Summary of Turgenev Nov in 2 minutes retelling the plot

Summary
Turgenev
New

The events of the novel take place in the 60s of the nineteenth century, a time of growing revolutionary sentiment among the intelligentsia and students, the emergence of secret circles and societies that set the goal of organizing a peasant revolution in Russia.

The action begins in St. Petersburg. The protagonist of the novel, Alexey Nezhdanov, is a member of one of these societies. His colleagues Mashurina and Ostroumov are concerned about carrying out the orders of the secret leadership and the financial problems associated with them. Alexei, clearly burdened by his position, accepts with relief the offer of the dignitary Sipyagin and leaves as his son’s teacher in the S-th province.

On Sipyagin's estate, the heroes of the novel form two camps of opposing beliefs. On the one hand, there is Sipyagin, a liberal in words, his power-hungry wife Valentina Mikhailovna, and an ardent conservative Kallomeitsev. They are opposed by Nezhdanov himself, Valentina Mikhailovna Markelov’s brother, also a member of a secret society, and Sipyagin’s niece Marianna, a girl of the same beliefs as them.

The circle of local revolutionaries also includes a paper mill mechanic, Solomin, a man of the people who does not share the theories of his comrades, but is ready for practical action.

Real attempts to “reach out to the people” end in failure for the heroes. Markelov, who openly calls on the peasants to revolt, is captured and handed over to the police by the same peasants. Nezhdanov, trying to find a common language with the people, is drunk by the men in a tavern and ridiculed. As a result, completely disillusioned with himself and with revolutionary ideas, he commits suicide. Ostrodumov was killed by a tradesman for campaigning, Mashurina is hiding abroad.

What does the novel, directed by the author to like-minded heroes, teach? The epigraph to the novel - “New things should be raised not with a superficially sliding plow, but with a deep-reaching plow” - expresses Turgenev’s position on the futility of riots and coups, but the need for constant work, education and gradual transformations of society.

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Turgenev. All works

Andrey Kolosov
Asya
Asya by chapters
Bezhin meadow
Biryuk
Brigadier
Mayor
On the road
Spring waters
Sparrow
Hamlet of Shchigrovsky district
Two landowners
Two friends
Noble Nest
Diary of an Extra Man
Smoke
Ermolai and the miller's wife
Living relics
Breakfast with the leader
Notes of a Hunter
The story of Lieutenant Ergunov
Kasyan with a beautiful sword
Clara Milic
The end of Tchertopkhanov
Office
Lebedyan
Forest and steppe
Lgov
Raspberry water
A month in the village
My neighbor Radilov
Mu Mu
The day before
Freeloader
Beggar
New
Odnodvorets Ovsyannikov
Fathers and Sons
Singers
First love
First love by chapters
Song of Triumphant Love
Pyotr Petrovich Karataev
Trip to Polesie
Provincial
Punin and Baburin
Father Alexey's story
Rudin
Date
Death
Dog
Dream
King Lear of the Steppes
Strange story
Knocking!
Tatyana Borisovna and her nephew
Three meetings
District doctor
Faust
Bachelor
Khor and Kalinich
Watch
Tchertophanov and Nedopyuskin

Novel “Nove” (Turgenev): analysis

The novel “New” (Turgenev), which we will analyze, is connected with the events of the failed student “going to the people,” which reached its climax in the spring and summer of 1874, although the author moved the action to the end of the 1860s. All the young revolutionary propagandists in the novel are led from some mysterious distance by someone Vasily Nikolaevich, who sends them “notes” with instructions. The main character, the illegitimate son of a prince, student Nezhdanov, commits suicide after an unsuccessful attempt at propaganda among the men (he was made drunk for the sake of mockery). Another propagandist, the young landowner Markelov. the peasants tie him up, hand him over to the police, and he goes to trial. The third, Ostrodumov, was killed by a certain tradesman whom Ostrodumov “persuaded to revolt.” The men and artisans they recruit are invariably either drunkards or fools, and also cowardly traitors (Markelov is betrayed by his favorite, on whom he had high hopes as a national hero).

Some figures in the circle of the nihilists themselves are openly parodic (merchant Golushkin, Kislyakov), continuing the type of heroes begun by the images of Kukshina, Sitnikov and Matryona Sukhanchnova. Nezhdanov and Markelov are noble, but despite all the purity of their intentions and thoughts, they, like revolutionary youth in general, are completely divorced from reality. It is noticeable, by the way, that Turgenev makes almost all young revolutionaries deprived of life in some way, disadvantaged, unhappy and unsuccessful on a personal level. So, Marianna refused Markelov. At first she fell in love with Nezhdanov, but the weakness he showed led to the girl’s immediate disappointment (Nezhdanov immediately catches it, and it becomes one of the reasons for his suicide).

