was described by A. S. Pushkin in the book “The Stationmaster”. Dunya lived happily with her father and ran their modest household until another guest came to them. It was captain Minsky, who was immediately struck by the beauty of the heroine. She was a blue-eyed blonde with a flirtatious manner and a lovely face. The man suddenly fell ill and stayed with the caretaker in the house for several days, while Samson's daughter innocently looked after him. The father did not suspect anything and let his daughter go to church, where the captain drove her after her recovery. However, the girl never returned home. She went to the capital to seek a better life, becoming the mistress of an officer. Of course, Vyrin begged for a vacation in order to find the girl and take her back. However, there he was met with a cold welcome. Minsky did not want to give Dunya away, and she fainted at the sight of her father. Samson was thrown out the door. Having lost hope, he drank himself and soon died of anguish. A few years later, Mrs. Minsky sobbed at his grave. She realized late how unfair she had been to her loving father.
• A. S. Pushkin in the book "The Stationmaster" described an example from which we can conclude that proper education is the most important science that every parent must master. Samson Vyrin spoiled his daughter very much, he always trusted her, although she was flirtatious and immodest for her young years. She freely communicated with the guests, the narrator even allowed a kiss. Therefore, the reader was not surprised by the fact that she left with the captain without warning her father. It’s all the fault of the wrong upbringing, because Vyrin did not control the conversations of the guest and Dunya in any way, did not talk to her about the dangers of men who offer chaste girls an escape from their father’s house. Naturally, the girl could not resist the eloquent promises of a luxurious life, because she was inexperienced and too young. If the father had devoted more time to her upbringing, if he had controlled his daughter more, then perhaps the tragedy would not have happened. Therefore, it is very important not only to take care of children, but also to form their sense of responsibility, conscience and integrity.

A. S. Pushkin, "Dubrovsky"

• A. S. Pushkin in the book "Dubrovsky" described the conflict between fathers and children, which ended tragically for both sides. Troekurov decided to profitably marry his daughter to the rich Vereisky, who also lived nearby. However, he was not embarrassed by the fact that this marriage was unequal: Masha was a young girl, and her fiancé was an old man. Of course, the heroine threw herself at her father's feet with a plea to save her from the hated burden. She fell in love with Dubrovsky and wanted to become his wife. But Kirilla Petrovich was not one of the sentimental fathers and simply locked his daughter at home in anticipation of the wedding. Then Masha sent a letter to Vereisky with a request to cancel the engagement, but this only accelerated the preparations for the wedding of the couple. Vladimir did not know about the postponement of the date and arrived late, the heroine was already married and refused to go with him. So, the father doomed his own daughter to a life full of grief in the arms of an unloved person. It is unlikely that she will ever forgive him, family relations are forever ruined. This is what the confrontation between generations leads to if it is not stopped in time.
• A. S. Pushkin in the book "Dubrovsky" gave an example of how a father and son can understand each other well if they are both honest and noble people. Vladimir loved his parent and at his first call came to Kistenevka. Both heroes are very similar: proud, courageous and principled. The elder Dubrovsky could not bear the insult and died, but with dignity he defended his independence from his wealthy neighbor. He alone did not play nice with the almighty Troekurov, but kept himself on an equal footing with him, as if there was no difference between them. Vladimir grew up the same way. He did not try to ask the enemy to retreat, he did not ask and did not beg, although these lands were his only property. The hero drove Troekurov away, and then burned down his own house, which was appropriated by a neighbor. Without a doubt, his further actions would be fully justified by his father, he would be proud of his boy. Therefore, I do not agree that fathers and children must necessarily be at enmity or not find a common language. This is not an eternal conflict of everyone with everyone, but special cases that are easy to fix if you want.

