Nihilism in Fathers And Sons Essay

In the novel Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev, Arkady, one of the main characters, seeks to find himself while being influenced by philosophy and friends that contradict his true feelings. At the beginning of the novel, Arkady is a devout follower of his friend Bazarov and his teachings of Nihilism; he seems to be under Bazarovs control. He appears immature and weak-minded without ideas of his own while subscribing to the Nihilistic views of Bazarov. Throughout the novel, Arkadys thoughts and actions reveal his own beliefs which contradict his outward appearance of being a Nihilist. Some of Arkadys remarks about Bazarov's personal qualities make it seem as though Arkady is more captivated by Bazarov's personality than his ideas. Arkady, at first, plays the role of the faithful sidekick who will remain loyal to Bazarov to the end, regardless of the latter's treatment of him. He endorses Bazarovs beliefs, but it becomes clear that he is not as steadfast as Bazarov in adhering to those beliefs. Arkady undergoes a real metamorphosis, eventually departing from his previous views of Nihilism and from Bazarovs influence, and gradually finds himself through his own Romanticism, his relationship with his future wife Katya, and the revelation of Bazarovs conceit and egotism.

Arkadys displays his Romanticism throughout the novel which Bazarov describes as purely rubbish. At the beginning of the novel Arkady appears to be Bazarovs student and mimicks everything that Bazarov says or does, including stating that he is a Nihilist just like Bazaov; however, Arkady shows signs of Romanticism despite the announcement of his Nihilist beliefs when Bazarov and he are walking one afternoon in the garden and overhear Nikolai, Arkadys father, playing his violoncello. Turgenev portrays the scene: "At that instant the lingering notes of a violoncello were wafted towards them from the house . . . and, like honey, the melody flowed through the air (40). Like a true Nihilist, Bazarov immediately denounces the act of playing music as a purely romantic institution. He says, Upon my word, a man of forty-four, a paterfamilias in this out-of-the-way district, playing on the violoncello! (40). Bazarov continued to laugh, but Arkady did not even smile. By this time, although Arkady looks up to Bazarov, he truly does not uphold the Nihilist beliefs as strongly or as strictly. His acceptance of his father's violoncello playing shows that Arkady, unlike Bazarov, does not find music a purely romantic institution, but an enjoyable hobby. He obviously does not think his father's cello playing a laughing matter. Arkady too enjoys hearing Katya, Anna Odintsovas sister, play the piano, something a true Nihilist wouldnt do. Turgenev illustrates: Arkady was particularly struck by the last part of the sonata, the part in which, in the midst of the bewitching gaiety of the careless melody, the pangs of such mournful, almost tragic suffering, suddenly break in (80). Arkady enjoys nature and its beauty too, and even shows his appreciation of nature while in the presence of Bazarov. Arkady declares, Look, a dry maple leaf had come off and is falling to the earth; its movement is exactly like a butterflys flight. Isnt it strange? Gloom and decay like brightness and life (122). Despite his inclination toward nature, the arts, and his appreciation of beauty, he continues to keep an outward appearance of being a Nihilist. According to Nihilism, love is a purely imaginary feeling, but Arkady experiences it firsthand in the novel.

Arkady falls in love which goes against Nihilistic ideas that believe love is outdated. Bazarov has a cynical outlook on women and says that he would like to see them on the dissecting table. He believes not in love, but purely in the physical and the need of reproduction. Arkady goes against this belief when he falls in love with Anna Odintsova and eventually marries Katya Lokteva. Arkady even goes so far as to tell Katya, in his own way, that he truly loves her. He reveals with a shaking voice, "I love you forever and irrevocably, and I love no one but you. I wanted to tell you this" (169). Arkady's falling in love with Katya and his proposal to her is a step towards his becoming an individual. It shows that he no longer follows Bazarov like an impressionable child. He now begins to make important decisions on his own which affect his life in a big way. Katya helps Arkady to reevaluate what his heart has always known to be important in life. He realizes his convictions are not with the modernists, the Nihilists, and with Katya's help he takes an honest look into his heart and recovers his integrity together with the courage of his convictions. Arkady later realizes Bazrovs egotism and finally separates himself from Bazarov.

Arkady, through his understanding of Bazarov's arrogance, takes his final step towards becoming his own person. While having a conversation with Bazarov, Arkady asks him if he has a high opinion of himself, and Bazarov replies, When I meet a man who can hold his own beside me, then Ill change my opinion of myself (120). Bazarov thinks that no one can equal him and talks to everyone in a smug, condescending voice. Turgenov writes, Arkady thought to himself, and then in a flash all the fathomless depths of Bazarovs conceit dawned upon him (101). Arkady then asks Bazarov, At least, youre a god; am I not a dolt then?, and Bazarov replies, Yes, youre still a fool (101). Not only does this remark allow Arkady to see that Bazarov has never considered him an equal, but also that Bazarov believes himself a god dwelling above all others. After finally recognizing Bazarovs egotism, he evaluates their relationship and realizes that they were never friends, but simply acquaintances. When they are departing ways for the last time, Bazarov says that they have merely grown tired of each other which shows that they never truly had a solid friendship. While saying goodbye, Arkady asks Bazarov, I hope you dont think of giving me up? (162), and Bazarov replies, It strikes me you have given me up already (162) referring to Arkadys abandonment of Bazarovs Nihilistic views. Arkady realizes his feelings and beliefs are deeper than he had been willing to admit and that in order to move forward in his life he must leave behind Bazarov's radical notions completely. He is now a changed man who thinks for himself. He takes control of his destiny and rejects Bazarov's extremism, although he does not reject Bazarov himself.

Arkady realizes that he was never a pure Nihilist. He had been drawn into that particular way of thinking by his mentor, Bazarov, not his willingness to uphold Nihilism. Turgenev does a very good job in showing the changes taking place within Arkady. His true nature is slowly revealed throughout the book, and his way of thinking can be seen by reading and inferring his actions. Arkady is truly a dynamic character, as can be seen by his Nihilist beliefs changing into romantic ideas. Arkadys change is simply a reversion to his basic nature. He establishes a life of his own, a life where he is free from Bazarov's hold and Nihilist ideas, a life where he is free to be himself.