The most concise content of fathers and children. "Fathers and Sons": actors. "Fathers and Sons": the main characters and their description. How many characters are there in Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons"? The final episode of the work

The works written by I. S. Turgenev made an invaluable contribution to the development of Russian literature. Many of them are well known to readers of various ages. However, the most popular of his works is the novel Fathers and Sons, a summary of which can be found in this article.

This work was completed in 1861 and became the answer to many questions that worried the minds of the writer's contemporaries. After all, this was the period preceding the abolition of serfdom. It became a turning point for Russia, public opinion which was at the junction of the old conservative and innovative thinking that was going to replace it. All this provoked a conflict of ideologies, which the writer clearly showed by the example of the life of the Kirsanov family.

History of writing

The idea of ​​​​creating a new work that would reflect the surrounding reality came to Turgenev at the moment when he was on the island of Haight, which belongs to England. The writer began to think about a major story about the life of a young doctor. The prototype of the protagonist (Bazarov) was a doctor whom Turgenev met by chance while traveling through railway. In this young man, the Russian writer was able to see the beginnings of nihilism - the philosophy of denying the norms of moral culture, as well as generally accepted values ​​and ideals, which was just emerging in those days.

The Russian peasant is the same mysterious stranger about whom Mrs. Ratcliffe once talked so much. Who will understand him? He doesn't understand himself...

Turgenev began his work in 1860. At that time, he left for Paris with his daughter and, having settled there, planned to create a new work as soon as possible. Already during the first year he had written half of the novel. Moreover, Ivan Sergeevich received great satisfaction from his work. He was madly impressed by the image of his hero - Evgeny Bazarov. However, after some time, the writer realized that he simply could not work in a foreign land, far from Russian events. That is why Turgenev returns to his homeland. Here, finding himself in the atmosphere of contemporary social movements, he successfully completes his novel.

Shortly before the end of work on the book, a significant historical event took place in Russia, which was the abolition of serfdom. The writer completed the last chapters of the novel on his small homeland in the village of Spassky.

Publications

With the novel "Fathers and Sons" by I. S. Turgenev, readers were introduced to the popular literary publication "Russian Messenger". As the writer expected, the ambiguous image of his protagonist caused a violent reaction from critics. A lot of controversy about this work appeared in the press. Critics wrote articles devoted to the analysis of Bazarov's characteristics and the ideological orientation of the novel. And this is not surprising, because the author introduced his reader to a completely new image. His hero, who denies everything beautiful and familiar, has become a kind of hymn to the nihilistic trend that was still young in those years.

After the novel "Fathers and Sons" appeared in the "Russian Messenger", Turgenev made a slight revision of the text. He somewhat smoothed out some of the particularly sharp features in Bazarov's character and made his image more attractive compared to the original version. The edited version was published in the autumn of 1862. Turgenev dedicated it to his close friend V. G. Belinsky, thanks to whose influence Ivan Sergeevich's public views were formed.

The novel "Fathers and Sons" took its rightful place in Russian literature. This unique work reflected the eternal confrontation that exists between two generations, not only on the example of a single family, but also on the scale of the social and political life of the whole state.

The meaning of the name

Of course, getting acquainted with the summary of "Fathers and Sons" and the analysis of the work, the reader wants to understand the essence of its title. Undoubtedly, it should not be interpreted literally.

The work tells us about two families - two representatives of the older generation and their two sons. However, when considering the summary of "Fathers and Sons", the characters somewhat recede into the background. The main meaning of the novel lies not at all in the description of their life activity. It lies in the global differences in worldviews.

What can an analysis of the summary of "Fathers and Sons" by I. Turgenev tell us? The title of the novel tells the reader that in the communication of two generations there have always been, are and will be some contradictions. At the same time, parents and their children are opposed to each other with the help of the union “and”. But this is only on paper. In fact, there is a whole gulf between them. This is a time period of a quarter of a century or more, during which the cultural, economic and political situation in the country and, of course, the views of the public sometimes completely change. At the same time, the older generation strives to preserve the already established worldview, while young people acquire their own views on life. And this situation repeats forever. That is why the views of fathers and their children on life rarely coincide. This is the meaning of the title of Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons", which tells us that it is very natural, and there is nothing reprehensible in it. At the same time, it is important that both parties maintain mutual respect for each other, and respect for parents remains with the acceptance of their good wishes, parting words and advice.

The ideology of the work

The meaning of the title of the novel is connected not only with the opposition of children and their parents. In reviewing the summary of "Fathers and Sons" the main idea the work becomes understandable to its reader. It lies in the belonging of two generations to different ideologies that are contemporary to each generation. In the novel, the author introduces the reader not only to representatives of two families. He also talks about several ideological worldviews, including liberal, conservative, and also revolutionary-democratic. As for the last of them, one of the key figures of the work, Evgeny Bazarov, adheres to it. This young man is a future doctor, a follower of German materialists and a supporter of nihilism. It was with the help of Bazarov that the author managed to create the main resonance of the novel. This hero instructs Arkady, enters into disputes with the Kirsanov brothers, openly expresses his contempt for the pseudo-nihilists Kukshin and Sitnikov, and later, contrary to all his views, falls unrequitedly in love with Anna Sergeevna Odintsova, a rich widow.

Analysis of heroes and their characteristics

What can we learn from the summary of "Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev? The main conservatives displayed in the work are Bazarov's parents. His father is an army doctor, and his mother is a pious landowner, accustomed to leading a measured life in their village. They love their son very much. However, the mother is worried that she does not see faith in him. At the same time, parents rejoice at the success of Eugene and are confident in his bright future. Bazarov's father is even proud that in his entire life their son did not ask him for a single penny, striving to achieve everything himself. This characterizes the younger Bazarov as a strong, advanced and self-sufficient person. A similar image is also relevant for modern times.

Kirsanov's pseudo-nihilism

From the most concise content of Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons", we learn about a close friend of Evgeny Bazarov. This is Arkady Kirsanov. The author shows this hero as a person who is trying his best to match Bazarov in the philosophy of nihilism he affirms. However, he does it contrived and unnatural. Arkady does not have a firm conviction that it is necessary to deny spiritual values.

Kirsanov is proud of himself and admires his friend Yevgeny. But at the same time, Arkady is sometimes forgotten. The mask falls off his face. Sometimes from the speech of this hero you can learn about his true feelings.

There must be something special in the feeling of a person who knows and says that he is poor, some kind of vanity.

While Arkady presented himself as a committed nihilist, he also fell in love with Odintsova. However, after he gave his preference to her sister Katya.

The outlook of the older generation

From the summary of the work "Fathers and Sons" we learn about the supporters of liberalism. They are brothers - Pavel and Nikolai Kirsanov. As for Nikolai Petrovich, his author describes him as a person with a fine mental organization. He loves literature and poetry, and also does not hide his quivering feelings for Fenechka, his maid and mother of his youngest son. Nikolai Petrovich is embarrassed that he loves a simple peasant girl, although at the same time he shows with all his might that he has advanced views and is far from all sorts of prejudices. But Pavel Petrovich is the main opponent of Bazarov in any disputes.

Men from the first meeting feel dislike for each other. No wonder the author describes their internal and external opposition. So, Pavel Petrovich is squeamish and well-groomed. He winces as he barely sees Bazarov's messy clothes and long hair. Yevgeny is ridiculous Kirsanov's mannerisms. He does not hesitate to use sarcasm in a conversation and tries to prick his opponent as painfully as possible. The author shows the differences between them even when each of them pronounces the word “principle”. So, from the lips of Bazarov it sounds abruptly and sharply - “principe”. Kirsanov, on the other hand, draws out this word, pronouncing it slowly. At the same time, he puts the stress on the last syllable - "principe", as if in the French manner.

Aristocratism is a principle, and in our time only immoral or empty people can live without principles ...

What do we learn about the confrontation between Kirsanov and Bazarov from the summary of "Fathers and Sons"?

In the end, the negative relationships that arose between the enemies reached their peak. The debaters even decided to shoot themselves in a duel. The reason for this was that Bazarov insulted Fenechka's honor by kissing her firmly on the lips. Due to the fact that Pavel Petrovich himself felt sympathy for the girl, he decided to challenge Yevgeny to a duel. How did it end? This we can also learn from the very brief content of Fathers and Sons. Its outcome, fortunately, was not fatal. Bazarov remained unharmed, while Kirsanov was wounded in the leg. Such examples vividly testify to the completely opposite opinions of representatives of different ideological views and generations about typical situations that arise in life. This also reflects the meaning of the title of the novel, which turns out to be much deeper in its narrative than it might seem to the reader at first glance.

And today, when studying the content of the novel "Fathers and Sons", we are pleased to get acquainted with its memorable, complex and ambiguous characters. At the same time, each of them quite clearly demonstrates the talent of Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev, as well as his subtle psychologism and his understanding of human essence. Let's move on to reviewing the summary of "Fathers and Sons" chapter by chapter.

Start

What do we learn from the summary of Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons"? The action of the first chapter of the work takes place in the spring days of 1859. The author introduces us to the small landowner Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov. He is at the inn, where he is waiting for the arrival of his son. Nikolai Petrovich is a widower, owner of a small estate and 200 souls. As a young man, he dreamed of a military career. However, a small leg injury prevented his dreams from coming true. Kirsanov studied at the university, and then got married and stayed to live in the village. A son was born in their family. When the boy was 10 years old, Nikolai Petrovich's wife died, and he went headlong into the household and was engaged in raising his son Arkady. When he grew up, Kirsanov sent him to study in St. Petersburg and even moved there himself for three years to be close to the young man.

Acquaintance with Bazarov

What will tell us next summary chapters of the novel "Fathers and Sons"? Arkady Kirsanov did not come home alone. He brought with him a friend Eugene, with whom he asked not to stand on ceremony. The author tells us about this in the second chapter of the novel. Turgenev shows us Bazarov as a simple man. This confirms his decision to go in a tarantai. The father and son sit in the stroller.

Way home

Further, a summary of the book "Fathers and Sons" will introduce us to the 3rd chapter. She tells the reader how the Kirsanovs and Bazarov were driving to their estate. The father did not hide the joy of the meeting, trying to hug his son and constantly asking him about a friend. However, Arkady was a little shy and tried to demonstrate his indifference. He spoke to his father in a cheeky and indifferent tone, constantly looking back at Yevgeny. Fearing that his friend will hear his reasoning about the beauty of the local nature, he nevertheless asks his father about the affairs of the estate. It was then that Nikolai Petrovich told that the peasant girl Fenya was living with him. However, she immediately hurries to explain that if her son does not like it, then she will leave.

Arrival at the estate

What do we learn from the detailed summary of "Fathers and Sons"? Upon arrival home, no one met the owners. Only an old servant came out onto the porch, and for a moment a girl appeared. Kirsanov led the guests into the living room, where he asked for dinner. Here they meet a very well-groomed and handsome elderly man - Kirsanov's brother Pavel Petrovich. The impeccable appearance of a man is very different from the untidy Bazarov. After the acquaintance, the young men left the living room to put themselves in order. In their absence, Pavel Petrovich began to ask his brother about Bazarov, whose appearance he really did not like.

