Bazarov's views. What is nihilism? Views of Bazarov The protagonist Evgeny Bazarov was a nihilist

The novel "Fathers and Sons" has a complex structure and a multi-level conflict. Outwardly, it 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 pernicious influence of certain philosophical currents on modern youth, in particular nihilism.

What is nihilism?

Nihilism is an ideological and philosophical trend, according to which there are no and cannot be authorities, none of the postulates should be taken on faith. (as he himself notes) is a merciless denial of everything. German materialism served as the philosophical basis for the formation of the nihilistic doctrine. It is no coincidence that Arkady and Bazarov offer Nikolai Petrovich instead of Pushkin to read Buechner, in particular his work Matter and Force. Bazarov's position was formed not only under the influence of books, teachers, but also from live 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 would present him "at least one decision in our modern life, in family or public, which would not cause complete and merciless denial."

Basic nihilistic ideas of the hero

Bazarov's nihilism is manifested in his attitude to various spheres of life. In the first part of the novel, two ideas collide, two representatives of the older and younger generations - Evgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. They immediately feel dislike for each other, and then sort things out in polemics.

Art

Bazarov speaks most sharply about art. He considers it a useless sphere that does not give a person anything but 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 another, learn about the world.

Nature

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

The science

What does Bazarov appreciate? 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, human development. Of course, Pavel Petrovich, as an aristocrat and a representative of the older generation, also appreciates and respects science. However, for Bazarov, the ideal is the German materialists. For them, there is no love, affection, feelings, for them a person is just an organic system in which certain physical and chemical processes take place. The protagonist of the novel "Fathers and Sons" tends to the same paradoxical thoughts.

Bazarov's nihilism is called into question, he is tested by the author of the novel. Hence, an internal conflict arises, which no longer takes place in the Kirsanovs' house, where Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich argue every day, but in the soul of Yevgeny 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, first you need to "clear the place." What does this mean? Of course, the expression of the hero can be interpreted as a call for revolution. The development of the country must begin with cardinal changes, with the destruction of everything old. Bazarov, at the same time, 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 characters - representatives of the older and younger generations - are very similar in some ways. Eugene's views are very frightening (this is confirmed by Bazarov's quotes about nihilism). After all, on what is any state built in the first place? On traditions, culture, patriotism. But if there are no authorities, if you do not appreciate art, the beauty of nature, if you do not believe in God, then what is left for people? Turgenev was very afraid that such ideas could come true, that Russia would then have a very hard time.

internal conflict in the novel. love test

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 directly tell us this. So, in the city, Evgeny and Arkady meet Sitnikov and Kukshina. They are progressive people who are interested in everything new. Sitnikov is an adherent of nihilism, he expresses his admiration for Bazarov. At the same time, he himself behaves like a jester, he shouts out nihilistic slogans, it all looks ridiculous. Bazarov treats him with obvious contempt. Kukshina is an emancipated woman, simply slovenly, stupid and rude. That's about all there is to say about the characters. If they are representatives of the nihilism on which Bazarov has such high hopes, then what is the future of the country? From that moment on, doubts appear in the soul of the hero, which intensify when he meets Odintsova. The strength and weakness of Bazarov's nihilism manifest themselves precisely in the chapters that speak of the hero's love feelings. He strongly opposes his love, because it's 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 categorical nature betrays the weakness and dubiousness of his convictions.

Turgenev's attitude towards his hero

Not without reason around the novel "Fathers and Sons" a stormy controversy unfolded. First, 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 slanders the younger generation, seeing only the bad in them. But this opinion is wrong. If you look at the figure of Bazarov more closely, then you can see in him a strong, purposeful and noble nature. Bazarov's nihilism is only an outward manifestation of his mind. Turgenev, rather, feels disappointed that such a talented person has become obsessed with such an unjustified and limited teaching. Bazarov cannot but arouse admiration. He is bold and bold, he is smart. But other than that, he's also kind. It is no coincidence that all peasant children are drawn to him.

