Why does Turgenev think so? Is it necessary to read Turgenev in the 21st century? Yana Zhemoytelite, writer, Petrozavodsk: “Russian history, written from inside the events”

Recently the world celebrated the 200th anniversary of the great Russian writer Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev. More than one generation of people grew up reading his works, which have become world classics. fiction. In this review we have collected interesting facts from his biography, which allow us to see the writer as a person - on the one hand, high in his actions and thoughts, but also endowed with certain shortcomings on the other.

"Mothers and Children"

The writer had a difficult relationship with his own mother all his life. His father, Sergei Nikolaevich Turgenev, married a rich old maid, Lutovinova, for convenience (the bride, who had been a long-term girl, was already 28 years old!). Varvara Petrovna was 6 years older than her husband and remained a real domestic tyrant all her life. Ivan Sergeevich wrote in his memoirs:

“I have nothing to remember my childhood with. Not a single bright memory. I was afraid of my mother like fire. I was punished for every trifle - in a word, I was drilled like a recruit. Rarely did a day pass without rods; when I dared to ask why I was being punished, my mother categorically stated: “You should know better about this, guess.”

Probably, the mother became the “muse” thanks to which Turgenev hated serfdom and fought him in every way available to him. It was she who he described in the image of a lady in the story “Mu-mu.” He completely stopped relations with her after the powerful woman lined up all the serfs along the driveway with instructions to greet Ivan Sergeevich with loud shouts for the solemn meeting of her son. Immediately turning around and leaving back to St. Petersburg, Turgenev did not see his mother again until her death.

True male passion

It seems that besides literature, Turgenev's true passion was hunting. The writer indulged in this hobby constantly, a lot and willingly. For the sake of hunting expeditions, he traveled around the Oryol, Tula, Tambov, Kursk, Kaluga provinces, and also studied the best lands of England, France and Germany, trying to recreate the atmosphere and rituals of Russian hunting abroad. He maintained a kennel for nearly 150 dogs (hounds and greyhounds). In addition to fiction that glorified hunting, he was the author of three specialized books on this topic. Seducing his fellow writers with this activity, he even created a kind of hunting circle, which included Nekrasov, Fet, Ostrovsky, Nikolai and Lev Tolstoy, the artist P. P. Sokolov (the first illustrator of “Notes of a Hunter”).

It is known that in 1843, when he met Pauline Viardot, a mutual friend introduced him like this: “This is a young Russian landowner. A good hunter and a bad poet"(Turgenev at the beginning of his literary activity was going to become a poet and wrote poems that were published in Sovremennik).

Character traits

Turgenev was a perfect illustration of the idea that genius must be absent-minded. This trait of his reached the point of absurdity. However, his contemporaries also found other, less flattering terms for his forgetfulness, for example, “all-Russian negligence” and “Oblomovism.” They said that the writer could invite guests for dinner and forget about it, going about his business. Several times, having taken an advance for a manuscript, he simply did not send it to print. And once, due to the non-commitment of the famous writer, the Russian revolutionary Arthur Benny was seriously injured, since Turgenev did not deliver a letter to London justifying the slander against him, having forgotten the envelope at home.

At the age of 20, Turgenev showed society an example of obvious cowardice; the traces of this event cast a shadow on his reputation for a long time. In 1838, while traveling around Germany, the young writer sailed on a ship. A fire broke out, which, fortunately, was put out quickly enough, but during the panic, Turgenev, according to eyewitnesses, did not behave like a gentleman, pushing women and children away from the lifeboats. He bribed one sailor, promising him a reward from his rich mother if he saved him. Having reached the shore safely, he was immediately ashamed of his momentary weakness, but rumors about it and ridicule could no longer be stopped. As a true writer, Turgenev creatively reworked this life lesson and described it in the short story “Fire at Sea.”

