Essay on the topic: The problem of fathers and children in Turgenev’s novel

Turgenev makes his heroes completely different. Externally and mentally. Everyone has their own views and lusts. We may find some similarities between the characters, but many will answer that there are many more differences. So it is in real life. Turgenev looks into the soul of every reader. Each person has his own character and state of mind. Some are calmer, while others are more passionate. Some treat themselves with disdain, while others, on the contrary, do everything to remain forever young. Everyone's life is different, just as the fates of the characters in the novel are different.

In the novel "Fathers and Sons" we're talking about about the relationship of Bazarov, who is, as he claims, a nihilist, with the nobleman Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, as well as relationships within the Kirsanov family and in the Bazarov family. As mentioned earlier, all the heroes are completely different. Everyone's appearance conveys them inner world. Only the main character of the novel, Evgeny Bazarov, can be classified as a separate group of people. He looks gloomy, calm and very smart person, but a huge power is raging inside him, his energy cannot be taken away. At the same time, he is cut off from the whole world and does not know what to do and what his purpose is. The writer focuses on the hero's mind. He makes Bazarov unusually smart and internally rich. The description of Pavel Petrovich is completely different from the description of Bazarov. The writer's emphasis for this hero falls on appearance. Pavel Petrovich is a handsome, distinguished man, wearing a white shirt and patent leather ankle boots. He is an elegant and neat man, in his past a famous person about whom there were many rumors. A typical aristocrat who suffers from idleness and spends his time on holidays and important events. Unlike Pavel, Evgeny Bazarov benefits society every day. In Turgenev's novel, the problems of these two heroes are clearly shown. Even though they are not related, their case shows the reader the essence of the problems of different generations.

If you compare the views of Kirsanov and Bazarov on political and labor problems, you can see that they have completely different life positions. Pavel Petrovich does not like the new and stands up for what is already established. At this time, Bazarov introduces new products and destroys what has existed for so long. To the question reproaching Kirsanov, “Why are you destroying everything?”, Bazarov simply answers, “First you need to clear the place.”

Conflict in families is a common thing. Children are trying to teach their parents to live in a new way, but the old people do not understand this and protect their children. Passions also raged in Bazarov's family. He loves his parents and admits it, but at the same time, he does not understand their “stupid life.” Of course, first of all, Bazarov is separated from his parents by his beliefs. He cannot imitate anyone. He has his own views and a different position in life. We can look at another hero of the novel “Fathers and Sons,” Arkady, who imitates his friend, Bazarov, in everything. He does not live his own life, thinking that he is doing better for himself. He lives by the principles and beliefs of his friend, despises the older generation and pretends to be a mentally rich person.

In any case, Evgeny Bazarov’s parents love him and do not pay attention to some of the problems that reign in their family. Even after the death of the main character, Bazarov, the parents pretend that nothing happened and they were a friendly family. They come to his grave every day and love their now deceased son to the last.

The Kirsanov family also has its own problems. But can their problems be considered that serious? The views of Arkady and his father were very similar. They were cooking in the same pot, they had the same positions, but Arkady pretended to be a smart man, imitating his friend. Thus, he spoiled his relationship with his father. There were many disagreements in the Kirsanov family over the fact that Bazarov had a bad influence on Arkady. Later, Evgeny Bazarov passes away and Arkady is torn about what he should do. Now he has no one to imitate, and he did not make his own plans. After some time, he finally finds his purpose and begins to live his life.

Novel "Fathers and Sons" ordinary story about generational relationships classical literature, but how did Turgenev present it? Wonderful, I think. Emotions cover the reader’s entire body and it is impossible to tear yourself away from the work. There weren't many pieces that caught my attention, but this was the best of the best. It seems to me that these problems will not disappear; the problems of fathers and children are eternal. Turgenev for me is a genius of words. He showed me the essence of the majority of society not only in this work. It is a pity that at the time when the novel was written, Turgenev was not understood by everyone. It is a pity that the writer was accused of slander. But for many, he remains a Genius with a capital G to this day!

