In February 1862, the first publication of the novel "Fathers and Sons" by Turgenev took place. We bring to your attention his brief retelling. āFathers and Sonsā by chapters will be examined by us from the point of view of the main events. In addition, in the article you will find a description of the heroes. First we suggest you read a short retelling. āFathers and Sons,ā as we have described in chapters, begin with the following events.
Acquaintance with Nikolai Petrovich
Kirsanov Nikolai Petrovich - a landowner, apparently already elderly. 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 as a young man. For the rest of his life, he remained "lame." Kirsanov Nikolay Petrovich married early. His wife was the daughter of an obscene 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 lived with him even in St. Petersburg and tried to make friends with students, comrades of Arkady. Recently, Kirsanov has been actively engaged in the transformation of the estate.
Arkady brings his friend to the estate
Finally, there is a meeting between Nikolai Petrovich and Arkady in a work by 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 a while. His name is Bazarov Evgeny Vasilievich.
At first, the conversation between the father and his son is not glued (chapter 5). Nikolai Kirsanov is embarrassed by Fenechka. He keeps this girl with him and has a child from her. His son is trying to smooth out the awkwardness in a condescending tone that makes Kirsanov a little jarring.
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 courtyard boys willingly obey the arrived guest, although he does not intend to look for their location.
Verbal skirmish between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov
Between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov the next day there is a verbal skirmish (chapter 6). The initiator of the clash is Kirsanov. Evgeny Vasilievich does not intend to polemicize with him, but nevertheless he expresses his opinion on the main issues of his convictions. According to him, people strive for goals, because they experience āsensationsā and want to achieve ābenefitsā. 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 lack of artistic taste. He believes that there is no need to study the psychology of a single person. In order to judge the entire human race, one copy is enough. Bazarov mercilessly denies any "decisions" in everyday life. He has a high opinion of his abilities, but Evgeni Vasilievich does not at all play a creative role for his generation. He says that you need to first "clear the place."
The story of the youth of Pavel Petrovich
"Nihilism", which is propagandized by Bazarov and Arkady, imitating him, seems to Pavel Petrovich an unfounded and impudent teaching, existing "in the void". The tension between the guest and his fatherās 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 in his youth was a promising and brilliant officer. Women liked him very much. Once Pavel Petrovich met Princess R., a secular lioness. Passion for this woman changed the whole life of Kirsanov. When their romance ended, Pavel Petrovich felt completely empty. He retains from his past life only the sophistication of manners and costume, as well as his love for all English.
A new attack by Pavel Petrovich, the position of Nikolai Kirsanov
The behavior and views of Bazarov are very annoying Pavel Petrovich. He begins to attack Yevgeny Vasilyevich again. However, he condescendingly and fairly easily breaks all Kirsanovās arguments aimed at protecting existing traditions. Nikolai Petrovich is trying to soften the dispute that has begun, however, even he cannot completely agree with Bazarovās so radical convictions. Nevertheless, Nikolai Kirsanov convinces himself that he and his brother are behind the times.
Arkady and Eugene meet with Sitnikov and Kukshina
Arkady and Bazarov are sent to the same provincial city (chapter 12). Here they meet with Sitnikov, the offspring of a farmer who considers himself a "disciple" of Yevgeny Vasilyevich. Sitnikov introduces them to Kukshina, the "emancipated" lady. Both of them consider themselves to be "progressives" who reject all authority. Sitnikov and Kukshina, following fashion, seek 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 Vasilievich openly despises Sitnikov, while visiting Kukshina he is mainly engaged in champagne.
Acquaintance of Eugene with Odintsova
Turgenev (Fathers and Sons) further tells us how Arkady introduces his friend Odintsova (chapter 14). This rich, beautiful and young widow. She is immediately interested in Evgeny Vasilievich. His interest in this woman is not at all platonic. Regarding her, he cynically announces to Arkady Kirsanov that "there is a living ...".
