Fathers and Sons (Turgenev)
Short summary
Russia, 1859. Arkady Kirsanov returned home from university with his friend Bazarov.
Bazarov's nihilistic views clashed with those of Arkady's uncle Pavel, a refined aristocrat. The friends visited a wealthy widow, Anna Odintsov, and Bazarov unexpectedly fell in love with her. She rejected him, and he left heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Arkady fell in love with Anna's younger sister Katya. Pavel challenged Bazarov to a duel after catching him kissing a servant girl, and slightly wounded him. Bazarov left to visit his elderly parents, who adored him.
While helping his father treat peasants, Bazarov cut himself during an autopsy of a typhus victim and contracted the disease. On his deathbed, he asked to see Anna one last time. She came, and he told her:
Good-by... Listen... you know I never kissed you then... Breathe on the dying lamp and let it go out.
Anna kissed his forehead, and Bazarov died the next day. His devastated parents buried him in their village. Arkady married Katya, and his father married the servant girl. Pavel moved abroad to live alone. The novel ended with a meditation on Bazarov's grave, where his parents often came to weep.
The flowers growing over his tomb spoke of eternal peace and reconciliation, suggesting that even passionate and rebellious hearts find rest, and that love remains powerful beyond death.
Detailed summary by chapters
Chapter titles are editorial.
Chapter 1. Nikolai Petrovich awaits his son Arkadys return from university
On May 20, 1859, a gentleman of about forty waited at a posting station for his son to arrive from university. The man paced nervously, asking his servant repeatedly whether the carriage was in sight yet.
Chapter 2. Arkady introduces his friend Bazarov to the family
When the carriage finally arrived, a young man emerged and warmly embraced his father. He introduced his traveling companion, a tall man in a rough coat who had also climbed out of the vehicle.
The friend was named Evgeny Vassilich Bazarov, a medical student with a long thin face, greenish eyes, and an air of self-confidence.
Chapter 3. Journey to Maryino and first impressions
During the journey to Maryino, Nikolai Petrovich told his son about changes at home, mentioning a young woman who now lived with him. He seemed embarrassed to discuss this matter, but Arkady reassured him that he understood and had no objections. The landscape they passed through was unremarkable, with fields stretching to the horizon and small villages with dilapidated buildings.
Chapter 4. Meeting the household at Maryino
At Maryino, they were greeted by an elderly man who came out to meet them. This was Nikolai Petrovich's brother, an elegant aristocrat who maintained refined manners despite living in the countryside.
Pavel Petrovich greeted his nephew warmly but regarded Bazarov with barely concealed disdain, not offering him his hand. At supper, the family gathered, and Pavel Petrovich paced the room, occasionally making remarks while Nikolai Petrovich spoke about farm matters.
Chapter 5. Fenichka and the domestic arrangements
The next morning, Arkady learned more about the young woman living in the house. She was the daughter of the former housekeeper and had become Nikolai Petrovich's companion after his wife's death. She had borne him a son named Mitya.
Arkady went to meet her and found her charming and unpretentious. He assured his father that he approved of the arrangement and thought Fenichka deserved respect. Nikolai Petrovich was deeply moved by his son's understanding.
Chapter 6. Bazarovs scientific work and daily life
Bazarov spent most of his time conducting scientific experiments with frogs and insects. He had brought a microscope and various specimens, working with intense concentration. The household gradually grew accustomed to his presence, though Pavel Petrovich continued to regard him with suspicion and dislike.
Chapter 7. Pavel Petrovichs tragic romantic past
Arkady told Bazarov about his uncle's history. Pavel Petrovich had once been a brilliant officer with a promising career, but he fell passionately in love with a mysterious princess. She was beautiful, enigmatic, and tormented by inner conflicts. Their relationship was intense but ultimately destructive. When she left him, Pavel Petrovich abandoned his career and spent years pursuing her across Europe. After her death, he returned to Russia a changed man, settling in the countryside with his brother.
Chapter 8. Growing tensions between Pavel and Bazarov
Philosophical disputes erupted between Pavel Petrovich and Bazarov. The older man defended aristocratic principles and traditional values, while Bazarov dismissed them as outdated. When Pavel Petrovich asked about Bazarov's beliefs, the young man declared himself a nihilist who recognized no authorities and accepted nothing on faith.
