Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Fathers and Sons, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Tradition and Progress
Nature vs. Materialism
Love vs. Nihilism
Generational Conflict
Summary
Analysis
The next day, the two drop by Madame Odintsov’s hotel. There has been gossip about Madame Odintsov’s former marriage to a rich old man, but Bazarov says that “for our sort of people,” “‘not quite right’ means ‘quite all right.’” When Madame Odintsov comes in, Arkady is amazed to see that Bazarov seems nervous around her. Bazarov starts chattering with exaggerated ease.
In Bazarov’s view, Madame Odintsov’s questionable past—the mere fact that she’s not entirely conventional—makes her more appealing. For all his dismissal of romance and his distaste for women, Bazarov appears to be strongly affected by the noblewoman’s presence, too.
Themes
Anna Sergeyevna Odintsov is the daughter of a nobleman who ruined himself by gambling, leaving a tiny income to Anna and her younger sister, Katya. Anna’s education hadn’t prepared her for the management of an estate, and she had no one to help her except for a spiteful, scolding old aunt. Then she married an eccentric hypochondriac of 46, Odintsov. After his death, Anna and Katya remained on his estate of Nikolskoye, Anna becoming a slight recluse in light of persistent rumors about her unusual marriage.
In spite of her wealth, Anna Odintsov hasn’t had an easy life and has been forced to develop her independence after being widowed at an early age, dealing with the whispered disapproval of society. She doesn’t fit easily into society’s categories, but, unlike the awkward Madame Kukshin, she is much more self-assured.
Themes
Bazarov is trying to impress Anna with conversation about medicine and botany, to Arkady’s surprise, and she appears flattered by this. Anna is well-read and holds her own in the conversation. She continues to regard Arkady like a younger brother. After a long conversation, Anna invites the two men to visit her at Nikolskoye. Bazarov blushes. As they leave, Bazarov suggests that they go the day after tomorrow. Three days later they’re on their way.
Instead of being withdrawn and dismissive, as at Madame Kukshin’s, Bazarov is now trying to engage his hostess on subjects that matter to him. He even shows uncharacteristic embarrassment. He doesn’t wait long to take Anna up on her offer.
Themes
