Turgenev's Kids

Turgenev’s Kids

By Rob Vest

I. Bazarov

     Bazarov definitely seems to fit the role of the young, radical, intelligentsia who emerged in Russia in the 1860s. Like the radical intelligentsia who came before him, Bazarov is educated, a university student, and seems to have an interest in changing society. He embraces the philosophy of nihilism - believing in nothing, questioning everything, and denying all values. Anything which does not serve a practical purpose - art, poetry, romanticism, even emotion - is useless to Bazarov. Science, which is constantly questioning itself and thus, constantly evolving, is better suited to his needs. He is like a great storm plowing through the story, affecting everyone with whom he comes in contact.
     Bazarov is also like the new generation of radical intelligentsia in his naivety. He associates with the peasants and imagines himself being able to relate to them and “feel their pain,” while they laugh at him behind his back, seeing him as someone who is “slumming.” Though he chides Pavel Petrovich for claiming to champion the peasants, yet not being able to relate to them, Bazarov unknowingly suffers from the same problem.
     Bazarov at times seems to have trouble explaining exactly why nihilism is a good thing, much as some of the new radical intelligentsia (for example, the V Narod movement) had trouble explaining ideas such as civil liberties to the peasants. Bazarov seems to succeed in getting his viewpoint across only when “preaching to the choir.” Though Bazarov can easily convince the youthful Arkady of the righteousness of nihilism, he is unable to explain to the brothers Petrovich why it is good to tear down old ideals and beliefs when one has nothing with which to replace such institutions. Bazarov’s view of the brothers Petrovich as “washed-up” and “outdated” liberals who were never “radical” enough mirrors that of new liberals of the 1860s and 70s toward the former generation of liberals.
     Bazarov also seems to be a bit of a Westernizer, as shown by his admiration of the advances in science by the Germans, and his disgust at the backwardness of their Russian counterparts.

II. Pavel Petrovich

Pavel Petrovich, Arkady’s uncle, seems to represent the former generation of liberals, albeit not exactly a radical, who now leads a quiet life on the country estate. Though he holds liberal attitudes, especially regarding the fair treatment of serfs, Pavel does not seem to have any interest in “rocking the boat.” As long as his little corner of the world remains stable, he is content. To “get involved” would be too much for him, and this appears to be one reason he and the fiery Bazarov do not get along. Pavel serves as a foil to Bazarov in the story, constantly opposing him at every point, be it in an argument or a duel. While Bazarov sees Pavel as out of touch and useless, Pavel sees Bazarov as a young hothead without direction. Pavel Petrovich is like a great tree that must weather the storm of Bazarov - though he bends to the gale, he will not break.

III. Arkady

     Arkady, Bazarov’s protege, seems to represent the average young Russian intellectual. He initially, like Bazarov, is a nihilist, and seems little more than his mentor’s lapdog. By the end of the story, however, Arkady has found his own voice. Arkady is like a ship caught in the storm of Bazarov, who when he escapes, finds the great winds have brought him closer to his destination.
     As the tale begins, Arkady is very naive, and easily molded by Bazarov’s strong personality. But the youth quickly begins to form his own opinions and to become his own man as he gains more insight into Bazarov’s character. The more time he spends with Bazarov, the more Arkady finds how difficult his friend can be. The more time he spends away from his mentor, the fainter those fires ignited by Bazarov burn.
     Near the end of the story, Arkady realizes that Bazarov is cut from a totally different type of cloth than he, and no longer aspires to emulate his companion. All the things that Bazarov has no use for - beauty, art, poetry, love - Arkady finds himself reveling in.

IV. Fenichka

Fenichka, mistress of Arkady’s father, Nickolai (and mother of his infant son), seems to serve as the archetypical peasant caught up in the drama of the gentry, only appearing when noticed by them. Like Arkady, she too, is smitten by Bazarov - and he with her, so much that his attentions result in a duel between himself and Pavel Petrovich, who also seems smitten by the young peasant girl. Though she feels an attraction to Bazarov, when the chips are down, she trades passion for security, by choosing Nickolai. This is analagous to the reaction of the Russian peasants to the V Narod movement. One can compare Fenichka to a bird caught up in the storm of Bazarov, who finds herself, when the storm blows over, a little worse for wear, but ready to move on with her life.
Like the peasants, Fenichka does not initiate any events of her own accord, but she is a catalyst for them - such as the duel, and the underlying anxiety (and perhaps embarrassment) felt by Nickolai at the presence of their child. She seems more a plot device, than a person - just as many of her real-life contemporaries were seen as faceless entities.

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