As for the author's assessment, it is most fully manifested in the finale of the novel. Bazarov's grave, to which his parents come, is literally immersed in flowers and greenery, 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 to 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.

Send your good work in the knowledge base is simple. Use the form below

Students, graduate students, young scientists who use the knowledge base in their studies and work will be very grateful to you.

Posted on http://www.allbest.ru/

Posted on http://www.allbest.ru/

Nihilism Bazarov

Drawing the figure of Bazarov, I excluded everything artistic from the circle of sympathies. I gave him sharpness and unceremonious actions.

I.S. Turgenev.

Roman I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons" showed the struggle of two socio-political camps that had developed in Russia by the 60s of the 19th century. The author reflected in his work a typical conflict of the era and raised a number of topical issues, in particular the question of the role of the "new man", a figure in the period of the revolutionary situation in the country.

The spokesman for the ideas of revolutionary democracy was Bazarov, a hero who is opposed in the novel to the liberal nobility.

The subjective prerequisites for the nihilism of the protagonist are his independent character, self-confidence, intelligence, skepticism, independence:

"Each person must educate himself - well, at least like me, for example." Bazarov is a raznochinets, the son of a regimental doctor. He is proud that his "grandfather plowed the land" and treats aristocrats with contempt. The spirit of denial is manifested in everything: in appearance, demeanor, features of speech, statements of extreme views.

Bazarov looks and behaves defiantly: “a long robe with tassels”, deliberate negligence, a self-confident calm smile, “a lazy but courageous voice”, a speech replete with common folk expressions. With all his appearance, Bazarov shows that there are no authorities for him. Evgeny directly declares this to the Kirsanovs.

In disputes with Pavel Petrovich, he especially sharply expresses his nihilist views - in defiance of the hated "aristocrat". He denies the "principles" on which the older generation stands. Whatever the discussion is about, everything is subjected to sharp criticism and rejection of Bazarov: art, beauty, social structure, love, family. To Kirsanov's frightened question, does Evgeny absolutely deny everything, he calmly answers: "Yes." nihilism conflict romance denial

Indeed, the arguments that Bazarov cites in disputes with Pavel Petrovich are very convincing. Everything that Kirsanov touches deserves denial. Public relations are rotten, aristocratic "principles" are hopelessly outdated, the Russian community has degenerated, patriarchy has turned into backwardness and ignorance, religion has become superstition. The critical aspects of Bazarov's nihilism are indeed strong, revolutionary. He perceives denial as an action, not as empty words. But Yevgeny's criticism is destructive, he does not have a positive program:

"We need to clear the place first." This is the weakness of nihilism. However, he looks at things only from the point of view of "benefit". Aristocrats "sit with their hands folded", live at the expense of others - Bazarov is right about this. Nevertheless, the statement: “A decent chemist is twenty times more useful than any poet” is highly debatable, because culture develops first, and then science. They complement each other. If you look from the point of view of "usefulness", then Eugene is right, but this view is one-sided.

Life itself refutes Bazarov. Turgenev shows this, firstly, with the help of landscape. At the end of the novel, the author demonstrates the reconciliation of the hero's soul with the environment, harmony with it. Secondly, Turgenev tests Yevgeny with love. Bazarov's relationship with Odintsova begins with the fact that he evaluates her "rich body": "Now to the anatomical theater." But these relationships end with the fact that Bazarov is forced to admit to himself that he loves Anna Sergeevna. What he denied became reality for him. Before his death, the hero utters a phrase worthy of poetry, which he had previously refuted: "Blow on the dying lamp, and let it go out."

Bazarov is driving himself into a corner. He believed: “One human specimen is enough to judge all the others,” but Eugene is also a person, but the hero opposes himself to those around him. He rejects all rules, but negation is also a "principle."

So, the strengths of Bazarov's nihilism are in their revolutionary nature, but denial, brought to the point of absurdity, leads to a weakening of the hero's position. This inconsistency is removed by life itself, which puts everything in its place. And yet the nihilist Bazarov is a hero for all time. His strength is not so much in absolute denial, but in the fact that he is a man of strong convictions, strong and independent, able to admit his errors. And not everyone is capable of this!