I. A. Goncharov, "Oblomov"

• Fathers largely determine the fate of their children, because they are responsible for the upbringing that shapes the worldview of their offspring. A good example was described by I. A. Goncharov in the novel Oblomov. The protagonist became a lazy and idle person with no prospects, because his family pushed him to this from childhood. In Oblomovka, none of the owners really did anything. In the morning everyone ate, then drank tea, then slept and ate again, and until the evening you can lie down until the food is served again. Such an existence lulled the initially active and inquisitive boy. He just couldn't act any different when he moved to the city. The habit of a well-fed and idle quagmire of days remained in Oblomov's mind the ideal that he was looking for in everything and found in the house of Agafya Pshenitsyna. His fate was predetermined by his parents, who spoiled and spoiled the child from the very beginning.
• The future of children largely depends on the past of the fathers, who invested in their descendants what they wanted. For example, I. A. Goncharov described in the novel Oblomov an example of the correct upbringing of the younger generation. Stolz Sr. did not spoil his son, but he took care of his education. At home, he received all the skills and abilities necessary for life. In his youth, Andrei went to conquer a big city without money and his father's patronage. The old man wisely reasoned that the young man should make his own way. This harsh science disciplined and motivated the hero. He became a successful self-made entrepreneur. He developed useful qualities: the ability to save and negotiate, courtesy and prudence, efficiency and hard work. Unlike his friend Oblomov, Stolz realized his potential and moved forward. It is obvious that the right upbringing can make the future of the child cloudless.

A. S. Griboyedov, "Woe from Wit"

• Unfortunately, the bad influence of fathers has a detrimental effect on children. In the comedy "Woe from Wit" by A. S. Griboyedov, Famusov himself professes false values ​​and imposes them on his daughter. In his opinion, her fiancé can be a nonentity, but only rich and promising. Also, he is not embarrassed that his son-in-law will grovel and be hypocritical, just to get a rank. And her father is against education, so Sophia was content only with reading novels. Naturally, such a prioritization in the upbringing of the girl played an important role in the formation of her bad inclinations. She calmly deceives her father, meeting with Molchalin, shamelessly lies to the guests, accusing Chatsky of insanity. The heroine does not see anything wrong with lies, because her father also does not condemn hypocrisy. He welcomes everything that leads a person to success, and his daughter learned a lesson: you can achieve your goal by any means. This is how the sins of the fathers are passed on to the children.
• Of course, mature people are experienced and authoritative, but not always right. We can find proof in the play by A. S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”. The generation of fathers stands up for conservatism and wins over to their side the youth, who do not argue, but adjust to the old people in order to get a high rank. For example, Famusov does not recognize the need for education and advocates the preservation of serfdom. He approves of vices: hypocrisy, careerism, cruelty for fun. The master does not even consider his red tape for the maid to be shameful. He himself worries only about public opinion, so in the finale he exclaims: “Oh my God, what will Princess Marya Aleksevna say!”. The scandal itself is nothing, the main thing is what important people think of you. Such a worldview can in no way be called correct, because it retains all the shortcomings of antiquity and does not accept positive updates.

A. N. Ostrovsky, "Thunderstorm"

• In the play by A. N. Ostrovsky "Thunderstorm", the conflict of generations takes on a frightening scale. Kabanikha and Dikoy bring the youth to extremes: Katerina passes away, Varya runs away from home, Tikhon accuses his mother of a crime, and Boris refuses love, fearing to be left without security. These terrible consequences of the conflict between fathers and children actually deprived Kalinov of a bright future, because there is simply no one to do it. In an unequal struggle, what is doomed to a quick death has won, and there is no one else to protect new values ​​and guidelines. The older generation, with their despotism and conservatism, doomed the city to stagnation. Therefore, we observe in Kalinov the dominance of ignorance, social stratification and hypocritical mores of the Middle Ages. Obviously, the "fathers" are far from always right, because over time their value system becomes outdated and needs to be updated, which only a new generation can bring.
• Why don't fathers and children get along? The fact is that they developed in different conditions, so they are not destined to fully understand each other. For example, in A. N. Ostrovsky's play "Thunderstorm", the younger generation differs significantly from the older one. If Kabanikha and Dikoy grew up in a sanctimonious atmosphere of patriarchal merchant class, then young people are growing up in a world where there is an alternative to Domostroy. In front of them, Kuligin debunks the ignorant stereotypes of wanderers, and Katerina, who received a noble upbringing, delivers lofty speeches about freedom. Naturally, Varvara and Tikhon behave differently in such an environment than their ancestors. On the threshold of a new time, when a man will not trample on the rights of a woman, when people will understand that Elijah the prophet does not ride through the heavens. But the fathers are not ready to give up power just like that. They defend their rightness, afraid to admit defeat. They cherish what they believe in. Therefore, conflict is inevitable. Neither side will be able to understand the other, because between them lay the abyss of time.

