The image of Yevgeny Bazarov and the idea of ​​nihilism. The main nihilistic ideas of the hero

Message

On the topic: “Nihilist Bazarov”

performed by: Kozhakhmetova Tolkyn

The nihilist Bazarov, despite all his spirit of denial and harshness, is a typical representative of the generation of the 60s of the 19th century, the mixed democratic intelligentsia. This is an independent person who does not want to bow to authority. The nihilist Bazarov is accustomed to subjecting everything to the judgment of reason. The hero provides a clear theoretical basis for his denial. He explains social ills and imperfections of people by the character of society. Evgeniy says that moral illnesses arise from bad upbringing. A big role in this is played by all sorts of trifles that people fill their heads with from an early age. This is exactly the position that the domestic democrat educators of the 1860s adhered to. The revolutionary nature of Bazarov's worldview Nevertheless, in the work "Fathers and Sons" Bazarov the nihilist, criticizing and explaining the world, tries to radically change it. Partial improvements in life, minor corrections cannot satisfy him. The hero says that it is not worth much effort to “just chat” about the shortcomings of society. He decisively demands a change in the very foundations, the complete destruction of the existing system. Turgenev saw Bazarov's nihilism as a manifestation of revolutionism. He wrote that if Eugene is considered a nihilist, this means that he is also a revolutionary. In those days in Russia, the spirit of denial of the entire old, outdated feudal world was closely connected with the national spirit. Evgeny Bazarov's nihilism became destructive and comprehensive over time. It is no coincidence that this hero, in a conversation with Pavel Petrovich, says that he is in vain in condemning his beliefs. After all, Bazarov’s nihilism is connected with the national spirit, and Kirsanov advocates precisely in its name. Denial of Bazarov Turgenev, embodying the progressive traits of youth in the image of Evgeny Bazarov, as Herzen noted, showed some injustice in relation to the experienced realistic view. Herzen believes that Ivan Sergeevich mixed it with “boastful” and “crude” materialism. Evgeny Bazarov says that he adheres to the negative direction in everything. He is “pleased to deny.” The author, emphasizing Eugene’s skeptical attitude towards poetry and art, shows a characteristic feature characteristic of a number of representatives of progressive democratic youth. Ivan Sergeevich truthfully portrays the fact that Evgeny Bazarov, hating everything noble, extended his hatred to all poets who came from this environment. This attitude automatically extended to workers of other arts. This trait was also characteristic of many youth of that time. I.I. Mechnikov, for example, said that among the younger generation the opinion has spread that only positive knowledge can lead to progress, and art and other manifestations of spiritual life can only slow it down. That's why Bazarov is a nihilist. He believes only in science - physiology, physics, chemistry - and does not accept everything else. Evgeny Bazarov - the hero of his time, Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev, created his work even before the abolition of serfdom. At this time, revolutionary sentiments were growing among the people. The ideas of destruction and negation of the old order were brought to the fore. Old principles and authorities were losing their influence. Bazarov says that now it is most useful to deny, which is why nihilists deny. The author saw Yevgeny Bazarov as a hero of his time. After all, he is the embodiment of this denial. However, it must be said that Eugene’s nihilism is not absolute. He does not deny what has been proven by practice and experience. First of all, this applies to work, which Bazarov considers the calling of every person. The nihilist in the novel "Fathers and Sons" is convinced that chemistry is a useful science. He believes that the basis of every person’s worldview should be a materialistic understanding of the world. Evgeny’s attitude towards the pseudo-democrats Ivan Sergeevich does not show this hero as the leader of provincial nihilists, such as, for example, Evdokia Kukshina and the tax farmer Sitnikov. For Kukshina, even George Sand is a backward woman. Evgeny Bazarov understands the emptiness and insignificance of such pseudo-democrats. Their environment is alien to him. Nevertheless, Evgeniy is also skeptical about popular forces. But it was on them that the revolutionary democrats of his time pinned their main hopes. Negative aspects of Bazarov's nihilism It can be noted that Bazarov's nihilism, despite many positive aspects, also has negative ones. It contains the danger of discouragement. Moreover, nihilism can turn into superficial skepticism. It can even transform into cynicism. Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev, thus, astutely noted not only the positive aspects of Bazarov, but also the negative ones. He also showed that, under certain circumstances, it could develop to the extreme and lead to dissatisfaction with life and loneliness. However, as noted by K.A. Timiryazev, an outstanding Russian democratic scientist, in the image of Bazarov, the author embodied only the traits of a type that was emerging at that time, which showed concentrated energy despite all the “minor shortcomings.” It was thanks to her that the Russian naturalist managed in a short time to take a place of honor both at home and abroad. Now you know why Bazarov is called a nihilist. In depicting this character, Turgenev used the technique of so-called secret psychology. Ivan Sergeevich presented the nature of Evgeny, the spiritual evolution of his hero through the life trials that befell him.

