Character Pairings and Structural Analysis Fathers And Sons
Ivan Turgenev, in his 19th century novel Fathers and Sons, uses many character pairings to provide insights into the many thematic concerns of the novel. Turgenev uses many literary techniques masterfully to help portray his own beliefs and to show the conflict that was occurring in 19th century Russia. Turgenev’s novel is meant to portray his political concerns, such as his liberalistic ideals and his attitude toward Nihilism and the Revolution. Turgenev also uses many literary aspects in conjunction with his character pairings, such as the conflict between generations. Perhaps one of the most evident character pairings is the relationship between Evgeny Vasilev, otherwise known as Bazarov, and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. Bazarov and Pavel are complete opposites of each other. From the very beginning the tension between the newly acquainted Bazarov and Pavel is evident. “Nikolai Petrovich introduced him to Bazarov: Pavel Petrovich bowed his elegant figure slightly and smiled slightly, but didn’t extend his hand and even put it back in his pocket.”(Turgenev pg. 12), shortly following that, more dislike is expressed, “Is he going to stay here with us?” “Yes” “That hairy creature?”(Turgenev pg. 13). This discord
Another metaphorical pairing, in the novel, is between Arkady and his father Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov. The pairing between Arkady and Nikolai illustrates the thematic concern of the conflict between generations. Arkady and Nikolai are opposites. Arkady is an extremely impressionable individual “What’s your opinion, Arkady Nikolaevich?” “I agree with Evgeny,” he replied”(Turgenev pg. 65). Arkady is essentially a puppet on Bazarov’s idealistic string of Nihilism. Arkady follows anything that the older Bazarov suggests. This blind following puts Arkady at odds with Nikolai. Nikolai, like Pavel, is a representation of the traditional ideals. Similarly Arkady and his beliefs represent the new generation. which should be preserved according to Turgenev. This conflict was very evident and heated in 19th century Russia and it is also a prevalent and necessary conflict for the novel. Still another, more subtle, character pairing in Turgenev’s novel is between Anna Sergeevna, known as Odintsova, and her sister Katerina Sergeevna, known as Katya. Turgenev uses Odintsova and Katya to also illustrate the thematic concern of conflict between generations. Odintsova and Katya are opposites, not in ideals but in personalities.
Some topics in this essay:
Bazarov Pavel,
Similarly Arkady,
Pavel Bazarov,
I’m I’ve,
Pavel Petrovich,
Nihilism Pavel,
Arkady Nikolai,
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Fathers Sons,
Nikolai Arkady,
bazarov pavel,
conflict generations,
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thematic concerns,
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concern conflict generations,
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Approximate Word count = 998
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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