Hello readers,
I recently completed reading the novel Fathers and Sons by the Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev. The book explores the ideological clash between the old and new generations. This conflict unfolds between the titular fathers and their sons. The older generation, still clinging to traditional customs and values, struggles to keep pace with the younger, more progressive minds. I believe Turgenev aimed to inspire—or perhaps provoke—the younger generation to engage with the political and social changes taking place in Russia, and to move beyond the narrow liberalism represented in the novel by Paul Petrovich.
The novel is written in the third-person omniscient point of view and primarily revolves around two young Russian men: Arkady and Bazarov. Both have recently graduated and are returning home after a long time. Arkady’s father, Nikolai Petrovich—a wealthy landowner—is eager to welcome his beloved son. Alongside Arkady is his friend Bazarov, who joins them at the Marino estate. Not only are Arkady and Bazarov close friends, but Arkady also considers Bazarov his mentor.
Turgenev crafts Bazarov’s character with such depth that, over the course of the novel, I found myself simultaneously admiring and disliking him. Most of the time, however, I was fascinated by his views. Bazarov is described as a young nihilist who rejects traditional moral codes and ways of life. Because of his radical beliefs, he is often seen as the first Bolshevik character in Russian literature. He is well-read erudite, and the son of a veteran army doctor. Bazarov likes to indulge in argument and enjoys discussing a wide range of subjects, from politics and society to love and natural science.
At the Marino estate, Bazarov frequently engages in heated debates with Arkady’s uncle, Paul Petrovich, whom he regards as a petty aristocrat and a shallow liberal. Meanwhile, Arkady, inspired by Bazarov’s nihilism, finds himself unable to relate to his father and uncle. This newfound philosophy leads Arkady toward a modernist worldview. While Bazarov spends much of his time wandering in isolation and conducting scientific experiments, Arkady helps his father manage the estate, which is in poor condition.
Eventually, the young men grow weary of life at Marino and travel to a nearby province, where they meet Madame Odintsova and her sister Katia. They decide to spend a few days at the Nikolskoe estate. This marks a turning point in the novel as both Arkady and Bazarov begin to experience romantic feelings. Initially, both of them are not willing to admit their emotions. Here, Bazarov’s indifferent, nihilistic, and even misogynistic attitude is revealed, as he refuses to confess his love and instead returns to his parents' home. Although he is warmly welcomed, he remains emotionally distant from his parents.
I view Bazarov as a true representation of what Nietzsche would later describe as the Ubermensch—a person who rejects conventional morality and imposed authority. He lives by his own instincts, values, and principles. He doesn’t follow anyone else’s path, views or philosophy but instead asserts his radical ideas fearlessly. He even criticizes Arkady for being a romantic idealist and for using “beautiful language.”
“Whereas he [Bazarov] was a wild bird, you [Katia] and I [Arkady] are tame ones.”
This remark by Arkady clearly captures the essence of Bazarov’s character and attitude.
As the story progresses, Bazarov and Arkady travel from Marino to Nikolskoe, and eventually to Bazarov’s home. Back at Marino, a dramatic duel (aristocracy vs nihilism, traditional vs modern) occurs between Bazarov and Paul. At last, Bazarov returns to assist his father in treating peasants and serfs. Unfortunately, he caught a deadly infection. H knew that he has little time left, so he asked his father to inform Madame Odintsova of his condition. She visits him, but Bazarov dies the next morning—still without ever confessing his love.
To satisfy the reader’s curiosity, Turgenev adds one final chapter describing the present-day lives of the surviving characters.
Thank you for visiting.