Plan

1. What is the essence of nihilism?

2. Characteristics of Evgeny Bazarov

3. What is better - loyalty to nihilism or life in harmony with your own soul?

Evgeny Bazarov is the main character of I.S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons,” which is based on the clash of interests of two generations. The generation of “fathers” is represented by the Kirsanov brothers - aristocratic nobles. Generation of “children” by Arkady Kirsanov, an educated young man who does not enter into open disputes with his “fathers”. And Evgeny Bazarov, who clearly holds the position of a nihilist. Nihilism is a complete denial of generally accepted values, all moral norms, ethics, and harmony.

Evgeny just denies everything that does not bring visible benefit. For him, art, nature, aesthetics, faith, love, family do not exist. All accepted foundations of society do not matter to Bazarov. He speaks with contempt about the “aristocrats”, not embarrassed by the presence of the Kirsanovs. And Pavel Petrovich’s white collars and his “Aglitsky” ironed suit are the subject of ridicule for Evgeny. Entering into a serious argument with the elder Kirsanov, Bazarov offends him with direct statements about art, about the nobility, about education. Being engaged in practical activities, he goes hand in hand with science. This characterizes Evgeniy on the positive side. But then he denies any interaction between man and nature in the matter of harmony and unity. Bazarov is sure that nature is “not a temple, but a person who works in it.” And only this approach to the matter is the only correct and undeniable.

While remaining true to his ideology, Bazarov loses love. That ardent passionate feeling did not bring him happiness, because it would have destroyed all his materialistic principles. But having succumbed to love, Bazarov found himself rejected, which further strengthened him in his nihilistic beliefs. But the worst thing is that Bazarov was never able to find a common language with his parents. The old people loved their son very much, and he completely “dedicated” himself to science and ideology. Perhaps Bazarov could become one of the revolutionaries, the Decembrists - his character confirms this. But is it worth rejecting everything spiritual and harmonious that is in a person? Should it be based only on practically useful values? Is it worth denying the obvious, which a person cannot fight?

The novel "Fathers and Sons" has a complex structure and multi-level conflict. Purely outwardly, he represents a contradiction between two generations of people. But this eternal is complicated by ideological and philosophical differences. Turgenev's task was to show the harmful influence of certain philosophical movements on modern youth, in particular nihilism.

What is nihilism?

Nihilism is an ideological and philosophical movement, according to which there are and cannot be authorities, and none of the postulates should be taken on faith. (as he himself notes) is a merciless denial of everything. The philosophical basis for the formation of nihilistic teaching was German materialism. It is no coincidence that Arkady and Bazarov suggest that Nikolai Petrovich read Buchner instead of Pushkin, in particular his work “Matter and Force”. Bazarov’s position was formed not only under the influence of books and teachers, but also from living 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 him with “at least one resolution in our modern life, in family or social life, that would not cause complete and merciless denial.”

The main nihilistic ideas of the hero

Bazarov's nihilism is manifested in his attitude towards 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 sort things out through polemics.

Art

Bazarov speaks most harshly about art. He considers it a useless sphere that gives a person nothing except 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, understand others, and get to know the world.

Nature

Bazarov’s review of not a temple, but a workshop looks somewhat blasphemous. And the person in her is a worker." The hero does not see her beauty, does not feel harmony with her. In contrast to this review, Nikolai Petrovich walks through the garden, admiring the beauty of spring. He cannot understand how Bazarov does not see all this, how he can remain like this indifferent to God's creation.

