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 life, 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, passionate about 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.