Features of physiology

After the death of the brilliant writer, his body was examined by Sergei Petrovich Botkin himself and it turned out that the French doctors had made a mistake with the diagnosis. IN recent years Turgenev was treated for angina pectoris and intercostal neuralgia. Botkin wrote in conclusion that « the real reason death was clarified only after an autopsy.", it turned out to be microsarcoma of the spine.

At the same time, a study of the writer’s brain was conducted. It turned out that his weight was 2012 grams, which is about 600 grams more than the average person. This fact has been included in many teaching aids in anatomy, although physical scientists are wary of the idea of ​​a direct link between mental ability and brain size.

Turgenev's love story became an example of high and pure feeling. Read on:

The world celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the classic of Russian literature Ivan Turgenev today, November 9.

Extra people, Turgenev's girl, a foggy morning - the first associations that come to mind when hearing the name of this writer.Is it necessary to read Turgenev in the 21st century? We asked people from different professions to answer this question.

Dmitry Veresov, writer, Petrozavodsk: “First love is almost always tragic”

- I think it's worth reading. And not only because Turgenev is considered a classic of Russian literature. First of all, it is a language, or syllable, beautiful, musical, almost perfect. These are descriptions of nature - perhaps the first in 19th-century prose: night, dawn, foggy, blurry landscapes in watercolor. And, of course, a gallery of romantic, spiritual girls, their first love, alas, is almost always tragic, but happy love is not something that is not customary to write about - it is not interesting for any writer...

Yana Zhemoytelite, writer, Petrozavodsk: “Russian history, written from inside the events”

- For ordinary life, you don’t need to read anything at all. Indeed, you can get a great job and not read anything. But! Turgenev organically belongs to the Russian spiritual cosmos. Therefore, a person who once breathed it (space) cannot but know what Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Chekhov wrote. It’s not difficult to read the classics, there aren’t many of them. Perhaps no more than the fingers on your hands. And if someone considers himself an expert in history, he is obliged to read Turgenev in order to understand what the Russian nobility thought and how they lived. It is likely that some moments will cause irony, for example, the description of the men in “Notes of a Hunter.” Turgenev came to the village on an excursion from France, nevertheless this his vision of the subject. Despite the fact that there are other descriptions of the same thing. However, also from the outside. The notes of the serfs themselves, for example, are not known to me. Turgenev is a witness of the era. This is Russian history written from the inside of events.

Elena Sapegina, actress of the non-state author's theater AdLiberum, Petrozavodsk: “Turgenev helps to return the undertones of the native language”

— It seems to me that reading Turgenev is useful. So as not to lose our native language. We are used to SMS messages. Informative. Short and to the point. We have lost our beauty Mother tongue. Halftones. Turgenev is helping us bring this back.

Galina Makkoeva, literature teacher, Segezha: “A tuning fork that will not allow you to play false notes”

1. This great Russian writer created his works in the magnificent, rich literary Russian language. To preserve the nation, you need to preserve the language, you need to take care of its purity and promotion as a world language. Our language is being polluted by our contemporaries, but for now it can cope on its own. I'm afraid that we may reach the point of no return. Where is the standard? Where is the tuning fork that will not allow you to take false notes? He is in Turgenev's books. Read Turgenev and you will speak good Russian. Our Russian language is standardized. Turgenev's norm.

2. Everyone who studied Russian literature at school knows about the existence of such a literary type as the Turgenev girl. This is a great role model. I urge all girls to pay attention to him. Firstly, Turgenev’s girl is individual, not like others. Secondly, she fulfills her feminine destiny, is looking for a real man and is ready to support him and be there for him in any situation. Thirdly, she is determined, wants to do things, be useful, is ready for a feat, to move forward and upward. In a modern format, this is a lady and a businesswoman in one bottle.

3. Reading Turgenev, you begin to deeply love your family and parents, your “fathers.” The old Bazarovs at the grave of their beloved Enyushka always give me an irresistible desire to visit my mother or, at worst, call her. I envy Arkady Kirsanov because he had such a wonderful father next to him. Mine passed away early, I missed his attention and advice so much. And I always welcome my son at home the way the old Bazarovs do their Evgeniy: I feed him, fuss over him, admire him, take care of him, adore him.