F. M. Dostoevsky, "Crime and Punishment"

Children suffer the most from the mistakes of fathers. For example, Sonya Marmeladova in Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment" is forced to sacrifice herself in order to feed her family. Her father married a widow of many children to help her provide for the children, while she got drunk and lost her job. Naturally, the Marmeladovs were terribly hungry, every penny went to the tavern. Unable to bear the reproaches and tantrums of her stepmother, the heroine went to the panel. Only her shameful craft brought the money necessary for life. Meanwhile, the father did not repent of the evil he had done. He continued to drink and felt sorry only for himself, telling people in the tavern about his unfortunate fate. Part of the money obtained at the cost of shame went to encourage the alcoholism of the father of the family. Thus, it is the sins of the fathers that place a heavy burden on the fragile shoulders of children, and it is incredibly difficult for them to start their life journey by correcting other people's mistakes.

Not all children are like their parents, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, Sonya Marmeladova from Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment" differs significantly from her miserable father. While Marmeladov Sr. pities only himself and only cares about satisfying his pernicious passion for alcoholic beverages, his daughter, at the cost of unimaginable sacrifices, saves the family from starvation, and feeds a strange woman and other people's children. At the same time, she does not rant about how hard it is for her to live in taverns and taverns. The girl, in her occupation, manages not to sink into the pool of vice. She kept her soul pure no matter what. But her father broke down under the onslaught of life's difficulties. Thus, children are not always copies of their parents. The new generation can correct the mistakes of the old and become much better.

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Aug 12 2010

The problem and the idea of ​​the novel by I. S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons" are contained in its very title. The inevitable and eternal confrontation between the older and younger generations, due to the changing spirit of the times, can be viewed both in a tragic way (as F. M. Dostoevsky did, for example, in the novel "Demons"), and in a satirical and even humorous way. It can be said that there is more humor in the novel than satire. Satire only denounces (satire can be caustic, angry, sharp), while humor not only makes you laugh, but also causes regret and even sympathy (humor is soft, kind, etc.).

Indeed, the question arises, who is Turgenev denouncing - "fathers" or "children"? By age, character, lifestyle at the time of writing the novel was a "father". And he
could not help but see that behind the nihilism and egocentrism of youth is the desire to replace faith with knowledge, and passive hope with active actions, although Turgenev himself did not accept a maximalist approach to life. Out of rejection and misunderstanding, the idea of ​​the novel "Fathers and Sons" was born. But this is not a categorical denial, but a desire to understand. Humor and satire help Turgenev in this.

Turgenev applies this approach to each of his characters, with the possible exception of Odintsova alone. begins with the scene of the arrival of Arkady and Bazarov in Maryino, the Kirsanovs' estate. It is enough to recall how Arkady, with or without reason, uses the word "father" instead of "dad", speaks in a deliberately low voice, tries to behave cheekily, while clearly imitating Bazarov. But nothing works out for him, everything looks unnatural, because in his heart Arkady has remained the same boy that he left his native nest.

The estate itself, built in the open (the result of Nikolai Petrovich's groundless dreams), and its owners, Nikolai Petrovich and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, evoke a smile, but of a different kind: sad, nostalgic. This is sadness for the epoch of old-world landowners and aristocrats that is fading into the past.