Hosted on Allbest.ru

...

Similar Documents

The study of the storyline concerning the protagonist of the novel I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons" - E.V. Bazarov, who dies at the end of the work. Analysis of Eugene's life position, which consists in the fact that he denies everything: outlook on life, a feeling of love.

abstract, added 12/07/2010


The idea and the beginning of the work of I.S. Turgenev on the novel "Fathers and Sons". The personality of a young provincial doctor as the basis of the main figure of the novel - Bazarov. The end of work on the work in the beloved Spassky. The novel "Fathers and Sons" is dedicated to V. Belinsky.

presentation, added 12/20/2010


Evgeny Bazarov: origin, worldview, extremes in views; he is a rebel who tramples on human values. The tragedy of Bazarov is the tragedy of a whole generation who dreamed of "breaking a lot of things", but gave rise to nihilism, unbelief, vulgar materialism.

essay, added 12/03/2010


Confrontation of generations and opinions in Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons", images of the work and their real prototypes. A portrait description of the main characters of the novel: Bazarov, Pavel Petrovich, Arkady, Sitnikov, Fenechka, a reflection of the author's attitude in it.

abstract, added 05/26/2009


Consideration of "nihilism" in journalism 1850-1890. in social and political aspects. Blocks of questions, during the discussion of which the nihilistic tendencies of the 60s were most clearly manifested. Statements of M.N. Katkov about Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons".

presentation, added 03/18/2014


Analysis of the historical fact of the emergence of a new public figure - a revolutionary democrat, his comparison with the literary hero Turgenev. Bazarov's place in the democratic movement and private life. Compositional-plot structure of the novel "Fathers and Sons".

abstract, added 07/01/2010


The worldview and ideals of the main character of the novel - Evgeny Bazarov. Image techniques I.S. Turgenev emotional experiences of his characters and the emergence and development of various feelings in them. The author's method of describing the essence of the characters' psychological states.

presentation, added 04/02/2015


The relationship between the characters in the novel by I.S. Turgenev "Fathers and Sons". Love lines in the novel. Love and passion in the relationship of the main characters - Bazarov and Odintsova. Female and male images in the novel. Conditions for harmonious relations between the characters of both sexes.

presentation, added 01/15/2010


The concept of image in literature, philosophy, aesthetics. The specificity of the literary image, its characteristic features and structure on the example of the image of Bazarov from Turgenev's work "Fathers and Sons", its opposition and comparison to other heroes of this novel.

control work, added 06/14/2010


Displaying the image of Bazarov in the novel with the help of articles by critics D.I. Pisareva, M.A. Antonovich and N.N. Strakhov. The polemical nature of the lively discussion of the novel by I.S. Turgenev in society. Disputes about the type of a new revolutionary figure in Russian history.

Ivan Turgenev belongs to the category of writers who have 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 a heated controversy in society immediately after its publication. Turgenev foresaw such a reaction from the reading public and even desired it, specifically dedicating a separate edition to Belinsky (thus challenging the liberal intelligentsia): “I don’t know what success will be, Sovremennik will probably pour contempt on me for Bazarov - and will not believe that all the time I was writing, I felt an involuntary attraction to him, ”the author wrote in his diary on July 30, 1861. It was the main character and his views that caused fierce debate among Turgenev's contemporaries.

