Turgenov's Fathers and Sons has several characters who hold strong views of the world. Pavel believes that Russia needs structure from such things as institution, religion, and class hierarchy. Madame Odintsov views the world as simple so long as she keeps it systematic and free from interference. This essay will focus on perhaps the most interesting and complex character in Fathers and Sons: Bazarov. Vladimir Nabakov writes that "Turgenov takes his creature [B] out of a self-imposed pattern and places him in the the normal world of chance." By examining Bazarov this essay will make this statement more clear to the reader. Using nihilism as a starting point we shall look at Bazarov's views and interpretations of science, government and institution. Next we will turn to the issue relationships. Finally we examine Bazarov's death and the stunning truths it reveals.

These issues combined with the theme of nihilism will prove that chance, or fate is a strong force which cannot easily be negated. Nihilism as a concept is used throughout Fathers and Sons. To gain a better understanding of the ideas behind this term let's look at what Bazarov says on the subject. "We base ou

becomes infected with typhus he doesn't stamp his feet or grind his teeth, he merely says, "It's a fortuitous circumstance, and, to tell you the truth, a very unpleasant one" (281). It's of little use for Bazarov to deceive himself into thinking he can negate fate. "Yes, just try and set death aside. It sets you aside, and thats the end of it!" (283). Bazarov, the great nihilist of Russia

doctor. The medicine that Bazarov uses deals in the 'pure sciences', that is his ideas comes from practice not theory. By looking

can do is to repudiate - and so we repudiate" (123). The base concept of nihilism is to deny or negate, and as we learn later in the same paragraph, to negate everything. With this 'destruction' of everything from science to art there is no building for nihilists, as Bazarov says "That is not our affair" (126). Nihilists view the current structure of society as concerned with such

encounters the strongest negation of all - death.

rebellious attitude. Bazarov says, "All men are similar, in soul as well as in body ... and the so-called moral qualities are the same in all of us" (160).

As with general science Bazarov feels nothing towards art. "... You assume that I have no feeling for art - and it is true, I haven't" (159). Art is trivial to Bazarov and accomplishes nothing, therefore he doesn't recognize it. It is the same with nature, "Bazarov was rather indifferent to the beauties of nature" (169). There is a saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." What

Institutions such as education, government and established authority are scorned by Bazarov. "Everyone ought to educate himself" (105). Since indoctrination of the established society begins with education, a nihilist should view education from behind the barrel of a shotgun. Logic is of no use Bazarov, "You don't need logic, I suppose, to put a piece of bread in your mouth" (123). The nihilist agenda, that is, the need for tearing down of structure is beyond logic and is as necessary as eating or breathing. In addition Bazarov believes that what is preached by politicians and so-called leaders is itself without logic.

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Approximate Word count = 1662
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)