Is the power of the mind absolute, fathers and sons. An example of an essay in the direction of "reason and feeling." Relationships with parents
Each person is guided not only by what his mind tells him, but also by what his heart tells him. Some believe more in feelings, others in reason. A striking example of the second type of people is (it is better not to use this official business verb in an essay) the hero of I. S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons,” Evgeniy Vasilyevich Bazarov.
Bazarov is a representative of the democratic part of Russian society in the 60s of the 19th century. At this time, contradictions between revolutionary-minded democrats and nobles were intensifying in Russia. The task of I. S. Turgenev is to recreate the images of both in the most truthful and natural way. The main problem of the novel is, of course, the conflict between two generations. The characteristic features of the new generation are embodied in the image of Bazarov. The hero’s views have already been formed, and he acts in accordance with his principles, which play a major role in his life. Bazarov is a nihilist, that is, a person who “does not bow to any authority, who does not accept a single principle on faith.” Indeed, the hero is always true to himself and has his own point of view on every issue, including the issue of love (an unfortunate combination, it is better to write “including about love”).
This feeling is usually little controlled by the mind, yet Bazarov is firmly convinced that love can only be considered from the point of view of simple physiology: there are no “mysterious relationships between a man and a woman”, there are no “mysterious views” based on the anatomy of the human eye (grammatical error: a view cannot exist on the basis of anything). He does not believe in love, denies it, considers it “romanticism, nonsense, gilly and art.” The hero believes that a woman should be treated simply: if you can get some sense, don’t back down, if not, then leave everything as it is. At the same time, Bazarov is a “hunter of women,” which is confirmed by his relationship with Fenechka. This is just a light flirtation, a meaningless hobby, a fleeting love affair. The hero is always ready for such entertainment; they amuse him, but never touch his soul. This suits Evgeny Vasilyevich quite well.
However, Bazarov treats women very cynically (a factual error associated, apparently, with an inaccurate understanding of the meaning of the word “cynical”), which sometimes even offends or puzzles those around him, but this does not bother the hero very much. Why is Bazarov so dismissive, categorical and always looks down on women? Perhaps he was dealing with completely undeveloped, far from graceful women (speech error: a woman’s grace refers to her appearance and has nothing to do with her development), and therefore, unable to greatly interest him.
What test does fate subject the hero to? A woman with a flexible mind and strong character appears on the path of a free-thinking nihilist. Anna Sergeevna Odintsova received many lessons from life, learned the severity of people’s rumors and yet managed to come out of the fight with society with dignity and lead a quiet existence that completely satisfied her.
In my opinion, from the very beginning these people were incompatible. Two such strong, extraordinary personalities would always try to get the better of each other. And yet, at first, feelings overcame reason.
Bazarov has changed. He began to get nervous in the presence of Anna Sergeevna: “He slowly ran his long fingers over his sideburns, and his eyes ran to the corners.” The hero began to talk less with Arkady, and in general he began to experience a feeling of “newness”, the cause of which was a feeling that tormented and enraged the hero. However, he did not want to admit that he was in love. And could he, given his principles?
And yet, at first, the heart spoke louder than the theory. Preaching the principle of turning away from a woman if it becomes obvious that you won’t get anywhere with her, Bazarov could not turn away from Odintsova. Without recognizing anything romantic, Eugene discovered the romantic in himself and caught himself with “shameful” thoughts. The nihilistic theory was overthrown, it slowly began to crack and eventually shattered into pieces that could not be assembled (stylistic error: false beauty associated with an unsuccessful, unmotivated metaphor). Until recently, Bazarov grinned at (grammatical error: you can mock someone) Pavel Petrovich, who devoted his whole life to tragic and unrequited love, and now the hour is uneven (speech error: the phrase means “what if”, “you never know what can happen” and meaning is not appropriate in this context) all the emotions and feelings (speech error: emotions and feelings are the same thing) of the hero, which have been tearing him apart for so long, spill out: “So know that I love you, stupidly, madly... Here what have you achieved?