The main idea of ​​many of Turgenev's novels is the expression of the peculiarities of the time through typical characters. The focus is on the socio-historical type, which represents the dynamic beginning of the era. The hero comes to 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, bring new trends and change the existing way of life. Bazarov is a raznochinets (from the family of an ordinary rural doctor), who rises up the social ladder due to his intellectual abilities and personal achievements, and not to title, origin or wealth. Thus, the conflict in the novel can be described as "a raznochinets in a noble nest", that is, the opposition of a working man to an idle noble society. Such a hero is always lonely, his path is gloomy and thorny, and the outcome is certainly tragic. He alone cannot turn the world upside down, so his good intentions are always doomed, he seems to be helpless, inactive, even pathetic. But his mission is to pull the next generation out of the pool of indifference of grandfathers, from their moral and mental stagnation, and not to change their generation overnight. This is a 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 in a row? Who is a nihilist? Nihilism is a worldview position that calls into question generally accepted values, ideals, norms of morality and culture. 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 "copper pipes" - a mutual feeling for Odintsova. So he tests the hero (this is his favorite trick) and evaluates the whole generation. Despite his total denial, Bazarov is able to experience a strong passion for a woman, he is real, his impulses and thoughts are natural. Unlike secondary characters who fake and hide behind nihilism in order to impress, Bazarov is sincere both in hatred of the old order and in love for Odintsova. He contradicts himself, falling in love, but discovers new facets of existence, cognizes its fullness. He passed the test. Even Turgenev (a nobleman, an official, a representative of a more conservative camp than Belinsky, for example) was imbued with sympathy for his hero.

So the author wrote about Bazarov: "... if he is called a nihilist, then it must be read: a revolutionary." That is, in the understanding of Turgenev, 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 consecrated 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, cleanse it of prejudices. Indeed 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 insistently denies everything is only a desperate protest of a man who is "a warrior alone in the field." Excessive radicalism is like the loud cry of one crying out in the wilderness. Only in this way will he be heard, only in this way will the next generation understand him. He will have to embody everything that Bazarov does not have time to do. As befits a mission, he will die young, leaving a kind of "apostles" to plant new ideas and lead people to the future.

Lesson Objectives: get acquainted with the interpretation of the concept of "nihilism"; compare the concept of "nihilism" and the views of Bazarov.

During the classes

I. Checking homework

1. Students read out all the options for the definitions of the concept of "nihilism". If necessary, the teacher completes the answers:

Nihilism- This...

- (from Lat, nihil - "nothing") the denial of generally accepted values: ideals, moral norms, culture, forms of social life. (Big Encyclopedic Dictionary)

- “an ugly and immoral doctrine that rejects everything that cannot be felt (Explanatory Dictionary of V. Dahl)

- “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. Previously, the term was 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 Vestnik Evropy ... Nadezhdin ... equated nihilism with skepticism. ( M. Katkov)

2. Checking the filling of the table. Four students at the blackboard fill in the table (one item of the table each). Students check their charts against the chart on the board. Supplement answering or their records.

3. Conclusion and answer to the question:

(Bazarov's beliefs fit the definition of nihilistic. The 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 on the text of the novel

In order to better understand the essence of the way of thinking of Bazarov's nihilist, let's turn to the 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?

(The brothers Kirsanov and Arkady take part in the first scene taking place over morning tea. It was here that the word “nihilist” was first heard, seriously alarming the older generation, denoting a critical attitude towards all existing “authorities” and “principles” (“nihilist - he is a man who does not bow to any authority, who does not take a single principle on faith, no matter how respected this principle may be surrounded.")

What was the purpose of this word and what was the reaction to it?

(Arkady, an involuntary troublemaker, is no longer interested 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 realization 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 refuse the past, in his opinion, are doomed to "exist in a void, in an airless space. " Pavel Petrovich concludes his conversation with the young reformer with such a dramatic conclusion. )

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 the non-recognition of authorities, Bazarov corrects Arkady’s recent statement about a nihilist, softens it, allowing himself to recognize what he considers a “deed.” But even in this situation, he remains true to his convictions. If Bazarov is inclined to accept something, then 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 is 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 one could do without the "logic of history", otherwise, without knowledge of the objective laws of social development without being included in the general process of historical time, in order to find one's place in the progressive movement of history.

However, the general denial of Turgenev's hero was not spontaneous and, all the more, aimless. It had a specific historical justification, due to the opposition of the "new" people to the noble aristocracy. Associating the hardships of Russian life with him alone (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 in common 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 denial, 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 leaning crosses and ruined cemeteries”; “like beggars in rags ... roadside willows with peeled bark and broken branches; emaciated, rough, as if gnawed , cows ";" peasants ... all shabby, on bad nags "... in churches, nature, people, animals, cemeteries ... Some kind of all-encompassing" shabby "! And everything around is unusually reduced, insignificant, sick. Moreover “insignificance” and “disease” are 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 shredded rural world the only thing that impresses with its size is the "yawning gates" of the threshing sheds "near the empty humens".)