Kirsanov believes that he is in love with a widow. However, Arkady has a false impression. But between Evgeny Vasilievich and Odintsova established mutual gravitation. The widow invites friends to stay with her for a while.
Friends are visiting Odintsova
Guests at this womanās house (her name is Anna Sergeyevna) meet Katya, her younger sister. The girl is holding tight. Evgeny Bazarov also feels awkward. He ālooks angrilyā and begins to get annoyed at a visit to Odintsova. Arkady is also tormented ("Fathers and Sons"). He finds consolation by talking with Katya.
The feeling that Anna Sergeyevna Bazarova inspired was new to him. This man, who despised any manifestations of "romanticism," unexpectedly for himself understands that the "romantic" is hiding in him. Eugene explains with Odintsova (18 chapter). She did not immediately break out of his embrace. Upon reflection, takes the fateful decision of Odintsov. āFathers and Sonsā would have continued with completely different events if she had accepted Bazarovās love. However, Odintsova decides that āpeaceā is most valuable to her.
Bazarovās departure, life with parents
Bazarov, not wanting to become a slave to passion, leaves for his father. He lives nearby and works as a county doctor. Odintsova does not want to keep Eugene. Bazarov on the road reflects on what happened. He says that all this is ānonsenseā, that letting a woman take control of herself is the worst thing that can happen.
Arriving home, Eugene is faced with the fact that his mother and father can not breathe on his beloved son. He is bored in his own home. He leaves his parents in a few days. Bazarov decides to return to the Kirsanovs estate.
Evgeny returns to the Kirsanovs estate, episode with Fenichka
Here, out of boredom and heat, Eugene draws attention to the beloved by Nikolai Petrovich Fenechka (chapter 23). Having found this girl alone, he kisses her tightly. Pavel Petrovich becomes an accidental witness of this scene. He is indignant to the core of the act of Yevgeny Bazarov. In particular, Pavel Kirsanov is indignant because he finds some kind of 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 a duel is theoretically ridiculous, and in practical terms a completely different matter.
As a result of the fight, Bazarov easily injures Pavel Petrovich and himself provides him with first aid. Pavel Kirsanov ("Fathers and Sons") is very worthy. Pavel Petrovich even tries to make fun of himself. However, both him and Bazarov are embarrassed. They decided to hide the real reason for the duel from Nikolai Petrovich. That in this situation also behaves nobly. He finds 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 make her an offer.
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 a duel. Arkady is getting closer to Katya. Mutual understanding is established between them. Katya notes that Yevgeny Bazarov is a stranger to them, because they are "tame", and he is "predatory".
Evgeny Vasilievich, who had lost the last hope of Anna Sergeyevnaās reciprocity, steps over himself and decisively breaks up with Odintsova and Arkady (chapter 26). Saying goodbye, Bazarov tells his former friend that he is a "glorious fellow", but a "liberal lord". Kirsanov is upset, but soon finds solace in communication with Katya. He confesses her love and is convinced of reciprocity.
Eugene's life in the parental home, infection and death
Evgeni 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 uneasiness" and "dreary boredom." Evgeni Bazarov is trying to talk with the peasants, but does not find anything in their heads but stupidity. But the men relate to Yevgeny Vasilyevich only as a "pea jester."
Bazarov, opening the corpse of a typhoid patient, injures a finger, resulting in blood poisoning (chapter 27). A few days later he tells his father that his days are numbered. Bazarov before death asks Anna Sergeyevna to come in order to say goodbye to him. Eugene reminds a woman of his love and notes that all his proud thoughts, as well as his feelings for her, went to dust. Bazarov notes with bitterness that Russia does not need it. All she needs is a tailor, shoemaker, butcher ...
After Yevgeny Vasilyevich was communed at the insistence of his parents, the author notes that a āshudder of horrorā was reflected on his ādead faceā.
The wedding of two couples, the fate of the heroes
It takes 6 months. In a small village church, two couples are married: Kirsanov Nikolai with Fenechka and Arkady with Katya (chapter 28). Everyone is happy, but there was something artificial in this mood, as if everyone had agreed to play a "simple-minded comedy."