Maria Muravyova, teacher, Petrozavodsk: “I want to drink this cocktail until the end”

- Yes, you need to read. Turgenev is one of the most educated people of its time. The author of the statement about the “great and powerful” language. Why is it worth reading? Firstly, his prose is an example of standard language. Secondly, his texts contain so much purity, simplicity, mystery, inflexibility, wisdom and despair at the same time that you want to drink this cocktail to the end. Turgenev in his prose is very poetic, lofty, attractive with the power of his mind and talent. It is good for the young, daring and inexperienced. It is great for those who are graying and have seen a lot.

Nina Gubushkina, school librarian, Pitkäranta: “It’s worth reviewing the school curriculum”

— My answer is clear: yes! Turgenev must be read in the 21st and subsequent centuries. Firstly, the beauty and uniqueness of his descriptions of nature, knowledge of human psychology. Maybe it's worth reconsidering school curriculum and instead of the novel “Fathers and Sons”, take a closer look at his prose poems - beauty! From “Notes of a Hunter” I would take Bezhin Meadow, and also the story “Asya”, which is understandable to high school students. This concerns children, but adults would do well to re-read the classics.

Tatyana Pereskokova, teacher and librarian, Kondopoga: “I would pay attention to prose poems”

— Remember the famous words of Turgenev: “In days of doubt and painful thoughts about the fate of my homeland, you alone are my support and support, oh great, mighty, truthful and free Russian language”? I think this wonderful Russian writer should remain on our bookshelves. Another thing is What read. Turgenev's heroes are still debated to this day. And I would draw the attention of readers to the famous cycle “Poems in Prose”. These works of Turgenev, small in volume and huge in content, contain everything that worried and worried him throughout his life.

Photo www.ozon.ru, from personal accounts and Maria Golubeva

Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev lived his life in a struggle with circumstances and himself. We invite you to take a look at how successful the “battle for the soul” turned out to be, and what price did the Russian classic have to pay for his weaknesses?

Mother

The despotic Varvara Petrovna was the worst example of not only a Russian landowner, but also a mother. Everyone suffered from her tyranny: from serfs to her beloved son Ivan. The peasants who did not bend their caps went to Siberia, and the disobedient son, who did not want to serve at first, and then did not return from a trip abroad for a long time, was deprived of his means of subsistence. Little Ivan the mother “torn” with her own hands almost every day. However, for a long time Turgenev managed to resist the desire to rebel against his mother. She commands and he goes to Germany to continue his studies. Then, again trying to please his mother, he not too zealously seeks a place in the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the department of the ethnographer Dahl. Soon, however, he resigns and receives punishment for his desire to engage in “paper scribbling” - his mother reduces his monthly allowance so much that he can hardly pay for his own lunch. Before her death, Varvara Petrovna will “give” her two sons—Nikolai, who retired and “lived haphazardly,” and Ivan, who “dragged after a singer” and lived abroad—an estate, though without signing deeds of gift and selling the reserves for the future sowing season for next to nothing. Turgenev will not be able to reconcile himself - in the heat of a quarrel he will say to his mother: “Who aren’t you torturing? Everyone!” to which he will hear from Varvara Petrovna, who has turned white with anger: “I have no children!” The son will make several attempts to make peace with his mother - in the hope of a conversation, he will walk 18 miles every day from his father’s small estate Turgenevo. But the mother will soon die, without leaving any orders, and without forgiving her disobedient son.

