I. Turgenev, "Fathers and Sons": a summary of the chapters of the novel and analysis of the work

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The works written by I. S. Turgenev made an invaluable contribution to the development of Russian literature. Many of them are well known to readers of various ages. However, the most popular of his works is the novel "Fathers and Sons", a summary of which can be found in this article.

This work was completed in 1861 and was the answer to many questions that worried the minds of the writer's contemporaries. After all, this was the period preceding the abolition of serfdom. It became a turning point for Russia, whose public opinion was at the junction of the old conservative and innovative thinking that was coming to replace it. All this provoked a conflict of ideologies, which the writer clearly showed by the example of the life of the Kirsanov family.

History of writing

The idea of creating a new work that would reflect the surrounding reality came to Turgenev at the moment when he was on Hythe Island, which belongs to England. The writer began to think abouta major story about the life of a young doctor. The prototype of the protagonist (Bazarov) was a doctor whom Turgenev met by chance while traveling by rail. In this young man, the Russian writer was able to see the beginnings of nihilism - the philosophy of denying the norms of moral culture, as well as generally accepted values and ideals, which was just emerging in those days.

The Russian peasant is the same mysterious stranger that Mrs. Ratcliffe once talked so much about. Who will understand him? He doesn't understand himself…

Turgenev began his work in 1860. At that time, he left for Paris with his daughter and, having settled there, planned to create a new work as soon as possible. Already during the first year he had written half of the novel. Moreover, Ivan Sergeevich received great satisfaction from his work. He was madly impressed by the image of his hero - Evgeny Bazarov. However, after some time, the writer realized that he simply could not work in a foreign land, far from Russian events. That is why Turgenev returns to his homeland. Here, finding himself in the atmosphere of contemporary social movements, he successfully completes his novel.

Shortly before the end of work on the book, a significant historical event took place in Russia, which was the abolition of serfdom. The writer completed the last chapters of the novel in his small homeland, in the village of Spassky.

Publications

With the novel "Fathers and Sons" by I. S. Turgenev, readers were introduced to the popularLiterary publication "Russian Bulletin". As the writer expected, the ambiguous image of his protagonist caused a violent reaction from critics. A lot of controversy about this work appeared in the press. Critics wrote articles devoted to the analysis of Bazarov's characteristics and the ideological orientation of the novel. And this is not surprising, because the author introduced his reader to a completely new way. His hero, who denies everything beautiful and familiar, has become a kind of hymn to the nihilistic trend that was still young in those years.

After the novel "Fathers and Sons" appeared in the "Russian Messenger", Turgenev made a slight revision of the text. He somewhat smoothed out some of the particularly sharp features in Bazarov's character and made his image more attractive compared to the original version. The edited version was published in the fall of 1862. Turgenev dedicated it to his close friend V. G. Belinsky, thanks to whose influence Ivan Sergeevich's public views were formed.

The novel "Fathers and Sons" has taken its rightful place in Russian literature. This unique work reflected the eternal confrontation that exists between two generations, not only on the example of a single family, but also on the scale of the social and political life of the whole state.

Meaning of the name

Of course, getting acquainted with the summary of "Fathers and Sons" and the analysis of the work, the reader wants to understand the essence of its title. Certainly not to be taken literally.

The piece tells usabout two families - two representatives of the older generation and their two sons. However, when considering the brief content of "Fathers and Sons", the characters somewhat recede into the background. The main meaning of the novel lies not at all in the description of their life activity. It lies in global differences in worldviews.

What can an analysis of the summary of "Fathers and Sons" by I. Turgenev tell us? The title of the novel tells the reader that in the communication of two generations there have always been, are and will be some contradictions. At the same time, parents and their children are opposed to each other with the help of the union “and”. But this is only on paper. In fact, there is a whole gulf between them. This is a time period of a quarter of a century or more, during which the cultural, economic and political situation in the country and, of course, the views of the public sometimes completely change. At the same time, the older generation strives to preserve the already established worldview, while young people acquire their own views on life. And this situation repeats forever. That is why the views of fathers and their children on life rarely coincide. This is the meaning of the title of Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons", which tells us that this antagonism is very natural, and there is nothing reprehensible in it. At the same time, it is important that both parties maintain mutual respect for each other, and respect for parents remains with the acceptance of their good wishes, parting words and advice.

