A brief summary of Stolz's life. Understanding the meaning of life by Oblomov and Stolz
Who is Stolz? Goncharov does not force the reader to puzzle over this question. The first two chapters of the second part contain a detailed account of Stolz’s life and the conditions in which his active character was formed. “Stolz was only half German, on his father’s side; his mother was Russian; He professed the Orthodox faith, his native speech was Russian...” Goncharov first tries to show that Stolz is more Russian than German: after all, the most important thing is that his faith and language are the same as those of the Russians. But the further he goes, the more the qualities of a German begin to emerge in him: independence, perseverance in achieving his goals, frugality.
Stolz's unique character was formed under the influence of two forces - soft and hard, at the junction of two cultures - Russian and German. From his father he received a “hard-working, practical upbringing,” and his mother introduced him to beauty and tried to instill in little Andrei’s soul a love of art and beauty. His mother “seemed the ideal of a gentleman in her son,” and his father accustomed him to hard, not at all lordly, work.
Practical intelligence, love of life, and courage helped Stolz achieve success after he left at the insistence of his father to study in St. Petersburg...
According to Goncharov, Stolz is a new type of Russian progressive figure. However, he does not depict the hero in a specific activity. The author only informs the reader about what Stolz has been and what he has achieved. He “served, retired... went about his business,... made a house and money,... learned Europe as his estate,... saw Russia up and down,... travels into the world.”
If we talk about Stolz’s ideological position, he “sought for a balance of practical aspects with the subtle needs of the spirit.” Stolz could control his feelings and was “afraid of every dream.” Happiness for him lay in consistency. According to Goncharov, he “knew the value of rare and expensive properties and spent them so sparingly that he was called an egoist, insensitive...”. In a word, Goncharov created the kind of hero that Russia has long lacked. For the author, Stolz is the force that is capable of reviving Oblomovism and destroying Oblomovism. In my opinion, Goncharov somewhat idealizes the image of Stolz, setting him up as an example to the reader as an impeccable person. But by the end of the novel it turns out that salvation did not come to Russia with the advent of Stolz. Dobrolyubov explains this by saying that “now there is no soil for them” in Russian society. For more productive activities of the Stolts, it is necessary to reach some compromise with the Oblomovs. This is why Andrei Stolts takes Ilya Ilyich’s son into custody.
Stolz is certainly the antipode of Oblomov. Every character trait of the first is a sharp protest against the qualities of the second. Stolz loves life - Oblomov often falls into apathy; Stolz has a thirst for activity; for Oblomov, the best activity is relaxing on the couch. The origins of this opposition are in the education of heroes. Reading the description of the life of little Andrei, you involuntarily compare it with the life of Ilyusha. Thus, already at the very beginning of the novel, two completely different characters, two life paths appear before the reader...
Goncharov's novel "Oblomov" was highly appreciated by critics of the second half of the 19th century. In particular, Belinsky noted that the work was timely and reflected the socio-political thought of the 50-60s of the nineteenth century. Two lifestyles - Oblomov and Stolz - are discussed in this article in comparison.
Characteristics of Oblomov
Ilya Ilyich was distinguished by his desire for peace and inaction. Oblomov cannot be called interesting and varied: he is used to spending most of the day thinking, lying on the sofa. Immersed in these thoughts, he often did not rise from his bed all day, did not go outside, did not find out the latest news. He didn’t read newspapers on principle, so as not to bother himself with unnecessary, and most importantly, meaningless information. Oblomov can be called a philosopher; he is concerned with other questions: not everyday, not momentary, but eternal, spiritual. He looks for meaning in everything.
When you look at him, you get the impression that he is a happy freethinker, not burdened by the hardships and problems of external life. But life “touches, gets at” Ilya Ilyich everywhere, makes him suffer. Dreams remain just dreams, because he does not know how to translate them into real life. Even reading tires him: Oblomov has many books he has started, but all of them remain unread and misunderstood. The soul seems to be dormant in him: he avoids unnecessary worries, worries, worries. In addition, Oblomov often compares his calm, solitary existence with the lives of other people and finds that it is not suitable to live the way others live: “When to live?”
This is what Oblomov’s ambiguous image represents. “Oblomov” (I.A. Goncharov) was created with the aim of depicting the personality of this character - extraordinary and extraordinary in its own way. He is no stranger to impulses and deep emotional experiences. Oblomov is a true dreamer with a poetic, sensitive nature.