Dinner passed in near silence. The conversation didn't stick. Everyone said little and, getting up from the table, they immediately went to their rooms to sleep.

Morning of the next day

Studying the novel "Fathers and Sons", according to the summary, we move on to the 5th chapter. From it we learn that Eugene, having woken up the very first, immediately went to explore the surroundings. The boys followed him, and together with them Bazarov went to the swamp to catch frogs there.

The Kirsanovs also gathered to drink tea on the veranda. At this time, Arkady went to Fenechka and found out that he had a younger brother. The news made him happy. He reproaches his father for hiding the birth of his son.

Returning to the estate, Bazarov took the frogs he had caught to his room. There he intended to conduct experiments on them. Arkady told his father and uncle that his friend was a nihilist who did not take any principles for granted.

Dispute

Let us continue to consider the summary of the chapters of Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons". The next of them, the sixth, tells us about a serious dispute that broke out between Evgeny and Pavel Petrovich during morning tea.

At the same time, they do not hide their obvious hostility towards each other. Eugene taunts his opponent.

History of Pavel Petrovich

In order to somehow reconcile a friend with his uncle, Arkady tells Evgeny the story of his life. In his youth, Pavel Petrovich was a military man. Women simply adored him, and men envied the brave military man. At the age of 28, Kirsanov fell in love with a princess. She had no children. However, she was married.

Pavel Petrovich suffered greatly and even gave up a successful career, following his beloved around the world. However, she soon died. Kirsanov returned to his homeland and began to live in the village with his brother.

The history of acquaintance with Fenechka

Let's continue the study of the novel "Fathers and Sons". Its summary tells the reader how Nikolai Petrovich met a peasant girl. He met Fenechka 3 years ago in a tavern. There she worked with her mother, but things were going very badly for them. Kirsanov took pity on the women and took them to his home. Soon the mother died, and Kirsanov, having fallen in love with the girl, began to live with her. The author told us about this in the 8th chapter.

Acquaintance of Evgeny with Fenechka

How did events develop further in the novel "Fathers and Sons"? From the summary of the 9th chapter, we learn about Bazarov's acquaintance with Fenechka. Eugene told her that he was a doctor, and if the need arises, she can turn to him without any hesitation.

Attitude towards Bazarov

From the summary of the 10th chapter of "Fathers and Sons" we understand that during the two weeks of Yevgeny's stay on the estate, everyone managed to get used to him. However, at the same time, everyone had a special relationship with the young man. The courtyards loved him, Pavel Kirsanov hated him, and as for Nikolai Petrovich, he doubted his correct influence on his son. During one of the evening tea parties, another argument broke out between Kirsanov and Bazarov.

Nikolai Petrovich tried to influence him, while remembering himself in his youth, when he also quarreled because of a misunderstanding with the older generation. On this parallel - fathers and children - the author focuses his attention in the 10th chapter.

Further narration

In order to retell the novel “Fathers and Sons” by I. S. Turgenev, we will find out what happened in the subsequent (from the 11th to the 28th) chapters.

Bazarov, along with Arkady, is invited to her house by Anna Odintsova. There they meet her younger sister, Catherine. The guests liked the girl so much that her presence fetters them.

Bazarov never considered himself a romantic. The concept of love was foreign to him. However, with the advent of Anna Sergeevna in his life, his feelings changed. After a serious conversation with Odintsova, Bazarov decides to leave for his parents. He is frightened that a woman is able to take over his heart, making a young man her slave. But, having been at home for only a couple of days, he again returns to the Kirsanovs.

Fenechka also attracted Evgeny's attention. He even kissed the girl, which Pavel Petrovich saw. The dissatisfaction of the elder Kirsanov led the men to a duel. Eugene slightly wounded Pavel Petrovich, but immediately helped his opponent. After the duel, Pavel persuaded his brother to marry Fenechka and gave his consent to this.

Relations are also being established between Arkady and Katya. Bazarov again goes to his parents, devoting himself to work. One day he contracted typhus. This happened due to the fact that while working with the corpse of a peasant who died from this disease, Eugene accidentally injured himself.

Being a doctor, he understands that his days are numbered. Bazarov, who is dying, is visited by Odintsov. She sees in him a completely different person, exhausted by the disease. The young man swears to Anna in his bright feelings for her and in love. After that, he ends the 27th chapter of the novel "Fathers and Sons". What does the author tell us next? Six months later, two weddings took place on the same day. Nikolai Petrovich married Fenya, and Arkady married Katya. Pavel Petrovich left the estate, going abroad. also married, choosing a spouse of convenience. Life went on as usual. And only two old people, Bazarov's parents, constantly spent their time on the grave of Eugene, where two Christmas trees grew.

This is the summary of Fathers and Sons. Quotes from the work can be found above.

] on the *** highway, a gentleman of about forty, in a dusty overcoat and plaid trousers, with his servant, a young and cheeky fellow with whitish fluff on his chin and small dull eyes.
The servant, in whom everything: a turquoise earring in his ear, and pomaded multi-colored hair, and courteous gestures, in a word, everything revealed a man of the newest, improved generation, looked condescendingly along the road and answered: “No way, sir, I can’t see it.”
- Can't see? repeated the barin.
“Not to be seen,” the servant answered a second time.
The master sighed and sat down on a bench. Let's introduce the reader to him while he sits with his legs bent under him and looking around thoughtfully.
His name is Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov. Fifteen versts from the inn, he has a good estate of two hundred souls, or, as he puts it since he separated himself from the peasants and started a "farm," two thousand acres of land. His father, a combat general in 1812, a semi-literate, rude, but not evil Russian man, pulled the strap all his life, commanded first a brigade, then a division, and constantly lived in the provinces, where, by virtue of his rank, he played a rather significant role. Nikolai Petrovich was born in the south of Russia, like his older brother Pavel, about whom we are talking about below, and was brought up at home until the age of fourteen, surrounded by cheap tutors, cheeky but obsequious adjutants and other regimental and staff personalities. His parent, from the Kolyazin family, in the girls Agathe, and in the generals Agathoklea Kuzminishna Kirsanov, belonged to the number of "mother commanders", wore lush caps and noisy silk dresses, in church she was the first to approach the cross, spoke loudly and a lot, allowed children in the morning to the pen, blessed them for the night, - in a word, she lived for her own pleasure. As a general's son, Nikolai Petrovich - although he not only did not differ in courage, but even earned the nickname of a coward - had, like brother Pavel, to enter military service; but he broke his leg on the very day when the news of his determination had already arrived, and, after lying in bed for two months, he remained "crippled" for the rest of his life. His father waved his hand at him and let him go in civilian clothes. He took him to Petersburg as soon as he was eighteen years old and placed him at the university. By the way, his brother about that time went out as an officer in the guards regiment. Young people began to live together, in the same apartment, under the distant supervision of a cousin on the maternal side, Ilya Kolyazin, an important official. Their father returned to his division and to his wife, and only occasionally sent his sons large quarters of gray paper, spotted with a sweeping clerk's handwriting. At the end of these quarters were the words carefully surrounded by "frills": "Piotr Kirsanof, major general." In 1835, Nikolai Petrovich left the university as a candidate, and in the same year, General Kirsanov, dismissed for an unsuccessful review, came to St. Petersburg with his wife to live. He rented a house near the Tauride Garden and signed up for English club but died suddenly from a stroke. Agathoklea Kuzminishna soon followed him: she could not get used to the dull life of the capital; the melancholy of retired existence bit her. Meanwhile, Nikolai Petrovich managed, even during the life of his parents and to their considerable chagrin, to fall in love with the daughter of the official Prepolovensky, the former owner of his apartment, a pretty and, as they say, developed girl: she read serious articles in the magazines in the Science department. He married her as soon as the period of mourning had passed, and, leaving the Ministry of Appanages, where, under the patronage of his father, he enrolled him, he blissed with his Masha, first at a dacha near the Forest Institute, then in the city, in a small and pretty apartment, with a clean staircase and a chilly living room, finally - in the village, where he finally settled down and where his son Arkady was soon born. The couple lived very well and quietly: they almost never parted, read together, played four hands on the piano, sang duets; she planted flowers and watched the poultry yard, he occasionally went hunting and did housework, and Arkady grew and grew - also well and quietly. Ten years have passed like a dream. In 1947 Kirsanov's wife died. He barely took the blow, turned gray in a few weeks; I was about to go abroad in order to at least disperse a little ... but then the 48th year came. Involuntarily, he returned to the village and, after a rather long period of inactivity, took up economic transformations. In 1955 he took his son to the university; lived with him for three winters in St. Petersburg, almost never going anywhere and trying to make acquaintances with Arkady's young comrades. He could not come for the last winter - and here we see him in the month of May 1859, already completely gray-haired, plump and slightly hunched: he is waiting for his son, who, like himself once, received the title of candidate.
The servant, out of a sense of decency, and perhaps not wanting to remain under the master's eye, went under the gate and lit his pipe. Nikolai Petrovich drooped his head and began to look at the dilapidated steps of the porch: a large motley chicken paced sedately along them, thumping his big yellow legs; a dirty cat looked at him unfriendly, crouching coyly on the railing. The sun was hot; the smell of warm rye bread wafted from the half-dark vestibule of the inn. Our Nikolai Petrovich was daydreaming. "Son ... candidate ... Arkasha ..." - constantly revolved in his head; he tried to think of something else, and again the same thoughts came back. He remembered his deceased wife ... "I didn't wait!" he whispered dejectedly... A fat gray dove flew onto the road and hurriedly went to drink in a puddle near the well. Nikolai Petrovich began to look at him, and his ear was already catching the sound of approaching wheels...
“They’re not going, sir,” the servant reported, emerging from under the gate.
Nikolai Petrovich jumped up and fixed his eyes along the road. A tarantass harnessed by a trio of yam horses appeared; in the carriage flashed the band of a student's cap, the familiar outline of a dear face ...
- Arkasha! Arkasha! - Kirsanov shouted, and ran, and waved his arms ... A few moments later, his lips were already pressed to the beardless, dusty and tanned cheek of the young candidate.

