One of the most famous novels of I.S. Turgenev was written between 1860-1861, on the eve of the abolition of serfdom. In Russia at that time there was a turning point, the junction of conservative and innovative thinking, the struggle of ideologies. This conflict was demonstrated on the example of the Kirsanov family, as well as the most important problem - the confrontation between generations: fathers and children, which was laid down in the meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons". A brief description of the plot, as well as a subsequent analysis of the work is offered below. However, first of all, you need to turn to the name.
The meaning of the title
Undoubtedly, the most important question regarding the work is the meaning of the title of the novel “Fathers and Sons”. Turgenev's work should not be interpreted too literally. The work depicts two families, two fathers and two sons. But the body of the novel is not a description of their life, but global differences in their worldview. The meaning of the title of the novel “Fathers and Sons” is that between two generations there will always be some kind of contradiction, parents and children are opposed to each other, separated by a union And in a letter. In fact, they are separated by a whole chasm - a quarter century or more. During this period, the political, economic, cultural situation in the country and, of course, the views of the public can completely change. One generation retains its worldview, the other acquires its own, and this happens regularly, the views on the lives of fathers and children rarely coincide. The meaning of the title of the novel “Fathers and Sons” is connected with this. Composition by I.S. Turgenev teaches that in such an antagonism there is nothing prudent, it is only important to respect each other on both sides, respect for parents, acceptance of their advice, parting words and good wishes.
Ideologies in the novel
The meaning of the title of the novel “Fathers and Sons” by Turgenev is also associated with the affiliation of sons and fathers to various ideologies that are modern for every generation. The novel presents two families - the Kirsanovs and Bazarovs - and several ideological worldviews: a conservative, liberal, revolutionary-democratic one. The latter belongs to one of the key figures of the novel - the nihilist, the follower of German materialists and the future doctor - Yevgeny Bazarov. Bazarov creates the main resonance in the work. He argues with the Kirsanov brothers, instructs Arkady, openly despises the pseudo-nihilists Sitnikov and Kukshina, and, contrary to his views, unrequitedly falls in love with the rich widow Anna Sergeyevna Odintsova.
Characterization and analysis of heroes
Conservatives in the work are the parents of Bazarov. An army doctor and a devout landowner lead a measured life in their village. They don’t have souls in their son, but their mother is concerned about the lack of faith in him. Nevertheless, the Bazarovs are proud of Eugene and his successes, they are sure that he will have a great bright future. Vasily Bazarov reports that in his entire life Eugene did not take a dime from them, that his son prefers to achieve everything himself. These features characterize him as a strong, self-sufficient, advanced person. This image is also relevant for the modern era.
Pseudo-nihilism of Arkady Kirsanov
A close friend of Bazarov, Arkady Kirsanov, is struggling to conform to Eugene in his confession of nihilism. However, in his case, it looks unnatural, far-fetched. Arkady himself does not fully believe in the denial of spiritual values. He is flattered by the awareness of his own advanced views, he is secretly proud of himself for his condescension to his beloved father - the servant of the Kirsanovs' house - and openly admires Bazarov. At the same time, Arkady is sometimes forgotten, the mask falls off his face, and he talks about his true feelings. While still a convinced nihilist, Arkady is also in love with Odintsova, but later gives preference to her sister Catherine.
Worldview of the "Fathers"
The Kirsanov brothers, Nikolai and Pavel, are supporters of liberalism. Nikolai Petrovich is a man of fine spiritual organization, he loves poetry and literature, and also has a reverent feeling for his maid Fenechka, a commoner girl who is nevertheless the mother of his youngest son. Nikolai Petrovich is shy of his love for a peasant girl, although he tries to pretend that he is far from prejudice, has advanced views on everything, including agriculture.
Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov - the main opponent of Bazarov in disputes. There is hostility between men at first sight, they are the exact opposite of each other both externally and internally. Well-groomed Pavel Petrovich frowns with disgust at the sight of long hair and the sloppy clothes of Bazarov. Eugene, on the other hand, laughs at Kirsanov’s mannerism and prudence, not being shy about engaging in sarcasm and more painfully stabbing the enemy.
The pronunciation of the keyword “principle” by them is also different. Bazarov pronounces it abruptly and abruptly - “prince”, while Kirsanov slowly stretches and puts emphasis on the last syllable in the French manner - “principe”. The relationship between the enemies reached the peak that the debaters even fought in a duel. The reason for this was the insult by Bazarov of the honor of Fenichka, whom he firmly kissed on the lips. Pavel Petrovich himself had an unequivocal sympathy for the girl, and therefore decided to defend her name, challenging Bazarov to a duel. Fortunately, her outcome was not fatal, Kirsanov was only injured in the leg, while Eugene was completely unhurt.
Such examples illustrate the completely opposite attitude of representatives of different generations and different ideological views to typical life situations and also reflect the meaning of the title of the novel “Fathers and Sons”. The work of I.S. Turgenev is much deeper than it might seem at first glance.
Summing up, we can say that the interest of literary critics today and earlier causes not only the meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons", the work of I. S. Turgenev is also significant for its heroes - multifaceted and ambiguous, complex, but memorable. Each of them demonstrates the talent of the writer, his understanding of human nature and subtle psychologism.