Bazarov's quotations about nihilism. Nihilism Bazarova ("Fathers and Sons")

The novel "Fathers and Sons" has a complex structure andmultilevel conflict. Purely it is a contradiction between two generations of people. But this eternal conflict of fathers and children is complicated by ideological and philosophical disagreements. Turgenev's task was to show the pernicious influence of certain philosophical currents on contemporary youth, in particular nihilism.

What is nihilism?

Nihilism is an ideological and philosophical trend,according to which, there is no and there can be no authority, not one of the postulates should be taken for granted. Bazarov's nihilism (as he himself points out) is a merciless denial of everything. The philosophical basis for the formation of the nihilistic doctrine was German materialism. It is no coincidence that Arkady and Bazarov suggest Nikolai Petrovich to read Buchner instead of Pushkin, in particular his work "Matter and Power." Bazarov's position was formed not only under the influence of books, teachers, but also from living observation of life. Bazarov's quotations about nihilism confirm this. In a dispute with Pavel Petrovich, he said that he would gladly agree if Pavel Petrovich would show him "at least one resolution in our modern life, whether family or social, that would not cause complete and ruthless denial."

The main nihilistic ideas of the hero

Bazarov's nihilism manifests itself in his attitude towardsdifferent spheres of life. In the first part of the novel there is a clash of two ideas, two representatives of the older and younger generations - Yevgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. They immediately feel dislike for each other, and then find out the relationship in polemics.

Art

Most sharply, Bazarov responds to theart. He considers it to be a useless sphere, which gives nothing to a person, except silly romanticism. Art, in the opinion of Pavel Petrovich, is a spiritual sphere. It is thanks to him that a person develops, learns to love and think, to understand another, to learn the world.

Nature

A bit of blasphemy is Bazarov's opinion aboutnature: "Nature is not a temple, but a workshop." And the person in it is an employee. " The hero does not see its beauty, does not feel harmony with it. In contrast to this recall, Nikolai Petrovich strolls through the garden, admiring the beauty of spring. He can not 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 can not have a very negative attitude to everything. The only thing the hero sees in value and benefit 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 values ​​and respects science. However, for Bazarov, the ideal is 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. To the same paradoxical thoughts the main character of the novel "Fathers and Sons" also declines.

Bazarov's nihilism comes under doubt, heis tested by the author of the novel. From here arises an internal conflict, which is no longer in the house of the Kirsanovs, where every day Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich argue, but in the soul of Evgeny himself.

The future of Russia and nihilism

Bazarov as a representative of the advanced directionRussia is interested in its future. So, in the opinion of the hero, in order to build a new society, for starters, it is necessary to "cleanse 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 fundamental changes, with the destruction of everything old. Bazarov thus reproaches the generation of liberal aristocrats in their inaction. Bazarov speaks of nihilism as the most effective direction. But it is worth saying that the nihilists themselves have not done anything yet. Bazarov's actions are manifested only in words. Thus, Turgenev emphasizes that the heroes - representatives of the older and younger generations - in something very similar. Eugene's views are very frightening (this is confirmed by Bazarov's quotations about nihilism). After all, on what is first of all built any state? On traditions, culture, patriotism. But if there are no authorities, if you do not appreciate art, the beauty of nature, do not believe in God, then what is left for people? Turgenev was very much afraid that such ideas could come true, that Russia would then have to be very difficult.

Internal conflict in the novel. Love Test

In the novel, there are two key characters thatallegedly play an episodic role. In fact, they reflect the attitude of Turgenev to nihilism, they debunk this phenomenon. Bazarov's nihilism begins to be interpreted by him a little differently, although the author does not directly tell us this. So, in the city Eugene and Arkady meet Sitnikova and Kukshin. They are advanced people who are interested in everything new. Sitnikov is an adherent of nihilism, he expresses his admiration for Bazarov. At the same time he behaves like a jester, he cries out nihilistic slogans, it all looks ridiculous. Bazarov treats him with obvious contempt. Kukshina is an emancipated woman, she is simply slovenly, stupid and rude. This is all that can be said about the heroes. If they are representatives of nihilism, to which Bazarov has such high hopes, then what is the future of the country? From this moment in the soul of the hero there are doubts, which are amplified when he meets Odintsov. The strength and weakness of Bazarov's nihilism manifests itself in the chapters, which speak of the love feelings of the hero. He strongly resisted his love, because it's all stupid and no one needs romanticism. But his heart speaks to him of something else. Odintsova sees that Bazarov is intelligent and interesting, that his ideas have a share of truth, but their categoricity is given by the weakness and doubtfulness of his convictions.

The attitude of Turgenev to his hero

Not for nothing around the novel "Fathers and Sons" unfoldedstormy controversy. First, the topic was very topical. Secondly, many representatives of literary criticism were, like Bazarov, enthusiastic about the philosophy of materialism. Thirdly, the novel was bold, talented and new.

There is an opinion that Turgenev condemns hishero. That he slanders the younger generation, seeing in him only the bad. But this opinion is erroneous. If you look at the figure of Bazarov more closely, then you can consider 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 is obsessed with such a little-justified and limited teaching. Bazarov can not but cause admiration. He is bold and brave, he is intelligent. But, in addition, he is also kind. It is no coincidence that all the peasant children are drawn to it.

As for the author's assessment, the mostit is fully manifested in the finale of the novel. Bazarov's grave, on which his parents come, literally drowns in flowers and greenery, birds sing over her. It is unnatural that parents bury children. The author's beliefs were also unnatural. And nature, eternal, beautiful and wise, confirms that Bazarov was wrong when he saw in it only material for the achievement of human goals.

Thus, Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons"can be regarded as the debunking of nihilism. Bazarov's attitude to nihilism is not just a commitment, it is a philosophy of life. But this doctrine is questioned not only by the representatives of the older generation, but by life itself. Bazarov, in love and suffering, dies of accident, science is unable to help him, and above his grave, Mother Nature is still beautiful and calm.