We act by virtue of what we recognize as useful... At present the most useful thing is denial, so we deny-- Everything? Everything.
Pavel Petrovich was outraged by this philosophy, arguing that without principles society would collapse. The arguments grew heated, with neither man willing to concede ground.
Chapter 9. Bazarov meets Fenichka in the garden
One morning, Bazarov encountered Fenichka in the lilac arbor. They talked easily, and he examined her baby, demonstrating his medical knowledge. Fenichka felt comfortable with him, sensing his lack of aristocratic pretension. Their conversation was interrupted when Pavel Petrovich appeared, observed them briefly, and walked away with a troubled expression.
Chapter 10. Philosophical disputes and generational conflicts
The ideological battles continued. Bazarov argued that human beings were essentially alike, differing only in minor details, and that moral diseases stemmed from poor education and social disorder. Pavel Petrovich defended the importance of individual character and traditional principles. Nikolai Petrovich tried to mediate but felt increasingly out of touch with both his son's generation and his brother's rigid conservatism. The conflict represented a broader generational divide in Russian society, with the younger generation rejecting the values and assumptions of their elders.
We want to smash people!... you're a mild little liberal gentleman... but we want something else!
Arkady found himself caught between his father's gentle liberalism and Bazarov's radical nihilism, uncertain of his own position.
Chapter 11. Arkady and Bazarov depart for town
Growing restless at Maryino, Bazarov and Arkady decided to visit the provincial town. They attended social gatherings and met various local figures, including progressive intellectuals who claimed to share Bazarov's views.
Chapter 12. Meeting Madame Kukshina and Sitnikov
They encountered a young man who claimed to be Bazarov's disciple. He was nervous and pretentious, eager to demonstrate his progressive credentials.
He introduced them to an emancipated woman who held progressive salons and discussed advanced ideas.
Chapter 13. At Madame Kukshinas salon
At the salon, they discussed women's rights, science, and social reform. The hostess tried to impress Bazarov with her knowledge, but he remained unimpressed by her pretensions. The gathering descended into drinking and frivolity, and Bazarov and Arkady left early, finding the whole affair tedious and false.
Chapter 14. The governors ball and meeting Madame Odintsov
At the governor's ball, Arkady noticed a striking woman in a black dress. She carried herself with dignity and grace, standing apart from the other guests.
Arkady danced with her and found her fascinating. She invited both young men to visit her estate at Nikolskoe.
Chapter 15. Visit to Madame Odintsovs estate
They accepted the invitation and traveled to Nikolskoe, a well-maintained estate. Anna Sergeyevna received them graciously, and they met her younger sister, a shy girl who played the piano.
Chapter 16. Life at Nikolskoe and growing attractions
Life at Nikolskoe followed a strict routine. Anna Sergeyevna valued order and regularity above all else. Bazarov found himself strangely affected by her presence, though he tried to maintain his usual cynical detachment. Arkady spent time with Katya, finding her company pleasant and comforting. The two couples often separated during walks, with Bazarov and Anna Sergeyevna engaging in intellectual conversations while Arkady and Katya developed a quieter friendship. Bazarov began to experience unfamiliar emotions that disturbed his self-possession.
Chapter 17. Deepening relationships at Nikolskoe
Bazarov struggled with his growing attraction to Anna Sergeyevna. He had always scorned romantic love as weakness, but now found himself thinking constantly about her. His scientific work suffered, and he became irritable and restless. Anna Sergeyevna was intrigued by him but maintained her emotional distance, valuing her independence and tranquility. Meanwhile, Arkady realized he was falling in love with Katya, though he initially believed himself devoted to Anna Sergeyevna. The relationships grew more complex as the days passed.
Chapter 18. Bazarovs confession and rejection
Unable to contain his feelings any longer, Bazarov confessed his love to Anna Sergeyevna.
I love you like a fool, like a madman... There, you've got that out of me.
She was startled and frightened by the intensity of his passion. Though she felt some attraction to him, she valued her peaceful existence too much to risk it for love. She gently but firmly rejected him, and Bazarov left Nikolskoe the next day, humiliated and angry.
