Fathers And Sons

5 Pages 1130 Words

Jeff Daley – Western Civilization II – Fathers and Sons Analysis

Ivan Turgenev’s “Fathers and Sons” is a novel that I think gives a good representation of Russia in the mid-nineteenth century. This is not, though, just limited to Russia and to its time period. Many of the themes and elements in this book can easily be related to those of modern times.
Through the characters Paul and Bazarov, Turgenev gives the reader 2 main perspectives that were evident in such a time period. Paul represents the aristocrat, who hates modern thinking. Bazarov, on the other hand, is a Nihilist, who doesn’t believe in the principles that were laid down before him. As one is to expect, such varied views were going to cause some sort of tension in the house between the opposites.
Throughout the novel, Paul and Bazarov go at it, usually with Paul starting it, Bazarov remaining calm, and Paul finally getting steamed. In chapter 6, Paul and Bazarov have their first “discussion”, if you will. Paul wants to know where Bazarov stands on the topic of Germans. I feel as though Paul wanted an argument from the start, as he knew that Bazarov was going to take an opposing standpoint to his own. In other chapters, their tension continues to build, and eventually they settle it with a duel.
The way that I see it, both of the men were acting immaturely. Bazarov comes off way too pompous in his views. He’s extremely cocky and he has no fear in expressing it. At the same time, though, Paul is almost the same way. He purposely questions Bazarov on politics and what not, trying, basically, to get a rise out of him. Like I said before, their arguments end in Paul getting furious, almost to the point of fighting, while Bazarov remains calm and cool.
One of the main reasons of this clash is generational conflict. It is evident in every new generation; the younger ideals don’t appeal to the older generation, as they still believe ...