Summary
Fathers and Sons is a seminal work by Russian author Ivan Turgenev that explores the generational divide in 19th-century Russia. Published in 1862, the novel centers on the conflict between the older, liberal aristocracy and the younger, nihilistic radicals, embodied by the characters of Arkady Kirsanov and his friend Bazarov. Turgenev's masterpiece is widely considered one of the greatest Russian novels of the 19th century, known for its psychological insight and nuanced portrayal of social upheaval.
Plot
Arkady Kirsanov, a recent university graduate, returns to his father's estate with his friend and fellow graduate Bazarov. Arkady's father Nikolai and uncle Pavel welcome the two young men, but Pavel soon becomes upset by their nihilistic philosophy. Tension develops between the older and younger generations as Arkady adopts Bazarov's radical views, making Nikolai feel out of touch. Meanwhile, Nikolai has taken a servant named Fenechka as his lover and had a son with her, which Arkady accepts happily.
The young men visit a relative of Arkady, where they meet the elegant widow Anna Odintsova. Both are attracted to her, and she invites them to stay at her estate. There, Bazarov struggles with his growing feelings for Anna, which conflict with his nihilist beliefs. He eventually confesses his love, but she rejects him. Bazarov and Arkady then visit Bazarov's doting parents before returning to the Kirsanov estate. Tensions rise between Bazarov and Pavel, culminating in a duel after Pavel sees Bazarov forcibly kiss Fenechka. Pavel is wounded, and Bazarov leaves.
Arkady realizes he is in love with Anna's sister Katya and becomes engaged to her. Meanwhile, Bazarov contracts typhus while performing an autopsy. On his deathbed, he sends for Anna, who arrives just in time to hear his final declaration of her beauty before he dies. The novel concludes with Arkady marrying Katya and taking over his father's estate, while Nikolai marries Fenechka.
Themes
Conflict between older and younger generations
Clash between traditional values and progressive ideologies
Political and social change in 19th-century Russia
Nature of love and romantic relationships
Impact of nihilism and radical thinking
Tension between rural and urban lifestyles
Search for purpose and meaning in life
Setting
Set in mid-19th century Russia, Fathers and Sons unfolds against the backdrop of a changing society grappling with Western influences and emerging ideologies. The novel takes place primarily in rural estates and small provincial towns, reflecting the stark contrasts between traditional aristocratic lifestyles and the new radical thinking prevalent among educated young people.
The story begins in 1859, a few years before the emancipation of the serfs, when tensions between conservative landowners and progressive reformers were reaching a boiling point. Turgenev vividly portrays the crumbling feudal system through descriptions of impoverished peasants and decaying country estates, juxtaposed with the radical ideas of the younger generation.
While much of the action occurs at Marino, the Kirsanov family estate, the characters also travel to other locales that highlight Russia's social stratification. These include the modest home of Bazarov's parents, the refined estate of the wealthy widow Madame Odintsova, and provincial towns where new intellectual movements are taking root among students and young professionals. Through these varied settings, Turgenev crafts a compelling portrait of a nation on the cusp of monumental change.
Characters
Arkady Kirsanov: A recent university graduate who brings his friend Bazarov to his family's estate. He initially embraces nihilism but later rejects this philosophy.
Yevgeny Bazarov: A medical student and committed nihilist who influences Arkady. He rejects tradition and authority but struggles with his feelings for Anna Odintsova.
Nikolai Kirsanov: Arkady's father, a liberal-minded landowner trying to modernize his estate. He struggles to connect with his son's new radical views.
Pavel Kirsanov: Nikolai's brother, a refined aristocrat who clashes with Bazarov's nihilistic ideas. He challenges Bazarov to a duel over Fenechka.
Anna Sergeyevna Odintsova: A wealthy young widow who captivates both Arkady and Bazarov. She is intrigued by but ultimately rejects Bazarov's nihilism.
Katya: Anna's younger sister, who forms a romantic connection with Arkady. She is more traditional and domestic than her sister.
Fenechka: A young servant who becomes Nikolai's mistress and bears his son. Her presence creates some tension in the household.
Vasily Bazarov: Yevgeny's father, a retired army doctor. He loves his son deeply, despite their philosophical differences.
Arina Bazarova: Yevgeny's mother, a traditional, pious woman. She is devoted to her son but bewildered by his views.
Sitnikov: A foolish hanger-on who idolizes Bazarov and tries to imitate his nihilism.
Kukshina: An eccentric, pseudo-intellectual woman in the provincial town who fancies herself progressive.
Quick facts
Ivan Turgenev wrote Fathers and Sons as a response to the growing divide between older liberals and younger nihilists in Russia.
The novel was first published in 1862 in the Russian literary magazine The Russian Messenger.
Fathers and Sons popularized the use of the term “nihilism” in Russia and beyond.
The character of Yevgeny Bazarov was partly based on a real doctor Turgenev had met.
While acclaimed internationally, Fathers and Sons provoked controversy in Russia upon its release, angering many radicals and conservatives alike.
Turgenev uses detailed descriptions and nuanced character development to create a vivid portrayal of Russian society. His balanced approach to different viewpoints allows readers to sympathize with multiple characters.
Fathers and Sons is now considered one of the first wholly modern novels in Russian literature and has significantly influenced Western writers, including Henry James.
Vladimir Lenin's brother Aleksandr Ulyanov was reportedly inspired by the character of Bazarov.
There have been more than a dozen English translations of Fathers and Sons since its initial publication.
The novel has been adapted into plays, films, and TV series multiple times. Perhaps the most notable adaptation is George F. Walker's 1988 stage play Nothing Sacred, which brings Turgenev's timeless themes to a modern audience.
About the Author
Ivan Turgenev (1818-1883) was a prominent Russian novelist, short story writer, and playwright. As a writer, he was known for his psychological depth, nuanced portrayals of characters, and ability to capture the complexities of Russian society during a time of great change.
Born into a wealthy noble family, Turgenev received an extensive education in Russia and abroad, becoming fluent in several European languages. His experiences and observations of Russian society, particularly the plight of serfs, greatly influenced his writing and political views. His literary career took off in 1852 with the publication of A Sportsman's Sketches, a collection of short stories that depicted the lives of Russian peasants and contributed to the growing movement for the abolition of serfdom. He went on to write several acclaimed novels, including Fathers and Sons (1862), which explored the generational conflict between the old aristocracy and the emerging nihilist movement in Russia.
Turgenev spent much of his later life in Western Europe, particularly in France and Germany. He developed close friendships with notable European writers like Gustave Flaubert and had a long-standing romantic relationship with the opera singer Pauline Viardot. His work often reflected his position as a bridge between Russian and Western European cultures, focusing on themes of social change, love, and the human condition.