Ideology of the work

Not only with the opposition of children and their parents is connectedthe meaning of the novel's title. When considering the brief content of "Fathers and Sons", the main idea of the work becomes clear to its reader. It lies in the belonging of two generations to different ideologies that are contemporary to each generation. In the novel, the author introduces the reader not only to representatives of two families. He also talks about several ideological worldviews, including liberal, conservative, and also revolutionary-democratic. As for the last of them, one of the key figures of the work, Evgeny Bazarov, adheres to it. This young man is a future doctor, a follower of German materialists and a supporter of nihilism. It was with the help of Bazarov that the author managed to create the main resonance of the novel. This hero instructs Arkady, enters into disputes with the Kirsanov brothers, openly expresses his contempt for the pseudo-nihilists Kukshin and Sitnikov, and later, contrary to all his views, falls unrequitedly in love with Anna Sergeevna Odintsova, a rich widow.

Analysis of heroes and their characteristics

What can we learn from the summary of "Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev? The main conservatives displayed in the work are Bazarov's parents. His father, an army doctor, and his mother, a pious landowner, are accustomed to leading a measured life in their village. They love their son very much. However, the mother is worried that she does not see faith in him. At the same time, parents rejoice at the success of Eugene and are confident in his bright future. Bazarov's father is even proud that in his entire life their son did not ask him for a single penny,striving to achieve everything himself. This characterizes the younger Bazarov as a strong, advanced and self-sufficient person. A similar image is also relevant for modern times.

Kirsanov's pseudonihilism

From the briefest content of Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" we learn about a close friend of Evgeny Bazarov. This is Arkady Kirsanov. The author shows this hero as a person who is trying his best to match Bazarov in the philosophy of nihilism he affirms. However, he does it contrived and unnatural. Arkady does not have a firm conviction that it is necessary to deny spiritual values.

Kirsanov is proud of himself and admires his friend Yevgeny. But at the same time, Arkady is sometimes forgotten. The mask falls off his face. Sometimes from the speech of this hero you can learn about his true feelings.

There must be something special in the feeling of a person who knows and says that he is poor, some kind of vanity.

While Arkady presented himself as a committed nihilist, he also fell in love with Odintsova. However, after giving his preference to her sister Katya.

Worldview of the older generation

From the summary of the work "Fathers and Sons" we learn about the supporters of liberalism. They are brothers - Pavel and Nikolai Kirsanov. As for Nikolai Petrovich, his author describes him as a person with a fine mental organization. He loves literature and poetry, and also does not hide his quivering feelings for Fenechka, his maid and mother of his youngest son. Nikolai Petrovich is embarrassed that he loves a simplea peasant girl, although at the same time she shows with all her might that she has advanced views and is far from all sorts of prejudices. But Pavel Petrovich is the main opponent of Bazarov in any disputes.

Men from the first meeting feel dislike for each other. No wonder the author describes their internal and external opposition. So, Pavel Petrovich is squeamish and well-groomed. He winces as he barely sees Bazarov's messy clothes and long hair. Yevgeny is ridiculous Kirsanov's mannerisms. He does not hesitate to use sarcasm in a conversation and tries to prick his opponent as painfully as possible. The author shows the differences between them even when each of them pronounces the word “principle”. So, from the lips of Bazarov it sounds abruptly and sharply - “principe”. Kirsanov, on the other hand, draws out this word, pronouncing it slowly. At the same time, he puts the stress on the last syllable - "principe", as if in a French manner.

Aristocracy is a principle, and without principles only immoral or empty people can live in our time…

What do we learn about the confrontation between Kirsanov and Bazarov from the summary of "Fathers and Sons"?

