XXVI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Romanticism

  Arkady's proposal to Katya and Anna Sergyevna's reflection on love as curiosity versus genuine feeling highlight the theme of romantic love.

• Nihilism and Ideology

  Bazarov's final speech to Arkady underscores the nihilist rejection of gentility and romanticism, emphasizing a desire to 'smash' rather than submit.

• Loneliness and Alienation

  Bazarov's departure and his description of a 'bitter, rough, lonely existence' emphasize his isolation from both Arkady and conventional society.

Characters to notice

• Arkady Kirsanov

  Proposes to Katya in the temple garden, declaring his change and new ideals.

• Katya

  Receives Arkady's proposal in the temple; later consoles him after Bazarov's departure.

• Anna Sergyevna Odintsov

  Observes the young couple's happiness, feels both glad and sorry, and reflects on her own motives.

• Yevgeny Bazarov

  Packs his belongings, delivers a final farewell to Arkady, and departs, criticizing Arkady's gentry nature.

Key passages

• “It is clear that Bazarov was right; it has been curiosity, nothing but curiosity, and love of ease, and egoism...”

  Anna Sergyevna admits to herself that her interest in Bazarov was merely curiosity and selfishness.

  Reflects her self-awareness and the theme of love as illusion.

• “You're not made for our bitter, rough, lonely existence. There's no dash, no hate in you, but you've the daring of youth and the fire of youth. Your sort, you gentry, can never get beyond refined submission or refined indignation, and that's no good.”

  Bazarov tells Arkady that he is too soft and genteel for the harsh, combative life of a nihilist.

  Highlights the ideological divide between Bazarov's nihilism and Arkady's gentry background.