Fathers and sons

A detailed Summary of Fathers and sons

In the novel Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev, Arcady plays a major role both

in his own life and the lives of others. Arcady, despite the shield he surrounds himself

with, is not a true Nihilist like his friend Bazarov through his thoughts and actions we see

his change. To begin, Arcady shows signs of Romanticism Early on in the novel despite

the announcement of his Nihilist beliefs.

For example, Bazarov and Arcady are walking one afternoon in the garden and

overhear Nicholas playing his cello. "At that instant the lingering notes of a 'cello were

wafted towards them from the house . . . and, like honey, the melody flowed through the

air" (49). Like a true Nihilist, Bazarov immediately denounces the act of playing music as

a purely romantic institution. "Good Lord! At forty-four, a pater familias, in the province

of X, playing the 'cello! Bazarov continues to laugh: but, on this occasion, Arcady,

though he venerated his mentor, does not even smile" (50).

By this we see that although Arcady looks up to Bazarov, he truly does not uphold

the Nihilist beliefs as strongly or as strictly. His acceptance of his father's cello playing

his own which affects his life in a big way.

me. Now you know.' Madame Odintzov is filled with fear as well as a feeling of

impressionable child would an older sibling. He now begins to make large decisions on

pride revealed to him. 'So you and I are gods? Or rather, you are a god and I'm a mere

thinking by reading about his actions. Arcady is truly a dynamic character, as can be seen

and is also a bit of a philosopher. For example, his description of a falling leaf: "Look! A

lout, isn't that so?' 'Yes,' Bazarov repeated firmly. ' You're still stupid.'" (112).

your sister, I wouldn't exchange you for anyone else in the world" (174).

be all the same to you, but I should like to state that, far from having any preference for

compassion for him. But she at once disengages herself from his embrace an instant later

towards becoming an individual. It shows that he no longer follows Bazarov like an

Approximate Word count = 799
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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