What did the collapse of principles lead to? Fortunately? To a change in worldview? No! After all, Odintsova did not truly love Bazarov. Yes, she thought about him, his appearance immediately revived her, she willingly talked to him. Moreover, Anna Sergeevna did not want him to leave, to some extent she missed him. And yet it was not love.
Seeing Bazarov’s state after his declaration of love, she felt “both scared and sorry for him” (grammatical error: the participial phrase must refer to the same character as the predicate, but there cannot be a character in this impersonal sentence). And finally, at the very end of the novel, the heroine admits to herself that she would not have felt the same way when she saw the sick Evgeniy Vasilyevich if she really loved him. But Bazarov’s death may also be connected with failed love.
I sincerely feel sorry for Bazarov, but, on the other hand, I respect Odintsova for her sincerity and strength of character, because I believe that if she was capable of loving, then only such a strong and intelligent person as Bazarov. But it probably wouldn't make her happy. Having realized this in time, she saved herself from unnecessary suffering. (The author deviates from the topic.) But Bazarov could not realize this (it’s not clear - what?), could not see that because of his feelings, which were much more serious and deeper than Odintsova’s feelings, he would sooner or later become dependent on a woman and would have to give up everything he believes in. But he probably couldn’t stand this.
Thus, Bazarov’s theory is refuted. Love exists, it can make a person suffer, you can devote your life to it. Probably, Bazarov lived too long without retreating a single step from his principles, and one day he was bound to be disappointed in some of them. But the disappointment was too severe.
Disappointment in love is a frequently encountered motif in Russian classical literature. It was tested by Chatsky and Onegin, Pechorin and Andrei Bolkonsky. But none of them had to struggle not only with circumstances, but also with themselves, and in this struggle the strength of personality of Turgenev’s hero emerges all the more clearly.
Basically the topic is covered. It would be better to write more about the relationships between the characters. Speech errors and content flaws are few. Rating: “good” .
There are questions that have worried humanity for many centuries: what is more important – reason or feelings? It seems the answer lies on the surface. After all, the main difference between humans and animals is that they are endowed with reason, can set priorities and think rationally. What is the mind? I think that intelligence is a person’s ability to think logically and creatively, to generalize the results of knowledge. And at the same time, a person is endowed with feelings that are much deeper, more serious, and more complex than those of other living beings. What are feelings, and which of them are unique to humans? In my opinion, feelings (emotions) are the ability to experience something, respond to life impressions, and sympathize with something. And man is also characterized by pangs of conscience, compassion, mercy, envy, hatred. Only he can experience delight, true pleasure, admiring the sunset or the morning soft blue sky, a work of art, or cry while listening to music.
So which is more important: reason or feeling? Maybe they are equally necessary for a person? This question is rather philosophical, which is why classical writers have repeatedly addressed it. The famous Russian writer I.S. did not remain aloof from this problem. Turgenev. In his novel “Fathers and Sons,” he shows the main character, Yevgeny Bazarov, who was faced with a choice between reason and feeling.
Evgeny Bazarov, by his convictions, is a nihilist: he denies everything except science, does not believe in things that cannot be explained from a scientific point of view. Therefore, he does not understand how, in his opinion, an adult man, the father of a family, Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov, reads poetry and admires nature. When a hero struggles with his feelings, he does not humiliate himself to the point of pity, and therefore evokes my sympathy and respect. I was especially shocked by two scenes in the novel: the scene of explanation with Odintsova and the scene of farewell to her. Here before us is not a cold, calculating person, but a romantic, a sensitive person who knows how to truly love, forgive, a caring son, it’s just a pity that he realized all this so late. Thus, it turns out that a person who is guided in his life mainly by reason and has little trust in his heart is unhappy. And if you listen only to your heart, is it possible to avoid mistakes in life?
