Fathers and Sons: Analysis of Major Characters
"Fathers and Sons" is a novel by Ivan Turgenev that explores the generational conflicts between fathers and sons within the context of 19th-century Russian society. The major characters represent contrasting ideologies, particularly through the character of Yevgeny Bazarov, a nihilistic medical graduate who embodies a revolutionary spirit and rejects traditional values. His friend, Arkady Kirsanov, initially admires Bazarov but ultimately lacks the conviction to fully embrace his mentor's ruthless views. Arkady's father, Nikolai Kirsanov, is depicted as a well-meaning but ineffective landowner, striving to adapt to changes in society but facing challenges with the newly freed serfs. Pavel Kirsanov, Nikolai's brother, represents the aristocratic perspective, dismissing Bazarov's ideals while grappling with the inevitability of societal change. Female characters like Anna Odintsov and Katya Loktiv add additional layers, reflecting the complexities of love and social status. This interplay of characters highlights the tensions between old and new ideologies, making "Fathers and Sons" a poignant exploration of familial and societal dynamics.
Fathers and Sons: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ivan Turgenev
First published: Ottsy i deti, 1862 (English translation, 1867)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Northern Virginia and Georgetown
Plot: Social realism
Time: 1859
Yevgeny Vassilyitch Bazarov (ehv-GEH-nihy vah-SIHlihch bah-ZAH-rof), a nihilistic young medical school graduate and Arkady Kirsanov's closest friend. Arrogant and ruthless, Bazarov believes only in the power of the intellect and science. As a revolutionary, he feels himself far superior to Nikolai Kirsanov and his brother. To him, they are hopelessly antiquated humanitarians. He tells them: “You won't fight—and yet you fancy yourselves gallant chaps—but we meantofight….Wewanttosmashotherpeople.”
Arkady Kirsanov (ahr-KAH-dihy kihr-SAH-nof), Nikolai's son and Bazarov's naïve young disciple. For a time, he worships his leader and echoes everything that Bazarov says; however, Arkady lacks the necessary ruthlessness required for a revolutionary spirit. He is unable to believe, as Bazarov does, that a good chemist “is twenty times as useful as any poet.” After Bazarov's death, he marries Katya and settles down to a prosaic life on the family estate.
Nikolai Petrovitch Kirsanov (NIH-koh-li peht-ROHvihch), Arkady's gentle, music-loving father. Possessing a liberal, well-meaning spirit, he is happy to free his serfs and to rent them farm land. In his ineffectual way, he attempts to run the estate profitably. Unfortunately, the newly freed serfs take every opportunity to cheat him out of his rent.
Pavel Kirsanov (PAH-vehl), Nikolai's brother. A dandified patrician, he has little liking for Bazarov or his revolu-tionary ideals. Believing strongly in the aristocratic way of life, he considers Bazarov a charlatan and a boor. In his own heart, however, Pavel knows that the new must supplant the old. Finally, dissatisfied with provincial life, he moves to Dresden, where he is much sought after by the aristocrats.
Katya Loktiv (KAH-tyah lohk-TIHF), Anna Odintsov's attractive young sister. Although she is shy and somewhat afraid of her sister, Katya becomes interested in Arkady. When he asks her to marry him, she readily accepts his proposal and shortly afterward becomes his wife.
Anna Odintsov (AHN-nah oh-DIHN-tsof), a haughty young aristocrat, a widow. Because of her beauty, even the unsenti-mental Bazarov falls in love with her. At first he interests her, but he is never able to pierce her cold exterior for long. She does show some feeling for him as he is dying and even brings a doctor to his deathbed. Unable to help him, she un-bends enough to kiss his forehead before he dies.
Vasily Bazarov (vah-SIH-lihy), a village doctor, the father of young Bazarov. Like the other fathers, he is unable to bridge the gulf between his generation and his son's; in fact, he has no desire to do so. Doting on his son, the old man thinks Yevgeny to be beyond reproach.
Arina Bazarov (ah-RIH-nuh), Yevgeny Bazarov's aging mother. In her way the old woman, although quite superstitious, is clever and interesting. She also loves her son deeply. When he dies, she becomes, like her husband, a pathetic, broken figure.
Fenitchka Savishna (feh-nih-CH-kuh sah-VIHSH-nuh), Nikolai's young mistress. At Pavel's urging, Nikolai finally marries her and thereafter lives a happy life with the gentle, quiet girl.