The science

What does Bazarov value? After all, he cannot have a sharply negative attitude towards everything. The only thing the hero sees value and benefit in is science. Science as the basis of knowledge and human development. Of course, Pavel Petrovich, as an aristocrat and a representative of the older generation, also values ​​and respects science. However, for Bazarov, the ideal is German materialists. For them, love, affection, feelings do not exist; for them, a person is simply an organic system in which certain physical and chemical processes occur. The main character of the novel "Fathers and Sons" is inclined to the same paradoxical thoughts.

Bazarov's nihilism comes into question; it is tested by the author of the novel. Hence, an internal conflict arises, which no longer occurs in the Kirsanovs’ house, where Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich argue every day, but in the soul of Evgeny 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, it is first necessary to “clear the place.” What does this mean? Of course, the hero’s expression can be interpreted as a call for revolution. The development of the country must begin with radical changes, with the destruction of everything 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 yet done anything. 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. Evgeny's views are very frightening (this is confirmed by Bazarov's quotes about nihilism). After all, what is any state built on first of all? On traditions, culture, patriotism. But if there are no authorities, if you don’t appreciate art, the beauty of nature, and don’t believe in God, then what remains for people? Turgenev was very afraid that such ideas could come true, and that Russia would then have a very hard time.

Internal conflict in the novel. Test of love

There are two key characters in the novel who supposedly play a cameo role. In fact, they reflect Turgenev’s attitude towards nihilism; they debunk this phenomenon. Bazarov’s nihilism begins to be comprehended by him a little differently, although the author does not tell us this directly. So, in the city, Evgeniy and Arkady meet Sitnikov and Kukshina. They are innovative 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 buffoon, he shouts nihilistic slogans, it all looks ridiculous. Bazarov treats him with obvious contempt. Kukshina is an emancipated woman, simply sloppy, stupid and rude. That's all that can be said about the heroes. If they are representatives of nihilism, on which Bazarov places such high hopes, then what is the future of the country? From this moment on, 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 where the hero's love feelings are spoken of. He resists his love in every possible way, because it is all stupid and useless romanticism. But his heart tells him something else. Odintsova sees that Bazarov is smart and interesting, that there is some truth in his ideas, but their categoricalness betrays the weakness and dubiousness of his beliefs.

Turgenev's attitude towards his hero

It is not for nothing that a heated controversy has developed around the novel “Fathers and Sons”. Firstly, the topic was very topical. Secondly, many representatives of literary criticism were, like Bazarov, fascinated by the philosophy of materialism. Thirdly, the novel was bold, talented and new.

There is an opinion that Turgenev condemns his hero. That he slanderes the younger generation, seeing only the bad in them. But this opinion is wrong. If you look at Bazarov’s figure more closely, you can see in him a strong, purposeful and noble nature. Bazarov's nihilism is only an external 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 inspire admiration. He is daring 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 ending of the novel. Bazarov’s grave, which his parents come to, is literally buried in flowers and greenery, and birds sing over it. It is unnatural for parents to 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 towards nihilism is not just a philosophy of life. But this teaching is questioned not only by representatives of the older generation, but also by life itself. Bazarov, in love and suffering, dies from an accident, science is unable to help him, and over his grave Mother Nature is still beautiful and calm.

In the novel by I.S. Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" one of the problems is the confrontation between lordly and democratic Russia. Evgeny Bazarov, the main character of the work, calls himself a “nihilist.”

The characters in the novel interpret this concept differently. Arkady Kirsanov, who considered himself a follower of Bazarov, explains that a nihilist is a person who approaches everything from a critical point of view. Pavel Petrovich, a representative of the older generation, said the following: “A nihilist is a person who does not bow to any authorities, who does not accept a single principle on faith.” But only Evgeny Bazarov could fully experience the whole meaning of this philosophy and understand the strengths and weaknesses of nihilism.

