# Chapter XX explained — Fathers and Children

> Chapter companion for Fathers and Children by Ivan Turgenev.

## What happens

Bazarov and Arkady arrive at Bazarov's family home, where they are warmly greeted by his parents, Vassily Ivanovitch and Arina Vlasyevna. The chapter depicts the emotional reunion, the modest household, and introduces the superstitious and traditional nature of Arina Vlasyevna, while Bazarov remains detached and critical.

## Themes in this chapter

### Generational Conflict

Bazarov's detached and critical demeanor contrasts with his parents' emotional and traditional outlook, highlighting the rift between the nihilist younger generation and the older generation.

### Family and Filial Duty

The intense emotional reunion and Arina Vlasyevna's devotion underscore the theme of family bonds and filial expectations, which Bazarov resists.

### Loneliness and Alienation

Despite being home, Bazarov feels alienated; he stares vindictively into the darkness, unable to connect with childhood memories or his parents' affection.

## Character check-ins

### Yevgeny Bazarov

Arrives at his parents' home; shows emotional detachment and critical attitude toward his father's chatter.

### Arkady Kirsanov

Accompanies Bazarov; observes the family dynamics and is given a room in the bathhouse.

### Vassily Ivanovitch

Bazarov's father; a talkative, good-natured retired military man who tries to appear modern and hospitable.

### Arina Vlasyevna

Bazarov's mother; emotional, superstitious, and devout, she dotes on her son and embodies traditional Russian gentility.

### Timofeitch

An old servant who greets Bazarov and helps with the luggage.

### Anfisushka

A servant who converses with Arina Vlasyevna about Bazarov's arrival.

## Key lines

> Arrived at last, said Bazarov's father, still going on smoking though the pipe was fairly dancing up and down between his fingers.

Bazarov's father greets them excitedly, his pipe trembling with emotion.

_Highlights Vassily Ivanovitch's nervous joy at his son's arrival._

> Enyusha, Enyusha, was heard a trembling woman's voice. The door was flung open, and in the doorway was seen a plump, short, little old woman... She moaned, staggered, and would certainly have fallen, had not Bazarov supported her.

Arina Vlasyevna rushes out, overcome with emotion, and nearly faints as she embraces her son.

_Emphasizes the mother's overwhelming love and the physical manifestation of her joy._

> With wide open eyes he stared vindictively into the darkness; the memories of childhood had no power over him; and besides, he had not yet had time to get rid of the impression of his recent bitter emotions.

Bazarov lies awake, unable to find comfort in childhood memories, still troubled by recent painful experiences.

_Reveals Bazarov's inner turmoil and alienation from his family home._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fathers_and_children_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fathers_and_children_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fathers_and_children_se/chapters