Pauline Viardot

Turgenev will have to pay a high price for success in the literary field. His “fascination” with the role of “Russian friend” will last for almost 40 years. Obsession with Pauline Viardot will dictate its own rules. He will be introduced opera diva November 1, 1843 - and from that moment life will never be the same. He would become her most devoted admirer, spending long hours on the third paw of the polar bear, whose skin was spread on the floor of his “angel’s” St. Petersburg restroom. Trying to outshine Viardot's more successful admirers, he will be generous with gifts and flowers. In pursuit of personal happiness, with a barely flickering hope for reciprocity, he will follow the “inimitable” to Europe. Over time, he will become a good friend of the Viardot family. Experiencing material difficulties, he will live off them, and having received an inheritance, he will be able to thank his friends. Life in the castle of Courtavnel, 60 kilometers from the French capital, will become best time for Turgenev: his beloved woman is nearby, he breathes the same air with her, he hears her divine singing every evening. He is happy, although for a long time he receives only royal indulgence. Turgenev will not be able to overcome this temptation, harboring the hope of sooner or later completely possessing this woman. He will get what he wants, albeit for a very short time.

Fear

In a critical situation, Turgenev will not be able to overcome his instinctive fear. He will go to study in Germany by ship. The fire that started on the ship and the panic that gripped everyone will force young Turgenev to show cowardice. He will desperately push aside passengers, trying to be the first to take a place in the lifeboat, not noticing children and women among those in distress. The horror of a fire dictates only one desire - to escape. Later, in his autobiographical story “Fire at Sea,” he would write: “I remember that I grabbed the sailor’s hand and promised him ten thousand rubles on behalf of my mother if he managed to save me.” Fortunately, no one will suffer, but the joy of salvation will be mixed with a bitter feeling of shame, which will poison Turgenev’s life for many years to come.

Copper pipes

Did Turgenev dream of one day achieving the glory of the greatest? Of course, but can you blame him for that? He will show his first poem “The Wall”, written in imitation of Byron’s “Manfred”, to the professor of Russian literature Pletnev. Friendly and with excellent instincts, Pletnev will find the work mediocre, however, he will recommend the author to continue his search and even invite him to one of the literary evenings. It was in the hallway of Pletnev that Turgenev first saw Pushkin, his idol. A little earlier he will attend Gogol's lecture on general history and will be extremely disappointed to see in front of him, whispering something incoherent, a terribly embarrassed person who, among other things, had little understanding of the subject he was talking about. Later he will meet Dostoevsky, who will seem pretentious, awkward and ridiculous to him. Dostoevsky would become for Turgenev the personification of what he did not accept in people: verbosity, lack of tact, extravagance. Then he will not yet know that Dostoevsky will become his main rival in his literary career. Turgenev worked at the same time as Tolstoy and Nekrasov, Fet and Dobrolyubov, Emile Zola and Prosper Merimee, Flaubert, Guy de Maupassant, James, Thackeray, Dickens. And he will become a classic of Russian literature, writing “Notes of a Hunter,” “ Noble nest", "The Eve", "Fathers and Sons". He will translate a lot, opening Russian literature to Europeans and giving his compatriots best works Western classics.

Friends

Of the entire galaxy of celebrities who surrounded Turgenev, relations with many grew from purely business to friendly. However, the vulnerable and subjective Ivan Sergeevich could decisively stop any relations with friends, without understanding the motivation for the action or without accepting the opinion. So, after the publication of Dobrolyubov’s article in Sovremennik, in which criticism of “On the Eve” was voiced, Turgenev will present Nekrasov with a choice, and when he chooses Dobrolyubov, Ivan Sergeevich will leave Sovremennik and stop communicating with best friend. Turgenev also quarreled with Dostoevsky for 10 years due to disagreement with the themes and characters of the novel “Smoke”. For 17 long years, Turgenev would stop communicating with Leo Tolstoy - a quarrel would begin due to a difference in views on educational methods. In particular, Tolstoy would consider it insincere that a “dressed up girl” (Turgenev’s illegitimate daughter) would mend the clothes of the poor. The remark will extremely offend Turgenev: he will lose his composure, respond sharply, although this was not characteristic of his nature, and, allegedly, will even rush at Tolstoy with his fists. The matter could have ended in a duel, but, fortunately, the murder did not take place. It is interesting, however, that usually it was not Turgenev who took the first steps towards reconciliation.