Bazarov associated nihilism with the establishment of a materialistic worldview and the development of natural sciences. The hero really did not take anything on faith, thoroughly testing everything through experiments and practice; he considered nature not a temple, but a workshop where a person is a worker. And Bazarov himself never sat idle, did not sybaritize, like Arkady, for example. Eugene completely denied art in all its manifestations, did not believe in love, despised it, calling it “romanticism” and “nonsense.” He considered Pushkin’s work to be nonsense, and playing the cello as a disgrace. During an argument with Pavel Petrovich, Evgeniy stated that a decent chemist is much more useful than a poet. He valued only what he could touch with his hands and denied the spiritual principle. This quote can be confirmed: “Study the anatomy of the eye: where does the mysterious look come from?” Evgeny Bazarov was proud of his theory and considered its truths unshakable.

Turgenev’s female images play a special role. They are always imbued with a slight romanticism: in a woman Turgenev sees a being of a higher order. Most often, it is they who awaken in the heroes their best spiritual qualities and change them radically. This happened with Bazarov. Fate seemed to play a cruel joke on him. More recently, having heard a frank story about Pavel Petrovich’s misfortune, the nihilist said that a person who put his life on the map of love is not a man and a male.

Anna Odintsova appeared in Bazarov's life. Bazarov immediately drew attention to her. “What kind of figure is this? She doesn’t look like other women,” Evgeniy is impressed. Later the hero realizes that she is special. He likes her presence, her closeness to him makes him happy. Without noticing it, Bazarov tried with all his might to impress her, but denied his feelings and covered himself with rudeness. Evgeniy began to gradually change, become angry, and worried. Adhering previously to the theory “If you like a woman, try to get some sense, but if you can’t, turn away.” But, despite the fact that it was difficult to get any sense from Odintsova, he could not turn away. When he remembered her, he involuntarily realized the “romantic” in himself. His struggle with feeling was unsuccessful. Love could not languish in his soul for long; it demanded recognition. “I love you, stupidly, madly,” the hero says, out of breath, unable to cope with the flow of passion. Anna Sergeevna was not capable of love, Bazarov did not receive any return and fled to his parents' house. Not even from Odintsova, but from himself.

Evgeniy is still a strong character, he has not become limp, but he has become disillusioned with theory. Vedas, what he rejected and despised, took possession of him. The hero understands that love is higher, more complex than theories, and does not obey the laws of physics. This speaks to the failure of nihilism. It was love that led to the crisis in Bazarov’s views and attitude towards life. The inability to love Odintsova, the need to rethink one’s values ​​and principles led to the hero’s tragic death, because this is the only way to fully achieve peace.

I.S. Turgenev shows that it is impossible to completely deny what is the basis of human existence. Spirituality takes over. The feelings that arise in the soul of even the most ardent nihilist are capable of destroying any foundations and ideas. True values ​​cannot be despised, no matter how hard people try to do so. Such a position will only lead to confrontation with oneself, limitless internal struggle. And we must always remember that the power of love lies in the fact that everyone is powerless in front of it.

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Lesson objectives: get acquainted with the interpretation of the concept of “nihilism”; compare the concept of “nihilism” and Bazarov’s views.

During the classes

I. Checking homework

1. Students read out all the definitions of the concept “nihilism.” If necessary, the teacher supplements the answers:

Nihilism- This...

- (from Latin, nihil - “nothing”) denial of generally accepted values: ideals, moral standards, culture, forms of social life. (Large encyclopedic dictionary)

- “an ugly and immoral doctrine that rejects everything that cannot be touched (V. Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary)

- “naked denial of everything, logically unjustified skepticism (Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language)

- “the philosophy of skepticism that arose in Russia in the 19th century at the beginning of the reign of Alexander II. The term was previously applied to certain heresies in the Middle Ages. In Russian literature the term nihilism was first used, perhaps, by N. Nadezhdin in an article in “Bulletin of Europe”... Nadezhdin... equated nihilism with skepticism. ( M. Katkov)

2. Checking the completion of the table. Four students at the board fill out the table (one table item each). Students check their charts against the chart on the board. They supplement the respondents or their own notes.

3. Conclusion and answer to the question:

(Bazarov’s beliefs fully fit the definition of nihilistic. Denial of everything and everyone: moral principles, art, feelings. Bazarov explained all life phenomena from the point of view of science, materialism. All this was collected and described by Turgenev in the image of Bazarov.)