“Let me shake myself off, papa,” Arkady said in a somewhat hoarse from the road, but ringing youthful voice, cheerfully responding to his father’s caresses, “I’ll get you all dirty.”
“Nothing, nothing,” Nikolai Petrovich repeated, smiling tenderly, and once or twice struck his hand on the collar of his son’s overcoat and on his own overcoat. “Show yourself, show yourself,” he added, moving away, and immediately went with hurried steps to the inn, saying: “Here, here, and the horses as soon as possible.”
Nikolai Petrovich seemed much more alarmed than his son; he seemed to be a little lost, as if timid. Arkady stopped him.
“Papa,” he said, “let me introduce you to my good friend, Bazarov, about whom I wrote to you so often. He is so kind that he agreed to stay with us.
Nikolai Petrovich quickly turned around and, going up to a tall man in a long robe with tassels, who had just climbed out of the tarantass, tightly squeezed his bare red hand, which he did not immediately give to him.
- Sincerely glad, - he began, - and grateful for the good intention to visit us; I hope ... let me know your name and patronymic?
“Yevgeny Vasiliev,” answered Bazarov in a lazy but courageous voice, and, turning back the collar of his robe, showed Nikolai Petrovich his whole face. Long and thin, with a broad forehead, a flat upward, downward pointed nose, large greenish eyes and drooping sand-coloured sideburns, it was enlivened by a calm smile and expressed self-confidence and intelligence.
“I hope, my dear Yevgeny Vasilyich, that you will not get bored with us,” continued Nikolai Petrovich.
Bazarov's thin lips moved a little; but he made no answer, and only raised his cap. His dark blond hair, long and thick, did not hide the large bulges of a spacious skull.
“So, Arkady,” Nikolai Petrovich spoke again, turning to his son, “now to pawn the horses, or what?” Or do you want to relax?
- Let's rest at home, dad; ordered to lay.
“Now, now,” said the father. Hey Peter, do you hear? Order, brother, live.
Peter, who, as a perfected servant, did not approach the barich's hand, but only bowed to him from a distance, again disappeared under the gate.
“I’m here with a carriage, but there is a troika for your tarantass,” Nikolai Petrovich was busily saying, while Arkady drank water from an iron ladle brought by the hostess of the inn, and Bazarov lit his pipe and went up to the driver, harnessing the horses, “only a carriage double, and now I don't know how your friend...
"He'll ride in a tarantass," interrupted Arkady in an undertone. - Please, don't mess with him. He's a wonderful fellow, so simple, you'll see.
Nikolai Petrovich's coachman led the horses out.
- Well, turn around, thick-bearded! Bazarov turned to the coachman.
“Listen, Mityukha,” another coachman, standing right there, picked up with his hands thrust into the back holes of his sheepskin coat, “how did the gentleman call you? Thick-bearded and there is.
Mityukha only shook his hat and dragged the reins with a sweaty root.
- Live, live, guys, help, - exclaimed Nikolai Petrovich, - there will be vodka!
In a few minutes the horses were laid; father and son fit in the carriage; Peter climbed on the goats; Bazarov jumped into the tarantass, buried his head in the leather pillow, and both carriages rolled off.

“So that’s how you finally came home as a candidate,” said Nikolai Petrovich, touching Arkady first on the shoulder, then on the knee. - Finally!
- What about uncle? healthy? asked Arkady, who, despite the sincere, almost childish joy that filled him, wanted to quickly turn the conversation from an excited mood to an ordinary one.
- Healthy. He wanted to go with me to meet you, but for some reason changed his mind.
- Have you been waiting for me for a long time? asked Arkady.
Yes, about five o'clock.
- Good papa!
Arkady turned briskly to his father and kissed him loudly on the cheek. Nikolai Petrovich laughed softly.
- What a glorious horse I have prepared for you! he began, you will see. And your room is covered with wallpaper.
- Is there a room for Bazarov?
- There is one for him.
- Please, papa, caress him. I cannot express to you how much I value his friendship.
Have you met him recently?
- Recently.
“I didn’t see him last winter. What is he doing?
His main subject is the natural sciences. Yes, he knows everything. He wants to keep a doctor next year.
- BUT! he is in the medical faculty,” Nikolai Petrovich remarked, and was silent for a while. “Pyotr,” he added, and held out his hand, “is it our peasants who are coming?”
Peter glanced in the direction the master was pointing. Several carts pulled by unbridled horses rolled rapidly along a narrow country road. In each cart sat one, many two men in sheepskin coats wide open.
“Just so, sir,” said Peter.
- Where are they going, to the city, or what?
- It must be assumed that in the city. To the tavern,” he added contemptuously, and leaned slightly towards the coachman, as if referring to him. But he did not even move: he was a man of the old school, who did not share the latest views.
“I have a lot of trouble with the peasants this year,” continued Nikolai Petrovich, turning to his son. - They don't pay dues. What will you do?
Are you satisfied with your employees?
“Yes,” Nikolai Petrovich said through gritted teeth. - They knock them out, that's the trouble; Well, there is still no real effort. They spoil the harness. Plowed, however, nothing. It will grind - there will be flour. Are you interested in farming now?
“You don’t have a shadow, that’s the trouble,” Arkady remarked, not answering the last question.
“I attached a large awning on the north side above the balcony,” Nikolai Petrovich said, “now you can dine outdoors.
- Something will painfully look like a summer cottage ... but, by the way, this is all nonsense. What is the air here! How nice it smells! Indeed, it seems to me that nowhere in the world smells so much as in these parts! And the sky is here...
Arkady suddenly stopped, cast an indirect glance behind him, and fell silent.
“Of course,” Nikolai Petrovich remarked, “you were born here, everything must seem to you something special here ...
- Well, dad, it's all the same, no matter where a person was born.
- However...
- No, it doesn't matter at all.
Nikolai Petrovich looked sideways at his son, and the carriage drove half a verst before the conversation resumed between them.
“I don’t remember if I wrote to you,” Nikolai Petrovich began, “your former nanny, Yegorovna, has died.
– Really? Poor old woman! Is Prokofich alive?
He is alive and hasn't changed at all. It's all bubbling just the same. In general, you will not find big changes in Maryino.
- Do you still have the same clerk?
- Except that I changed the clerk. I decided not to keep any more freedmen, former servants, or at least not to entrust them with any positions where there is responsibility. (Arkady pointed with his eyes at Peter.) Il est libre, en effet, (He really is a freeman (French).) - Nikolai Petrovich remarked in an undertone, - but he is a valet. Now I have a clerk from the middle class: he seems to be an efficient fellow. I assigned him two hundred and fifty rubles a year. However,” Nikolai Petrovich added, rubbing his forehead and eyebrows with his hand, which always served as a sign of inner embarrassment in him, “I just told you that you will not find changes in Maryino ... This is not entirely fair. I consider it my duty to preface you, though...
He hesitated for a moment and continued in French.
- A strict moralist will find my frankness inappropriate, but, firstly, this cannot be hidden, and secondly, you know, I have always had special principles about the relationship of father to son. However, you will certainly have the right to condemn me. In my years... In a word, this... this girl, about whom you probably already heard...
- Fenechka? Arkady asked cheekily.
Nikolai Petrovich blushed.
- Please don't call her out loud... Well, yes... she lives with me now. I placed it in the house... there were two small rooms. However, all this can be changed.
"Sorry, papa, why?"
- Your friend will be visiting us ... awkward ...
- As for Bazarov, please don't worry. He is above all this.
“Well, you, finally,” said Nikolai Petrovich. - The outbuilding is bad - that's the trouble.
“Have mercy, papa,” Arkady picked up, “you seem to be apologizing; how shameless you are.
“Of course, I should be ashamed,” answered Nikolai Petrovich, blushing more and more.
“Come on, daddy, come on, do me a favor!” Arkady smiled kindly. "What an apology!" he thought to himself, and a feeling of condescending tenderness for his kind and gentle father, mingled with a feeling of some kind of secret superiority, filled his soul. “Stop, please,” he repeated again, involuntarily enjoying the consciousness of his own development and freedom.
Nikolai Petrovich looked at him from under the fingers of his hand, with which he continued to rub his forehead, and something struck him in the heart ... But he immediately blamed himself.
“This is how our fields have gone,” he said after a long silence.
- And this is ahead, it seems, our forest? asked Arkady.
Yes, ours. I just sold it. This year it will be brought together.
- Why did you sell it?
- Money was needed; moreover, this land goes to the peasants.
Who don't pay you dues?
“That’s their business, but they’ll pay someday.
"It's a pity for the forest," remarked Arkady, and began to look around.
The places they passed through could not be called picturesque. The fields, all the fields, stretched all the way to the sky, now slightly rising, now falling again; in some places one could see small forests, and, dotted with sparse and low shrubs, ravines curled, reminding the eye of their own image on the ancient plans of Catherine's time. There were also rivers with open banks, and tiny ponds with thin dams, and villages with low huts under dark, often half-swept roofs, and crooked threshing sheds with walls woven from brushwood and yawning gates near the empty humens, and churches, sometimes brick with stucco that had fallen off in some places, then wooden ones with leaning crosses and devastated cemeteries. Arkady's heart sank little by little. As if on purpose, the peasants met all shabby, on bad nags; like beggars in tatters stood wayside willows with peeled bark and broken branches; emaciated, rough, as if gnawed, cows greedily plucked the grass in the ditches. It seemed that they had just escaped from someone's formidable, deadly claws - and, caused by the miserable sight of exhausted animals, in the midst of a red spring day, a white ghost of a bleak, endless winter arose with its snowstorms, frosts and snows ... "No," thought Arkady , - this poor region, it does not strike either contentment or hard work; it is impossible, it is impossible for it to remain like this, transformations are necessary ... but how to fulfill them, how to proceed? .. "
So thought Arkady ... and while he was thinking, spring took its toll. Everything around was golden green; everywhere the larks burst forth in endless ringing streams; the lapwings either screamed, hovering over the low-lying meadows, or silently ran across the hummocks; beautifully blackening in the delicate green of still low spring loaves, rooks walked; they disappeared in the rye, already slightly whitened, only occasionally their heads showed up in its smoky waves. Arkady looked and looked, and, gradually weakening, his thoughts disappeared ... He threw off his greatcoat and looked at his father so cheerfully, like such a young boy, that he again embraced him.
“Now it’s not far,” Nikolai Petrovich remarked, “it’s only worth climbing this hill, and the house will be visible. We will live happily with you, Arkasha; You will help me with the housework, unless it bores you. We need to get close to each other now, get to know each other well, don't we?
"Of course," said Arkady, "but what a wonderful day it is today!"
- For your arrival, my soul. Yes, spring is in full bloom. But by the way, I agree with Pushkin - remember, in Eugene Onegin:

How sad is your appearance to me,
Spring, spring, time for love!
Which...

- Arkady! - Bazarov's voice was heard from the tarantass, - send me a match, there is nothing to light a pipe with.
Nikolai Petrovich fell silent, and Arkady, who began to listen to him not without some amazement, but also not without sympathy, hastened to get a silver box of matches from his pocket and sent it to Bazarov and Pyotr.
- Do you want a cigar? shouted Bazarov again.
“Come on,” Arkady answered.
Pyotr returned to the carriage and handed him, along with the box, a thick black cigar, which Arkady immediately lit up, spreading around him such a strong and sour smell of seasoned tobacco that Nikolai Petrovich, who had never smoked, involuntarily, although imperceptibly, so as not to offend his son, turned his nose away. .
A quarter of an hour later, both carriages stopped in front of the porch of a new wooden house, painted gray and covered with a red iron roof. This was Maryino, Novaya Slobidka, also, or, according to the peasant name, Bobily Khutor.