Revolution

The French Revolution of 1848 found Turgenev in Brussels, and half an hour later he was rushing to Paris to witness radical changes. But seeing the blood, massacres, vain victims, the obsession of his friend Bakunin, who rejoiced in the riot of the oppressed masses, Turgenev realized that he was not capable of active struggle, decisive action, and most importantly, he was not ready to go to extremes. Peaceful by nature and prone to reflection, he undoubtedly dreamed of better world and a different life for people, however, was not a supporter of revolutionary bloodshed. Contemplation of French events allowed him to clearly realize that his calling was reflection, love and work. It is interesting that after becoming the rightful owner of the Spasskoye estate after the death of his mother, he will give the opportunity to pay off only a few peasants. Yes, he condemned serfdom, however, like many people of that time, he believed that men left to their own devices would perish. Extreme measures and decisive actions were clearly not for Turgenev. He preferred humility and contemplation.

Daughter

And yet, sometimes he rebelled, violated prohibitions (for example, he published a prohibited obituary on the death of Gogol), went against the odds, succumbed to temptation, but got up and continued on his way. A striking illustration of the correction of a mistake can be seen in Turgenev’s attitude towards his illegitimate daughter, whom he “snatched” from the tenacious “embraces” of her grandmother, who treated the girl as a servant. Turgenev first transported Pelageya to St. Petersburg, and then asked Polina Viardot to take her daughter into custody. So a Russian girl with a new name Polinette (or Polina) ended up in France. True, after the death of her father, the young lady found herself in an extremely difficult financial situation, because Turgenev bequeathed his fortune to Pauline Viardot. And he could not overcome this passion. However, if Turgenev had resisted all temptations, he would not have been a man, but a saint.

The themes of Turgenev's prose poems are completely different. They reflect social problems and concern moral categories and affect universal human values. From time to time it is useful to re-read these texts, to note something important and significant in them for yourself. That's why they are still relevant today. Analysis of Turgenev's prose poems allows us to better understand the problems of his works, to be imbued with touching texts that teach goodness, justice and responsibility.

When you get to know them, you get a feeling of light sadness. One of the most interesting and memorable are Turgenev’s short notes. The genre of prose poems appeared precisely from the moment of the creation of these amazing mini-stories. Ivan Sergeevich became its founder. Let's take a closer look at individual texts.

"Two Rich Men"

Here the author compares examples of generosity of soul. One man, wealthy in all respects, donates huge sums of money to help the sick and disadvantaged. Another - a poor peasant - denies himself the most necessary things. His main goal is to take care of his orphan niece. He does not spare money for someone else’s child and does not even think about how much he has to sacrifice. Turgenev emphasizes the idea that true good always comes from compassion, the ability to give up something important in the name of the well-being of another.

"Sparrow"

This work presents a discussion about the noble impulse of a bird, which the author witnessed. He admires the sincere dedication of an adult sparrow, which rushed to protect the chick. Here we can’t help but compare with human destinies and needs. Turgenev’s “Sparrow” is aimed at revealing moral values: the ability to sacrifice oneself, to take responsibility for what is happening.

After all, every threatening situation has its own solution. You just need to look hard for it inside yourself, to discover your inner resources. In many cases, Turgenev’s “Sparrow” is remembered more than other texts. He is included in the school curriculum, quoted, and admired even by those who have nothing to do with literature.

"Shchi"

A very touching story that leaves an impression. The author shows the feelings of a simple peasant woman - a widow whose only son died. The elderly woman can barely control herself from grief, but she is faced with misunderstanding from the lady: she thinks that she is not worried enough. The “rude feelings” of the peasant woman actually hide the need to take care of their daily bread. While the lady easily received any benefits. That’s why she could afford to grieve for a long time, refusing not only food, but also any other pleasures. “Shchi” is an indicative story about the fact that everyone has different values, and what is difficult for one is easy for another.

