In 1857, the touching, lyrical and beautiful work of Turgenev “Asya” saw the light of day. Public reviews of this story exceeded all expectations. “Asya” won the hearts of millions of readers around the world and has been translated into many major European languages.
What is the secret of the appeal and popularity of this sad and unpretentious love story? Let's find out.
In this article, we will provide you with a concise analysis of the work, a concise description of its characters and a brief retelling. “Asya” Turgeneva will surely captivate you with her gentle sentimental sensuality and ingenuous, simple chastity. It will prompt you to look at the world in a new way, teach you to value sincerity and purity.
So, meet - Turgenev who conquered millions of hearts “Asya”! The quotes and excerpts from the story mentioned in this article will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy the excellent style and style of the writer, and the beautiful illustrations presented below will help to capture the characters and their characteristics for a long time.
History of creation
When the story was published, its author was about forty years old. He was a very educated and talented person, with a bright distinctive character and a complex and extraordinary fate.
Once, while traveling in Germany, Ivan Sergeyevich became an accidental observer of a fleeting picture: a dignified elderly woman peered out from the window of the first floor of a small stone house. After a moment, a pretty face of a young girl appeared in a window a floor above. What was the fate of these women? And what could bring them together in one house? The writer’s fantasies about this are reflected by the lyrical “Asya” Turgenev. An analysis of the narrative suggests that the author with a subtle, subtle psychologism was able to convey the atmosphere of the German town and the friendship of two different, but very nice women.
Prototypes
They say that the prototype of the timid and sensual Asya was her own illegitimate daughter of the writer - Pauline Brewer. The prototype of the main character could be Turgenev’s uterine sister - Varvara Zhitova. Both girls, deeply experiencing their dubious position, could not find themselves in an aristocratic society.
What did Turgenev want to convey to his reader? “Asya” (analysis of the work is presented in the article) definitely answers this question. But before starting a detailed study of the story, let's briefly recall the plot.
The beginning of a sad story
A brief retelling of “Asi” by Turgenev should begin with a description of the main character, on behalf of whom the story is told.
Before the critical eyes of the readers, an anonymous Mr. N. N. appears, recalling his youth, recalls the events of his European tour and his acquaintance with unusual compatriots.
He meets the Gagins - a young man and a young girl, brother and sister, who travel together. Men quickly get close to each other, often spend time together talking and having fun.
The main characters of “Asi” Turgenev experience genuine feelings of friendship and sympathy for each other. Over time, Mr. N. N. begins to pay attention to the sister of his comrade.
main character
Asya is a special and unusual girl. She is very well-read and knows how to draw beautifully, subtly feels the beautiful and has a keen sense of justice.
Asya has a changeable character and an extravagant nature, at times she is desperate and reckless. On the other hand, the girl is vulnerable and impressionable, kind and affectionate, pure and natural.
Possessing such an amazing and unusual character, she attracts the attention of the main character and makes him look for the reasons for her strange behavior. His feelings for her are truly contradictory: he simultaneously condemns the girl and admires her.
Watching the brother and sister, the main character begins to suspect that in reality they are not. What kind of relationship connect them? Are they lovers shamelessly playing with the feelings of their acquaintance?
To answer these questions, you need to know the life story of the main character. This is the main theme of “Asi” Turgenev.
Asi's story
Asya is not a simple young lady noblewoman. She is the daughter of a wealthy master, Gagin's father, and a poor serf. The ambiguous position, lack of education and personal sorrows leave a certain imprint on the behavior and manners of the main character. She cannot deftly, socially conduct a conversation, cannot confidently control her feelings and emotions.
What is attractive Asya Turgenev? Reviews of her storyteller indicate that the main shortcomings of the girl are her main virtues. Asya is not like secular coquettes, hypocritical and thoughtless young ladies. She is endowed with imagination, passion, liveliness and spontaneity, which makes her charming and desirable in the eyes of the protagonist.
Brother and sister
Asya and her brother have a difficult and peculiar relationship. Gagin, realizing his duty regarding his younger sister, feels love and pity for her at the same time. He treats her down and at the same time sincerely, arrogant and at the same time kindly. And she ... She is attached to him genuinely and passionately, afraid to upset or stain him.
“No, I do not want to love anyone except you, no, no, I alone am you
I want to love - and forever, ”she openly and emotionally reveals to her brother.
Unhappy love
Communication with Mr. N. N. awakens a storm of new and unintelligible feelings in the heart of a young and inexperienced girl. She, who does not understand herself and fears her feelings, behaves strangely and changeably, but these are not ordinary whims. Asi's behavior reflects her inner struggle and confusion, her desire to please and charm.
Not being able to hide her feelings and not even realizing that it is necessary to do this, the girl opens the soul to her brother and beloved. In this childish naive act, all of her is revealed - the innocent and impetuous Asya Turgeneva. The main characters can not appreciate its frankness and temperament.
Gagin calls his sister crazy and laments that "she will destroy herself, without fail." However, he still notes Asya's lofty and noble feelings, as well as her purity and sincerity.
The main character, on the contrary, cannot appreciate the rare and beautiful qualities of a girl who loves him and whom he loves. "Marry a seventeen-year-old girl, with her temper, how can this be!" - Mr. N. N. thinks. Yes, he cannot go against secular rules, cannot marry an illegitimate, cannot fight for his love. And even when Gagin bluntly and sadly asks his friend about whether he is going to marry his sister, he avoids a direct answer and is silent.
What finishes his story “Asya” Turgenev? Reviews and reviews of the work indicate that the chosen epilogue is very realistic and successful.
the end
The main character, realizing that they do not love and do not understand her, decides to leave her first love forever. She is not imposed, does not arrange scenes. She just leaves, taking with her a broken heart and unceasing pain.
This shows the strong side of the girl’s character - she is decisive and adamant in what she considers right, her pride and wisdom are worthy of imitation.
What happened next with the main character? He admits that he never found personal happiness: "I knew other women - but Asya, the burning sensation in me, that burning, tender, deep feeling, did not repeat itself."
What did Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev want to show with his work? “Asya” (the content and plot of the story are briefly described above) teaches readers that it is important to fight for your happiness, value sincerity and innocence and not follow the opinion of the majority.
Modern reviews
What impresses modern readers with the clean and straightforward Asya Turgeneva? Reviews of this story continue to be enthusiastic and positive.
Despite the fact that much of the work is not fully understood by the hearts and minds of current readers, Asi’s story still prompts reflection on true feelings and relationships.
Many people like the depth of feelings and the fullness of emotions conveyed by Turgenev in the book. The author wrote accurately and vividly, without unnecessary blurry phrases and reasoning. It affects the heart not with pathos or eroticism, not sarcasm or cruelty (as can be accepted in modern literature). No, Ivan Sergeyevich describes quiet and simple feelings, gentle and noble impulses that find kindness, dignity and generosity in the hidden corners of the human soul on the pages of his story.
We hope that this article will encourage you to take the Asi volume in the library and plunge into the tender and romantic world of Turgenev, a world where mutual understanding and morality, compassion and prudence reign. And, of course, love.