Ivan Turgenev belongs to the category of writers who made a significant contribution to the development of Russian literature. The most famous of his major works is the novel “Fathers and Sons,” which provoked heated controversy in society immediately after its publication. Turgenev foresaw such a reaction from the reading public and even desired it, specially dedicating a separate publication to Belinsky (thus challenging the liberal intelligentsia): “I don’t know what success will be, Sovremennik will probably shower me with contempt for Bazarov - and will not believe that “during the whole time I was writing, I felt an involuntary attraction to him,” the author wrote in his diary on July 30, 1861. Exactly main character and his views caused fierce debate among Turgenev's contemporaries.

The main idea of ​​many of Turgenev's novels is the expression of the characteristics of time through typical characters. The focus is on the socio-historical type that represents the dynamic beginning of the era. The hero comes into a traditional conservative society and destroys its stereotypes, becoming a victim of the mission that is entrusted to him due to circumstances. Its historical task is to shake the established routine of life, introduce new trends and change the existing way of life. Bazarov is a commoner (from the family of an ordinary rural doctor) who rises up the social ladder thanks to his intellectual abilities and personal achievements, and not to title, origin or wealth. Thus, the conflict in the novel can be described as “commoner in noble nest“, that is, the opposition of the working man to the idle noble society. Such a hero is always alone, his path is gloomy and thorny, and the outcome is certainly tragic. He alone cannot turn the world upside down, so he good intentions always doomed, he is seemingly helpless, inactive, even pitiful. But his mission is to snatch the next generation from the pool of indifference of their grandfathers, from their moral and mental stagnation, and not to change his generation overnight. Same realistic novel, the plot develops according to the laws of life itself.

If Bazarov is the bearer of historical progress, why does he deny everything? Who is a nihilist? Nihilism is a worldview position that questions generally accepted values, ideals, moral and cultural norms. The hero denies even love, so his nihilism can be called grotesque. Turgenev deliberately exaggerates the colors in order to enhance the drama of the work and lead Bazarov through the “copper pipes” - a mutual feeling for Odintsova. This is how he tests the hero (this is his favorite technique) and evaluates the whole generation. Despite his total denial, Bazarov is capable of experiencing strong passion for a woman, he is real, his impulses and thoughts are natural. Unlike minor characters who are false and hide behind nihilism in order to impress, Bazarov is sincere both in his hatred of the old order and in his love for Odintsova. He contradicts himself, falling in love, but discovers new facets of existence, learns its fullness. He passed the test. Even Turgenev (a nobleman, an official, a representative of a more conservative camp than Belinsky, for example) developed sympathy for his hero.

This is how the author wrote about Bazarov: “... if he is called a nihilist, then it should be read: a revolutionary.” That is, in Turgenev’s understanding, a nihilist is a revolutionary, a person who opposes himself to the existing social order. The hero really rejects the institutions and ideological concepts approved and sanctified by the state. He is a materialist who sets himself the goal of serving the progress of society and, to the best of his ability, clearing it of prejudices. Truly a revolutionary feat! Bazarov dooms himself to misunderstanding and loneliness, causes fear and alienation in people, and limits his life to service. The fact that he so persistently denies everything is just a desperate protest of a man who is “alone in the field.” Excessive radicalism is like a loud cry crying in the desert. This is the only way he will be heard, the only way the next generation will understand him. He will have to implement everything that Bazarov will not have time to do. As befits a mission, he will die young, leaving a kind of “apostles” to instill new ideas and lead people to the future.

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 elder 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 arises internal conflict, which no longer takes place 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 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 big 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 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.

The image of Bazarov continues the tradition of depicting " extra people", started by Pushkin at the beginning of the 19th century. Onegin, Pechorin, Oblomov are smart, educated people who have their own point of view, but do not know how to practically apply their knowledge. They are prominent representatives of their time, reflecting the political and social changes taking place in society. Bazarov is one of them, “ new person”, a rebel, a commoner, who set his task “first ... to clear the place”, and “build” later.

The prototype of the main character was a young provincial doctor who amazed the writer with his intelligence and spiritual strength.

The novel begins on May 20, 1859. A young man, Arkady Kirsanov, returns home after studying and brings with him to stay with his friend, who introduced himself as “Evgeny Vasiliev”. We soon learn that Bazarov is the son of a district doctor and a noblewoman. Not only is he not ashamed of his position in society, but he even rejects his noble roots. “The devil knows. Some kind of second major,” he says with disdain about his mother’s father.
From the very first description we see that Bazarov is smart and self-confident. He devoted his life entirely to natural sciences and medicine. The hero recognizes as truth only what can be seen and touched, and all other feelings are “nonsense” and “romanticism.” Bazarov is an ardent materialist, taking his beliefs to extremes. He rejects music, poetry, painting, art in general. In the surrounding nature, he sees only a human workshop and nothing more. “What is Bazarov?” we ask in the words of Pavel Petrovich.