Characteristics of Stolz
Oblomov’s lifestyle cannot be compared with Stolz’s worldview. The reader first meets this character in the second part of the work. Andrei Stolts loves order in everything: his day is scheduled by hours and minutes, dozens of important things are planned that urgently need to be redone. Today he is in Russia, tomorrow, you see, he has unexpectedly left abroad. What Oblomov finds boring and meaningless is important and significant for him: trips to cities, villages, intentions to improve the quality of life of those around him.
He discovers such treasures in his soul that Oblomov cannot even guess about. Stolz's lifestyle consists entirely of activities that feed his entire being with the energy of vivacity. In addition, Stolz is a good friend: more than once he helped Ilya Ilyich in business matters. The lifestyles of Oblomov and Stolz are different from each other.
What is “Oblomovism”?
As a social phenomenon, the concept denotes a focus on idle, monotonous, devoid of color and any changes in life. Andrei Stolts called “Oblomovism” Oblomov’s very way of life, his desire for endless peace and the absence of any activity. Despite the fact that his friend constantly pushed Oblomov to the possibility of changing his way of existence, he did not budge at all, as if he did not have enough energy to do it. At the same time, we see that Oblomov admits his mistake, uttering the following words: “I have long been ashamed to live in the world.” He feels useless, unnecessary and abandoned, and therefore he does not want to wipe the dust off the table, sort out books that have been lying around for a month, or leave the apartment once again.
Love in Oblomov's understanding
Oblomov’s lifestyle did not contribute in any way to finding real, rather than fictitious, happiness. He dreamed and made plans more than he actually lived. Amazingly, in his life there was a place for quiet rest, philosophical reflection on the essence of existence, but there was a lack of strength for decisive action and the implementation of intentions. Love for Olga Ilyinskaya temporarily pulls Oblomov out of his usual existence, forces him to try new things, and begin to take care of himself. He even forgets his old habits and sleeps only at night, and does business during the day. But still, love in Oblomov’s worldview is directly related to dreams, thoughts and poetry.
Oblomov considers himself unworthy of love: he doubts whether Olga can love him, whether he is suitable enough for her, whether he is capable of making her happy. Such thoughts lead him to sad thoughts about his useless life.
Love in Stolz's understanding
Stolz approaches the issue of love more rationally. He does not indulge in ephemeral dreams in vain, since he looks at life soberly, without fantasy, without the habit of analyzing. Stolz is a business man. He doesn’t need romantic walks in the moonlight, loud declarations of love and sighs on the bench, because he is not Oblomov. Stolz's lifestyle is very dynamic and pragmatic: he proposes to Olga at the moment when he realizes that she is ready to accept him.
What did Oblomov come to?
As a result of his protective and cautious behavior, Oblomov misses the opportunity to build a close relationship with Olga Ilyinskaya. His marriage was upset shortly before the wedding - Oblomov took too long to gather, explain, ask himself, compare, estimate, analyze. The characterization of the image of Ilya Ilyich Oblomov teaches not to repeat the mistakes of an idle, aimless existence, and raises the question of what love really is? Is she the object of lofty, poetic aspirations, or is she the calm joy and peace that Oblomov finds in the house of the widow Agafya Pshenitsyna?
Why did Oblomov’s physical death occur?
The result of Ilya Ilyich’s philosophical reflections is this: he chose to bury his former aspirations and even lofty dreams. with Olga his life focused on everyday existence. He knew no greater joy than to eat deliciously and sleep after dinner. Gradually, the engine of his life began to stop, to calm down: ailments and incidents became more frequent. Even his previous thoughts left him: there was no longer room for them in the quiet room, like a coffin, in all this sluggish life, which lulled Oblomov, increasingly removed him from reality. Mentally this man was already dead for a long time. Physical death was only a confirmation of the falsity of his ideals.
Stolz's achievements
Stolz, unlike Oblomov, did not miss his chance to become happy: he built family well-being with Olga Ilyinskaya. This marriage took place out of love, in which Stolz did not fly into the clouds, did not remain in destructive illusions, but acted more than reasonably and responsibly.
The lifestyles of Oblomov and Stolz are diametrically opposed and opposed to each other. Both characters are unique, inimitable and significant in their own way. This may explain the strength of their friendship over the years.
Each of us is close to either the Stolz or Oblomov type. There is nothing wrong with this, and the coincidences will probably only be partial. Those who are deep, who love to think about the essence of life, will most likely understand Oblomov’s experiences, his restless mental tossing and searching. Business pragmatists who have left romance and poetry far behind will begin to personify themselves with Stolz.