In the end, the negative relationship that arose between the enemies reached its peak. The debaters even decided to shoot themselves in a duel. The reason for this was that Bazarov insulted Fenechka's honor by kissing her firmly on the lips. Due to the fact that Pavel Petrovich himself felt sympathy for the girl, he decided to challenge Yevgeny to a duel. How did it end? This we can also learn from verysummary of "Fathers and Sons". Its outcome, fortunately, was not fatal. Bazarov remained unharmed, while Kirsanov was wounded in the leg. Such examples vividly testify to the completely opposite opinions of representatives of different ideological views and generations about typical situations that arise in life. This also reflects the meaning of the title of the novel, which turns out to be much deeper in its narrative than it might seem to the reader at first glance.

And today, when studying the content of the novel "Fathers and Sons", we are pleased to get acquainted with its memorable, complex and ambiguous characters. At the same time, each of them quite clearly demonstrates the talent of Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev, as well as his subtle psychologism and his understanding of human essence. Let's move on to reviewing the summary of "Fathers and Sons" chapter by chapter.

Start

What do we learn from the summary of Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons"? The action of the first chapter of the work takes place in the spring days of 1859. The author introduces us to the small landowner Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov. He is at the inn, where he is waiting for the arrival of his son. Nikolai Petrovich is a widower, owner of a small estate and 200 souls. As a young man, he dreamed of a military career. However, a small leg injury prevented his dreams from coming true. Kirsanov studied at the university, and then got married and stayed to live in the village. A son was born in their family. When the boy was 10 years old, Nikolai Petrovich's wife died, and he went headlong into the household and was engaged in raising his son Arkady. When he grew up, Kirsanov senthim to study in St. Petersburg and even moved there himself for three years to be close to the young man.

Meet Bazarov

What will the summary of the chapters of the novel "Fathers and Sons" tell us next? Arkady Kirsanov did not come home alone. He brought with him a friend Eugene, with whom he asked not to stand on ceremony. The author tells us about this in the second chapter of the novel. Turgenev shows us Bazarov as a simple man. This confirms his decision to go in a tarantai. The father and son sit in the stroller.

Road home

The following summary of the book "Fathers and Sons" will introduce us to the 3rd chapter. She tells the reader how the Kirsanovs and Bazarov were driving to their estate. The father did not hide the joy of the meeting, trying to hug his son and constantly asking him about a friend. However, Arkady was a little shy and tried to demonstrate his indifference. He spoke to his father in a cheeky and indifferent tone, constantly looking back at Yevgeny. Fearing that his friend would hear him talk about the beauty of the local nature, he still asks his father about the affairs of the estate. It was then that Nikolai Petrovich told that the peasant girl Fenya was living with him. However, she immediately hurries to explain that if her son does not like it, then she will leave.

Arrival at the estate

What do we learn from the detailed summary of "Fathers and Sons"? Upon arrival home, no one met the owners. Only an old servant came out onto the porch, and for a moment a girl appeared. Kirsanov led the guests into the living room, where he asked for dinner. Here they meet a very well-groomed and handsome elderly man - brotherKirsanov Pavel Petrovich. The impeccable appearance of a man is very different from the untidy Bazarov. After the acquaintance, the young men left the living room to put themselves in order. In their absence, Pavel Petrovich began to ask his brother about Bazarov, whose appearance he really did not like.

Dinner passed almost in silence. The conversation didn't stick. Everyone said little and, getting up from the table, immediately went to their rooms to sleep.

The next morning

Studying the novel "Fathers and Sons", according to the summary, we move on to the 5th chapter. From it we learn that Eugene, having woken up the very first, immediately went to explore the surroundings. The boys followed him, and together with them Bazarov went to the swamp to catch frogs there.

Kirsanovs also gathered to drink tea on the veranda. At this time, Arkady went to Fenechka and found out that he had a younger brother. The news made him happy. He reproaches his father for hiding the birth of his son.

Bazarov returned to the estate and took the frogs he had caught to his room. There he intended to conduct experiments on them. Arkady told his father and uncle that his friend is a nihilist who does not take any principles for granted.