From the point of view of Bazarov, they are eccentrics, they are useless for society. The humanist-minded Nikolai Petrovich gave the peasants freedom and by doing so did them a disservice. His cello playing, as well as Pavel Petrovich's semi-boots polished to a mirror shine, are not able to improve the life of the people, and even more so are not able to raise their cultural level. All this is as Turgenev says, but without these eccentrics there would be no poetry, art, music. The brothers, outwardly so different, are similar in their spiritual integrity. The Kirsanovs love Pushkin, Bazarov does not understand this poet and poetry in general, because. does not accept poetic ideals.

The author rarely jokes about Bazarov. Red hands, tousled hair, clumsy but confident movements give Bazarov's appearance something animalistic. The beast has the will to act, there is physical strength, there is instinct, but he does not have "fullness of mind." After all, calling a person reasonable if he denies the experience of past generations (“we do not recognize authorities”) is still wrong.

Life played a cruel joke with Bazarov. He, who did not believe in love, suddenly fell in love, but his love was rejected. It is noteworthy that Bazarov died not in battle and not on the road, as befitted, it would seem, a bright representative of the young rebellious generation, but in his own home, in the arms of the same “old-world landowners” who were his parents.

In the whole novel, generally sad and kind, like everything that Turgenev wrote, there are only two characters worthy of sharp satirical jabs: Kukshina and Sitnikov. Turgenev asks the first: “What are you doing?” What is missing from this creature with a small, red nose, why does Kukshina do absolutely nothing to maintain attention and respect for herself? The magazines that no one will ever read gather dust senselessly, its very existence is senseless. It is no coincidence that next to her Turgenev puts such an empty person as Sitnikov; he takes up the least space in the novel. The son of an innkeeper wants to make the people happy, while using the profits from his father's establishments. Such characters can only be regarded as parodic. Sitnikov under Bazarov, like Grushnitsky under (the same can be said about Kukshina and Odintsova). But if for Lermontov Grushnitsky served as a means of revealing Pechorin, then Turgenev uses the negative to give more weight to the positive.

With the help of humorous and satirical techniques, the author expresses his attitude to the characters. In the scene of the dispute and duel between Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, humor turns into a farce, because "children" should not kill "fathers", and "fathers" should force "children" to think the same way they think. The problem of "fathers and sons" is eternal, and it is better to treat it with humor, as Turgenev did.

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev in February 1862 publishes his novel entitled "Fathers and Sons". In it, he tried to show the reader of that time the tragic nature of the growing social conflicts.

In this article, we will conduct "Fathers and Sons", find out what problems are raised in this novel, what is the author's thought.

Before us appear economic troubles, the decomposition of traditional life, the impoverishment of the people, the destruction of ties with the land of the peasant. The helplessness and stupidity of all classes threatens every now and then to develop into chaos and confusion. Against this background, a dispute is unfolding about how to save Russia, which is being waged by heroes representing the two main groups of the Russian intelligentsia.

family conflict

Domestic literature has always tested the strength and stability of society by family relations, which should be noted when analyzing the work "Fathers and Sons". The novel begins with a depiction of the conflict in the Kirsanov family between son and father. Turgenev goes even further, to a clash of a political, social nature.

The main relationships of the characters are revealed mainly in terms of ideas. This is also reflected in the way the novel is built, in which the main characters' disputes, their painful reflections, and passionate speeches play a big role. Ivan Sergeevich did not turn the characters of the work into spokesmen for the author's ideas. The achievement of this writer is the ability to organically connect the movement of even the most abstract ideas of the characters with their life positions.

Attitude to the present of the main characters

The analysis of the work "Fathers and Sons" should also include the attitude of its various characters to the present. One of the main criteria in determining the human personality for the writer was how it relates to the surrounding life, current events. The first thing that catches our eye, if we pay attention to the "fathers" - Nikolai Petrovich and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, is that, in essence, they are not such old people, but at the same time they do not accept and do not understand what is happening around. Analysis of the novel by I.S. Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" confirms this idea.

Pavel Petrovich believes that the principles he learned in his youth favorably distinguish him from those who listen to the present. But Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev shows that in such a stubborn desire to express contempt for modernity, this hero is simply comical. He plays a certain role, from the outside looking funny.