The crowd of courtyards did not pour out onto the porch to meet the gentlemen; only one girl of about twelve years old appeared, and after her a young lad, very much like Peter, dressed in a gray livery jacket with white coat of arms buttons, a servant of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, came out of the house. He silently opened the door of the carriage and unfastened the apron of the carriage. Nikolai Petrovich with his son and with Bazarov went through a dark and almost empty hall, through the door of which a young woman's face flashed, into the living room, already decorated in the latest taste.
“Here we are at home,” said Nikolai Petrovich, taking off his cap and shaking his hair. - The main thing is now to have dinner and rest.
“It’s really not bad to eat,” remarked Bazarov, stretching, and sank down on the sofa.
- Yes, yes, let's have dinner, have dinner as soon as possible. - Nikolai Petrovich stamped his feet for no apparent reason. - By the way, and Prokofich.
A man of about sixty entered, white-haired, thin and swarthy, in a brown tailcoat with copper buttons and a pink handkerchief around his neck. He grinned, went up to the handle to Arkady, and bowing to the guest, stepped back to the door and put his hands behind his back.
“Here he is, Prokofich,” began Nikolai Petrovich, “he has come to us at last... What? how do you find it?
"In the best possible way, sir," the old man said, and grinned again, but immediately knitted his thick eyebrows. - Would you like to set the table? he spoke impressively.
– Yes, yes, please. But won't you go first to your room, Evgeny Vassilyitch?
- No, thank you, there is no need. Just order my suitcase to be dragged there and this clothes, ”he added, taking off his overalls.
- Very well. Prokofich, take their overcoat. (Prokofich, as if in bewilderment, took Bazarov's "clothes" with both hands and, raising it high above his head, retired on tiptoe.) And you, Arkady, will you go to your place for a minute?
“Yes, we need to clean ourselves,” Arkady answered, and was heading towards the door, but at that moment a man of medium height, dressed in a dark English suit, a fashionable low tie and patent leather half boots, Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, entered the living room. He looked to be about forty-five years old: his short-cropped gray hair shone with a dark sheen, like new silver; his face, bilious, but without wrinkles, unusually regular and clean, as if drawn with a thin and light chisel, showed traces of remarkable beauty; the light, black, oblong eyes were especially good. The whole appearance of Arkadiev's uncle, elegant and thoroughbred, retained youthful harmony and that aspiration upwards, away from the earth, which for the most part disappears after the twenties.
Pavel Petrovich took out of the pocket of his trousers his beautiful hand with long pink nails—a hand that seemed even more beautiful from the snowy whiteness of the sleeve fastened with a single large opal—and gave it to his nephew. Having made a preliminary European "shake hands" (handshake (English), he kissed him three times, in Russian, that is, he touched his cheeks with his fragrant mustache three times, and said: "Welcome."
Nikolai Petrovich introduced him to Bazarov: Pavel Petrovich bent his flexible waist slightly and smiled slightly, but he did not extend his hand and even put it back in his pocket.
“I already thought you weren’t coming today,” he said in a pleasant voice, swaying graciously, shrugging his shoulders and showing his fine white teeth. What happened on the road?
“Nothing happened,” Arkady answered, “so, they hesitated a little. But now we are hungry like wolves. Hurry up Prokofitch, papa, and I'll be right back.
"Wait a minute, I'll go with you," exclaimed Bazarov, suddenly tearing himself off the sofa. Both young men left.
- Who is this? asked Pavel Petrovich.
- A friend of Arkasha, a very, according to him, a smart person.
Will he visit us?
- Yes.
This hairy one?
- Well, yes.
Pavel Petrovich tapped his nails on the table.
- I find that Arkady s "est degourdi (has become more cheeky (French).)," he remarked. "I am glad for his return.
We didn't talk much over dinner. Especially Bazarov said almost nothing, but ate a lot. Nikolai Petrovich recounted various incidents from his, as he put it, farm life, talked about the forthcoming government measures, about committees, about deputies, about the need to start cars, and so on. Pavel Petrovich walked slowly up and down the dining-room (he never had supper), occasionally taking a sip from a glass filled with red wine, and even more rarely uttering some remark, or rather an exclamation, like "ah! ahe! hm!". Arkady reported some Petersburg news, but he felt a little awkward, that awkwardness that usually takes possession of a young man when he has just ceased to be a child and returned to a place where they are accustomed to seeing and considering him a child. He stretched out his speech unnecessarily, avoided the word "daddy" and even once replaced it with the word "father", uttered, it is true, through his teeth; with excessive carelessness, he poured into his glass much more wine than he himself wanted, and drank all the wine. Prokofich did not take his eyes off him and only chewed his lips. After dinner, everyone immediately dispersed.
“And your uncle is an eccentric,” said Bazarov to Arkady, sitting in a dressing gown near his bed and sucking on a short tube. - What panache in the village, just think! Nails, nails, at least send them to the exhibition!
“But you don’t know,” Arkady answered, “because he was a lion in his time.” I'll tell you his story someday. After all, he was handsome, he turned women's heads.
- Yes, that's it! According to the old, then, memory. To captivate something here, sorry, there is no one. I kept looking: he had such amazing collars, like stone ones, and his chin was so neatly shaved. Arkady Nikolaevich, isn't that funny?
- Perhaps; he's just a really good person.
- An archaic phenomenon! And your father is a nice guy. He reads poetry in vain and hardly understands the economy, but he is a good-natured man.
“My father is a golden man.
Have you noticed that he is shy?
Arkady shook his head, as if he himself were not shy.
“It’s amazing,” continued Bazarov, “these old romantics! Develop in yourself nervous system to irritation ... well, the balance is disturbed. But goodbye! There is an English washstand in my room, and the door does not lock. Still, this should be encouraged - English washstands, that is, progress!
Bazarov left, and a joyful feeling took possession of Arkady. It is sweet to fall asleep in your own home, on a familiar bed, under a blanket over which your beloved hands have worked, perhaps the hands of a nanny, those gentle, kind and tireless hands. Arkady remembered Yegorovna, and sighed, and wished her the kingdom of heaven... He did not pray for himself.
Both he and Bazarov soon fell asleep, but the other persons in the house did not sleep for a long time. The return of his son excited Nikolai Petrovich. He went to bed, but did not extinguish the candle, and, resting his head on his hand, thought long thoughts. His brother was sitting long after midnight in his study, on a wide armchair, in front of a fireplace, in which coal was smoldering faintly. Pavel Petrovich did not undress, only Chinese red shoes without heels replaced patent leather ankle boots on his feet. He held the last issue of Galignani in his hands, but he did not read; he stared intently into the fireplace, where, now dying, now flashing, a bluish flame quivered ... God knows where his thoughts wandered, but they wandered not only in the past: the expression of his face was concentrated and gloomy, which does not happen when one is busy with memories. And in the small back room, on a large chest, in a blue shower jacket and with a white scarf thrown over her dark hair, a young woman, Fenechka, was sitting, and then listened, then dozed, then looked at the open door, through which one could see a baby crib and the even breathing of a sleeping child could be heard.

