Fathers and Sons: Chapter 21 Summary & Analysis

The next morning Arkady sees Vassily digging in his garden in his dressing-gown, having just come from doctoring some peasants. Arkady joins him for some tea in the fresh air. Vassily questions Arkady about his friendship with Bazarov, asking for Arkady’s honest opinion of his son. Arkady tells him that Bazarov is one of the most remarkable men he has ever met, and that he is sure Bazarov will have a great future. He tells the rapturous Vassily the story of how they met. Vassily tearfully admits that he “worships” his son.

Later, at midday, Bazarov and Arkady are resting in the shade of a haystack. Arkady asks Bazarov, who’s still heartbroken and brooding over Anna, about his childhood. After some time, Bazarov muses that his parents lead such a happy life, while he cannot help thinking about the insignificance and futility of his life and feels nothing but “depression and rancor.” At the same time, he finds his parents’ way of life deadening. Arkady reflects that one’s life ought to be arranged so that every moment is important; but Bazarov finds the “petty troubles” of daily life unendurable.

Bazarov keeps talking in a depressed tone, remarking that not only are principles empty, but everything comes down to feelings—which are the result of the way one’s brain is made. This even extends to such things as integrity. When he says this, Arkady sorrowfully says, “Oh, Yevgeny!” Bazarov says that when one goes down a philosophical path, one must go “the whole hog.” He and Arkady have a petty argument about Pushkin and then, “in the grip of […] hostility,” Bazarov accuses Arkady of following in his “idiot” uncle Pavel’s footsteps. When Arkady objects, Bazarov criticizes him for his “family feeling.” He tells Arkady they should “quarrel properly for once,” and Arkady is startled by the “sinister” look on his friend’s face.

Just then Vassily comes upon them and cheerfully likens them to “Castor and Pollux in person.” Bazarov begs his father not to be sentimental. Vassily warns Bazarov that Father Alexei, the village priest, is going to dine with them, having just conducted a thanksgiving service celebrating Bazarov’s visit, at Arina’s request. (Vassily does not admit that he desired the service as much as his wife did.)

At dinner, Father Alexei proves to be a “stout and imposing” and witty man. He refrains from openly blessing the two young men. He drinks wine and plays cards with them and even accepts a cigar from Arkady. Arina continues to gaze with devotion and awe at her son, and once Bazarov asks her to give him her hand “for luck.”

The next day, Bazarov tells Arkady that he’s going to leave tomorrow; he’s bored, and his father is never far away. He will return to Arkady’s house, where he’s left all his scientific apparatus. Arkady observes that Bazarov’s parents will be very upset; they’ve been planning on a two-week visit at least. He also tells Bazarov that Bazarov doesn’t understand his mother; Arina is a very clever conversationalist. Bazarov dismisses these remarks, but nevertheless it takes him all day to tell his father they intend to leave the following day. Vassily is “thunderstruck.” Haltingly, he tells his son, “three days … after three years … it’s rather little; rather little, Yevgeny.” He hurries from the room and can’t bear to tell his wife the news.

The next day, the Bazarov house is “filled with depression.” Vassily makes a “brave show” while Arina weeps. Bazarov tears himself away after promising to return within a month. After the tarantass disappears from sight, the old couple console one another in their grief.