Fathers and Sons
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In Ivan TurgenevÆs (1996) Fathers and Sons, we are treated to a number of conflicts. Focusing on the homecoming from university of Arkady Kirsanov, the novel explores conflict between older and younger generations, between the aristocracy and peasantry, and between the philosophy of nihilism (radicalism) and romanticism. Arkady brings his friend Yevgeny Bazarov home with him. Bazarov is an exponent of nihilism, a philosophy that is emerging in Russian culture and academia that Arkady originally admires. ArkadyÆs father Nikolai feels displaced and archaic in light of his sonÆs new philosophy and learning, and BazarovÆs views clash with those of Pavel Kirsanov, NikolaiÆs brother. Through setting and characterization, Turgenev strives to show the emerging body of racial thought in Russia of the era, one that favored a scientific, utilitarian, and positivist perspective. The characters of Fathers and Sons are meant to demonstrate the clashing views between romanticism and emerging nihilism. Bazarov argues that even logic is futile as a means of understanding human beings and the world, but he does exhibit a clear preference for scientific ideas in the novel. He believes that views or opinions based on anything but empirical evidence are ônonsenseö or ôromanticismö (Turgenev 1996, 35, 51). Arkady admires his friendÆs philosophy, but they often clash on philosophical views. Though he is initially enamored of BazarovÆs ideas, Arkady is m
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itical of the overall system that is responsible for the disparities between rich and poor, disparities that he feels those in power purposefully construct. As he says when Arkady is worried about his upcoming duel with Pavel, ôYes, my friend, you see what comes of living with feudal people. You become feudal yourselfö (Turgenev 1996, 139-140). While Arkady views the condition of the peasantry as that of helpless victims of the aristocracy, Bazarov believes that such conditions are the product of individual choices. Pavel is an aristocrat who vehemently disagrees with BazarovÆs views. He claims he is more Russian than Bazarov, who he claims does not even know how to speak with the peasantry. When Pavel tells Bazarov he talks to peasants while despising them, Bazarov replies, ôWhy not, if they are worthy of contempt!ö (Turgenev 1996, 40).
The setting is also very significant to the themes of the story. The main theme is the disparity between generations, social classes, and ideologies. The contrast between the lifestyle of the aristocracy and the peasantry is readily observed in the differences in living conditions, opportunities, and education. Whereas Arkady believes that nature and the natural world provide meaning to e
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1247
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)
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