Fathers and Children · Chapter
Chapter XXIII explained
Bazarov, left alone after Arkady's departure, immerses himself in work and increasingly seeks out Fenitchka's company.
What happens
Bazarov, left alone after Arkady's departure, immerses himself in work and increasingly seeks out Fenitchka's company. Their flirtation culminates in a kiss in the lilac arbour, which is witnessed by Pavel Petrovitch, who silently withdraws. The chapter also highlights Bazarov's strained relations with Pavel and his growing, though unacknowledged, emotional attachment to Fenitchka.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romanticism
Bazarov's flirtation with Fenitchka and the kiss in the arbour contrast with his earlier nihilistic rejection of romantic love.
Loneliness and Alienation
Bazarov feels isolated and complains of being a 'poor lonely creature,' despite his intellectual self-sufficiency.
Social Class and Change
The tension between Bazarov's simple, direct manner and Pavel's aristocratic formality underscores class divisions.
Characters to notice
- Yevgeny Bazarov
Flirts with Fenitchka, kisses her in the arbour, and continues his scientific work while avoiding Pavel Petrovitch.
- Fenitchka
Grows prettier and more languid; enjoys Bazarov's attention but is frightened by Pavel Petrovitch's watchful presence.
- Pavel Petrovitch Kirsanov
Witnesses Bazarov kissing Fenitchka and withdraws silently; maintains a cold, aristocratic demeanor toward Bazarov.
- Nikolai Petrovitch Kirsanov
Visits Bazarov often to 'study,' tries to keep conversation on neutral topics, and is unaware of the developing flirtation.
- Arkady Kirsanov
Departs at the beginning of the chapter; Bazarov sees him off with ironic compassion.
Key passages
“I wanted to look at you while you were reading. When you read, the end of your little nose moves so nicely.”
Bazarov tells Fenitchka he gave her the book just to watch her read, because he finds the movement of her nose endearing.
Shows Bazarov's playful, flirtatious side, contrasting with his usual cynicism.
“Ah, Fedosya Nikolaevna! believe me; all the clever ladies in the world are not worth your little elbow.”
Bazarov insists that Fenitchka is more valuable to him than any intellectual woman.
Highlights Bazarov's growing infatuation and his rejection of his own rationalist ideals.
“It's like a bucket of cold water on one”
Fenitchka complains that Pavel Petrovitch's sudden appearances chill and frighten her.
Illustrates Fenitchka's fear of Pavel and his disapproving surveillance.