The next morning Bazarov woke up before everyone else and left the house. “Hey!” he thought, looking around, “the place is unsightly.” When Nikolai Petrovich separated himself from his peasants, he had to set aside four completely flat and bare fields for a new estate. He built a house, services and a farm, planted a garden, dug a pond and two wells; but the young trees were badly received, very little water was accumulated in the pond, and the wells turned out to be of a salty taste. Only one gazebo of lilacs and acacias has grown quite a bit; they sometimes drank tea and dined there. In a few minutes Bazarov ran around all the paths in the garden, went into the barnyard, the stable, found two yard boys, with whom he immediately made acquaintance, and went with them to a small swamp, a verst from the estate, for frogs.
- What do you need frogs, sir? one of the boys asked him.
“And here’s what,” answered Bazarov, who possessed a special ability to arouse confidence in himself in lower people, although he never indulged them and treated them carelessly, “I’ll flatten the frog and see what’s going on inside it; and since you and I are the same frogs, we just walk on our feet, I will know what is going on inside us too.
- Yes, what do you need it for?
- And in order not to make a mistake, if you get sick and I have to treat you.
- Are you a doctor?
- Yes.
- Vaska, listen, the master says that you and I are the same frogs. Wonderful!
“I’m afraid of them, frogs,” remarked Vaska, a boy of about seven, with a head as white as flax, in a gray Cossack coat with a standing collar and barefoot.
- What to be afraid of? do they bite?
“Well, get into the water, philosophers,” said Bazarov.
Meanwhile, Nikolai Petrovich also woke up and went to Arkady, whom he found dressed. Father and son went out onto the terrace, under the canopy of the awning; near the railing, on the table, between large bouquets of lilacs, the samovar was already boiling. A girl appeared, the same one who had first met the visitors on the porch the day before, and said in a thin voice:
- Fedosya Nikolaevna is not quite healthy, they cannot come; they ordered you to ask if you would like to pour tea yourself or send Dunyasha?
“I’ll pour it myself, myself,” Nikolai Petrovich hastily picked up. - You, Arkady, what do you drink tea with, with cream or with lemon?
"With cream," answered Arkady, and after a pause, he said inquiringly: "Papa?"
Nikolai Petrovich looked at his son with confusion.
- What? he said.
Arkady lowered his eyes.
“Forgive me, papa, if my question seems inappropriate to you,” he began, “but you yourself, with your frankness yesterday, challenge me to frankness ... won’t you be angry? ..
- Speak.
“You give me the courage to ask you… Is it because Fen… is it because she doesn’t come here to pour tea that I’m here?”
Nikolai Petrovich turned slightly away.
“Perhaps,” he said at last, “she assumes...she is ashamed...”
Arkady quickly looked up at his father.
“She really should be ashamed. Firstly, you know my way of thinking (Arkady was very pleased to utter these words), and secondly, would I even want to embarrass your life, your habits, even by a hair? Besides, I'm sure you couldn't have made a bad choice; if you allowed her to live with you under the same roof, then she deserves it: in any case, the son of the father is not a judge, and especially I, and especially to such a father who, like you, never embarrassed my freedom.
Arkady's voice trembled at first: he felt magnanimous, but at the same time he understood that he was reading something like an admonition to his father; but the sound of his own speeches has a strong effect on a person, and Arkady uttered last words firmly, even with effect.
“Thank you, Arkasha,” Nikolai Petrovich spoke in a dull voice, and his fingers again went over his eyebrows and forehead. Your assumptions are indeed correct. Of course, if this girl were not worth it... This is not a frivolous whim. I'm embarrassed to talk to you about this; but you understand that it was difficult for her to come here in your presence, especially on the first day of your arrival.
“In that case, I’ll go to her myself,” Arkady exclaimed with a new surge of generous feelings and jumped up from his chair. “I’ll explain to her that she has nothing to be ashamed of me.
Nikolai Petrovich also got up.
"Arkady," he began, "do me a favor... how can you... there... I didn't forestall you..."
But Arkady no longer listened to him and ran away from the terrace. Nikolai Petrovich looked after him and sank into a chair in embarrassment. His heart began to beat ... Did he imagine at that moment the inevitable strangeness of the future relationship between him and his son, did he realize that Arkady would have shown him almost more respect if he had not touched this matter at all, did he reproach himself in weakness - it's hard to say; all these feelings were in him, but in the form of sensations - and then unclear; but the color did not leave the face, and the heart was beating.
Hasty footsteps were heard, and Arkady entered the terrace.
- We met, father! he exclaimed, with an expression of some tender and kind triumph on his face. - Fedosya Nikolaevna is definitely not quite healthy today and will come later. But why didn't you tell me that I have a brother? I should have kissed him last night, as I kissed him just now.
Nikolai Petrovich wanted to say something, wanted to get up and open his arms... Arkady threw himself on his neck.
- What is it? are you hugging again? came the voice of Pavel Petrovich from behind them.
Father and son alike rejoiced at his appearance at that moment; there are situations that are touching, from which you still want to get out as soon as possible.
- Why are you surprised? said Nikolai Petrovich cheerfully. - For once, I waited for Arkasha ... I haven’t had time to see enough of him since yesterday.
“I’m not at all surprised,” remarked Pavel Petrovich, “I don’t even mind embracing him myself.”
Arkady went up to his uncle and again felt the touch of his fragrant mustache on his cheeks. Pavel Petrovich sat down at the table. He was wearing an elegant morning suit, in the English style; on his head was a small fez. This fez and the carelessly tied tie alluded to the freedom of country life; but the tight collars of the shirt, though not white, but mottled, as it should be for morning dress, rested with the usual inexorability on the shaved chin.
Where is your new friend? he asked Arkady.
– He is not at home; he usually gets up early and goes somewhere. The main thing is not to pay attention to him: he does not like ceremonies.
– Yes, it is noticeable. - Pavel Petrovich began, slowly, to spread butter on bread. How long will he stay with us?
- As needed. He stopped by here on his way to his father.
- Where does his father live?
“In our own province, eighty versts from here. He has a small estate there. He was formerly a regimental doctor.
- Te-te-te-te ... That's why I kept asking myself: where did I hear this last name: Bazarov? .. Nikolai, I remember, was the doctor Bazarov in the father's division?
- It seems to have been.
- Exactly, exactly. So this doctor is his father. Hm! Pavel Petrovich twitched his mustache. - Well, and Mr. Bazarov himself, in fact, what is it? he asked with a flourish.
- What is Bazarov? Arkady chuckled. - Do you want, uncle, I'll tell you what he actually is?
Do me a favor, nephew.
- He's a nihilist.
- How? - asked Nikolai Petrovich, and Pavel Petrovich raised the knife with a piece of butter at the end of the blade into the air and remained motionless.
"He's a nihilist," repeated Arkady.
“Nihilist,” said Nikolai Petrovich. - This is from the Latin nihil, nothing, as far as I can tell; therefore, this word means a person who ... who does not recognize anything?
“Say: one who respects nothing,” Pavel Petrovich picked it up and again set to work on the butter.
“Who treats everything from a critical point of view,” remarked Arkady.
- Isn't that all the same? asked Pavel Petrovich.
- No, it doesn't matter. A nihilist 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.
"Well, is that good?" interrupted Pavel Petrovich.
- It depends on who, uncle. This is good for some, and very bad for others.
- Here's how. Well, this, I see, is not in our line. We, people of the old age, we believe that without principles (Pavel Petrovich pronounced this word softly, in the French manner, Arkady, on the contrary, pronounced "principe", leaning on the first syllable), without principles, accepted, as you say, on faith , take a step, you can’t breathe. Vous avez change tout cela (You changed it all (French).), God grant you health and the rank of general, and we will only admire you, gentlemen ... what do you mean?
"Nihilists," Arkady said distinctly.
- Yes. Before there were Hegelists, and now there are Nihilists. Let's see how you will exist in emptiness, in airless space; and now call, please, brother, Nikolai Petrovich, it's time for me to drink my cocoa.
Nikolai Petrovich called and shouted: "Dunyasha!" But instead of Dunyasha, Fenechka herself came out onto the terrace. She was a young woman of about twenty-three, all white and soft, with dark hair and eyes, with red, childishly plump lips and delicate hands. She was wearing a neat cotton dress; her new blue kerchief lay lightly on her round shoulders. She was carrying a large cup of cocoa, and placing it in front of Pavel Petrovich, she felt ashamed: hot blood spilled out in a crimson wave under the thin skin of her pretty face. She lowered her eyes and stood at the table, leaning lightly on the very tips of her fingers. She seemed ashamed that she had come, and at the same time she seemed to feel that she had the right to come.
Pavel Petrovich frowned severely, while Nikolai Petrovich became embarrassed.
“Hello, Fenechka,” he said through gritted teeth.
"Hello, sir," she answered in a low but sonorous voice, and, glancing askance at Arkady, who smiled amiably at her, quietly went out. She walked a little waddling, but even that stuck to her.
Silence reigned on the terrace for a few moments. Pavel Petrovich was sipping his cocoa and suddenly raised his head.
“Here, the nihilist gentleman favors us,” he said in an undertone.
Indeed, Bazarov walked through the garden, striding through the flower beds. His linen coat and trousers were stained with mud; a tenacious marsh plant twisted the crown of his old round hat; in right hand he was holding a small bag; something alive was moving in the bag. He quickly approached the terrace and, shaking his head, said:
- Hello, gentlemen; I'm sorry I was late for tea, I'll be right back; it is necessary to attach these captives to the place.
- What do you have, leeches? asked Pavel Petrovich.
- No, frogs.
Do you eat or breed them?
"For experiments," Bazarov said indifferently, and went into the house.
“He’s going to cut them up,” Pavel Petrovich remarked, “he doesn’t believe in principles, but he does believe in frogs.”
Arkady looked at his uncle with regret, and Nikolai Petrovich furtively shrugged his shoulder. Pavel Petrovich himself felt that he had made a bad joke, and started talking about the farm and about the new manager, who had come to him the day before to complain that Foma's worker was "shirking" and got out of hand. "That's the kind of Aesop he is," he said among other things, "everywhere he protested that he was a bad person; he would live and go away with stupidity."

Fathers and Sons. Feature film based on the novel by I. S. Turgenev. 1958

ChapterI. In May 1859, a widower landowner forty small years Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, a representative of the previous generation of "fathers", a soft, dreamy romantic, is waiting at an inn not far from his estate for the arrival of his son Arkady, who has just graduated from the university.

Chapter II. Arkady arrives with his university friend, medical student Yevgeny Bazarov. The long and thin face of this man with sideburns expresses self-confidence and will. (See Bazarov's description.)

Arkady, his father and Bazarov go to the Kirsanovs' estate, Maryino.

Bazarov. Illustration by artist P. Pinkisevich for Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons"

Chapter III. From meeting with his son, Nikolai Petrovich comes into a joyful, almost enthusiastic mood. In a lively road conversation with Arkady, he even begins to quote lines from Eugene Onegin about spring. (See Chapter 3 for a description of the scenery.)

However, it is noticeable that the young Arkady holds a more sober and prosaic outlook on life. Along the way, he and Bazarov begin to smoke such strong tobacco that Nikolai Petrovich can hardly stand its smell.

Chapter IV. In Maryino, they are met by the brother of Nikolai Petrovich, Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, a man of about 45, thoroughbred, impeccably cleanly dressed, full of strictness and correctness in the English manner. This is another bright type of the idealistic era of the “fathers”, not sentimental, like Nikolai Petrovich, but “nobly chivalrous”.

Pavel Petrovich immediately does not like the unceremonious Bazarov, but he, for his part, treats both Kirsanov brothers with skeptical mockery. Arkady's father seems to him an impractical rookie, and Pavel Petrovich strikes with a strange "panache" for the village. Eugene directly tells Arkady about this in an evening private conversation.

Chapter V Bazarov leaves in the morning to catch frogs for his medical experiments. Arkady, whose mother died a long time ago, learns along the way that his father lives on an estate with a young girl, Fenechka. Now Arkady also becomes aware that Fenechka gave birth to a son from Nikolai Petrovich. According to the free-thinking of the new generation and out of a desire to seem magnanimous to himself, Arkady does not condemn his father's behavior.

Over morning tea, Arkady tells Pavel Petrovich and his father that Bazarov is a "nihilist", a person who does not bow to any authorities and traditions. Pavel Petrovich, who believes that firmly established principles should determine all human life, dislike for Bazarov is still growing.

Chapter VI. Bazarov, who has come from the pond, joins the breakfast of the Kirsanov family. Pavel Petrovich irritably starts an argument with him. He does not like that Bazarov is unpatriotic: he recognizes the superiority of German science over Russian, and even without hesitation claims that a decent chemist is 20 times more useful than any poet, even a great one. The conversation almost ends in a fight.

Pavel Petrovich and Nikolai Petrovich leave, and Arkady, in order to soften Bazarov, tells the romantic story of his uncle's life.

Chapter VII. In his youth, very handsome and self-confident, Pavel Petrovich was a darling of St. Petersburg society. He was predicted to have a brilliant military career, but everything was destroyed by his unhappy love for Princess R., a woman of a mysterious and eccentric nature, who now and then rushed from violent passions and risky hobbies by men to despair and repentance. At one time, the princess entered into a relationship with Pavel Petrovich, but then left him and went abroad. Having abandoned the service, he traveled for the princess all over Europe for four years, but finally realizing the futility of his efforts, he returned to his homeland and began to lead the life of an idle and disappointed person in the capital's salons. Ten years later, Pavel Petrovich found out that his beloved had died. He then went to live in the village with his brother, but even here he did not lose his memories of the past and retained his former aristocratic manners.

Bazarov's story of Arkady is not at all impressive: a man who allowed his life to break from tragic love seems to him a pompous comedian or a weakling.

Chapter VIII. After a conversation with Bazarov, Pavel Petrovich thoughtfully walks around the house and, after a little hesitation, enters Fenechka's room. He asks to show him the baby, his nephew. After looking at the child for a bit, he just as absent-mindedly goes out, returns to his office, sits down on the sofa and thinks deeply with a sad and even desperate expression on his face.

Turgenev further tells the reader the story of Fenechka's acquaintance with Nikolai Petrovich. Her mother Feni served as Nikolai Petrovich's housekeeper. At first, he did not pay attention to the young girl, but once he took a closer look at her, little by little he fell in love, and after the death of her mother from cholera, he settled in his house. Despite the difference in age, she became close to the kind and modest gentleman not by calculation, but by inclination of the heart.

Chapter IX. Bazarov is now also getting to know Fenechka. Together with Arkady, he once enters the gazebo, where she sits with her baby son Mitya and the maid Dunyasha. Bazarov, like a doctor, checks to see if Mitya's teeth are being cut. The boy confidently walks towards him.