The answer to this question can be found by reading the novel by L.N. Tolstoy "War and Peace". For me, the image of the main character of the novel, Natasha Rostova, turned out to be very interesting. For the first time we see her trusting, childishly spontaneous, in love with everyone. The novel well shows the development of the main character's personality and her transformation from a little naive girl into a young girl in love. She is not characterized by an endless search for the meaning of life, like, for example, Pierre Bezukhov or Andrei Bolkonsky. The main thing for Natasha Rostova is her overwhelming feelings. But is it possible to live guided only by feelings, listening to the heart, without taking into account the mind? I don't think so either. For the main character, love is the only meaning of life, and this love almost destroyed her. In her quest for love, she cannot stand the separation from Andrei Bolkonsky and the difficulties that have arisen with his family; meets and becomes interested in Anatoly Kuragin, betraying his feelings for Prince Andrei. This story brought the main character nothing but repentance and deep suffering. It turns out that you can make a lot of mistakes, guided only by feelings, without thinking about the consequences of your actions. Where is the “golden mean” and does it exist at all? I think that there are people who know how to subordinate their feelings to reason.
The heroine of the novel by A.S. will forever remain in my memory. Pushkin's "The Captain's Daughter" Masha Mironova, who lives guided by reason and feeling. Despite the fact that the main character loves Pyotr Grinev, she does not agree to become his wife without the blessing of her parents, because she understands that they will not be happy if they go against the will of the groom’s parents. Only after meeting the Grinev family, going through serious trials, and proving in practice her love for Peter, Masha Mironova earns the respect of his parents, and the long-awaited happiness comes to her.
So what should a person be guided by when performing this or that act? By reason? Or a feeling? Using the example of the destinies of the heroes, we can conclude that reason and feeling must be in harmonious unity. But this is ideal. But in life, most often you have to choose one thing, and his future fate depends on what a person chooses.
The greatest creation of the master of psychology I.S. Turgenev. He created his novel at a turning point, when progressive people in society were interested in the future of Russia, and writers were interested in the search for a hero of the time. Bazarov (the characterization of this character clearly demonstrates what the most developed youth of that time was like) is the central character of the novel, all the threads of the narrative come down to him. He is the brightest representative of the new generation. Who is he?
General characteristics (appearance, occupation)
As a writer-psychologist, Turgenev thought through everything to the smallest detail. One of the ways to characterize a character is the hero's appearance. Bazarov has a high forehead, which is a sign of intelligence, and narrow lips, which speak of arrogance and arrogance. However, the hero’s clothing plays a big role. Firstly, it shows that Bazarov is a representative of the raznochintsy democrats (the younger generation opposed to the older generation of liberal aristocrats of the 40s). He is dressed in a long black robe with tassels. He is wearing loose trousers made of coarse fabric and a simple shirt - this is how Bazarov is dressed. The image turned out to be more than telling. He does not chase fashion trends; moreover, he despises the elegance of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, whose appearance is completely opposite. Simplicity in clothing is one of the principles of the nihilists, whose position the hero took, so he feels closer to the common people. As the novel shows, the hero really manages to get close to ordinary Russian people. Bazarov is loved by the peasants, and the children of the courtyards follow on his heels. By occupation, Bazarov (characteristics of the hero in terms of profession) is a doctor. And who else could he be? After all, all his judgments are based on German materialism, where a person is considered only as a system in which its own physical and physiological laws operate.
Bazarov's Nihilism
Bazarov, whose character is certainly one of the most striking in the literature of the 19th century, adhered to one of the most popular teachings of the time - nihilism, which means “nothing” in Latin. The hero does not recognize any authorities, does not bow to any life principles. The main thing for him is science and knowledge of the world through experience.
External conflict in the novel
As noted above, Turgenev’s novel is multifaceted; two levels of conflict can be distinguished in it: external and internal. At the external level, the conflict is represented by disputes between Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov and Evgeny Bazarov.
Disputes with Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov concern different aspects of human life. Bazarov is most irreconcilable in relation to art, primarily poetry. He sees in her only empty and useless romanticism. The second thing the characters dialogue about is nature. For people like Nikolai Petrovich and Pavel Petrovich, nature is God’s temple in which a person rests; they admire its beauty. Bazarov (the character’s quotes confirm this) is categorically against such glorification; he believes that nature “is a workshop, and man is a worker in it.” In a conflict with Pavel Petrovich, the hero often behaves rather rudely. He speaks unflatteringly about him in the presence of his nephew, Arkady Kirsanov. All this does not show Bazarov from the best side. It is for this portrayal of the hero that Turgenev will subsequently suffer. Bazarov, whose characterization in many critical articles is not in favor of Turgenev, was undeservedly scolded by the author; some even believe that Turgenev is slandering the entire younger generation, undeservedly accusing them of all sins. However, we should not forget that the older generation is also not praised in the text.