Introduction
Goncharov’s work “Oblomov” is a socio-psychological novel built on the literary method of antithesis. The principle of opposition can be traced both when comparing the characters of the main characters, as well as their basic values and life path. Comparing the lifestyles of Oblomov and Stolz in the novel “Oblomov” allows us to better understand the ideological concept of the work and understand the reasons for the tragedy of the destinies of both heroes.
Features of the heroes' lifestyle
The central character of the novel is Oblomov. Ilya Ilyich is afraid of life’s difficulties and does not want to do or decide anything. Any difficulty and the need to act causes sadness in the hero and plunges him even deeper into an apathetic state. That is why Oblomov, after his first failure in the service, no longer wanted to try his hand at a career and took refuge from the outside world on his favorite sofa, trying not only not to leave the house, but not even to get out of bed unless absolutely necessary. Ilya Ilyich’s way of life is similar to slow dying - both spiritual and physical. The hero's personality gradually degrades, and he himself is completely immersed in illusions and dreams that are not destined to come true.
On the contrary, difficulties spur Stolz on; any mistake for him is only a reason to move on, achieving more. Andrei Ivanovich is in constant motion - business trips, meetings with friends and social evenings are an integral part of his life. Stolz looks at the world soberly and rationally; there are no surprises, illusions or strong shocks in his life, because he has calculated everything in advance and understands what to expect in each specific situation.
The lifestyle of the heroes and their childhood
The development and formation of the images of Oblomov and Stolz is shown by the author from the very early years of the heroes. Their childhood, teenage and mature years proceed differently, they are instilled with different values and life guidelines, which only emphasizes the dissimilarity of the characters.
Oblomov grew up like a greenhouse plant, fenced off from the possible influences of the surrounding world. The parents spoiled little Ilya in every possible way, indulged his desires, and were ready to do everything to make their son happy and contented. The very atmosphere of Oblomovka, the hero’s native estate, requires special attention. Slow, lazy and poorly educated villagers considered labor to be something similar to punishment. Therefore, they tried to avoid it in every possible way, and if they had to work, they worked reluctantly, without any inspiration or desire. Naturally, this could not help but influence Oblomov, who from an early age absorbed the love of an idle life, absolute idleness, when Zakhar, as lazy and slow as his master, can always do everything for you. Even when Ilya Ilyich finds himself in a new, urban environment, he does not want to change his lifestyle and start working intensively. Oblomov simply closes himself off from the outside world and creates in his imagination some idealized prototype of Oblomovka, in which he continues to “live.”
Stolz's childhood is different, which is due, first of all, to the roots of the hero - a strict German father tried to raise his son as a worthy bourgeois, who could achieve everything in life on his own, without fear of any work. Andrei Ivanovich’s sophisticated mother, on the contrary, wanted her son to achieve a brilliant secular reputation in society, so from an early age she instilled in him a love of books and the arts. All this, as well as the evenings and receptions regularly held at the Stoltsev estate, influenced little Andrei, forming an extroverted, educated and purposeful personality. The hero was interested in everything new, he knew how to confidently move forward, so after graduating from university he easily took his place in society, becoming an irreplaceable person for many. Unlike Oblomov, who perceived any activity as an aggravating necessity (even university studies or reading a long book), for Stolz his activity was an impulse for further personal, social and career development.
Similarities and differences in the characters' lifestyles
If the differences in the lifestyles of Ilya Oblomov and Andrei Stolts are noticeable and obvious almost immediately, correlating respectively as a passive lifestyle leading to degradation and an active one aimed at comprehensive development, then their similarities are visible only after a detailed analysis of the characters. Both heroes are “superfluous” people for their era; they both do not live in the present time, and therefore are in constant search for themselves and their true happiness. The introverted, slow Oblomov holds on with all his might to his past, to the “heavenly”, idealized Oblomovka - a place where he will always feel good and calm.
Stolz strives exclusively for the future. He perceives his past as a valuable experience and does not try to cling to it. Even their friendship with Oblomov is full of unrealizable plans for the future - about how to transform the life of Ilya Ilyich, make it brighter and more real. Stolz is always one step ahead, so it is difficult for him to be an ideal husband for Olga (however, Oblomov’s “extra” nature in the novel also becomes an obstacle to the development of relations with Olga).