II. Work based on the text of the novel

In order to better understand the essence of Bazarov’s nihilist way of thinking, let us turn to three dialogic scenes of the novel, which reveal the main postulates of the nihilistic picture of the world.

When do we first hear the word “nihilist” and who is present?

(In the first scene, which takes place over morning tea, the Kirsanov brothers and Arkady take part. It was here that the word “nihilist” was first heard, which seriously alarmed the older generation, denoting a critical attitude towards all existing “authorities” and “principles” (“nihilist - This is a person who does not bow to any authority, who does not accept a single principle on faith, no matter how respectful this principle may be.")

For what purpose was this word spoken and what was the reaction to it?

(Arkady, an involuntary troublemaker, is more interested not in the meaning of what he says, but in the actual rebellious nature of the words he utters and their stunning effect on his father and uncle. They experience a similar state precisely from the awareness of everything they heard. For Pavel Petrovich, a nihilist is ", first of all, the one who “does not bow" to any experience. However, people who renounce the past, in his opinion, are doomed to “exist in emptiness, in airless space." With such a dramatic conclusion, Pavel Petrovich concludes his conversation with the young reformer. )

The second scene, already with Bazarov, significantly deepens the idea of ​​nihilistic consciousness. The nihilist himself appears at the table, which causes a new round in the development of the previous conversation.

How does the conversation change with the appearance of Bazarov?

(Speaking of non-recognition of authorities, Bazarov corrects Arkady’s recent statement about the nihilist and softens it, allowing himself to recognize what he considers “business.” But even in this situation, he remains true to his convictions. If Bazarov is inclined to accept something, it is only only passed through one’s own “I”: “they will tell me the case, I will agree...” - that is, exclusively personal experience is put at the forefront, and not what has been verified by time, is authoritative and generally accepted.)

Teacher's comment.

Two weeks later, in a direct “fight” with Pavel Petrovich, Bazarov openly declared to his opponent that he can do without the “logic of history”, otherwise, without knowledge of the objective laws of social development without inclusion in the general process of historical time, in order to find his place in the progressive movement of history.

However, the general denial of Turgenev's hero was not spontaneous, much less aimless. It had a specific historical justification, conditioned by the opposition of the “new” people to the noble aristocracy. Connecting only the hardships of Russian life with him (it is no coincidence that Turgenev’s novel opens with pictures of a pre-reform village), the democratic hero, naturally, does not want to have anything to do with the legacy of the “fathers”.

(The writer’s appeal to the picture gives the reader the opportunity to realize the democratic origins of Bazarov’s negation, the fact that Bazarov embodies the single essence of the most radical aspirations in Russian society on the eve of the peasant reform. The catastrophic picture of people’s life and the figure of Bazarov against its background are perceived as something indissoluble, interdependent.)

What especially attracted your attention in the picture of the village that opened up to Arkady?

(A piercingly terrible desolation in everything: “Churches... with plaster falling off in some places... with bent crosses and ruined cemeteries”; “like beggars in rags... roadside willow trees with peeled bark and broken branches; emaciated, rough, as if gnawed , cows"; "men... all shabby, on bad nags"... in churches, nature, people, animals, cemeteries... Some kind of all-encompassing "shabbyness"! And everything around is unusually diminished, insignificant, sickly. Moreover “insignificance” and “illness” appear closely related in the description of peasant life: “tiny ponds with thin dams,” “villages with low huts under dark, often half-swept roofs,” “crooked threshing sheds.” Against the backdrop of a painfully crushed rural world the only thing that impresses with its size is the “yawning gates” of the threshing sheds “near the empty barns.”)

What is the role of the third scene?

(In the third scene of the “fight” - the heroes, the conflict-producing sides represented by two diametrically opposed social consciousnesses - democratic and liberal: the “doctor” versus the “aristocrat” and vice versa were especially sharply outlined. Bazarov is deeply irritated by Pavel Petrovich’s reasoning about the historical role of the English aristocracy, about the feeling self-esteem, duty, respect for the individual.)