As they continue their walk, Arkady and Bazarov hear Nikolai Petrovich playing the Schubert cello in his room. Refined music in the middle of a remote village causes a new mockery in Bazarov - especially in view of the fact that the economy on the estate is clearly inept.

Chapter X The relationship between "fathers" and "children" is becoming increasingly complex. Nikolai Petrovich accidentally overhears a conversation between Arkady and Bazarov. “Your father is a kind fellow,” says Bazarov, “but he is a retired man, his song is sung. Reads nonsense like Pushkin. You better give him Stoff and Kraft Buechner". Arkady soon really brings his father Stoff and Kraft- an exposition of the materialistic system.

Nikolai Petrovich tells his brother about all this. Over evening tea, Pavel Petrovich clashes even more violently with Bazarov. “You deign to find my habits, my toilet, ridiculous, but this all stems from a sense of self-respect, from a sense of duty.” “You respect yourself,” Bazarov answers, “and sit back; What is the benefit to society from this? “You are rejecting everything now. What would you like to build instead? “It’s none of our business anymore… We need to clear the place first.” - "Do you despise the entire Russian people?" “Well, if he deserves contempt! Our so-called progressive people talk a lot about art, parliamentarism, advocacy, when it comes to daily bread, when freedom is hardly good for us, because our peasant is happy to rob himself just to get drunk in a tavern. “Yes, there are only four and a half of you, and there are millions of those who will not allow you to trample under your feet your most sacred beliefs.” - "We will see. From a penny candle, you know, Moscow burned down. And your Raphael is not worth a penny of copper, along with all the institutions that you so revere: the community, the family, and so on.

Arkady and Bazarov leave. Nikolai Petrovich believes that, perhaps, it’s true that the time has come for the “fathers” to give way to a new generation. But Pavel Petrovich is sure that he is right and is not going to give up.

Chapter XI. Bazarov and Arkady decide to go to a neighboring provincial town, to visit a relative of the Kirsanovs, Kolyazin, who occupies a major official post there.

Chapter XII. In the city of Kolyazin, Arkady receives good-naturedly. He invites him to a ball given by the governor the day after tomorrow.

On the street of Bazarov and Arkady, a young man of an empty and narrow-minded look suddenly calls out. This is an acquaintance of Bazarov, Sitnikov. He honors Bazarov as his teacher in freethinking, to whom he "owes rebirth." Sitnikov invites to go to the local emancipe Kukshina. Disdainful of Sitnikov, Bazarov initially refuses, but agrees when he finds out that Kukshina will have champagne.

Chapter XIII. Untidy noblewoman Kukshina meets guests in a poorly cleaned room. Her mannerisms are extremely unnatural. She tries in vain to surprise new acquaintances with her knowledge of the natural sciences, incessantly pouring out the names of scientists and writers.

Bazarov and Evgeny almost do not take part in a stupid conversation, they only drink champagne. Towards the end, Kukshina begins to play the piano and sing in a hoarse voice, while Sitnikov ties his head with a scarf and portrays a lover dying with delight. Bazarov, yawning, leaves without even saying goodbye to the hostess. Sitnikov obsequiously catches up with him and Arkady.

Chapter XIV. At the ball at the governor's, Arkady suddenly notices a beauty of about 28 years old, calm, stately, who has entered. This is Anna Sergeevna Odintsova.

He sits down next to her. Odintsova speaks kindly to Arkady, but also with an air of some superiority. She has obviously seen a lot in her life, has a wealth of experience.

Arkady tells her about Bazarov. Odintsova looks attentively at Yevgeny standing at a distance. She invites Arkady to her estate, asks to bring Bazarov too: “It is very curious to see a person who has the courage not to believe in anything.”

Arkady tells Bazarov about his acquaintance with Odintsova. He speaks of her rather cynically: one gentleman told him that this lady is “oh-oh-oh”.

Chapter XV. History of Odintsova. Her father, a well-known swindler and gambler, eventually lost his game and was forced to leave St. Petersburg for the countryside. Soon he and his wife died, and 20-year-old Anna was left almost penniless with her 12-year-old sister Katya. Soon, by sober calculation, she married the 46-year-old rich man Odintsov. Six years later, he died, leaving her all his wealth and the country estate Nikolskoye.

Visit of Bazarov and Arkady to Odintsova in the city hotel. Arkady notices with surprise that Evgeny, who was never embarrassed by anything, in the presence of the beautiful Anna Sergeevna, behaves embarrassed. She obviously notices it too.

On the street, Bazarov speaks of Odintsova: “She looks like a possessive person. But she was in the redistribution, she ate our bread. Such a rich body! At least now in the anatomical theater.

Three days later they go to Odintsova in Nikolskoye.

Chapter XVI. The estate of Anna Sergeevna is magnificent. She introduces Arkady and Bazarov to her sweet, shy sister Katya.

Arkady already manages to fall in love with Odintsova. But in a conversation, she clearly prefers not him, but Bazarov, who she likes with her independence of judgment, although she does not agree with him on everything. Anna Sergeevna sends Arkady to listen to Katya's piano playing. Arkady is slightly offended by this, but, however, notices that Katya, with her timid appearance, is very pretty.

Odintsova is a woman without prejudice, but not prone to violent passions. She can sometimes get carried away, but immediately cools down, returning to her inherent poise and calmness. Now Bazarov is very interesting to her, but it cannot be said that her blood is especially boiling.

Chapter XVII. Bazarov feels that he is carried away by Odintsova. Formerly, he liked to say: “If you like a woman, try to get the point; but you can’t - well, don’t, turn away. ” But with Odintsova there is no “use” yet, and at the same time he does not want to leave her.

In order to overcome himself, Bazarov decides to leave Nikolsky for his parents' village, which is not far from here. Anna Sergeevna, learning about this, tries to keep him. She decides on something like an explanation with Bazarov. “I am very unhappy. I have no will to live. Behind me are many memories, and ahead is a long one, long road, but there is no goal ... I don’t even want to go. ” “You want to fall in love,” Bazarov answers, “but you cannot fall in love. However, whoever this thing happens to is to be pitied.”

Eugene leaves, not allowing her to speak to the end. But the words of Odintsova greatly excite him.

Meanwhile, the "third extra" - Arkady - involuntarily draws closer to Katya.

Chapter XVIII. The next day, Odintsova calls Bazarov to continue yesterday's conversation. “You are not an ordinary person. And I went through a lot of tests. Perhaps I could understand you. But you are too reserved in my presence. What is the reason?". “The reason is that I love you, stupidly, madly ...” Bazarov suddenly answers.

She holds out her hands to him. But he does not take them with trepidation, but, full of greedy, hungry passion, draws her to his chest. The animal instinct burning in his eyes frightens Anna Sergeevna. She breaks free and retreats to a corner, saying in fright that he did not understand her. Eugene comes out, biting his lips.

Chapter XIX. After dinner, Bazarov comes up to apologize to Odintsova. She invites him to remain friends. The general tension is relieved by the unexpected arrival of the stupid Sitnikov. Bazarov decides to go to his parents tomorrow. Arkady also leaves with him. Sitnikov also ties in, but falls behind along the way.

Bazarov looks sick on the way. “It is better to break stones on the pavement than to let a woman take possession of even the tip of her finger,” he says to Arkady. “A man shouldn’t be doing such trifles.”

Chapter XX. The two of them come to the village of Bazarov's parents. Evgeny's father, Vasily Ivanovich, is an army doctor, a small landed nobleman. Mother, Arina Vlasyevna, is a simple Russian woman by nature. There is little landlordism in both of them. The father is easy to handle, but very businesslike. It is obvious that he is knowledgeable. Vasily Ivanovich sprinkles with foreign words, quotations from ancient authors, hints of mythology.

Parents are very happy about the arrival of their son, whom they have not seen for three years, but Bazarov treats them rather arrogantly and dismissively. The case with Odintsova still does not get out of his head.

Chapter XXI. Early in the morning, in a conversation with Bazarov's father, Arkady expresses a high opinion of his son. The old man almost weeps with delight.

In the afternoon, Bazarov and Arkady rest in a haystack. Arkady slightly reproaches his friend for being callous to his parents. “My mother and father,” replies Bazarov, have become accustomed to their insignificant life in such a way that they do not even notice the insignificance. A real person is one who must be obeyed or hated. But you are a tender soul, a weakling, where can you hate! .. "

Arkady is unpleasantly struck by Bazarov's arrogance. "Don't you think too highly of yourself?" “When I meet a person who would not give in to me, then I will change my opinion of myself.” Friends almost enter into a sharp quarrel, but it is prevented by the sudden appearance of Vasily Ivanovich, who calls young people for dinner.

Still not showing filial feelings for his parents, the next day Bazarov persuades Arkady to return to him, to Maryino. Eugene's mother and father are amazed that their son stayed with them for only three days, but their genuine grief does not make any impression on Bazarov.

Chapter XXII. Having reached the turn to Nikolskoye, Bazarov and Arkady stop there for a short time, and then arrive in Maryino. Nikolai Petrovich is very happy with their arrival.

Arkady soon accidentally learns that his mother was a friend of Odintsova's mother and his father has remnants of their former correspondence. Under the pretext of delivering these letters to Anna Sergeevna, he travels alone, without Bazarov, to Nikolskoye. Falling in love with Odintsova does not cool down in him. Anna Sergeevna and Katya greet Arkady cordially.

Chapter XXIII. Bazarov, meanwhile, is trying to forget from unhappy love in scientific experiments. Pavel Petrovich is still very hostile to him. But Fenechka is very friendly with Eugene. Noticing this, Pavel Petrovich gradually begins to follow her.

One morning Bazarov accidentally sees Fenechka in the arbor. He comes up to talk to her, smells one of the beautiful roses in her hands and suddenly kisses her on the lips.

Just at that moment, Pavel Petrovich coughed nearby. The stunned Fenichka hurried to leave.

Chapter XXIV. A couple of hours later, Pavel Petrovich knocks on the door of Bazarov and challenges him to a duel. Bazarov agrees. Thinking about the reasons for the call, he comes to the conclusion that Pavel Petrovich could not stand the kiss scene, since, apparently, he himself has tender feelings for Fenechka.

The duel is scheduled in a nearby grove. The next morning Bazarov comes there. The role of the second is played by the servant Peter. Before the duel, Pavel Petrovich warns that he intends to "fight seriously", without giving mercy.

Opponents converge. The enemy's bullet buzzes right at Bazarov's ear, but does not injure him. He shoots himself - and hits Pavel Petrovich in the thigh.

The wound appears to be harmless. Pyotr rushes to the estate, and from there soon Nikolai Petrovich arrives in a droshky. Pavel Petrovich is being transported to the estate. He does not tell his brother about the reason for the duel, but in the heat of the night he suddenly asks him: “Have you ever noticed that Fenechka is very similar to Princess R.?”