Chapter 19. Departure from Nikolskoe and Sitnikovs visit
Arkady accompanied Bazarov, leaving Katya behind. They returned to Maryino, where tensions remained high. The pretentious disciple appeared again, causing further irritation. Bazarov grew increasingly restless and decided to visit his parents, whom he had not seen for three years. Arkady went with him, though Bazarov warned him that his parents' home would be dull and provincial.
Chapter 20. Arrival at Bazarovs family home
Bazarov's parents were overjoyed to see their son. His father was a retired army doctor, talkative and enthusiastic.
His mother was emotional and superstitious, devoted to her son but afraid to show too much affection lest she annoy him.
Both parents tried desperately to please their son while giving him space. Bazarov found their devotion touching but suffocating.
Chapter 21. Life with Bazarovs parents and restlessness
After only three days, Bazarov announced he was leaving. His parents were heartbroken but tried to hide their disappointment. Bazarov felt guilty but could not bear to stay longer. He and Arkady returned to Maryino, where the atmosphere remained tense. Bazarov helped his host with medical cases among the peasants, finding some satisfaction in practical work. However, his emotional turmoil continued, and he remained bitter about his rejection by Anna Sergeyevna. The relationship between Bazarov and Arkady began to strain as their paths diverged.
Chapter 22. Return to Maryino and revelations
Back at Maryino, Bazarov encountered Fenichka again in the garden. In a moment of recklessness, he kissed her. Pavel Petrovich witnessed this scene and was outraged. He saw it as an insult to his brother and to proper conduct. The incident brought the simmering conflict between the two men to a crisis point.
Chapter 23. Arkady proposes to Katya
Arkady returned to Nikolskoe and realized his true feelings were for Katya, not her sister. He proposed to her, and she accepted. They were both happy, having found genuine affection. Anna Sergeyevna gave her blessing to the match, pleased for her sister though feeling a pang of loneliness herself.
Chapter 24. The duel between Pavel and Bazarov
Pavel Petrovich challenged Bazarov to a duel. Despite the absurdity of the situation, both men felt compelled to go through with it. They met early one morning with pistols. Pavel Petrovich was wounded in the leg, and Bazarov treated his injury. The duel resolved nothing but made Bazarov's position at Maryino untenable. He decided to leave immediately for his parents' home.
Chapter 25. Bazarovs final visit to Nikolskoe
Before leaving the area, Bazarov stopped at Nikolskoe to say goodbye to Anna Sergeyevna. Their meeting was cordial but distant. Both acknowledged that their relationship had been a mistake. Anna Sergeyevna wished him well, and they parted with mutual respect but no warmth. Bazarov felt the finality of their separation.
Chapter 26. Arkady and Katyas engagement. Bazarovs departure
Arkady and Katya's engagement was formalized. Nikolai Petrovich was delighted, and even Pavel Petrovich, recovering from his wound, gave his blessing. He also encouraged his brother to marry Fenichka, acknowledging that love and happiness mattered more than social conventions. Bazarov left for his parents' home, and Arkady accompanied him part of the way before they separated, their friendship fundamentally changed.
Chapter 27. Bazarovs fatal illness and death
At his parents' home, Bazarov helped his father with medical work. While performing an autopsy on a peasant who had died of typhus, he cut himself. Within days, he developed symptoms of infection. He knew immediately that he was dying.
I'm in a bad way. I've caught the infection and in a few days you'll have to bury me... Death is an old joke, but it comes like new to everyone.
His parents were devastated. Bazarov faced death with characteristic stoicism, though he sent for Anna Sergeyevna. She came to see him one last time. He told her he had loved her and asked for a final kiss. She kissed his forehead, and he died shortly after, his parents grief-stricken beside him.
Russia needed me... no, clearly I wasn't needed... Whatever toy comforts the child... And be kind to my mother... there's a forest here...
Chapter 28. Epilogue: the fates of all characters
Six months later, two weddings took place: Arkady married Katya, and Nikolai Petrovich married Fenichka. Pavel Petrovich left Russia to live abroad. Anna Sergeyevna remarried, choosing a practical match with a promising lawyer. The pretentious disciples continued their empty pursuits. Bazarov's elderly parents visited his grave regularly, weeping over their lost son.
Can it be that love, sacred devoted love, is not all powerful?... the flowers... tell us not only of eternal peace... they tell us also of eternal reconciliation and of life without end.