"Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev was a poignant first read through for me. I had never read anything by Turgenev before so I had no idea what to expect - not even really what genre it would be written in much less its tone. I read a gorgeous Easton Press version of the book, with ink drawings throughout which noticeably favor darkness over light in their presentation. It's well illustrated, though, and was an enjoyable read.
The story centers around a couple of main characters really - Arkady Kirsonav, an idealistic student who is going through the mental and moral transitions that can occur at that young age (early twenties), and Yevgeny Bazarov, a slightly older but still quite young nihilist. The characters are introduced as they both visit Arkaday's father, Nicolai Petrovitch. There's an slightly awkward relationship between Arkady and his friend Bazarov. Arkady looks up to him but also still feels pulled away occasionally from some of Bazarov's more abrasive views, such has having no feeling for nature or for art or for music.
Shortly after meeting Arkady's father, Bazarov poses the question if Arkady had noticed how shy and nervous his father is. Arkady shook his head "...as though he himself were not shy and nervous." Somewhat later in the book Bazarov remarks that Arkady's father's day is done and Arkady is unwilling, or perhaps unable, to even respond to that.
More broadly, Bazarov's views are outlined later, shortly after being summarized as 'nihilism,' in his discussion with Arkady's uncle, Pavel Petrovitch, who is strongly opposed to the mindset and who represents a generational schism that had been occurring in Russia at the time between the traditionalists and the younger generation. A schism that recurs and persists generation after generation through today.
Pavel characterized nihilism as a philosophy in which someone respects nothing. Bazarov counters that it is actually not bowing down before any authority or accepting principles on faith. Nikolai later reflects that on how great the distance is between he and his son and his belief that every day it would only grow wider and wider.
Bazarov's discussions with other characters provide insight into nihilism as a belief system and how it can influence one's life. He makes an astute observation less than halfway through the book that there is no reason to examine individual people any more than there is reason for a botanist to examine individual birch trees. The nihilist mindset of his does guide him imperfectly through the book, though, as he does fall in love with Anna Odintsova, an older, wealthy widower that Arkady and Bazarov visit several times throughout the book. He even passionately confesses his feelings to her in response to some perceived probing but it was not received well. The author even notes that the passion he shows is akin to hatred.
Arkady and Bazarov, the two friends, then visit Bazarov's parents and, once again, the differences between Bazarov and his father and mother are notable. There was a generational divide in this household as well, but they manage to interact relatively amicably. Bazarov often retreats into himself, being aloof and quiet, but he did still visit.
Bazarov does acknowledge later that feelings are often the driver of thoughts and actions. One likes an apple due to the sensations it provides when eating it - not because it is an apple. Bazarov later pushes some boundaries in Nikolai's household again to the point that Pavel challenges him to a duel. Bazarov accepts and is tormented about whether to notify his father or not, even writing and then tearing up a letter to him.
The duel ends without casualty, injuring Pavel but not Bazarov. This adds further strain to an already increasingly strained relationship between Arkady and Bazarov. Arkady also falls in love and prepares to settle down, which is disappointing to Bazarov as it isn't a nihilistic thing to do and likely incites some jealousy in him too.
I was somewhat surprised that, despite his seemingly elite self-perception, Bazarov, who is a young doctor, begins administering aid to the impoverished. He hadn't acted charitably much throughout the book but does so near the end. In one such procedure, he cuts himself accidentally while working with a patient with Typhus. Knowing he is certainly going to get it, he tells his father before he goes ill. His father beseeches him to accept Jesus prior to his death, but Bazarov defers noting that unction can be performed on an unconscious body as well, if his father chooses to arrange it. A mild concession but yet another symptom of the schism between the two generations, which the book explores throughout.
"Fathers and Sons" resonated with me strongly as I have experienced the generational gap myself and, as both a son and a father, will be experiencing it on both sides. I think it is a natural symptom of the slow but inevitable evolution of society over time, but it does sadden me occasionally. I love my parents. And my children. Creating and maintaining closeness is a challenge, but a worthy one to undertake and to persist in undertaking.
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