The idea of Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons” appeared in the author in 1860, when he rested in the summer on the Isle of Wight. The writer compiled a list of actors, among whom was the nihilist Bazarov. This article is dedicated to the characterization of this character. You will find out whether Bazarov is really a nihilist, which influenced the formation of his character and worldview and what are the positive and negative traits of this hero.
Original author's characteristic of Bazarov
How did Turgenev portray his hero? The author originally introduced this character as a nihilist, self-confident, not without cynicism and abilities. He lives small, despises the people, although he knows how to talk to him. Eugene does not recognize the "artistic element." The nihilist Bazarov knows a lot, is energetic, and in essence is a "barren subject." Eugene is proud and independent. Thus, at first this character was conceived by an angular and sharp figure, devoid of spiritual depth and the "artistic element". Already in the process of working on the novel, Ivan Sergeyevich became interested in the hero, learned to understand him, was imbued with sympathy for Bazarov. To some extent, he even began to justify the negative traits of his character.
Evgeny Bazarov as a representative of the generation of the 1860s
The nihilist Bazarov, despite his whole spirit of denial and harshness, is a typical representative of the generation of the 60s of the 19th century, a diverse democratic intelligentsia. This is an independent person who does not want to bow to authorities. The nihilist Bazarov is used to subjecting everything to the judgment of reason. The hero brings under his denial a clear theoretical basis. He explains social diseases and the imperfection of people by the nature of society. Eugene says that moral ailments arise from bad parenting. An important role is played by all sorts of trifles that have been stuffing people's heads since childhood. It was precisely this position that the domestic democrats-educators of the 1860s adhered to.
The revolutionary worldview of Bazarov
Nevertheless, in the work Fathers and Sons, the Bazarov nihilist, criticizing and explaining the world, is trying to radically change it. Partial improvements in life, its minor corrections cannot satisfy him. The hero says that it’s not worth much “just chatting” about the shortcomings of society. It resolutely requires a change in the foundations themselves, the complete destruction of the existing system. Turgenev in the nihilism of Bazarov saw a manifestation of revolutionism. He wrote that if Eugene is considered a nihilist, then this means that he is also a revolutionary. In those days in Russia, the spirit of denial of the whole old, outdated serfdom world was closely connected with the national spirit. The nihilism of Evgeny Bazarov over time became destructive and comprehensive. It is no accident that this hero, in an interview with Pavel Petrovich, says that he in vain condemns his beliefs. After all, Bazarov’s nihilism is connected with the national spirit, and Kirsanov stands up for it precisely in his name.
Denial of Bazarov
Turgenev, embodying the progressive traits of youth in the image of Yevgeny Bazarov, as Herzen noted, showed some injustice in relation to an experienced realistic view. Herzen believes that Ivan Sergeyevich confused him with "boastful" and "rude" materialism. Evgeny Bazarov says that he adheres to the negative direction in everything. He is "pleased to deny." The author, emphasizing the skeptical attitude of Eugene to poetry and art, shows a characteristic feature inherent in a number of representatives of advanced democratic youth.
Ivan Sergeevich also faithfully depicts the fact that Yevgeny Bazarov, hating all the nobility, spread his hatred to all poets who came from this environment. This attitude automatically extended to artists of other arts. This feature was also characteristic of many youth representatives of that time. I.I. Mechnikov, for example, said that among the younger generation there was a widespread belief that only positive knowledge can lead to progress, and art and other manifestations of spiritual life can only slow it down. That is why Bazarov is a nihilist. He adheres to faith only in science - physiology, physics, chemistry - and does not accept everything else.
Evgeny Bazarov - the hero of his time
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev created his work before the abolition of serfdom. At this time, the revolutionary mood was growing among the people. The ideas of destruction and denial of the old order were brought to the forefront. Old principles and authorities lost their influence. Bazarov says that now it is most useful to deny, therefore, the nihilists deny. The author saw Evgeny Bazarov a hero of his time. After all, he is the embodiment of this denial. However, it must be said that Eugene’s nihilism is not absolute. He does not deny what is tested by practice, experience. First of all, this refers to labor, which Bazarov considers to be the calling of every person. The nihilist in Fathers and Sons is convinced that chemistry is a useful science. He believes that the basis of each person’s worldview should be based on a materialistic understanding of the world.
Eugene's attitude to pseudo-democrats
Ivan Sergeyevich does not show this hero as the leader of the provincial nihilists, such as, for example, Evdokia Kukshina and the Sitnik dealer. For Kukshina, even George Sand is a retarded woman . Evgeny Bazarov understands the emptiness and insignificance of such pseudo-democrats. Their environment is alien to him. Nevertheless, Eugene is also skeptical of popular forces. But it was precisely on them that the revolutionary democrats laid the main hopes on him.
Negative aspects of Bazarov's nihilism
It can be noted that Bazarov’s nihilism, in spite of many positive aspects, also has negative ones. It contains the danger of loss of spirit. In addition, nihilism can turn into superficial skepticism. He is even able to transform into cynicism. Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev, therefore, shrewdly noted in Bazarov not only positive aspects, but also negative ones. He also showed that under certain circumstances it could develop to the extreme and lead to dissatisfaction with life and loneliness.
Nevertheless, as K.A. noted Timiryazev, an outstanding Russian scientist-democrat, in the image of Bazarov, the author embodied only the features of the type that had been outlined at that time, which showed, with all its "minor flaws," concentrated energy. It was thanks to her that the Russian naturalist managed in a short time to take pride of place both at home and abroad.
Now you know why Bazarov is called a nihilist. Turgenev in the image of this character used the technique of the so-called secret psychology. Ivan Sergeyevich introduced the nature of Eugene, the spiritual evolution of his hero through the trials of life that fell to his lot.