Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons - This Is How to Defeat a Nihilist

If you enjoy my content, feel free to buy me a coffee: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev is one of the greatest Russian novels that introduced one of the most famous Russian characters of all time. Bazarov personified the philosophy of Russian nihilism that started in 19th century and culminated in the 20th century with the Bolshevik revolution in 1917. Fathers and Sons influence on Dostoevsky is apparent, specially in the Brothers Karamazov, Notes from Underground and Crime and Punishment, all three I have reviewed here. Also, note that Fathers and Sons was published in 1862, 4 years before Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and 7 years before Tolstoy’s War and Peace, so it is a pioneer of Russian literature. In this video, I will summarise the story, discuss Russian nihilism, why Bazarov is called the greatest nihilist, and how Turgenev masterfully builds, develops, and transforms his characters so devastatingly skilfully like a true artist that breaks your heart. I have broken down the novel into five major conflicts depicted by Turgenev, a master of show, don’t tell. But first let me give you a quick overview of Russia at the time. Music: We Are Here by Declan DP Licensing Agreement: Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library #fathersandsons #ivanturgenev #russianliterature