What is the role of the third scene?

(In the third scene of the “fight” - the heroes, the conflict-forming parties were especially sharply identified, represented by two diametrically opposed public consciousnesses - democratic and liberal: the “doctor” against the “aristocrat” and vice versa. Bazarov is deeply annoyed by Pavel Petrovich’s reasoning about the historical role of the English aristocracy, about dignity, duty, respect for the individual.)

III. teacher's word

Bazarov is a smart and deep person. His nihilistic consciousness largely stems from his inherent all-encompassing knowledge of Russian life, in which there is everything: “vulgarity”, “doctrinalism”, “lack of honest people”, endless talk about parliamentarism ... but where there is no main thing - “deeds”. Denying all really existing forms of social structure, economic life, culture, life, Bazarov can offer nothing in return, except for a frantic desire to destroy, according to his firm conviction, the old, obsolete. In this sense, the position of the hero is deeply dramatic, since there is no support in the past and a vision of the future.

IV. Analytical conversation

As we have already discussed in previous lessons, Bazarov was greatly influenced by A. S. Odintsova, love for her.

How did this influence affect the nihilist Bazarov?

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

Can you give examples of the manifestation of the "updated" Bazarov?

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

What is the spiritual crisis of Bazarov?

(Acutely aware of the personal “I”, Bazarov painfully experiences the finiteness of his existence against the backdrop of the eternal existence of nature. Formerly so familiar and useful (“Nature is not a temple, but a workshop, and a person is a worker in it”), she begins to cause Bazarov dull irritation and bitter thoughts about their 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 I don’t care ...”), about their temporality and randomness in the general flow of time, where, according to the hero, “I was not and will not be.” He cannot reconcile himself to 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 kind of Philip or Sidor who will come after you, who have gone forever, all the more so to devote your “instant” life to them.)

How do you think these conclusions of the hero are connected with the feelings of the author himself?

(The inescapable longing of Bazarov from the realization of the brevity of human existence is directly related to the worldview of Turgenev himself, the "tragic setting of the spirit" of the writer.)

What way out does Turgenev offer for man?

(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 an “impersonal life”: the author of Fathers and Sons had a different attitude.

According to the writer, in order to survive 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 be a person, retain in himself "a huge tension of the personal beginning", be like a bird flying uncontrollably forward. But not the one with which Arkady Bazarov compares, striving for a "nest", for an ordinary human existence, peace, comfort.)

V. Summary of the lesson

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

The path to Bazarov's goal - "a bitter, tart, bean life" - is a conscious, personal choice of the hero, leading him out of the ranks of ordinary people, making him the chosen one. So to recognize the finiteness 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 that is internally free. But why does the life of the most interesting and controversial hero of Turgenev end so unhappily, mediocrely? We will 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 protagonist?

The idea of ​​Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" came to the author in 1860, when he was vacationing in the summer on the Isle of Wight. The writer compiled a list of actors, among whom was the nihilist Bazarov. This article is devoted to the characteristics of this character. You will find out whether Bazarov is really a nihilist, what influenced the formation of his character and worldview, and what are the positive and negative features of this hero.

Initial author's description of Bazarov

How did Turgenev portray his hero? The author initially presented this character as a nihilist, self-confident, not without cynicism and abilities. He lives small, despises the people, although he knows how to talk with them. Eugene does not recognize the "artistic element". The nihilist Bazarov knows a lot, is energetic, and in his essence is "a barren subject." Eugene is proud and independent. Thus, at first this character was conceived as an angular and sharp figure, devoid of spiritual depth and "artistic element". Already in the process of working on the novel, Ivan Sergeevich became interested in the hero, learned to understand him, and was imbued with sympathy for Bazarov. To some extent, he even began to justify the negative traits of his character.