"Russian language"

A wonderful text that you want to read and re-read periodically. The author praises his native speech, considering it a standard of beauty and grace. Turgenev’s prose poem “The Russian Language” makes you think about a lot: about choosing your individual path, about where you can always find support and support. The author feels the consonance of his soul with his native speech and sincerely admires it. Turgenev’s prose poem “The Russian Language” is filled with unprecedented tenderness and imbued with innermost feelings. This text awakens good memories in the heart.

"Enemy and Friend"

The theme of this work is quite ambiguous, making it difficult to immediately understand what its enduring meaning is. And a friend can accidentally destroy, and an enemy at some point tell the truth. The author emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the problem itself.

"Pigeons"

An amazing life-affirming work that helps you feel how great the diversity of life is. It is filled with unimaginable love for everything that exists, which is what distinguishes it from other poems in Turgenev’s prose. “Doves” is a real hymn to life. The work helps us understand how sometimes we are mistaken about some manifestations of reality. According to the author, the most important thing in life is love and compassion.

Observing the behavior of birds, the writer admires their selfless manifestations, desire to help and be necessary friend to a friend. He probably compares this picture with human relationships, which are not always so harmonious and beautiful.

"What will I think"

A work filled with a gloomy mood before the inevitable approach of death. The writer has a presentiment that his end will soon come life path and therefore suffers greatly.

He is afraid of the unknown, as well as the prospect that life is not lived in the best possible way. in the best possible way. It seems that nothing good awaits ahead, and the heart is slowly filled with melancholy. "What Will I Think" represents one big question, which is impossible to answer without diving into details and without considering specific circumstances. An analysis of Turgenev's prose poems emphasizes how a person himself, being in old age, can ask serious questions, thereby depriving himself peace of mind and confidence.

Summing up, you can not only miss a lot, but also evaluate it biasedly.

"Hourglass"

A work that carries within itself sorrow for a life lived uselessly. The author states in every sentence that every moment is priceless, but we waste time on sheer nonsense! Essentially, people live it as if they have no other options or alternatives. The transience of each individual path makes it difficult to understand the meaning of one’s purpose.

"Writer and Critic"

Here we are talking about what real talent means in life and how it is measured. The writer sees the meaning of life in true dedication and the greatest desire to convey to readers some bright idea of ​​lasting value. The critic discovers something unworthy in such an existence, but he himself only knows how to reason and evaluate. The author shows that real writer and the critic live in each of us. One is obsessed with the dream of creativity, the other constantly scolds him, returning him to the harsh, unsightly reality. Their dispute can continue until one of them gives in to the other and gives up their own positions.

"Dog"

IN this work the author is trying to comprehend the enduring value of life. The animal’s gaze seems to reflect its own fears, which have become unbearable and overly intrusive. Turgenev’s prose poem “Dog” shows the connection between the life of a pet and the thoughts and feelings of its owner.

If a person is not in a very positive mood, then the animal begins to behave in a similar way: it worries, looks pitifully into the eyes. In all this one can trace the interconnection of close souls. Turgenev’s prose poem “Dog” is aimed at revealing feelings that a person hid from himself, fearing new disappointments.

"Tomorrow! Tomorrow!"

A work that makes you think about the meaning of life. People tend to bring tomorrow closer and make plans, but they miss the present moment. Even those who have achieved success in life and have managed to fully express their talent will undoubtedly regret unrealized opportunities before they die.

Thus, an analysis of Turgenev’s prose poems shows that the author thought a lot about the essence and value of his existence. Own life seemed to him a deliberately lost game. The writer's individual experiences are embodied in exquisite and concise stories that are easy to read. An analysis of Turgenev's prose poems shows how difficult the last years of Ivan Sergeevich's life were. He constantly turns to his memories and finds no consolation in them. In many individual works the idea of ​​the meaninglessness of further life can be traced, the theme of disappointment sounds with a hysterical note. The prose poems themselves are quite succinct, filled with wisdom, although not optimistic.