Fathers and Children
What is Fathers and Children about?
Fathers and Children (1862) is Ivan Turgenev’s most famous and influential novel. The young nihilist Bazarov, who rejects all authority and tradition in favor of science and materialism, visits the country estate of his friend Arkady and clashes with Arkady’s father and uncle, representatives of the liberal gentry. The novel’s portrayal of the generational and ideological conflict between reform-minded fathers and radical sons became the definitive statement of a cultural moment in Russian history and introduced “nihilism” as a philosophical and political concept.
Main themes in Fathers and Children
Nihilism
Nihilism emerges as a defining element in Fathers and Children, shaping character development.
Generational conflict
The theme of generational conflict weaves through Fathers and Children, adding depth to its narrative.
Russian gentry
The theme of russian gentry weaves through Fathers and Children, adding depth to its narrative.
Science vs. tradition
In Fathers and Children, science vs. tradition provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Why Fathers and Children is still relevant today
Fathers and Children defined the concept of nihilism and remains one of the most important Russian novels, essential for understanding modern intellectual history. Read it free online on TextStack.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fathers and Children about?
A young nihilist who rejects all tradition clashes with the liberal older generation at a country estate, in this novel that introduced the concept of nihilism to Russian culture.
Where can I read Fathers and Children online?
You can read Fathers and Children by Ivan Turgenev free online on TextStack.