Discuss the representation of the generation of fathers in Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons”
- Nikolai stands as the ,,the economic failings of the gentry" (Dunaev: 1983:196). The
shortcomings of the Kirsanov management are even more obvious when subtly contrasted
with the well-organised Nikolskoe, ran by Odintsova a representative of the new
generation. Therefore the sad state of Marino can be seen as a symbol to the ineffective
establishment of the gentry, the generation of fathers.
Moreover, one of the climaxing issues of the era the liberation of serfs- surfaces in the
conversation, and Nikolai, despite adapting the obrok method, is not fully holding modernist
views - " , ,
, , .."
Ripp (1980) emphasizes, that although Nikolai finds himself as progressive and liberal,
having tried to improve to conditions of the serfs, he cannot disguise his somewhat superior
tone when speaking of peasants for example, has sold off the land that would be given to
the freed serfs (" ")
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