III. Teacher's word

Bazarov is an intelligent and deep person. His nihilistic consciousness largely stems from his inherent comprehensive knowledge of Russian life, which has everything: “vulgarity”, “doctrinaireism”, “lack of honest people”, endless talk about parliamentarism... but where the main thing is missing - “deeds”. Denying all really existing forms of social structure, economic life, culture, and everyday life, Bazarov cannot offer anything in return except a frantic desire to destroy, in his firm conviction, the old, outdated. In this sense, the hero’s position is deeply dramatic, since there is no support in the past and no vision of the future.

IV. Analytical conversation

As we have already discussed in previous lessons, A. S. Odintsova and his love for her had a huge influence on Bazarov.

How did this influence affect Bazarov the nihilist?

(Now the hero perceives the world not as a natural scientist, but with his inner vision, “the eyes of the soul.” In this state, he ceases to be dependent on the power of ideas, and, thanks to his own spiritual power, becomes invulnerable to them. Bazarov is convinced that, in addition to his chosen goal - denial old life order - and movement towards it, in human life there are values ​​that are more important and necessary for the preservation and development of human life itself. One of them is the ability to see the world as singular, unique and to accept this world in its own self-significance. This discovery became the basis for Bazarov deep spiritual crisis, which presented him no longer as a hero of a goal, but as a reflective hero.)

Can you give examples of the manifestation of the “updated” Bazarov?

(Bazarov tells Arkady about “that aspen tree” from childhood, the memories of which are alive and dear to him. He wants to be perceived not as “some kind of state or society,” that is, something impersonal, but separately, isolated from general. Moreover, having previously perceived a person as a harmonious biological organism, he suddenly agrees with the idea that every person is a mystery.")

How is Bazarov’s spiritual crisis expressed?

(Acutely aware of the personal “I”, Bazarov painfully experiences the finitude of his existence against the backdrop of the eternal existence of nature. Previously so familiar and useful (“Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and a person is a worker in it”), it begins to cause dull irritation in Bazarov and bitter thoughts about my own insignificance and abandonment in the vast universe (“The narrow place that I occupy is so tiny in comparison with the rest of the space where I am not and where no one cares about me...”), about my temporaryness and randomness in the general flow of time, where, according to the hero, “I was not and will not be.” He cannot come to terms with the idea that a person before eternity is just an “atom,” a “mathematical point.” And therefore he speaks of life as about “ugliness.” In such a state, it is difficult to think about some Philip or Sidor who will come after you, who are gone forever, much less devote your “instant” life to them.)

How do you think these conclusions of the hero are related to the feelings of the author himself?

(Bazarov’s inescapable melancholy from realizing the brevity of human existence is directly related to Turgenev’s own worldview, the “tragic attitude of the spirit” of the writer.)

What way out does Turgenev offer a person?

(Turgenev described one way out in “Notes of a Hunter” - to dissolve in nature, to enter the spontaneous flow of life. But Turgenev could not lead his hero to “impersonal life”: the author of “Fathers and Sons” had a different attitude.

According to the writer, in order to experience the dramatic awareness of his mortal destiny against the backdrop of the eternal life of nature, a person must, in spite of everything, continue to remain an individual, retain within himself “a huge tension of the personal principle,” and be like a bird flying uncontrollably forward. But not to the one with which Bazarov compares Arkady, who strives for a “nest”, for ordinary human existence, peace, comfort.)

V. Lesson summary

Bazarov is a homeless wanderer, striving for an unattainable goal. And isn’t this high impulse towards the unattainable romantic? Bazarov, who denies external romanticism, is in his spiritual essence a romantic person.

The path to Bazarov’s goal - “bitter, tart, bovine life” - is a conscious, personal choice of the hero, which takes him out of the ranks of ordinary people, making him the chosen one. To recognize the finitude of one’s being, as Turgenev’s Bazarov does, is not given to everyone, but only to an unusually strong personality in which the spirit triumphs, a personality internally free. But why does the life of Turgenev’s most interesting and controversial hero end so unhappily and mediocrely? We'll talk about this in the next lesson.

Homework

Think about the question: why does the novel “Fathers and Sons” end with the death of the main character?