Relationships with parents
Bazarov's nihilism clearly manifests itself at all moments of his life. Parents who have not seen their son for a long time are waiting for him with rapture. But they are slightly embarrassed by their serious and educated child. The mother pours out her feelings, and the father sheepishly apologizes for such incontinence. Bazarov himself strives to leave his parents’ home as quickly as possible, apparently because he is afraid to suddenly show warm feelings. According to German materialism, a person cannot have any spiritual attachments. On his second visit, Evgeniy also asks his parents not to disturb him, not to bother him with their care.
Internal conflict
The internal conflict in the novel is obvious. It lies in the fact that the hero begins to doubt his theory, he becomes dissuaded from it, but cannot come to terms with it. Bazarov’s first doubts about nihilism arise when he meets Sitnikov and Kukshina. These people call themselves nihilists, but they are too petty and insignificant.
Love line in the novel
The test of the hero by love is a classic for the novel genre, and the novel “Fathers and Sons” was no exception. Bazarov, an inveterate nihilist who denies any romantic feelings, falls in love with the young widow Odintsova. She captivates him at first sight when he sees her at the ball. She differs from other women in her beauty, majesty, her gait is graceful, every movement is royally graceful. But her most important trait is intelligence and prudence. It is prudence that will prevent her from staying with Bazarov. At first, their relationship seems friendly, but the reader immediately understands that a spark of love flashed between them. However, none of them is able to step over their principles. Evgeny Bazarov's confession looks ridiculous, because at the moment of revelation his eyes are more full of anger than love. Bazarov is a complex and contradictory image. What makes him angry? Of course, his theory collapsed. Man is and has always been a creature with a living heart, in which the strongest feelings glow. He, who denies love and romance, is conquered by a woman. Bazarov's ideas collapsed; they were refuted by life itself.
Friendship
Arkady Kirsanov is one of Bazarov's most devoted supporters. However, it is immediately noticeable how different they are. There is too much romanticism in Arcadia, as in his relatives. He wants to enjoy nature, he wants to start a family. Surprisingly, Bazarov, whose quotes addressed to Pavel Petrovich are harsh and unfriendly, does not despise him for this. He guides him on his path, realizing at the same time that Arkady will never be a true nihilist. At the moment of a quarrel, he insults Kirsanov, but his words are rather thoughtless than evil. Remarkable intelligence, strength of character, will, calmness and self-control - these are the qualities that Bazarov possesses. Arkady’s characterization looks weaker against his background, because he is not such an outstanding personality. But at the end of the novel, Arkady remains a happy family man, and Evgeny dies. Why?
The meaning of the novel's ending
Many critics reproached Turgenev for “killing” his hero. The ending of the novel is very symbolic. For heroes like Bazarov, the time has not come, and the author believes that it will never come at all. After all, humanity endures only because it has love, kindness, and respect for the traditions of its ancestors and culture. Bazarov is too categorical in his assessments, he does not take half measures, and his sayings sound blasphemous. He encroaches on the most valuable things - nature, faith and feelings. As a result, his theory crashes against the rocks of the natural order of life. He falls in love, cannot be happy only because of his beliefs, and in the end he dies altogether.
The epilogue of the novel emphasizes that Bazarov's ideas were unnatural. Parents come to their son's grave. He found peace in the midst of beautiful and eternal nature. Turgenev depicts the cemetery landscape in a pointedly romantic manner, once again conveying the idea that Bazarov was wrong. The “workshop” (as Bazarov called it) continues to bloom, live and delight everyone with its beauty, but the hero is no more.
It was not by chance that I chose the topic of internal conflict between feeling and reason. Feeling and reason are two of the most important forces in a person’s inner world, which very often come into conflict with each other. There are situations when feelings oppose reason. What happens in such a situation? Undoubtedly, this is very painful, alarming and extremely unpleasant, as a person rushes about, suffers, and loses ground under his feet. His mind says one thing, but his feelings raise a real riot and deprive him of peace and harmony. As a result, an internal struggle begins, which often ends very tragically.