The problem of “fathers and sons” in I. S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons”

The problem of “fathers and sons” is an eternal problem that arises for people of different generations. Life principles elders were once considered the basis of human existence, but they are becoming a thing of the past, and they are replaced by new life ideals belonging to to the younger generation. The generation of “fathers” tries to preserve everything that it believed in, what it lived with all its life, sometimes not accepting the new beliefs of the young, strives to leave everything in its place, strives for peace. “Children” are more progressive, always on the move, they want to rebuild and change everything, they do not understand the passivity of their elders. The problem of “fathers and sons” arises in almost all forms of organization human life: in the family, in the work team, in society as a whole. The task of establishing a balance in views when “fathers” and “children” collide is complex, and in some cases it cannot be solved at all. Someone is joining open conflict with representatives of the older generation, accusing him of inactivity and idle talk; someone, realizing the need for a peaceful solution to this problem, steps aside, giving both themselves and others the right to freely implement their plans and ideas, without colliding with representatives of another generation.
The clash between “fathers” and “children,” which occurred, is occurring, and will continue to occur, could not help but be reflected in the works of Russian writers. Each of them solves this problem differently in their works.
Among such writers, I would like to highlight I. S. Turgenev, who wrote the magnificent novel “Fathers and Sons.” The writer based his book on the complex conflict that arises between “fathers” and “children,” between new and obsolete views on life. Turgenev personally encountered this problem in the Sovremennik magazine. The new worldviews of Dobrolyubov and Chernyshevsky were alien to the writer. Turgenev had to leave the editorial office of the magazine.
In the novel “Fathers and Sons” the main opponents and antagonists are Evgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. The conflict between them is considered from the point of view of the problem of “fathers and sons”, from the position of their social, political and public disagreements.
It must be said that Bazarov and Kirsanov differ in their own social background, which, of course, affected the formation of the views of these people.
Bazarov's ancestors were serfs. Everything he achieved was the result of hard mental work. Evgeniy became interested in medicine and natural sciences, conducted experiments, collected various beetles and insects.
Pavel Petrovich grew up in an atmosphere of prosperity and prosperity. At eighteen he was assigned to the page corps, and at twenty-eight he received the rank of captain. Having moved to the village to live with his brother, Kirsanov maintained social decency here too. Great importance Pavel Petrovich gave appearance. He was always well shaven and wore heavily starched collars, which Bazarov ironically ridicules: “Nails, nails, at least send me to an exhibition!..” Evgeny does not care at all about his appearance or what people think of him. Bazarov was a great materialist. For him, the only thing that mattered was what he could touch with his hands, put on his tongue. The nihilist denied all spiritual pleasures, not understanding that people get pleasure when they admire the beauties of nature, listen to music, read Pushkin, and admire the paintings of Raphael. Bazarov only said: “Raphael is not worth a penny…”
Pavel Petrovich, of course, did not accept such nihilist views. Kirsanov was fond of poetry and considered it his duty to uphold noble traditions.
Bazarov's disputes with P.P. Kirsanov play a huge role in revealing the main contradictions of the era. In them we see many directions and issues on which representatives of the younger and older generations do not agree.
Bazarov denies principles and authorities, Pavel Petrovich claims that “... only immoral or empty people can live without principles in our time.” Evgeniy exposes government structure and accuses the “aristocrats” of idle talk. Pavel Petrovich recognizes the old social structure, not seeing any flaws in it, fearing its destruction.
One of the main contradictions arises between the antagonists in their attitude towards the people.
Although Bazarov treats the people with contempt for their darkness and ignorance, all representatives of the masses in Kirsanov’s house consider him “their” person, because he is easy to communicate with people, there is no lordly effeminacy in him. And at this time, Pavel Petrovich claims that Yevgeny Bazarov does not know the Russian people: “No, the Russian people are not what you imagine them to be. He sacredly honors traditions, he is patriarchal, he cannot live without faith...” But after these beautiful words When talking to men, she turns away and sniffs cologne.
The disagreements that have arisen between our heroes are serious. Bazarov, whose life is built on negation, cannot understand Pavel Petrovich. The latter cannot understand Evgeniy. The culmination of their personal hostility and differences of opinion was a duel. But main reason The duel is not a contradiction between Kirsanov and Bazarov, but an unfriendly relationship that arose between them at the very beginning of their acquaintance with each other. Therefore, the problem of “fathers and sons” lies in personal bias towards each other, because it can be solved peacefully, without resorting to extreme measures, if the older generation is more tolerant of the younger generation, somewhere, perhaps, agreeing with them, and the generation of “children” will show more respect for their elders.
Turgenev studied eternal problem“fathers and sons” from the perspective of their time, their lives. He himself belonged to the galaxy of “fathers” and, although the author’s sympathies were on the side of Bazarov, he advocated philanthropy and the development of the spiritual principle in people. Having included a description of nature in the narrative, testing Bazarov with love, the author imperceptibly gets involved in a dispute with his hero, disagreeing with him in many respects.
The problem of “fathers and sons” is relevant today. It is acutely relevant to people who belong to different generations. “Children” who openly oppose the generation of “fathers” must remember that only tolerance towards each other and mutual respect will help avoid serious clashes.

