Fathers and Children · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Bazarov and Arkady visit Bazarov's parents.
What happens
Bazarov and Arkady visit Bazarov's parents. Bazarov reflects on his childhood, his parents' devotion, and his own existential weariness. He discusses love, anger, and the meaninglessness of life with Arkady. Vassily Ivanovitch proudly speaks of his son's future fame. The chapter ends with a dinner and card game with Father Alexey, while Arina Vlasyevna watches her son with sorrowful devotion.
Themes in this chapter
Generational Conflict
Bazarov's existential weariness and rejection of his parents' simple, traditional life highlight the rift between the older and younger generations.
Loneliness and Alienation
Bazarov feels isolated and angry, unable to connect with his parents' contentment or Arkady's optimism, reflecting his deep sense of alienation.
Death and Mortality
Bazarov's meditation on the infinite smallness of his existence and the brevity of life underscores themes of mortality and meaninglessness.
Characters to notice
- Yevgeny Bazarov
Reflects on his childhood, expresses existential weariness and anger, discusses love and his parents' devotion.
- Arkady Kirsanov
Engages in philosophical conversation with Bazarov, reassures Vassily Ivanovitch about Bazarov's future fame.
- Vassily Ivanovitch
Proudly speaks of Bazarov's future fame, shares a story about the plague, and plays cards with Father Alexey.
- Arina Vlasyevna
Watches Bazarov with sorrow, devotion, and awe; serves dinner and seeks her son's affection.
- Father Alexey
Visits for dinner and card game, wins money from Bazarov, behaves with tact and adaptability.
Key passages
“The tiny space I occupy is so infinitely small in comparison with the rest of space, in which I am not, and which has nothing to do with me; and the period of time in which it is my lot to live is so petty beside the eternity in which I have not been, and shall not be.”
Bazarov reflects on the insignificance of his existence compared to the vastness of space and eternity.
Highlights Bazarov's nihilistic and existential despair.
“I haven't crushed myself, so a woman can't crush me.”
Bazarov asserts his independence and refusal to be emotionally destroyed by love.
Reveals Bazarov's pride and his reaction to his failed romantic feelings for Odintsov.
“The son of a simple army-doctor, who was, however, capable of divining his greatness betimes, and spared nothing for his education.”
Vassily Ivanovitch dreams of being remembered as the father who recognized and supported Bazarov's potential.
Shows the father's pride and hopes for his son's future fame.