Ivan Turgenev Paper on Fathers and Sons book:
In the middle of the 19 century, a line of thought as nihilism began to develop in Russia. Its supporters denied the old way of life and old traditions, argued that the truth can be understood only through their own experience, had a negative attitude towards serfdom and the wealthy classes.
In the novel "Fathers and Sons", published in 1962, Turgenev raises profound political, philosophical and aesthetic problems. He captures real-life conflicts, reveals the essence of the ideological struggle between the main social forces in Russia in the late 50's early 60-ies of the 19 century.
Bazarov became a great example of nihilism. Turgenev offered readers an objective look at his philosophy, revealing its good and bad features.
Bazarov is radically different from his entourage. He can be described as uncompromising, practical person who denies the authority and the old foundations. Some features of character are close to Turgenev, others he does not understand. For example, with the help of Yevgeny Bazarov writer sends readers thought about the inhumanity of serfdom. Turgenev is like his hero, notices the low level of social development. He was disgusted with the aristocratic way of life solely for pleasure. Bazarov does not deny this what have been tested by his experience and life practice. So, he was firmly convinced that labor was the basis of human, that chemistry was a useful science, that the main thing in the outlook of the person was a natural scientific approach to everything.
At the same time, the author does not support Bazarov hostile attitude towards art. The novel's hero does not like music, can not understand poetry, denying the beauty of nature. Bazarov said: "Raphael is not worth a farthing"; "A decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet," etc. He does not want to enjoy the beauty of nature. "Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and a man in her employee." Of course, Turgenev could support his hero at this point. Perhaps, in the history of Russian literature, there was not another major writer who loved nature so sincerely, selflessly and dearly. He reflected its beauty in his work in various ways.
The writer showed the inconsistency of nihilistic views, making the main character got into an argument with himself. Bazarov largely contradicted his beliefs: in the romantic love to Odintsova, in a duel with Pavel Petrovich, etc.
Thus, in his novel Turgenev reveals positive and negative aspects of nihilism and demonstrated an objective look at the representatives of nihilism and society of that time in Russia
Works cited
"Fathers and Sons." , Ivan Turgenev, 1861. Web. 20 Feb. 2016.
Saunders, David. Russia in the Age of Reaction and Reform 1801-1881. London: Longman, 1992. Print.