Reflections on the social dimension of relationships between generations (based on the novel by I.S. Turgenev “Fathers and Sons”).

Life is structured in such a way that outgoing generations are replaced by new ones - people who are more energetic, with a broad view of the world, with unbiased judgments about the nature of phenomena.

The elders pass on their experience to the younger ones, teach them the rules of life, and their experience is instructive and useful for their sons and grandchildren. “Children” may agree or disagree with “fathers” on a number of issues, but most of all they are separated by social discord and class disunity.

In the novel by I.S. Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" (1861), commoner Evgeny Bazarov confronts the Kirsanov family - hereditary nobles, representatives of the privileged class.

Sixties of the XIX century. for Russia are turning points. The abolition of serfdom, the formation of financial-industrial capital, revolutionary sentiments among the democratic masses - all raised commoners, an inter-class category of the population. These come from the clergy, minor officials, merchants, philistines, and less often from the peasantry. The sphere of application of the forces of these people was predominantly mental. People from “various ranks” became writers, military men, doctors, scientists, and people of art. In the raznochintsy movement, a distinction is made between revolutionary-democratic and bourgeois-democratic directions.

The most vivid features of a commoner from the sixties are shown in the image of Evgeny Bazarov. He, a working man, finds himself in an alien environment of life for noble families, idle and measured. On their estates, far from both capitals, the Russian nobility enjoys the joys of life and the benefits given from birth. Belonging to the first estate in Russia, wealth, education, and the absence of the need to earn their daily bread through hard work make the Kirsanov nobles invulnerable to everyday storms and worries.

So, on the first pages of the novel appears main character, a commoner Bazarov who came from St. Petersburg, a friend of the young Arkady Kirsanov, a future district doctor (now he is “at the medical faculty”). Bazarov also inherits a small estate with twenty-two serfs, where he is a “master” more in name than in essence. More precisely, lordship as a way of life and the idea of ​​oneself as a “master” are not at all characteristic of the poor commoner with his “folk spirit.”

And so he appears before the rich, pampered bar Kirsanovs. Soft-spoken, with liberal views, art lover, an exemplary family man and friendly host, Nikolai Petrovich, Arkady’s father, greets the wayward guest very cordially and treats him more than tolerantly.

And his elder brother, Pavel Petrovich, an aristocrat with “principles”, but without any real business, immediately hated the “hairy one” young man with red hands, not trained in decent manners.

They are set against each other primarily by class enmity and contempt for the feelings of the enemy. Pavel Petrovich's ancestors were nobles in several previous generations, and Bazarov had one “grandfather who plowed the land”, the second was a “sexacon”, the lowest spiritual rank. One is proud of his high birth, the second is proud of the fact that his ancestors are morally pure and respected, because they are working people. But their advantages turn into disadvantages in the eyes of the other side.

“Self-delinquent” Bazarov believes that “Every person must educate himself.” And the fact that Pavel Petrovich, in his early forties, “was not capable of anything” is an unforgivable vice that cannot be justified either by life’s tragedies (for Pavel Petrovich, broken love), or by the harsh times in which the character of the young nobleman was formed (these are the forties - the era of “timelessness”). And for Bazarov, the meaning of life is in the work that is after his heart. With his will, talent, and passionate dedication to his work, he would be a talented doctor or scientist-researcher in the field of medicine. But he has global plans related to the reconstruction of Russia, and the first stage on this path is to “break” what is hindering its development. So he can handle the role and politics, public figure, and a major scientist.

The meaning of Bazarov’s nihilism is not creative, but destructive: the task of “complete and merciless denial” requires this for Russia. It is necessary to “clear a place” in the conservative, outdated Russian world order, and this is an urgent matter of time.

“...And if he is called a nihilist, then it should be read: revolutionary,” this is what I.S. wrote about his hero. Turgenev. For the denial of beauty, a disdainful attitude towards spiritual values: music, nature, poetry, the holiness of faith - Bazarov will pay dearly, life will severely punish the rebel and rebel. He will leave the stage in the prime of his life and creative powers. After all, even people for a materialist physiologist are like trees in a forest: they are all the same, and they suffer only because of the imperfection of society. And an individual person with the world of his feelings means little to the future district doctor.