It is interesting that the description of the hero’s appearance already tells us about the extraordinary nature of his nature: tall stature, a bare red arm, “a long, thin face with a wide forehead, a flat upward, pointed nose downward,” “large greenish eyes and drooping sand-colored sideburns,” face “enlivened by a calm smile and expressed self-confidence and intelligence.” You can also notice the author’s attitude towards the hero. It is not read directly, but if you compare it with how ironically Turgenev speaks about the appearance of Pavel Petrovich, then you can notice some respect and sympathy for such unusual looking Bazarova. From this description we can draw conclusions about Bazarov: his red naked hand speaks of a lack of panache, simplicity and “plebeianism,” and the slowness, or rather, reluctance of actions creates a certain feeling of tactlessness, even ignorance.

Bazarov has special views on life: he is a nihilist, that 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.” Life credo Bazarov is built on denial: “In the present time, denial is most useful - we deny.”

Bazarov is shown by Turgenev as a supporter of the most “complete and merciless denial.” “We act by virtue of what we recognize as useful,” says Bazarov... “At the present time, the most useful thing is denial, we deny.” What is Bazarov denying? He himself gives a short answer to this question: “Everything.” And, first of all, what Pavel Petrovich is “terrified to say” is autocracy, serfdom and religion. Bazarov denies everything that is generated by the “ugly state of society”: popular poverty, lack of rights, darkness, patriarchal antiquity, community, family oppression, etc.

Such denial, undoubtedly, was of a revolutionary nature and was characteristic of the revolutionary democrats of the 60s. Turgenev himself understood this very well, in one of his letters about “Fathers and Sons” he said about Bazarov: “He is honest, truthful and a democrat to the end of his nails... if he is called a nihilist, then it should be read: a revolutionary.”

More than once Bazarov expresses his ideas: “a decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet,” “nature is nothing... Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and a person is a worker in it,” “Raphael is not worth a penny.” This hero even denies love.
He denies the principles of the liberals, and English aristocracy, and the logic of history, and authorities, and parliamentarism, and art, and the community with mutual responsibility - in a word, everything that the liberal “fathers” believed in. He laughs at the “mysterious relationship between a man and a woman” and ranks the words: romanticism, art, nonsense, rot.
Bazarov denied the possibility of enjoying the beauty of nature, “he called love in the ideal sense, or, as he put it, romantic, nonsense, unforgivable foolishness.” However, it would be incorrect to say that Bazarov cuts from the shoulder, completely rejecting everything. Denying abstract science, Bazarov advocates concrete, applied sciences; rejecting authorities for the sake of authorities, he takes into account the opinions of “smart” people.

Turgenev could not, of course, see his own in the nihilist Bazarov. positive hero. But he wanted the reader to “love” Bazarov “with all his rudeness, heartlessness, ruthless dryness and harshness.” The writer did not want to give his hero unnecessary “sweetness”, to make him an “ideal”, but wanted to “make him a wolf” and still “justify him”. In Bazarov, he “rushed about a gloomy, wild, large figure, half grown out of the soil, strong, evil, honest and yet doomed to destruction, because she still stands on the threshold of the future...” That is, Turgenev believed that Bazarov’s time has not yet come, but it is thanks to such individuals that society moves forward.

The image of Bazarov was continued in literary tradition in Chernyshevsky’s work “What to do?”

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 public diseases and the imperfection 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 resolutely demands a change in the very foundations, the complete destruction 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 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 younger generation the opinion 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 main hopes of his contemporaries were pinned revolutionary democrats. Negative sides 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 succeeded in a short time to take pride of place 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.

The word "nihilist" literally translates from Latin as "nothing." This is a person who does not recognize any authority. This term became widespread in literature and journalism in the 60s of the 19th century.

Current of social thought

In Russia, this movement gained maximum popularity after the novel by I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons". Nihilism manifested itself as the social mood of commoners who rejected established moral norms. These people refuted everything that was usual. Accordingly, a nihilist is a person who does not recognize anything. Representatives of this current rejected religious prejudices, despotism in society, art, and literature. Nihilists advocated for a woman’s personal freedom, her equality in society, and also, to a certain extent, promoted selfishness. The program of this movement was very sketchy, and those who promoted it were too straightforward.

