The novel "Fathers and Sons" has a complex structure and multi-level conflict. Outwardly, it is a contradiction between two generations of people. But this eternal conflict between fathers and children is complicated by ideological and philosophical differences. Turgenev's task was to show the detrimental effect of some philosophical movements on modern youth, in particular nihilism.
What is nihilism?
Nihilism is an ideological and philosophical trend, according to which there are no and cannot be authorities, not one of the postulates should be taken on faith. Bazarov’s nihilism (as he himself notes) is a ruthless denial of everything. The philosophical basis for the formation of nihilistic teachings was German materialism. It is no coincidence that Arkady and Bazarov offer Nikolai Petrovich to read Buchner instead of Pushkin, in particular his work “Matter and Power”. Bazarov’s position was formed not only under the influence of books and teachers, but also from live observation of life. Bazarov’s quotes about nihilism confirm this. In a dispute with Pavel Petrovich, he says that he would gladly agree if Pavel Petrovich presented to him "at least one resolution in our modern life, in family or in public, which would not cause a complete and merciless denial."
The main nihilistic ideas of the hero
Bazarov's nihilism is manifested in his attitude to various spheres of life. In the first part of the novel, there is a clash of two ideas, two representatives of the older and younger generations - Evgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. They immediately dislike each other, and then find out the relationship in the debate.
Art
Most sharply Bazarov speaks about art. He considers it to be a useless sphere that gives nothing to man but stupid romanticism. Art, according to Pavel Petrovich, is a spiritual sphere. It is thanks to him that a person develops, learns to love and think, to understand another, to know the world.
Nature
Bazarov ’s review of nature looks somewhat blasphemous : "Nature is not a temple, but a workshop. And the person in it is a worker." The hero does not see her beauty, does not feel harmony with her. In contrast to this review, Nikolai Petrovich walks in the garden, admires the beauty of spring. He cannot understand how Bazarov does not see all this, how he can remain so indifferent to God's creation.
The science
What does Bazarov value? After all, he cannot have a sharply negative attitude to everything. The only thing the hero sees in value and benefit is science. Science as the basis of knowledge, human development. Of course, Pavel Petrovich as an aristocrat and representative of the older generation also appreciates and respects science. However, for Bazarov, the ideal is the German materialists. For them there is no love, affection, feelings, for them a person is just an organic system in which certain physical and chemical processes take place. The protagonist of the novel "Fathers and Sons" is inclined to the same paradoxical thoughts.
Bazarov’s nihilism is being questioned; he is being tested by the author of the novel. Hence there arises an internal conflict that no longer occurs in the Kirsanovs' house, where Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich argue every day, but in the soul of Eugene himself.
The future of Russia and nihilism
Bazarov, as a representative of the advanced direction of Russia, is interested in its future. So, according to the hero, in order to build a new society, first you need to "clear the place." What does this mean? Of course, the expression of the hero can be interpreted as a call for revolution. The development of the country must begin with radical changes, with the destruction of all that is old. At the same time, Bazarov reproaches the generation of liberal aristocrats for their inaction. Bazarov speaks of nihilism as the most effective direction. But it is worth saying that the nihilists themselves have not done anything yet. Bazarov’s actions are manifested only in words. Thus, Turgenev emphasizes that the heroes - representatives of the older and younger generations - are very similar in some ways. Eugene’s views are very frightening (this is confirmed by Bazarov’s quotes about nihilism). After all, on what is any state built first of all? On traditions, culture, patriotism. But if there are no authorities, if you do not value art, the beauty of nature, do not believe in God, then what remains for people? Turgenev was very afraid that such ideas could come true, that Russia would then have a very difficult time.
Inner conflict in the novel. Love test
There are two key characters in the novel that supposedly play a cameo role. In fact, they reflect Turgenev's attitude to nihilism, they debunk this phenomenon. Bazarov’s nihilism begins to be interpreted by him a little differently, although the author does not tell us this directly. So, in the city of Eugene and Arkady meet Sitnikov and Kukshina. They are advanced people who are interested in everything new. Sitnikov is an adherent of nihilism; he expresses his admiration for Bazarov. At the same time, he behaves like a jester, he shouts out nihilistic slogans, it all looks ridiculous. Bazarov treats him with obvious contempt. Kukshina is an emancipated woman who is simply sloppy, stupid and rude. This is all that can be said about the heroes. If they are representatives of nihilism, on which Bazarov has such high hopes, then what is the future of the country? From this moment, doubts appear in the hero’s soul, which intensify when he meets Odintsova. The strength and weakness of Bazarov’s nihilism manifest themselves precisely in the chapters, which talk about the hero’s love feelings. He strongly resists his love, because this is all stupid and useless romanticism. But the heart tells him something else. Odintsova sees that Bazarov is smart and interesting, that there is some truth in his ideas, but their categoricality betrays the weakness and doubtfulness of his convictions.
Turgenev's attitude to his hero
Not without reason a stormy controversy unfolded around the novel "Fathers and Sons". Firstly, the topic was very topical. Secondly, many representatives of literary criticism, like Bazarov, were passionate about the philosophy of materialism. Thirdly, the novel was bold, talented and new.
There is an opinion that Turgenev condemns his hero. That he slanders the younger generation, seeing in him only the bad. But this opinion is erroneous. If you look at the figure of Bazarov more closely, then you can see a strong, purposeful and noble nature in it. Bazarov's nihilism is only an outward manifestation of his mind. Turgenev, rather, feels disappointed that such a talented person is fixated on such an unjustified and limited teaching. Bazarov cannot but arouse admiration. He is bold and brave, he is smart. But besides this, he is also kind. It is no coincidence that all the peasant children are drawn to him.
As for the author’s assessment, it is most fully manifested in the finale of the novel. The grave of Bazarov, to which his parents come, is literally buried in flowers and greenery, birds are singing above it. An unnatural situation is when parents bury their children. The beliefs of the protagonist were also unnatural. And nature, eternal, beautiful and wise, confirms that Bazarov was wrong when he saw in it only material for achieving human goals.
Thus, Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons” can be seen as a debunking of nihilism. Bazarov’s attitude to nihilism is not just a commitment, it is a philosophy of life. But this teaching is questioned not only by the older generation, but also by life itself. Bazarov, in love and suffering, dies from chance, science is unable to help him, and Mother Nature is still beautiful and calm over his grave.