The next day Bazarov leaves Maryin. Fenechka, courting Pavel Petrovich, swears to him that the incident in the arbor was an accident, and she loves only Nikolai Petrovich. Pavel Petrovich, in a rush of feeling, asks that she never leave his brother. “Think what could be worse than to love and not be loved!” He persuades Nikolai Petrovich to seal his relationship with Fenechka by legal marriage, and he happily agrees. Pavel Petrovich himself, convinced that his life was in vain, decides to leave Russia and live last years in Europe.

Chapter XXV. Meanwhile, Arkady in Nikolskoye is surprised to notice that Katya has become closer to Anna Sergeevna for him. He is struck by Katya’s review of Bazarov: “He is predatory, and we are tame. He is a stranger to us ... ”Katya, observant, notices that Arkady, apparently, is in love with her.

Bazarov comes to Nikolskoye from Maryin. Arkady learns from him about the duel with Pavel Petrovich and that his uncle's wound is light. Bazarov explains that he is heading home, and turned to Odintsova "... the devil knows why." Both Arkady and Bazarov feel that their parting is near forever. Arkady is very excited about this, but Bazarov does not at all regret the imminent separation.

Anna Sergeevna sighs with relief when Bazarov assures her that he "has come to his senses and forgotten the previous stupidities." Odintsova is now more attracted to Arkady, full of youthful ardor.

Chapter XXVI. Sitting in the garden, Katya and Arkady hear a conversation between Anna Sergeevna and Bazarov passing by. She again convinces Eugene to forget what happened between them before. “At first we were interested in each other, but ... you and I are too similar. The homogeneous should not be drawn to the homogeneous. But Arkady is not like me. I fit him as an aunt, but there is some charm in his young and fresh feeling ... "

Katya droops at these words of her sister. However, when Anna Sergeevna and Bazarov leave, Arkady turns to her: “Katerina Sergeevna, I love you, and I love no one but you. Everything else has long since disappeared without a trace. Tell me yes! - "Yes!" Katya answers.

The next day, Anna Sergeevna finds out that Arkady is asking for Katya's hand in marriage. She tells Bazarov about this and seems to want to resume the love game with him. However, he proudly refuses: "I am a poor man, but I still have not accepted alms."

Bazarov says goodbye to the Odintsovs and Arkady, calling him before parting "a soft, liberal barich" who was not created for "our bitter, tart, bean life." Anna Sergeevna, having mourned a little, quickly calms down.

Chapter XXVII. Arriving to his father and mother, Bazarov again treats them rudely and callously. He fails to forget his love for Odintsova in the fever of work. Soon, Eugene falls into a dreary boredom.

In a neighboring village, a peasant dies with typhus. Opening his body, Bazarov is accidentally cut with a scalpel, and disinfection is not at hand. Soon Yevgeny shows signs of a terrible infection.

Turgenev picturesquely describes how courageously and calmly the nihilist accepts the terrible inevitability of his imminent death. Bazarov is in no hurry to take communion, but asks his father to send a messenger to Odintsova with the news that he is close to death.

Anna Sergeevna comes to the patient, bringing with her a German doctor. However, he is convinced that there is no hope for Bazarov. Odintsova says goodbye to Evgeny, kissing him on the forehead. The next day he dies. (See Death of Bazarov)

Death of Bazarov. Illustration by artist P. Pinkisevich for Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons"

Chapter XXVIII. Six months later, two weddings are played in Maryino: Arkady with Katya and Nikolai Petrovich with Fenechka. Pavel Petrovich immediately after that leaves for Dresden and lives there for a century, like a noble European gentleman. Arkady forgets his former nihilistic hobbies and plunges with his father into the cares of the estate. He and Katya have a son, Kolya.

... And over the grave of Bazarov in a cemetery in an abandoned village, his decrepit parents often come to cry. Flowers on the grave hill, looking serenely with their innocent eyes, seem to tell them about eternal reconciliation and endless life ...

In February 1862, the first publication of the novel "Fathers and Sons" by Turgenev took place. We bring to your attention a brief retelling of it. "Fathers and Sons" chapter by chapter will be considered by us from the point of view of the main events. In addition, in the article you will find the characteristics of the heroes. First, we suggest you read a brief retelling. "Fathers and Sons", set out by chapters by us, begins with the following events.

Acquaintance with Nikolai Petrovich

Kirsanov Nikolai Petrovich - a landowner, apparently no longer young. He is about 40 years old. On May 20, 1859, he awaits the arrival of Arkady, his son, who has just completed his studies at the university. Nikolai Petrovich is waiting for him at the inn.

Kirsanov was the son of a general, but the military career intended for him did not take place. The fact is that this hero broke his leg while still a young man. For the rest of his life he remained "lame". Kirsanov Nikolai Petrovich married early. His wife was the daughter of an obscure official. In marriage, the landowner was happy. However, to the great grief of Nikolai Petrovich, in 1847 his wife died. After that, he devoted all his time and energy to raising his son. He even lived with him in St. Petersburg and tried to make friends with the students and comrades of Arkady. Recently, Kirsanov has been actively engaged in the transformation of the estate.

Arkady brings his friend to the estate

Here, finally, there is a meeting between Nikolai Petrovich and Arkady in a work, the author of which is Turgenev ("Fathers and Sons"). However, Arkady does not arrive alone. Along with him is a self-confident, tall and ugly young man. This is a novice doctor who agreed to stay with the Kirsanovs for some time. His name is Bazarov Evgeny Vasilyevich.

At first, the conversation between father and son does not stick (Chapter 5). Nikolai Kirsanov is embarrassed by Fenechka. He keeps this girl with him and has a child from her. His son tries to smooth over the awkwardness with a condescending tone, which jars Kirsanov a little.

Pavel Petrovich is waiting for them at home. This is the elder brother of Nikolai Petrovich. Mutual antipathy immediately arises between him and Bazarov. But the servants and yard boys willingly obey the arriving guest, although he does not intend to seek their favor.

Verbal skirmish between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov

Between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov the next day there is a verbal skirmish (Chapter 6). Kirsanov becomes the initiator of the skirmish. Yevgeny Vasilievich does not intend to argue with him, but nevertheless expresses his opinion on the main issues of his convictions. According to him, people strive for the goal, because they experience "feelings" and want to achieve "benefit". Evgeny Bazarov is convinced that chemistry is much more important than art. As for science, the most important thing in it is the practical result. Bazarov is even proud of the fact that he has no artistic taste. He believes that there is no need to study the psychology of any individual person. In order to judge the entire human race, one copy is enough. Bazarov mercilessly denies any "decrees" in everyday life. He has a high opinion of his abilities, but Evgeny Vasilyevich assigns a non-creative role to his generation. He talks about the need to "clear up space" first.

The story of the youth of Pavel Petrovich

"Nihilism", which is promoted by Bazarov and Arkady, who imitates him, seems to Pavel Petrovich to be an unfounded and daring doctrine that exists "in the void." The tension that has arisen between the guest and his father's brother is trying to smooth out Arkady. To do this, he tells his friend the life story of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov (Chapter 7). This man was a promising and brilliant officer in his youth. He was very liked by women. Once Pavel Petrovich met Princess R., a socialite. Passion for this woman changed Kirsanov's whole life. When their romance ended, Pavel Petrovich felt completely devastated. He retains from his past life only sophistication of manners and costume, as well as a love for everything English.

Pavel Petrovich's new attack, Nikolai Kirsanov's position

Bazarov's behavior and views irritate Pavel Petrovich very much. He begins to attack Yevgeny Vasilyevich again. However, he condescendingly and quite easily breaks all Kirsanov's arguments aimed at protecting existing traditions. Nikolai Petrovich is trying to soften the dispute that has begun, however, he cannot fully agree with Bazarov's such radical convictions. Nevertheless, Nikolai Kirsanov convinces himself that he and his brother are behind the times.

Meeting of Arkady and Evgeny with Sitnikov and Kukshina

Arkady and Bazarov go to the same provincial town (Chapter 12). Here they meet with Sitnikov, the offspring of a farmer, who considers himself a "student" of Yevgeny Vasilyevich. Sitnikov introduces them to Kukshina, an "emancipated" lady. Both of them consider themselves "progressives" who reject all authority. Sitnikov and Kukshina, following the fashion, tend to show "free-thinking". Both of them do not know how and do not know anything, but in their "nihilism" they leave behind both Bazarov and Arkady. Evgeny Vasilyevich frankly despises Sitnikov, and when visiting Kukshina he mainly deals in champagne.

Acquaintance of Evgeny with Odintsova

Turgenev ("Fathers and Sons") further tells us how Arkady introduces his friend to Odintsova (chapter 14). This rich, beautiful and young widow. Yevgeny Vasilyevich is immediately interested in her. His interest in this woman is not at all platonic. Regarding her, he cynically declares to Arkady Kirsanov that "there is a profit ...".

Kirsanov believes that he is in love with the widow. However, Arkady has this feeling feigned. But between Evgeny Vasilyevich and Odintsova, mutual attraction is established. The widow invites friends to stay with her for a while.

Friends visiting Odintsova

Guests in the house of this woman (her name is Anna Sergeevna) get acquainted with Katya, her younger sister. The girl is stiff. Yevgeny Bazarov also feels uncomfortable. He "looks angrily" and begins to get annoyed when visiting Odintsova. Arkady also suffers ("Fathers and Sons"). He finds solace by talking to Katya.

The feeling that Anna Sergeevna inspired Bazarov is new to him. This man, who despised any manifestations of "romanticism", suddenly realizes that a "romantic" is hiding in him. Eugene explains with Odintsova (chapter 18). She does not immediately escape from his embrace. On reflection, he makes the fatal decision of Odintsov. "Fathers and Sons" would have continued with completely different events if she had accepted Bazarov's love. However, Odintsova decides that "peace" is the most precious thing for her.

Departure of Bazarov, life with parents

Bazarov, not wanting to become a slave of passion, leaves for his father. He lives nearby and works as a county doctor. Odintsova does not want to keep Evgeny. Bazarov on the road reflects on what happened. He says that letting a woman take over is the worst thing that can happen.

Arriving home, Eugene is faced with the fact that his mother and father cannot breathe on their beloved son. He is bored at home. He leaves his parents in a few days. Bazarov decides to return to the Kirsanovs' estate.

Yevgeny's return to the Kirsanovs' estate, episode with Fenechka

Here, out of boredom and heat, Eugene draws attention to Fenechka, beloved by Nikolai Petrovich (chapter 23). Finding this girl alone, he kisses her hard. Pavel Petrovich becomes an accidental witness to this scene. He is outraged to the depths of the soul by the act of Yevgeny Bazarov. In particular, Pavel Kirsanov is indignant because he finds some similarity between Fenechka and Princess R.

Duel of Pavel Petrovich with Bazarov

Pavel Petrovich, in accordance with his moral convictions, decides to challenge Yevgeny Vasilyevich to a duel (chapter 24). Bazarov, feeling awkward and realizing that he is forced to give up his own principles, agrees. He believes that the duel is absurd in theoretical terms, but in practical terms it is a completely different matter.