Dispute

Let's continue to consider the summary of the chapters of "Fathers and Sons" by Turgenev. The next one, the sixth, tells us about a serious dispute that broke out between Evgeny and Pavel Petrovich during morning tea.

At the same time, they do not hide their obvious hostility towards each other. Evgeniytaunts his opponent.

The story of Pavel Petrovich

In order to somehow reconcile a friend with his uncle, Arkady tells Evgeny the story of his life. In his youth, Pavel Petrovich was a military man. Women simply adored him, and men envied the brave military man. At the age of 28, Kirsanov fell in love with a princess. She had no children. However, she was married.

Pavel Petrovich suffered a lot and even gave up a successful career, following his beloved around the world. However, she soon died. Kirsanov returned to his homeland and began to live in the village with his brother.

The story of meeting Fenechka

Let's continue studying the novel "Fathers and Sons". Its summary tells the reader how Nikolai Petrovich met a peasant girl. He met Fenechka 3 years ago in a tavern. There she worked with her mother, but things were going very badly for them. Kirsanov took pity on the women and took them to his home. Soon the mother died, and Kirsanov, having fallen in love with the girl, began to live with her. The author told us about this in Chapter 8.

Evgeny's acquaintance with Fenechka

How did the events in the novel "Fathers and Sons" develop further? From the summary of the 9th chapter, we learn about Bazarov's acquaintance with Fenechka. Eugene told her that he was a doctor, and if the need arises, she can turn to him without any hesitation.

Attitude towards Bazarov

From the summary of the 10th chapter of "Fathers and Sons" we understand that during the two weeks of Yevgeny's stay at the estate, everyone managed to get used to him. However, each hadyoung man a special relationship. The courtyards loved him, Pavel Kirsanov hated him, and as for Nikolai Petrovich, he doubted his correct influence on his son. During one of the evening tea parties, another dispute broke out between Kirsanov and Bazarov.

Nikolai Petrovich tried to influence him, while remembering himself in his youth, when he also quarreled because of a misunderstanding with the older generation. On this parallel - fathers and children - the author focuses his attention in the 10th chapter.

Next story

In order to retell the novel "Fathers and Sons" by Turgenev I. S., we will find out what happened in the subsequent (from the 11th to the 28th) chapters.

Bazarov, together with Arkady, is invited to her house by Anna Odintsova. There they meet her younger sister, Catherine. The guests liked the girl so much that her presence fetters them.

Bazarov never considered himself a romantic. The concept of love was foreign to him. However, with the advent of Anna Sergeevna in his life, his feelings changed. After a serious conversation with Odintsova, Bazarov decides to leave for his parents. He is frightened that a woman is able to take over his heart, making a young man her slave. But, having been at home for only a couple of days, he again returns to the Kirsanovs.

Fenechka also attracted Evgeny's attention. He even kissed the girl, which Pavel Petrovich saw. The dissatisfaction of the elder Kirsanov led the men to a duel. Eugene slightly wounded Pavel Petrovich, but immediately helped his opponent. After the duel, Pavel persuaded his brother to marry Fenechka and gave hisconsent.

Arkady and Katya are also getting better relations. Bazarov again goes to his parents, devoting himself to work. One day he contracted typhus. This happened due to the fact that while working with the corpse of a peasant who died from this disease, Eugene accidentally injured himself.

Being a doctor, he realizes that his days are numbered. Bazarov, who is dying, is visited by Odintsov. She sees in him a completely different person, exhausted by the disease. The young man swears to Anna in his bright feelings for her and in love. After that, he dies. The death of Bazarov ends the 27th chapter of the novel "Fathers and Sons". What does the author tell us next? Six months later, two weddings took place on the same day. Nikolai Petrovich married Fenya, and Arkady married Katya. Pavel Petrovich left the estate, going abroad. Anna Odintsova also got married, choosing a spouse of convenience. Life went on as usual. And only two old people, Bazarov's parents, constantly spent their time at the grave of Yevgeny, where two Christmas trees grew.

This is the summary of Fathers and Sons. Quotes from the work can be found above.