The critic Pisarev defined the reasons for Bazarov’s conflict with the world, with his contemporary social environment: “Hard labor makes hands coarse, manners become coarser, feelings become coarser; a person grows stronger and drives away youthful daydreaming, gets rid of tearful sensitivity: you can’t dream while working...” In these words there is both condemnation and justification of the protagonist.

And only before his death Bazarov speaks of the uniqueness of those values ​​that were especially close to him in the last fateful hour. This is love for a woman and his dear parents, a failed plan to “screw up a lot of things,” and even beauty poetic word, previously incomprehensible to him: “Blow on the dying lamp and let it go out.”

Conclusion: in social conflict between generations, the “fathers”, the liberal nobles, win. How long? History will show: confrontation in society is inevitable.

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The conflict between fathers and children has lasted from the beginning of time to this day. It is especially acute during periods of change. public life, when the generation of the past acts as a conservative, and the youth stands up for innovation. This situation is typical for Russia in the 60s. 19th century, it was reflected in the novel by I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons". The clash between the old and young generations transcends the framework of family conflict and affects the socio-political structure of the country - the Social Democrats take up the fight against the liberal aristocrats.

Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich

The young nihilist Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov confronts the nobleman aristocrat Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. The generation difference is already expressed in the appearance of the heroes.

Bazarov is a man of enormous willpower, a man of his word, a little detached from people. Turgenev Special attention pays attention to the living mind of the hero. But Kirsanov is described only externally: he wears white underwear, starched collars, and patent leather ankle boots. Being in the past a famous socialite, Pavel Petrovich retained his habits in his brother’s village estate - impeccability and elegance of the image.

Kirsanov does nothing, has no responsibilities or aspirations, lives for his own pleasure. Bazarov is active, everything he does is useful for society, for science, for the people.

The life positions of the heroes are extremely opposite. They argue constantly and argue about everything in the world: about how to further develop Russia, about the real and the irrational, about the usefulness of science and art, about the patriarchy of the people. Bazarov claims that everything old must be destroyed, and Pavel Petrovich is sure that all this must be preserved for future generations. Kirsanov is also outraged by the fact that Bazarov and his followers do not have a specific plan for transforming the world order. They only call for destruction, but are not going to create. In response to the reproach for this, Bazarov says that first you need to “clear the place.”

Bazarov and his parents

In Bazarov's relationship with his parents, a generational conflict is also clearly visible. Bazarov loves his father and mother, but at the same time feels contempt for their stupid, aimless life. Despite their misunderstandings, the parents love Evgeniy. Love does not cease to exist even after the death of the hero. In the end, it turns out that only Bazarov was truly dear to his parents.

Arkady and family

In the Kirsanov family, the confrontation between generations is not so obvious. Arkady Kirsanov is gradually turning into a copy of his father. In life, he values ​​the same thing that he does: home, family life, peace. For him, this is much more important than the fight for global well-being. Arkady just imitated Bazarov, and this caused minor discord in the family. And when Bazarov leaves Arkady’s sight, the conflicts fade away.

The theme of “fathers” and “children” in Russian literature

The relationship between fathers and children is one of the primary and most significant in Russian literature. This problem is reflected in the comedy by A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”, in the drama “The Thunderstorm” by A.N. Ostrovsky, in the works of A.S. Pushkin and many others. etc. The authors, as creative people, stand on the side of the younger generation. However, Turgenev does not take a definite position, and gives the reader the opportunity to choose the right ideology for himself. I think it was important for Turgenev to show that only in peace and harmony will society be able to develop correctly in the future.

The problem of “fathers and sons” is an eternal problem that arises for people of different generations. The life principles of elders were once considered the basis of human existence, but they are becoming a thing of the past, and they are being replaced by new life ideals belonging to the younger generation. The generation of “fathers” tries to preserve everything that they believed in, what they lived with all their lives, sometimes not accepting the new beliefs of the young, strives to leave everything in its place, strives for peace. “Children” are more progressive, constantly on the move, want rebuild, change everything, they do not understand the passivity of their elders. The problem of “fathers and sons” arises in almost all forms of organization of human life: in the family, in the work collective, in society as a whole. The task of establishing a balance in views in the clash of “fathers” and "children" is complex, and in some cases it cannot be solved at all. Someone enters into an open conflict with representatives of the older generation, accusing them of inactivity, idle talk; someone, understanding the need for a peaceful solution to this problem, steps aside, leaving both themselves and others have the right to freely implement their plans and ideas, without colliding with representatives of another generation.