A similar internal conflict is described in I. S. Turgenev’s work “Fathers and Sons.” Evgeny Bazarov, the main character, shared the theory of “nihilism” and denied literally everything: poetry, music, art and even love. But the meeting with Anna Sergeevna Odintsova, a beautiful, intelligent, woman unlike others, became a decisive event in his life, after which his internal conflict began. Unexpectedly, he felt a “romantic” in himself, capable of deeply feeling, worrying and hoping for reciprocity. His nihilistic views failed: it turns out that there is love, there is beauty, there is art. The strong feelings that gripped him begin to fight against rationalistic theory, and life becomes unbearable. The hero cannot continue scientific experiments or engage in medical practice - everything falls out of hand. Yes, when such a discord occurs between feeling and reason, life sometimes becomes impossible, since the harmony that is necessary for happiness is disrupted, and the internal conflict becomes external: family and friendly ties are disrupted.
One can also recall the work of F.M. Dostoevsky “Crime and Punishment”, which analyzes the rebellion of the main character’s feelings. Rodion Raskolnikov nurtured the “Napoleonic” idea of a strong personality who has the right to break the law and even kill a person. Having tested this rationalistic theory in practice, having killed the old pawnbroker, the hero experiences torment of conscience, the impossibility of communicating with family and friends, and practically becomes morally and physically ill. This painful condition arose due to the internal conflict of human feelings and fictitious theories.
So, we analyzed situations where feelings oppose reason, and came to the conclusion that it is sometimes detrimental to a person. But, on the other hand, it is also a signal that one must listen to feelings, since far-fetched theories can destroy both the person himself and cause irreparable harm, unbearable pain to the people around him.
You can be the master of your actions
but we are not free in our feelings
Gustave Flaubert
Love is a feeling characteristic of a person, a deep attachment to another person or object, a feeling of deep sympathy. Everyone at least once in their life experienced this cherished feeling, and something new and beautiful appeared around them. But can it melt the ice in the heart of a person hiding behind a mask of strong convictions? The author of the novel “Fathers and Sons,” I. S. Turgenev, could certainly have asked this question.
The main character of the novel is Evgeny Vasilyevich Bazarov - a young, intelligent and self-confident man of about thirty, the son of a staff doctor. Evgeniy is a nihilist by conviction, a person who denies everything and admits nothing. He laughs at love and art, at the worship of nature. He believes only in science and work and does not understand at all those men who are ready to throw themselves at the feet of their loved ones, putting their own lives on the map of a woman’s love. Eugene expresses himself about love in general as nonsense and unforgivable stupidity. However, even such a cold and calculating, self-confident and firm person was not spared the test of love.
Bazarov first met Anna Sergeevna Odintsova at the governor’s ball. But the more the plot of the novel develops, the more Bazarov is revealed. At first it turns out that their interests are similar, then they begin to spend a lot of time together, walking around Odintsova’s estate all day long. Bazarov, who lived only by reason, lost his usual self-control when he fell in love with Anna Sergeevna. Feelings for Odintsova transformed Bazarov, and he himself came to terms with what was happening in his soul, but his chosen one did not want to sacrifice peace for his sake, so both love and Bazarov’s life end tragically.
Deadness was in Bazarov’s philosophy, in his desire to subordinate living life to the laws of inanimate matter. Eugene’s desire to assert his personality, to oppose himself by preaching complete impersonality, was absurd. Death was in him; it was not for nothing that he died from cadaveric poison.
Knowing that he will die, Evgeny behaves courageously, and it is at this moment that the reader sees the real Bazarov, in whom the best qualities of a person are revealed. Before his death, Evgeniy wanted to see Anna Sergeevna, whose love lived in his heart. His wish was fulfilled, and he left, overcome by feelings.
Using the example of Evgeny Bazarov, we were convinced that such a feeling as love can change a person for the better, make him more open and sincere. At the end of his life, Bazarov leaves in the world not denial, but love, therefore Turgenev’s words “about eternal reconciliation and endless life” are true.
