Fathers and Sons

by

Ivan Turgenev

Fathers and Sons: Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
At the governor’s ball, Bazarov shows up in a shabby dress-coat and does not dance. He, Arkady, and Sitnikov linger in a corner until Madame Odintsov arrives. Arkady sees a tall, dignified woman with a “tranquil and intelligent expression.” He asks Sitnikov to introduce him. Madame Odintsov brightens when she hears Arkady’s name and says that she is acquainted with his father. She promises to dance a mazurka with Arkady later, giving him a sisterly look. She is 29, not that much older than Arkady, but he feels like a “schoolboy” in her presence. He can’t take his eyes off her.
Bazarov shows his contempt for such society affairs. Arkady, though, is immediately smitten with the striking Madame Odintsov.
Themes
Love vs. Nihilism Theme Icon
During the mazurka, Arkady is shy at first, but he opens up in response to Madame Odintsov’s calm courtesy. They talk for an hour, and, curious about Bazarov, she invites the two of them to visit her soon. When Arkady returns to his friend, he’s jarred by Bazarov’s cynical comments. Bazarov says that he thinks “free-thinking women are monstrosities.”
As before, Arkady tends to have more interest in individuals and is more warm and open than Bazarov. Bazarov has a jarringly misogynist attitude which he doesn’t bother to explain or defend.
Themes
Love vs. Nihilism Theme Icon