If we talk about nihilism as a worldview, then it cannot be called integral. A nihilist is a person who was distinguished only by his expression of rejection of the surrounding reality. The ideas of this social movement were expressed at that time by the magazine “Russian Word”.

Nihilism before Fathers and Sons

As mentioned above, the term itself became widespread after the novel “Fathers and Sons” was published. IN this work a nihilist is Evgeny Bazarov. He had followers, but more on that later. It was after the publication of the novel that the term “nihilism” spread. Before this, such ideas were called “negative trends” in magazines, and their representatives were called “whistlers.”

For opponents of the social trend, a nihilist is one who sought to destroy moral principles and promoted immoral principles.

"What is Bazarov?"

This is exactly the question P.P. asks. Kirsanov to his nephew Arkady. The words that Bazarov is a nihilist amazed brother Pavel Petrovich. For representatives of his generation, life without principles is impossible.

It is worth noting that nihilists in literature are primarily Turgenev’s heroes. The most striking, of course, is Bazarov, who had followers, Kukshina and Sitnikov.

Nihilist principles

Representatives of this movement are characterized by the main principle - the absence of any principles.

Bazarov’s ideological position is most clearly reflected in disputes with Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov.

The heroes have different attitudes towards the common people. Bazarov considers these people “dark”; Kirsanov is touched by the patriarchal nature of the peasant family.

For Evgeniy, nature is a kind of storehouse in which a person can manage. Pavel Petrovich admires her beauty.

The main nihilist in the novel “Fathers and Sons” has a negative attitude towards art. Reading literature for Bazarov is a waste of time.

Evgeniy and Pavel Petrovich are representatives of different social strata. Bazarov is a commoner. This largely explains his attitude towards the people and indifference to everything beautiful. He imagines how hard life is for those who cultivate the land. Russian nihilists, as a rule, were indeed commoners. This is probably the reason for their revolutionary mood and rejection of the social system.

Followers of Bazarov

To the question of which of the heroes was a nihilist in Fathers and Sons, one can, of course, answer that Arkady Kirsanov considered himself a student of Bazarov. Kukshina and Sitnikov also pose as his followers. However, can they be considered nihilists?

Arkady, although he tries to imitate Bazarov, has a completely different attitude towards art, nature, and his family. He only takes over cold manner Bazarova communicate, talks in a low voice and carries himself with swagger. Arkady is a well-mannered young man. He is educated, sincere, intelligent. The younger Kirsanov grew up in a different environment; he did not have to earn money for his studies.

However, when Evgeny Bazarov falls in love with Anna Odintsova, it seems that his behavior also carried a tinge of pretense. Of course, he is much firmer than Arkady, he shares the ideas of nihilism more deeply, but at the same time, he still could not reject all values ​​in his soul. At the end of the novel, when Bazarov awaits his own death, he recognizes the power of parental love.

If we talk about Kukshina and Sitnikov, they are portrayed by Turgenev with such irony that the reader immediately understands: they should not be perceived as “serious” nihilists. Kukshina, of course, “springs up”, trying to seem different from what she really is. The author calls her a “creature,” thereby emphasizing her fussiness and stupidity.

The writer pays even less attention to Sitnikov. This hero is the son of an innkeeper. He is narrow-minded, behaves casually, probably copying Bazarov’s manner. He has a dream to make people happy using the money earned by his father, which is expressed in disrespectful attitude to other people's work and to parents.

What did the author want to say with such an ironic attitude towards these characters? Firstly, both heroes personify the negative sides of Bazarov’s own personality. After all, he also does not show respect for established values ​​that were laid down many centuries ago. Bazarov also shows disdain for his parents, who live only by love for their only son.

The second point that the writer wanted to show is that the time of the “bazaars” has not yet come.

History of the origin of the term “nihilism”

Thanks to Turgenev, the concept of nihilism became widespread, but he did not coin this term. There is an assumption that Ivan Sergeevich borrowed it from N.I. Nadezhin, who in his publication used it to negatively characterize new literary and philosophical movements.

Nevertheless, it was after the dissemination of the novel “Fathers and Sons” that the term received socio-political overtones and began to be widely used.

It must also be said that the literal translation of this word does not convey the content of this concept. Representatives of the movement were not at all devoid of ideals. There is an assumption that the author, by creating the image of Bazarov, expresses condemnation of the revolutionary democratic movement. At the same time, Turgenev says that his novel is directed against the aristocracy.

So, the term “nihilism” was originally intended as a synonym for the word “revolution”. However, the word gained such popularity that a seminarian who preferred studying at the university and abandoned a spiritual career, or a girl who chose her husband at the behest of her heart, and not at the behest of her relatives, could consider herself a nihilist.