The clash between “fathers” and “children,” which occurred, is occurring, and will continue to occur, could not help but be reflected in the works of Russian writers. Each of them solves this problem differently in their works.
Among such writers, I would like to highlight I. S. Turgenev, who wrote the magnificent novel “Fathers and Sons.” The writer based his book on the complex conflict that arises between “fathers” and “children,” between new and obsolete views on life. Turgenev personally encountered this problem in the Sovremennik magazine. The new worldviews of Dobrolyubov and Chernyshevsky were alien to the writer. Turgenev had to leave the editorial office of the magazine.

In the novel "Fathers and Sons" the main opponents and antagonists are Evgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. The conflict between them is considered from the point of view of the problem of “fathers and sons”, from the position of their social, political and social differences.

It must be reported that Bazarov and Kirsanov differ in their social origins, which, of course, affected the formation of the views of these people.

Bazarov's ancestors were serfs. Everything he achieved was the result of hard mental work. Evgeniy became interested in medicine and natural sciences, conducted experiments, collected various beetles and insects.

Pavel Petrovich grew up in an atmosphere of prosperity and prosperity. At eighteen he was assigned to the page corps, and at twenty-eight he received the rank of captain. Having moved to the village to live with his brother, Kirsanov maintained social decency here too. Pavel Petrovich attached a big role to appearance. He was always well shaven and wore heavily starched collars, which Bazarov ironically ridicules: “Nails, nails, at least send me to an exhibition!..” Evgeniy does not care at all about his appearance or what people think of him. Bazarov was a great materialist. For him, only what he could touch with his hands, put on his tongue, mattered. The nihilist denied all spiritual pleasures, not understanding that people get pleasure when they admire the beauties of nature, listen to music, read Pushkin, and admire the paintings of Raphael. Bazarov only said: “Raphael is not worth a penny...”

Pavel Petrovich, of course, did not accept such nihilist views. Kirsanov was fond of poetry and considered it his duty to uphold noble traditions.

Bazarov's disputes with P.P. Kirsanov play a huge role in revealing the main contradictions of the era. In them we see many directions and issues on which representatives of the younger and older generations do not agree.

Bazarov denies principles and authorities, Pavel Petrovich claims that “... without principles, only immoral or empty people can exist in our time.” Evgeniy exposes the state structure and accuses the “aristocrats” of idle talk. Pavel Petrovich recognizes the old social structure, not seeing any flaws in it, fearing its destruction.

One of the primary contradictions arises between the antagonists in their attitude towards the people.

Although Bazarov treats the people with contempt for their darkness and ignorance, all representatives of the masses in Kirsanov’s house consider him “their” person, because he is easy to communicate with people, there is no lordly effeminacy in him. And at this hour Pavel Petrovich claims that Evgeny Bazarov does not know the Russian people: “No, the Russian people are not what you imagine them to be. They sacredly honor traditions, they are patriarchal, they cannot exist without faith...” But after these beautiful words, when talking with men, she turns away and sniffs the cologne.

The disagreements that have arisen between our heroes are serious. Bazarov, whose life is built on negation, cannot understand Pavel Petrovich. The latter cannot understand Evgeniy. The culmination of their personal hostility and differences of opinion was a duel. But the main reason for the duel is not the contradictions between Kirsanov and Bazarov, but the hostile relationship that arose between them at the very beginning of their acquaintance, comrade with friend. Therefore, the problem of “fathers and sons” is contained in the personal bias of each other, because it can be solved peacefully, without resorting to extreme measures, if the older generation is more tolerant of the younger generation, somewhere, perhaps, agreeing with them, and the generation of “children” will show more respect for their elders.

Turgenev studied the eternal problem of “fathers and sons” from the perspective of his time, his life. He himself belonged to the galaxy of “fathers” and, although the author’s sympathies were on the side of Bazarov, he advocated philanthropy and the development of the spiritual principle in people. Having included a description of nature in the narrative, testing Bazarov with love, the author imperceptibly gets involved in a dispute with his hero, disagreeing with him in many respects.

The problem of “fathers and sons” is relevant today. It is acutely relevant to people who belong to different generations. “Children” who openly oppose the generation of “fathers” must remember that only tolerance and mutual respect will help avoid serious clashes.