Nikolai Petrovich, unlike his older brother, is not so consistent. He even notes that he likes young people. But, as it turns out, he understands in modernity only that which interferes with his peace. For example, he decided to sell the forest for a log house only because it was supposed to go to the peasants in a few months.

The position of a major personality in relation to modernity

Ivan Sergeevich believed that any great personality is always in a natural relationship with his time. This is Bazarov. Non-independent, petty people live in an eternal sense of discord with their time. Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov accepts this disharmony as the wrongness of modernity, that is, he denies the very course of time, thereby freezing in his conservatism, and people of a different type (we will write about them separately below) are trying to catch up with him.

Sitnikov and Kukshina

In his novel, Turgenev brought out several such images that tend to rush to the rapidly changing course of time, which must certainly be noted when analyzing the work "Fathers and Sons". These are Sitnikov and Kukshina. In them, this feature is expressed unambiguously and very clearly. With them, Bazarov usually speaks disparagingly. With Arkady it is more difficult for him.

He is not as petty and stupid as Sitnikov. Talking with his uncle and father, Arkady explained to them quite accurately such a complex concept as a character is interesting already because he does not recognize Bazarov as "his brother". This attitude brought the latter closer to him, made him treat him more gently, more condescendingly than towards Sitnikov and Kukshina. Arkady, however, still has a desire to catch something in nihilism, to approach it somehow, and he clings only to external signs.

Irony in the work

It should be noted the most important quality of Ivan Sergeevich's style, which is also present in the novel "Fathers and Sons". An analysis of the work shows that in it, as well as from the very beginning of his literary activity, this writer widely used the technique of irony.

In the novel "Fathers and Sons", he awarded this quality to Bazarov, who uses it in a very diverse way: irony for this hero is a means of separating himself from another, whom he does not respect, or serves to "correct" a person who has not yet indifferent. Such are his ironic methods when communicating with Arkady.

Eugene also owns another kind of irony - self-irony. He treats ironically both his behavior and his actions. Let us recall, for example, the scene of the duel between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov. In it, he ironically over his opponent, but no less evil and bitter - over himself. An analysis of the duel scene in "Fathers and Sons" allows us to better understand the character of Bazarov. At such moments, the charm of this character is revealed to the fullest. No selfishness, no complacency.

Nihilism Bazarov

Turgenev leads this young man through the circles of difficult life trials, which with real objectivity and completeness reveal the degree of rightness and wrongness of this hero of the novel "Fathers and Sons". An analysis of the work shows that denial, "complete and merciless", can be justified as the only possible attempt to change the world, while doing away with contradictions. But for the creator of the novel, it is also indisputable that the logic present in nihilism inevitably leads to freedom without any obligations, to searches without faith, to action without love. The writer cannot find creative, creative power in this movement: the changes that the nihilist provides for really existing people are, in fact, tantamount to their destruction, as the analysis carried out by the writer shows. "Fathers and Sons" reveals these contradictions by the very nature of the hero representing this movement.

Having survived love and suffering, Bazarov can no longer be a consistent and integral destroyer, unshakably self-confident, ruthless, breaking other people simply by right. But this hero is also incapable of subordinating his life to self-denial, to reconcile, to seek solace in a sense of duty, in art, in love for a woman - he is too proud, angry, unbridled free for this. Death is the only way out.

Conclusion

Concluding our analysis of "Fathers and Sons", we note that this novel caused a fierce controversy in the literature of the 19th century. Turgenev believed that his creation would help unite various social forces, that society would heed the writer's warnings. But the dream of a friendly and united Russian society never came true.

This concludes our analysis of the work "Fathers and Sons". It can be continued by noting other points. Let the reader think about this novel for themselves.

The embodiment of the historical movement, the historical turning point in the novel is one hero - Bazarov. His appearance in a landowner's estate or at a ball is perceived both by him and those around him as a "sally" into a hostile camp. Naming the novel "Fathers and Sons" and surrounding Bazarov not with students who are able to go further, but unworthy of following in his footsteps, Turgenev entrusted him with the mission of representing the younger generation, "children." Bazarov consciously sets himself the goal of serving the progress of society, denying and destroying what hinders development. Turgenev wrote about his hero: "... if he is called a nihilist, then it should be read: a revolutionary." He represents his time and the revolutionary nature of youth, he embodies a generation of "children" who do not want to pay the moral debts of their fathers, to bear responsibility for the old evil.