Such isolation from others and internal loneliness, which Oblomov fills with illusions, and Stolz fills with thoughts about work and self-improvement, become the basis of their friendship. The characters unconsciously see in each other the ideal of their own existence, while completely denying their friend’s lifestyle, considering it either too active and intense (Oblomov was even upset by the fact that he had to walk for a long time in boots, and not in his usual soft slippers), or excessively lazy and inactive (at the end of the novel, Stolz says that it was “Oblomovism” that ruined Ilya Ilyich).
Conclusion
Using the example of the lifestyle of Oblomov and Stolz, Goncharov showed how the fates of people who come from the same social class but who received different upbringings can differ. Depicting the tragedy of both characters, the author shows that a person cannot live hiding from the whole world in illusion or giving himself overly to others, to the point of mental exhaustion - in order to be happy, it is important to find harmony between these two directions.
Work test
The absolute opposite of Oblomov is Stolz, who becomes the embodiment of calculation, activity, strength, determination, and determination. In Stolz’s German upbringing, the main thing was the development of an independent, active, purposeful nature. When describing the life of Stolz, Goncharov most often uses the words “firmly,” “straight,” and “walked.” And Stolz’s surname itself is sharp, abrupt, and his whole figure, in which there was not a fraction of roundness and softness, as in Oblomov’s appearance - all this reveals his German roots. His whole life was outlined once and for all; imagination, dreams and passions did not fit into his life program: “It seems that he controlled both sorrows and joys like the movement of his hands.” The most valued quality in a person for Stolz is “persistence in achieving a goal,” however, Goncharov adds that Stolz’s respect for a persistent person did not depend on the quality of the goal itself: “He never refused to respect people with this persistence, no matter how their goals were not important."
Stolz's goal in life, as he formulates it, is work and only work. To Oblomov’s question: “Why live?” - Stolz, without thinking for a moment, answers: “For the work itself, for nothing else.” This unequivocal “nothing else” is somewhat alarming. The results of Stolz’s work have a very tangible “material equivalent”: “He really made a house and money.” Goncharov speaks very vaguely, casually about the nature of Stolz’s activities: “He is involved in some company that ships goods abroad.” For the first time in Russian literature, an attempt appeared to show a positive image of an entrepreneur who, not having wealth at birth, achieves it through his labor.
Trying to elevate his hero, Goncharov convinces the reader that from his mother, a Russian noblewoman, Stolz acquired the ability to feel and appreciate love: “he developed for himself the conviction that love, with the power of Archimedes’ lever, moves the world.” However, in Stolz’s love everything is subordinated to reason; it is no coincidence that the “reasonable” Stolz never understood What happened between Oblomov and Olga, What became the basis of their love: “Oblomov! Can't be! – he added again affirmatively. “There’s something here: you don’t understand yourself, Oblomov, or, finally, love!” “This is not love, this is something else. It didn’t even reach your heart: imagination and pride, on the one hand, weakness, on the other.” Stolz never understood that there are different types of love, and not just the kind that he calculated. It is no coincidence that this inability to accept life in its diversity and unpredictability ultimately leads to the “Oblomovism” of Stolz himself. Having fallen in love with Olga, he is ready to stop, freeze. “I found mine,” thought Stolz. – I’ve waited!.. here it is, the last happiness of a person! Everything has been found, there is nothing to look for, there is nowhere else to go!” Having already become Stolz’s wife, experiencing true love for him, realizing that she has found her happiness in him, Olga often thinks about the future, she is afraid of this “silence of life”: “What is this? - she thought. -Where should we go? Nowhere! There is no further road. Is it really not, have you really completed the circle of life? Is everything really here, everything?”
Their attitude towards each other can say a lot about the characters. Oblomov sincerely loves Stolz, he feels true selflessness and generosity towards his friend; one can recall, for example, his joy at the happiness of Stolz and Olga. In his relationship with Stolz, the beauty of Oblomov’s soul is revealed, his ability to think about the meaning of life, activity, and its focus on man. Oblomov appears as a man who passionately seeks, although he does not find, a standard of life. In Stolz there is some kind of “lack of feeling” towards Oblomov; he is not capable of subtle emotional movements: on the one hand, he sincerely sympathizes with Ilya Ilyich, loves him, on the other hand, in relation to Oblomov he often turns out to be not so much a friend as “formidable” teacher." Stolz was for Ilya Ilyich the embodiment of that stormy life that always frightened Oblomov, from which he tried to hide. To Oblomov’s bitter and annoying: “Life touches,” Stolz immediately responds: “And thank God!” Stolz sincerely and persistently tried to force Oblomov to live more actively, but this persistence sometimes became harsh and sometimes cruel. Without sparing Oblomov and not considering that he has the right to do so, Stolz touches on the most painful memories of Olga, without the slightest respect for his friend’s wife he says: “Look around, where are you and who are you with?” The very phrase “now or never,” menacing and inevitable, was also unnatural to Oblomov’s soft nature. Very often, in a conversation with a friend, Stolz uses the words “I will shake you,” “you must,” “you must live differently.” Stolz drew a life plan not only for himself, but also for Oblomov: “You must live with us, close to us. Olga and I decided so, so it will be!” Stolz “saves” Oblomov from his life, from his choice - and in this salvation he sees his task.
