Chapter XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Nihilism and Ideology

  Bazarov's internal conflict between his nihilistic rejection of romantic love and his undeniable feelings for Madame Odintsov illustrates the limits of his ideology.

• Love and Romanticism

  The chapter explores love as an irrational, transformative force that challenges Bazarov's rationalism and deepens Arkady's emotional bond with Katya.

• Loneliness and Alienation

  Bazarov's growing isolation from Arkady and his own inner turmoil highlight his alienation from both his friend and his own beliefs.

Characters to notice

• Yevgeny Bazarov

  Bazarov is tormented by his unexpected romantic feelings for Madame Odintsov, which clash with his nihilistic ideals. He becomes irritable, restless, and avoids Arkady.

• Arkady Kirsanov

  Arkady, believing himself in love with Madame Odintsov, grows melancholic but finds comfort in his friendship with Katya. He notices the growing distance between himself and Bazarov.

• Anna Sergyevna Odintsov

  Madame Odintsov is intrigued by Bazarov and thinks about him often. She maintains her orderly household but is visibly affected by his announcement of departure.

• Katya

  Katya forms a gentle, half-shy friendship with Arkady, offering him consolation. She is sensitive to nature and music, and feels overshadowed by her sister.

• Timofeitch

  Timofeitch, Bazarov's father's bailiff, appears unexpectedly to deliver a message, prompting Bazarov to announce his intention to leave Nikolskoe.

Key passages

• “Bazarov had a great love for women and for feminine beauty; but love in the ideal, or, as he expressed it, romantic sense, he called lunacy, unpardonable imbecility”

  Bazarov appreciated women and physical beauty, but he dismissed idealistic or romantic love as sheer madness and foolishness.

  This highlights Bazarov's ideological rejection of romanticism, which is later contradicted by his own feelings.

• “His blood was on fire directly if he merely thought of her; he could easily have mastered his blood, but something else was taking root in him, something he had never admitted, at which he had always jeered, at which all his pride revolted.”

  Just thinking about her made his blood boil; he could control his physical desires, but a deeper, unfamiliar feeling was growing inside him—one he had always mocked and that now offended his pride.

  This passage captures Bazarov's internal struggle as he confronts emotions that defy his nihilistic worldview.

• “She turned white, as though something had given her a pang, and such a pang, that she wondered and pondered long after, what could be the meaning of it.”

  She went pale, as if struck by a sudden pain—a pain so sharp that she later wondered and reflected on what it could mean.

  Madame Odintsov's reaction to Bazarov's announcement of departure reveals her own hidden emotional investment in him.