Having made Bazarov’s disputes with Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, the bearer of noble culture, the focus of the novel, Turgenev made it clear which of them belongs to the future: the son of a doctor, a poor man who preaches materialism, rejects the institutions and ideological concepts approved and consecrated by the modern state, is the bearer of inevitable trends in the development of society, he smashes his sophisticated opponent on all counts, thereby proving the advantage of the new culture. “This is the triumph of democracy over the aristocracy,” this is how Turgenev assesses the meaning of the situation he depicts.

Pisarev notes that Pavel Petrovich has no convictions. Instead, he adheres to principles that he interprets in his own way: the main thing, in his opinion, is to observe external propriety and spare no effort to be considered a gentleman. The essence of Pavel Petrovich lies in the fact that he attaches great importance to the external form, not caring about its content. This statement can be confirmed by the description of Pavel Petrovich's office.

There is much in common between Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich: both are addicted to "external effects"; both are "inorganic" with the world around them. Bazarov is intolerant of everything ugly and incompetent that is in Pavel Petrovich, while falling into extremes. He denies the attitudes of the "fathers". Bazarov, in fact, is Pavel Petrovich exactly the opposite. Nothing can be built on denial, since the essence of life is not in denial, but in affirmation.

Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, who does not enter into polemics with Bazarov, is a real opponent to the leader of the nihilists. He has a knowledge that cannot be expressed in words, as it can only be felt. The worldview of Nikolai Petrovich, his behavior, which is devoid of external pretentiousness, as well as spiritual breadth, oppose all the denial of the nihilists and are inaccessible to the understanding of the "county aristocrat".

The son of Nikolai Petrovich, Arkady, realizes that Bazarov's ideas are untenable, and therefore tends to the worldly wisdom that Katya possesses.

In his love, which he so persistently denied, not wanting to break himself, Bazarov manifests himself as a person. His beliefs are in conflict with his human nature. He cannot give up his convictions, and he is also unable to kill a person in himself. He dies because there is no way out for him. Turgenev himself explained the death of Bazarov not as a love illness. Behind the deadly, as if accidental illness of the hero, the writer saw fate, pursuing the carriers of historical progress, people who are recognized to embody the new in the life of society, to stand on the threshold of the future.

There are many descriptions of nature in the novel, which lead the reader to the conclusion that nature is a temple, not a workshop, that a person is happy only when he lives in harmony with the outside world.

Eternal nature, despite the fact that Bazarov encroached on her tranquility, gives Bazarov the last peace. His parents come to the grave to Bazarov, who gave him life, with which he treated so unreasonably. Bazarov passes away without completing his mission, he does not leave worthy followers, the scale of his personality is so great that everyone seems small next to him, but the very significance of this hero indicates that such a character has yet to play its role in the historical the life of the country.

D. I. Pisarev about the novel “Fathers and Sons»

“There is no plot, no denouement, no strictly deliberate plan in the novel; there are types and characters; there are scenes and pictures, and, most importantly, through the fabric of the story, the author’s personal, deeply felt attitude to the derived phenomena of life shines through ... We see in it types of the present moment and at the same time we are aware of the changes that the phenomena of reality experienced, passing through the mind of the artist.

“In his (Bazarov’s) personality, those properties are grouped that are scattered in small fractions in the masses ... As an empiricist, Bazarov recognizes only what can be felt with his hands, seen with his eyes, put on his tongue ... As a result of this enjoyment of the beauties of nature, music, painting, poetry, love, women do not at all seem to him higher and cleaner than enjoying a hearty dinner or a bottle of good wine ... One can be indignant at people like Bazarov ... but recognizing their sincerity is absolutely necessary ... "

“He works without a goal, to get his daily bread or out of love for the process of work, but meanwhile he vaguely feels by the amount of his own strength that his work will not remain without a trace and will lead to something. Bazarov is extremely proud, but his pride is imperceptible precisely because of its immensity. He is not interested in those little things that make up ordinary human relations; he cannot be offended by obvious neglect, he cannot be pleased with signs of respect; he is so full of himself and stands so unshakably high in his own eyes that he becomes completely indifferent to the opinions of other people.