Yevgeny Bazarov as a representative of the generation of the 1860s

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 heterodox democratic intelligentsia. This is an independent person who does not want to bow to authorities. The nihilist Bazarov is accustomed to subjecting everything to the judgment of reason. The hero provides a clear theoretical basis for his negation. He explains the social diseases and imperfections of people by the nature of society. Eugene says that moral ailments come from a bad upbringing. All sorts of trifles with which people's heads are stuffed from an early age play an important role in this. It was precisely this position that the domestic democrats-enlighteners of the 1860s adhered to.

The revolutionary outlook of Bazarov

Nevertheless, in the work, criticizing and explaining the world, he tries to radically change it. Partial improvements in life, its minor corrections cannot satisfy him. The hero says that it is not worth the trouble to "just talk" about the shortcomings of society. He resolutely demands a change in the very foundations, the complete destruction of the existing system. Turgenev saw a manifestation of revolutionism. He wrote that if Eugene is considered a nihilist, then this means that he is also a revolutionary. At that time in Russia the spirit of rejection of the entire old, obsolete feudal world was closely connected with the spirit of the people. Evgeny Bazarov's nihilism eventually became destructive and all-encompassing. It is no coincidence that this hero, in a conversation with Pavel Petrovich, says that he blames his convictions in vain. After all, Bazarov's nihilism is associated with the people's spirit, and Kirsanov stands up just in his name.

Bazarov's denial

Turgenev, embodying the progressive features of youth in the image of Yevgeny Bazarov, as Herzen noted, showed some injustice in relation to an experienced realistic view. Herzen believes that Ivan Sergeevich mixed it with "boastful" and "rude" materialism. Yevgeny Bazarov says that he adheres to a negative direction in everything. He is "pleased to deny". The author, emphasizing Yevgeny's skeptical attitude towards poetry and art, shows a characteristic feature characteristic of a number of representatives of progressive democratic youth.

Ivan Sergeyevich truthfully portrays the fact that Yevgeny Bazarov, hating everything noble, extended his hatred to all poets who came from this environment. This attitude automatically extended to other artists as well. This feature was also characteristic of many young people of that time. I.I. Mechnikov, for example, said that the opinion spread among the younger generation that only positive knowledge can lead to progress, while art and other manifestations of spiritual life can only hinder it. That is why Bazarov is a nihilist. He believes only in science - physiology, physics, chemistry - and does not accept everything else.

Evgeny Bazarov - a 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. Ideas of destruction and negation of the old order were brought to the fore. The old principles and authorities were losing their influence. Bazarov says that now it is most useful to deny, which is why the nihilists deny. The author saw Evgeny 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 verified by practice and experience. First of all, this refers to work, which Bazarov considers the vocation of every person. The nihilist in Fathers and Sons is convinced that chemistry is a useful science. He believes that the basis of the worldview of each person should be a materialistic understanding of the world.

Eugene's attitude towards pseudo-democrats

Ivan Sergeevich does not show this hero as the leader of the provincial nihilists, such as, for example, Evdokia Kukshina and the farmer Sitnikov. For Kukshina, even Yevgeny Bazarov is a backward woman who understands the emptiness and insignificance of such pseudo-democrats. Their environment is alien to him. Nevertheless, Eugene is also skeptical about popular forces. But it was precisely on them that the revolutionary democrats of his day 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 in Bazarov not only positive aspects, but also negative ones. He also showed what, under certain circumstances, could develop to the extreme and lead to dissatisfaction with life and loneliness.

Nevertheless, as K.A. Timiryazev, an outstanding Russian scientist-democrat, in the image of Bazarov, the author embodied only the traits of a type that were outlined at that time, which, despite all the "secondary shortcomings", showed concentrated energy. It was thanks to her that the Russian naturalist managed in a short time to take an honorable place both at home and abroad.

Now you know why Bazarov is called a nihilist. Turgenev in the image of this character used the technique of the so-called secret psychology. Ivan Sergeevich presented the nature of Yevgeny, the spiritual evolution of his hero through the life trials that fell to his lot.