As a result of the duel, Bazarov easily injures Pavel Petrovich and himself provides him with first aid. Pavel Kirsanov ("Fathers and Sons") is very dignified. Pavel Petrovich even tries to make fun of himself. However, both he and Bazarov are embarrassed at the same time. They decided to hide the real reason for the duel from Nikolai Petrovich. He in this situation also behaves nobly. He finds an excuse for both opponents.

After the duel, Pavel Petrovich, who had previously objected to the wedding of his brother and Fenechka, begins to persuade Kirsanov to propose to her.

The development of the love line of the novel, the departure of Bazarov

Love in "Fathers and Sons" is one of the central themes. Let's talk about how this line developed after the duel. Arkady is getting closer and closer to Katya. Mutual understanding is established between them. Katya notices that Yevgeny Bazarov is a stranger to them, since they are "tame", and he is "predatory".

Evgeny Vasilyevich, having lost his last hope for Anna Sergeevna's reciprocity, steps over himself and decisively parted with Odintsova and Arkady (chapter 26). Saying goodbye, Bazarov tells his former friend that he is a "glorious fellow", but a "liberal nobleman". Kirsanov is upset, but soon finds solace in communicating with Katya. He confesses his love to her and is convinced of reciprocity.

Eugene's life in the parental home, infection and death

Yevgeny Bazarov returns to his parents' house and tries to devote all his time to work in order to forget about his love for Odintsova. However, after a few days, the passion for work disappears. It is replaced by "deaf anxiety" and "dreary boredom". Yevgeny Bazarov tries to talk to the peasants, but finds nothing in their heads but stupidity. But even the peasants treat Yevgeny Vasilyevich only as a "pea jester."

Bazarov, opening the corpse of a typhoid patient, injures his finger, resulting in blood poisoning (Chapter 27). A few days later, he tells his father that his days are numbered. Bazarov, before dying, asks Anna Sergeevna to come to say goodbye to him. Eugene reminds the woman of his love and notices that all his proud thoughts, like his feelings for her, have gone to dust. Bazarov bitterly notes that Russia does not need him. All she needs is a tailor, a shoemaker, a butcher...

After Yevgeny Vasilyevich is given communion at the insistence of his parents, the author notes that a "shudder of horror" was reflected on his "dead face".

The wedding of two couples, the further fate of the heroes

6 months pass. In a small village church, two couples are getting married: Nikolai Kirsanov with Fenechka and Arkady with Katya (chapter 28). Everyone is happy, but there was something artificial in this mood, as if everyone agreed to play a "simple-hearted comedy."

Arkady eventually becomes the father of a family and a hardworking owner. After some time, the Kirsanov estate begins to bring in a good income thanks to his efforts. Arkady finds the meaning of life in family life and the management of the estate. "Fathers and Sons" continues with a description of the fate of Nikolai Petrovich. He becomes Nikolai Kirsanov actively working in the public arena, which is very suitable for his nature. Kirsanov Pavel Petrovich moved to Dresden. The author notes that "life is hard for him", although he still looks like a gentleman.

Kukshina is located in Heidelberg. She hangs out with students, is fond of architecture. According to her, she discovered some new laws in it. As for Sitnikov, he married a princess. The wife pushes them around. In his own opinion, he "continues" the work of Yevgeny Bazarov, working as a publicist in a dark magazine.

The final episode of the work

Let's move on to the description of the final scene, which completes the brief retelling. "Fathers and Sons" chapter by chapter cannot be stated without including in the story this episode from the last, 28th chapter. Although it does not play a big role in the development of the plot, it is very important for understanding the author's intention. No wonder Turgenev included him in his novel, and we - in a brief retelling ("Fathers and Sons"). Chapter by chapter, the outlined plot of the work allows us to fully understand this particular scene.

Decrepit old men often come to the grave of Eugene. They weep bitterly and pray to God to rest his soul. Concluding the work, the author describes the flowers growing on the grave mound. Ivan Sergeevich notices that they remind everyone living not only of the indifference and tranquility of nature. Flowers tell us about endless life and eternal reconciliation. Thus, "Fathers and Sons" is a story with a life-affirming ending.

We offer now to get to know the heroes of the work better. Below is their description.

"Fathers and Sons": Characteristics of the Characters

Bazarov Evgeny Vasilyevich - student, nihilist, novice physician. Bazarov in the novel "Fathers and Sons" is the central character. In his nihilism, he is Arkady's mentor. This hero opposes the liberal ideas that the Kirsanov brothers represent in the novel, as well as the conservative views of his own parents. Yevgeny Bazarov - raznochinets, revolutionary democrat. By the end of the work, he falls in love with Odintsova, after which he changes his nihilistic views regarding love feelings. Passion for Odintsova becomes a serious test for Bazarov. At the end of the work, he dies as a result of blood poisoning received during

Kirsanov Nikolai Petrovich - liberal, landowner, widower, father of Arkady. He loves poetry and music. This character is interested in modern progressive ideas, including new ways of doing things. Agriculture. The author notes that at the beginning of the work he is ashamed of his feelings for Fenechka from the common people. However, at the end of the novel, he decides to marry her.

The elder brother of Nikolai is Kirsanov Pavel Petrovich. "Fathers and Sons" is a work that cannot be imagined without this hero. This is a self-confident and proud aristocrat, a retired officer, an ardent supporter of liberalism. He often argues with Yevgeny Vasilyevich about nature, love, science, art, aristocracy. Alone Pavel Petrovich. "Fathers and Sons" is a novel in which the author introduces us to the years of his youth. In his youth, he experienced a tragic passion for Princess R. Pavel Kirsanov sees in Fenechka the features of his beloved. He harbors hatred for Bazarov and decides to challenge him to a duel. During the duel, he is slightly injured.

A friend of Bazarov is Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov. "Fathers and Sons" begins with his return to his parental home after graduating from St. Petersburg University. Under the influence of his friend, this hero becomes a nihilist, but then decides to abandon this worldview.

Bazarov Vasily Ivanovich - Evgeny's father. This is a poor retired army surgeon. He manages the estate owned by his wife. Vasily Ivanovich is moderately enlightened and educated. He realizes that rural life has left him isolated from modern ideas. In general, this hero adheres to conservative views. He loves his son and is quite religious.

Arina Vlasyevna is also very remarkable in the work "Fathers and Sons". The content of the chapters of this work, summarized above, does not allow to form a definite idea about it. Therefore, it is especially important to read the characteristics of Yevgeny Vasilyevich's mother, which this woman is. She owns the village of the Bazarovs. At her disposal are 22 souls of serfs. This woman is pious and very superstitious. In addition, she is sentimentally sensitive and suspicious. Arina Vlasyevna loves Yevgeny and is very worried that he has renounced the faith.

One should also introduce such a character as Anna Sergeevna Odintsova ("Fathers and Sons"). This is a rich widow, with whom Arkady and Eugene stayed. She likes Bazarov, but after his confession, she does not dare to reciprocate.

Lokteva Ekaterina Sergeevna - Odintsova's sister. This is an inconspicuous and quiet girl who loves to play the clavichord. Arkady spends a lot of time in her company, tormented by his love for Anna. However, after a while, he realizes that he loves Katya. Catherine at the end of the work becomes the wife of Arkady.

Fenechka is a simple girl who gave birth to a child from Nikolai Petrovich. She lives in the same house with him. In the final chapter, she becomes the wife of Nikolai Petrovich.

Such are the heroes of the novel "Fathers and Sons" (the portrait of the author is presented above). Of course, to understand the nature of each of them, it is better to get acquainted with the original work. By the way, it is very interesting to read it - all the heroes of the novel "Fathers and Sons" have bright and curious characters. And the main theme of the work - the relationship between generations - is always relevant. It is no coincidence that many in our time like "Fathers and Sons". The meaning of this novel is deep, and the problems that the author poses are eternal.

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The action of the novel begins on May 20, 1859. A young man who has just graduated from the university, Arkady Kirsanov, goes to the inn, where his father, Nikolai Petrovich, is waiting for him. Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov is now 43 years old, but he does not look very young anymore. He worries before meeting with his son. Moreover, the son is not traveling alone - his student friend Yevgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov should also come to the estate with him.

Nikolai Petrovich devoted his whole life to raising his son. Even when Arkady was already a student, Nikolai Petrovich lived in St. Petersburg with him, met his friends and tried to understand how modern youth live. Nikolai Petrovich's wife died 12 years ago, and now his son Arkady and brother Pavel Petrovich were the people closest to him. True, there was also a girl named Fenechka, whom Nikolai Petrovich loved, and who had a child by him, but for the time being the landowner tried to keep this fact a secret from his son.

The acquaintance of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov immediately develops into mutual hostility. The very next day, a major quarrel breaks out between them, the instigator of which, in truth, is Pavel Petrovich. For Bazarov, there is nothing that he would not deny. He believes that art cannot be more valuable and important than chemistry, and science is first of all practice, and only then theory. Nihilism (that is, the denial of everything) of Bazarov seems to Pavel Petrovich simply blasphemous. He cannot understand how it is possible to deny everything, including the love that he, Pavel Petrovich, once experienced, and which devastated him so much that, after parting with his beloved, he was no longer capable of any feelings or thoughts. Bazarov convinces him that he and his brother have no idea what modern life is.

In the provincial town, Bazarov and the younger Kirsanov meet those who consider themselves followers of Bazarov - Sitnikov and Kukshina. They do not learn anything and do not master any profession, but their nihilism has reached such an extent that they leave even Bazarov himself far behind.

Arkady meets Odintsova, it seems to him that he is in love with her. In fact, this is not so - his feeling is simply far-fetched. But Bazarov became seriously interested in Odintsova, and his dreams are not at all about how he reads poetry to her under the moonlight, but about something more.

Arriving at Anna Sergeevna's home, friends meet her younger sister Katya, with whom Arkady becomes close.

Bazarov leaves Anna Sergeevna, because he does not want to become a "slave of his passion", he wants to remain independent of everything. Odintsova does not protest against his departure, since she also believes that the main thing is not passion, but calmness.

Bazarov goes to his parents, but cannot live with them without experiencing boredom, even for a couple of days. He returns to the estate to the Kirsanovs, where, due to his liberties in relation to Fenechka, he is forced to fight in a duel with Pavel Petrovich. Bazarov easily wounds him and himself provides first aid. But after this duel, Pavel Petrovich begins to insist that his brother marry Fenechka, although he had previously actively opposed this.

Bazarov breaks up with Arkady and Odintsova and moves to live with his parents. Soon, opening the corpse of a man who died of typhus, he becomes infected and dies. Before his death, he explains to Odintsova, who comes to say goodbye to him. Six months after these events, two weddings take place at once - Arkady marries Katya, and Nikolai Petrovich marries Fenechka. Arkady takes over the management of the estate and achieves in this great success. Nikolai Petrovich is engaged in social work. Pavel Petrovich leaves to live in Dresden. And his elderly parents often come to Bazarov’s grave and grieve for their untimely departed son.