The image of Bazarov is central to Turgenev’s novel Fathers and Sons. Only in two chapters of twenty-eight is this person not the main character. All other characters described by the author are grouped around Bazarov, help to clearly see certain traits of his character, and also reveal themselves. Bazarov is radically different from the people around him: he is smart, has tremendous spiritual strength, but he feels loneliness among representatives of the county aristocracy. He is a non-democratic man who is opposed to serfdom, a materialist who has gone through a difficult school of deprivation and labor. The image of Bazarov attracts attention with its independence and the ability to think independently, freely.
The clash of free consciousness and the old order
The plot of Turgenev’s novel is based on the clash of Bazarov with the aristocratic world of that time. The author reveals the character and life position of the hero in his conflict with the “little ones damned”. The writer actively uses contrasts in the work: Bazarov is opposed to Pavel Petrovich. One of them is a convinced democrat, and the other is a typical representative of the aristocratic class. Bazarov - is consistent, purposeful, has the
power of will. In turn, Pavel Petrovich is soft-bodied, is in a state of some kind of “bifurcation”. His beliefs are random, he has no idea of ​​his goal.
As already mentioned, the image of Bazarov is most fully revealed in the debate of the hero with other characters. Talking with Pavel Petrovich, he shows us the maturity of the mind, the ability to see the root, contempt and hatred for the lordly-slave order. The relationship between Bazarov and Arkady reveals the identity of the first from a new perspective: he acts as a teacher, teacher and friend, shows the ability to attract young people to his side, intransigence and honesty in friendship. And his relationship with Odintsova shows that, among other things, Bazarov is capable of deep true love. This is a whole nature, with willpower and self-esteem.
The origin of Bazarov
Evgeny Bazarov, whose image today is the topic of our discussion, comes from a simple family. His grandfather was a peasant, and his father was a county doctor. The fact that his grandfather plowed the land, Bazarov speaks with undisguised pride. He is proud that he studied for “copper money”, and that he achieved everything he has on his own. Labor for this person is a real moral need. Even resting in the village, he is not able to sit idly by. Bazarov communicates with people simply, guided by a sincere interest. And this is once again confirmed by the fact that after he visits Arkady, the courtyard boys “ran after the preschool, like little dogs,” and during Moti’s illness he gladly helps Fene. Bazarov keeps himself simple and confident in any company; he does not strive to impress others and remains himself by himself under any circumstances.
Denial as the basis of the hero's worldview
The image of Bazarov is an image of the supporter of “merciless and complete denial.” What does this strong and extraordinary man deny? He himself gives the answer to this question: “That's it.” Bazarov denies literally all aspects of the socio-political structure of Russia in those years.
The protagonist of the novel does not succumb to the influence of others, but he knows how to persuade other people to his side. His strong influence on Arkady is obvious, and in disputes with Nikolai Petrovich he is so convincing that he makes him doubt his views. Could not resist the charm of the personality of Bazarov and the aristocrat Odintsova. However, in fairness, it should be noted that not all the judgments of the hero are true. After all, Bazarov denied the beauty of his living nature, and art, and the limitless sphere of human emotions and experiences. However, apparently, his love for Odintsova forced him to rethink these views and rise another notch.
Conclusion
A man going one step ahead of his time is portrayed in his creation by Turgenev. The image of Bazarov is alien to the world and the era in which he lives. However, at the same time as the inexhaustible spiritual strength of the character, the author shows us the “reverse side of the coin” - his ideological, political and even psychological loneliness in an alien noble environment. Demonstrating Bazarov’s readiness to change the world around for the better, to “clear” it for those who will build a new state with new orders, Turgenev, nevertheless, does not allow his hero to act. Indeed, in his opinion, Russia does not need such destructive actions.