What kind of life did he want to involve his friend in? The content of the week that Oblomov spent with Stolz was inherently different from the dream on Gorokhovaya Street. There were some things to do this week, lunch with a gold miner, tea at the dacha in a large society, but Oblomov very accurately called it vanity, behind which no person is visible. In his last meeting with his friend, Stolz said to Oblomov: “You know me: I set myself this task a long time ago and will not give up. Until now I was distracted by various things, but now I am free.” So the main reason emerged - various matters that distracted Stolz from his friend’s life. And indeed, between the appearances of Stolz in Oblomov’s life - like failures, like abysses - years pass: “Stolz did not come to St. Petersburg for several years,” “a year has passed since Ilya Ilyich’s illness,” “it’s been five years since we have seen each other.” It is no coincidence that even during Oblomov’s life, “an abyss opened up” between him and Stolz, “a stone wall was erected,” and this wall existed only for Stolz. And while Oblomov was still alive, Stolz buried his friend with an unequivocal sentence: “You are dead, Ilya!”
The author's attitude towards Stolz is ambiguous. Goncharov, on the one hand, hoped that soon “many Stoltz would appear under Russian names,” on the other hand, he understood that in artistic terms it was hardly possible to call the image of Stolz successful, full-blooded, he admitted that the image of Stolz was “weak, pale - it makes the idea look too bare.”
The problem of the hero in the novel “Oblomov” is connected with the author’s thoughts about the present and future of Russia, about the generic traits of the Russian national character. Oblomov and Stolz are not just different human characters, they are different systems of moral values, different worldviews and ideas about the human personality. The hero’s problem is that the author does not give preference to either Oblomov or Stolz, reserving to each of them his right to the truth and choice of life path.
Goncharov Ivan Aleksandrovich is a wonderful Russian realist writer. His work has become firmly established in the classical literature of our country. The originality of his artistic world lies, according to N.A. Dobrolyubov, in that he was able to embrace in his work the full image of an object, sculpt, mint it.
The main idea of Goncharov in the novel "Oblomov"
In his novel, Ivan Alexandrovich condemns noble inactivity. The characterization of Oblomov in the novel "Oblomov" proves this, and you will soon see this. The author welcomes the businesslike spirit of the entrepreneurial class that was emerging at that time. For Goncharov, what is essential in Oblomov’s character is his lordly spoiling, as well as the inactivity that follows from it, the powerlessness of will and mind. The image of this hero under the hand of such an eminent master resulted in a broad picture in which the reader is presented with the pre-reform life of the country's local nobility. The work was written more than 100 years ago, but it still attracts attention to this day. This novel is certainly a classic work written in the beautiful Russian language.
Ilya Ilyich Oblomov
What is the characterization of Oblomov in the novel "Oblomov"? After reading it, everyone probably wants to understand who is closer to them in spirit: Stolz or Ilya Ilyich. Oblomov’s characterization, at first glance, lacks appeal. In the novel, this hero appears as a man no longer in his first youth. He tried to serve in the past, but withdrew from all activities and became unable to return to them. Not only does he not want to do anything, but he doesn’t even want to be in society, go for a walk, get dressed, or just get up from the couch. The serene state of this hero is disturbed only by visitors who come only to Oblomov for selfish purposes. For example, Tarantiev simply robs him, borrowing money and not returning it. Oblomov turns out to be a victim of his visitors in the work, since he cannot understand the true purpose of their visits. The only exception is Stolz, a friend of his youth, who comes to visit him in Oblomovka.
However, Oblomov’s characterization is not so unambiguously negative. We will return to it later.