“He is controlled only by personal whim or personal calculations ... Ahead - no lofty goal; in the mind - no lofty thought, and with all this - enormous forces!

“If Bazarovism is a disease, then it is a disease of our time, and we have to suffer for it.”

“He flatly denies things that he doesn’t know or don’t understand ... To cut other people to the same standard with him means to fall into narrow mental despotism ... Bazarov thoroughly knows the natural and medical sciences; with their assistance, he knocked out all prejudices from his head; then he remained an extremely uneducated man; he heard something about poetry, something about art, did not bother to think, and shruggedly pronounced a sentence on objects unfamiliar to him.

“Bazarov’s personality closes in on itself, because outside of it and around it there are almost no elements related to it at all.”

“For Bazarov, there are no women who can evoke a serious feeling in him and, for their part, warmly respond to this feeling.”

“To die the way Bazarov died is like doing a great feat ... Bazarov’s rationality was in him a forgivable and understandable extreme; this extreme, which forced him to be wiser with himself and break himself, would disappear from the action of time and life; she disappeared in the same way at the approach of death. He became a man, instead of being the embodiment of the theory of nihilism ... "

“Onegin is colder than Pechorin, and therefore Pechorin fools much more than Onegin, rushes to the Caucasus for impressions, looks for them in Bela’s love, in a duel with Grushnitsky, in battles with the Circassians, while Onegin languidly and lazily carries his beautiful disappointment around the world . A little bit of Onegin, a little bit of Pechorin has been and still is with us every more or less intelligent person ... Next to these bored drones there were and still are crowds of sad people, yearning from an unsatisfied desire to be useful ... The ardent desire of the Rudins and Beltovs to settle down to a practical activities and to see the fruits of their labors and donations remains fruitless ... Because of the Rudins, a new generation has come forward, which treated its predecessors with reproach and derision ... They are aware of their dissimilarity with the masses and boldly separate from it by actions, habits, the whole way of life. Whether society will follow them, they don't care. They are full of themselves, their inner life and do not constrain it for the sake of accepted customs and ceremonials ... The Pechorins have a will without knowledge, the Rudins have knowledge without a will; the Bazarovs have both knowledge and will, thought and deed merge into one solid whole.

“Turgenev, obviously, does not favor his hero. His soft, loving nature, striving for faith and sympathy, warps with corrosive realism; his subtle aesthetic sense, not devoid of a significant dose of aristocracy, is offended by even the slightest glimpses of cynicism ... "

“Unable to show us how Bazarov lives and acts, Turgenev showed us how he dies. This is enough for the first time to form an idea about the forces of Bazarov, about those forces whose full development could only be indicated by life ... "

« The meaning of the novel is: today's young people are carried away and fall into extremes, but fresh strength and an incorruptible mind are reflected in the hobbies themselves; this strength and this mind, without any extraneous aids and influences, will lead young people to a straight path and support them in life.

Heroes of the novel

Arkady

“Arkady does not love his friend, but somehow involuntarily submits to the irresistible influence of a strong personality ... he puts on Bazarov’s ideas, which definitely cannot grow together with him.”

Pavel Petrovich

“Arkady’s uncle, Pavel Petrovich, can be called Pechorin of small size ... He has no convictions, to tell the truth, but he does have habits that he values ​​​​very much ... At heart, Pavel Petrovich is as much a skeptic and empiricist as Bazarov himself ".

Sitnikov and Kukshina

“The young man Sitnikov and the young lady Kukshina represent a superbly executed caricature of a brainless progressive and emancipated woman in Russian ... The Sitnikovs and Kukshins will always remain funny personalities ...”