Arkady eventually becomes the father of the family and a hardworking master. After some time, the Kirsanovs estate begins to generate good income thanks to his efforts. In family life and managing the estate, Arkady finds the meaning of life. "Fathers and Sons" continues with a description of the fate of Nikolai Petrovich. He becomes a global mediator. Nikolai Kirsanov is actively working in the public field, which is very suitable for his nature. Kirsanov Pavel Petrovich moved to Dresden. The author notes that āitās hard for him to live,ā although he still looks like a gentleman.
Kukshina is located in Heidelberg. She is with students, is fond of architecture. According to her, she opened some new laws in her. As for Sitnikov, he married the princess. The wife pushes them. In his own opinion, he "continues" the work of Yevgeny Bazarov, working as a journalist in a dark journalism.
The final episode of the work
We turn to the description of the final scene, completing a brief retelling. āFathers and Sonsā by chapters cannot be stated without including this episode from the last, 28th chapter. Although he does not play a big role in the development of the plot, it is very important for understanding the authorās intent. No wonder Turgenev included him in his novel, and we in a brief retelling ("Fathers and Sons"). The chapters of the plot of the work allows us to fully understand this particular scene.
Decrepit old people often come to the grave of Eugene. They cry bitterly and pray to God to rest his soul. Finishing the work, the author describes the flowers growing on the grave mound. Ivan Sergeyevich notes that they remind everyone living not only about 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 now offer to get to know the characters of the work better. Below is their characteristic.
Fathers and Sons: Characteristics
Bazarov Evgeny Vasilievich - student, nihilist, novice physician. Bazarov in the novel "Fathers and Sons" is the central character. In his nihilism, he is the mentor of Arkady. This hero opposes the liberal ideas that the Kirsanov brothers represent in the novel, as well as the conservative views inherent in his own parents. Evgeny Bazarov is a commoner, a revolutionary democrat. Towards 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 infection of the blood received during the autopsy.
Kirsanov Nikolay Petrovich - liberal, landowner, widower, father of Arkady. He loves poetry and music. This hero is interested in modern progressive ideas, including new ways of farming. The author notes that at the beginning of the work he is ashamed of his feelings for Fenichka 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. āFathers and Sonsā 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 Evgeny Vasilievich about nature, love, science, art, aristocracy. Lonely 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 Fenichka the features of his beloved. He harbors hatred of Bazarov and decides to challenge him to a duel. During the fight, he is slightly injured.
Bazarovās friend is Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov. āFathers and Sonsā 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 - father of Eugene. This is a poor retired army surgeon. He runs an estate owned by his wife. Vasily Ivanovich is fairly enlightened and educated. He understands that because of rural life, he was isolated from modern ideas. In general, this hero adheres to conservative views. He loves his son and is quite religious.
Arina Vlasyevna in the work āFathers and Sonsā is also very remarkable. The content of the chapters of this work, summarized above, does not allow a definite idea of āāit. Therefore, it is especially important to read the characteristics of Yevgeny Vasilyevich's mother, who this woman is. She owns the village of Bazarovs. At her disposal are 22 souls of serfs. This woman is devout and very superstitious. In addition, she is sentimental-sensitive and suspicious. Arina Vlasyevna loves Eugene and is very concerned that he renounced the faith.
One should also introduce such a character as Anna Sergeyevna Odintsova ("Fathers and Sons"). This is a rich widow, who was visited by Arkady and Eugene. She likes Bazarov, however, after his recognition, she does not dare to reciprocate.
Lokteva Ekaterina Sergeevna - Odintsovaās 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 some time, 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.
These 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, reading it is very interesting - all the heroes of the novel "Fathers and Sons" have bright and curious characters. And the main theme of the work - intergenerational relationships - is always relevant. It is no accident that many people in our time like Fathers and Sons. The meaning of this novel is deep, and the problems posed by the author are eternal.