Andrey Ivanovich Stolts
Stolz is the antipode of this hero in the novel. Goncharov portrayed him as a “new man.” From childhood, Stolz was brought up in harsh conditions, gradually getting used to the difficulties and hardships of life. This is a businessman alien to both official careerism and noble laziness, who is distinguished by a level of culture and such activity that at that time were not characteristic of the Russian merchants. Apparently, not knowing where to find such a person among Russian business people, Goncharov decided to make his hero the scion of a half-German family. Stolz, however, received his upbringing from a Russian mother, who was a noblewoman, and also studied at the capital’s university. This hero believes that through the construction of highways, fairs, piers, and schools, the patriarchal “broken areas” will turn into income-generating, comfortable estates.
Views on Oblomov's life
It’s not just apathy that marks Oblomov’s characterization. This hero is trying to “philosophize.” Ilya Ilyich contrasts the sincerity and kindness of patriarchal life with the moral depravity of representatives of the bureaucratic-noble society of the capital. He condemns him for his desire for careerism, lack of serious interests, and mutual hostility covered by ostentatious courtesy. In this regard, the author of the novel agrees with Ilya Ilyich. Oblomov’s characterization is complemented by the fact that he is a romantic. This hero dreams mainly of quiet family happiness.
Stolz's attitude to life
On the contrary, Stolz is the enemy of the “dream”, everything mysterious and enigmatic. However, by “dream” he means not only rose-colored romance, but also all kinds of idealism. The author, explaining the beliefs of this hero, writes that in his eyes, what is not subject to analysis of practical truth, experience, is an optical illusion or a fact to which the turn of experience has not yet reached.
The importance of love conflict in revealing the characters of the main characters
A comparative description of Oblomov and Stolz would be incomplete if we did not reveal the topic of the relationship between these heroes and Olga Ilyinskaya. Goncharov introduces his characters into a love conflict in order to test them with life itself, which will show what each of them is worth. Therefore, the heroine of “Oblomov” had to be an extraordinary person. In Olga Ilyinskaya we will not find any secular coquetry, no lordly quirks, nothing mannered, deliberately done for success in life. This girl is distinguished by her beauty, as well as her natural freedom of action, word and look.
Both main characters, created by Goncharov, fail in their love relationships with this woman, each in their own way. And this reveals the inconsistency of the author’s illusions in assessing both. Oblomov’s “honest and true” “golden” heart suddenly comes into question along with his decency. Let us note that this hero, who has a “heart as deep as a well,” shamefully dissembles in front of the girl, citing the fact that he “warned her” about his character. Olga understands that Ilya Ilyich “died a long time ago.”
The consistent characterization of Oblomov and Stolz reveals more and more interesting details. Andrei Ivanovich appears again in the novel. He reappears in the work in order to take the place that Oblomov previously occupied. The characterization of the hero Stolz in his relationship with Olga reveals some important features in his image. Goncharov, showing his Parisian life with Ilyinskaya, wants to show the reader the breadth of views of his hero. In fact, he reduces it, since being interested in everything means not being interested in anything systematically, deeply, or seriously. This means learning everything from other people’s words, taking it from someone else’s hands. Stolz could hardly keep up with Olga in her languid haste of will and thought. Contrary to the will of the author, the story of the life together of these two heroes, which was supposed to be praise for Stolz, ultimately turned out to be a means of exposing him. Stolz at the end of the novel seems to be only a self-confident reasoner. The reader no longer believes this hero, who could not save his friend or give his beloved woman happiness. Only the author's tendentiousness saves Stolz from complete collapse. After all, Goncharov (“Oblomov”) was on his side. The characterization of Oblomov, created by the writer, as well as the author’s voice in the novel, allow us to judge this.
The weakness of both heroes and the classes they represent
In addition to his own desire, Goncharov was able to show that not only the Russian nobility is degenerating. It’s not only Oblomov who is weak. The characterization of Stolz's hero is also not without this feature. Respectable entrepreneurs cannot historically become successors to the nobility, since they are weak, limited and unable to take responsibility for solving fundamental issues in the life of the country.
The meaning of the image of Olga Ilyinskaya in Russian literature
So, a comparative description of Oblomov and Stolz shows that neither one nor the other can, each in their own way, evoke sympathy. But the heroine of the work, Olga Ilyinskaya, will become the prototype of an enlightened Russian woman. This prototype will later be found in the works of many classics of the 19th century.
Often a comparison of Ilya Ilyich and Andrei Ivanovich is presented as a table. The characteristics of Oblomov and Stolz, presented visually, help to better remember the information. Therefore, a comparative table in literature lessons as a type of work is often used at school. When a deep analysis is required, it is better to abandon it. And this is precisely the task that faced us when creating this article.