The honest, brave and intelligent realist-pragmatist Solomin, who listens attentively and sympathetically to the revolutionaries, but does not believe in their success, subsequently marries Marianna, and she abandons revolutionary affairs, almost without having time to start them. Of the main characters in the novel, only another girl, the nihilist Fekla Mashurina, stubbornly continues her activities as a revolutionary (at the end of the novel, Turgenev, not without good-natured irony, shows her naively posing as an Italian countess for conspiracy purposes). In turn, the “reds” are opposed by hypocrites pretending to be liberals like Chamberlain Sipyagin and his narcissistic wife, indifferent bureaucrats like the governor and even such evil scoundrels as the cadet chamberlain Kallomeitsev. Besides Solomin, outside both camps is the spiritually and physically weak, but internally deeply decent Sila Paklin (his views have more than once been tried to be identified with the author’s position of Turgenev).

Source: Mineralov Yu.I. History of Russian literature of the 19th century. (40-60s). M.: Higher. school, 2003

Nezhdanov gets a job as a home teacher with the Sipyagins at a time when he really needs money, and even more, a change of scenery. Now he can rest and gather his strength, the main thing is that he “fell out from under the tutelage of his St. Petersburg friends.” In St. Petersburg he lived in a dark room with an iron bed, a bookcase filled with books, and two unwashed windows. One day a respectable, overly self-confident gentleman, Boris Andreevich Sipyagin, well-known to the bureaucrats of St. Petersburg, appeared in this room. He needs a teacher for his son for the summer, and the aide-de-camp Prince G. (“it seems like your relative”) recommended Alexei Dmitrievich. At the word “relative,” Nezhdanov instantly blushes. Prince G. is one of his brothers who do not recognize him, an illegitimate, but who pay him an annual “pension” at the behest of his late father. Alexey suffers all his life from the ambiguity of his position. For this reason, he is so painfully proud, so nervous and internally contradictory. Isn't that the reason why you're so lonely? . Nezhdanov has plenty of reasons to be embarrassed. In the smoke-filled cell of the “princely relative”, Sipyagin found his “St. Petersburg friends”: Ostrodumov, Mashurina and Paklin. Sloppy figures, heavy and clumsy; careless and old clothes; rough features of Ostrodumov’s face, still pitted with smallpox; loud voices and red large hands. In their appearance, however, “there was something honest, and persistent, and hardworking,” but this could no longer correct the impression. Paklin was an extremely small, homely man, who suffered greatly from this because of his passionate love for women. Despite his meager stature, he was still a Strength (!) Sonny himself (!!). However, the students liked him with his cheerful bile and cynical glibness (the Russian Mephistopheles, as Nezhdanov called him in response to being called the Russian Hamlet). Paklin was also hurt by the revolutionaries’ undisguised distrust of him. Now Nezhdanov was taking a break from all this. He was no stranger to the aesthetic, wrote poetry and carefully hid it in order to “be like everyone else.” The Sipyagins have a large stone house, with columns and a Greek pediment. Behind the house there is a beautiful, well-kept old garden. The interior bears the imprint of the latest, delicate taste: Valentina Mikhailovna fully shares not only the beliefs, but also the passions of her husband, a liberal figure and a humane landowner. She herself is tall and slender, her face is reminiscent of the Sistine Madonna. She was accustomed to disturbing the peace of her heart, and not at all in order to establish a special relationship with the object of her encouraging attention. Nejdanov did not avoid it, but quickly realized the lack, so to speak, of content in her subtle appeal and demonstration of the supposed lack of distance between them. Her tendency to subordinate and dominate is especially obvious in her relationship with Marianne, her husband’s niece. Her father, a general, was convicted of embezzlement and sent to Siberia, then forgiven, returned, but died in extreme poverty. Soon her mother died, and Marianna was sheltered by her uncle Boris Andreevich. The girl lives in the position of a poor relative, gives French lessons to the Sipyagins’ son and is very burdened by her dependence on the domineering “aunt”. She also suffers from the knowledge that others know about the dishonor of her family. “Auntie” knows how to casually mention this to her friends. In general, she considers her a nihilist and atheist. Marianna is not a beauty, but she is attractive, and her beautiful figure resembles an 18th-century Florentine figurine. In addition, “from her whole being there was something strong and bold, impetuous and passionate.” Is it surprising that Nezhdanov sees a kindred spirit in her and turns his attention to her, which does not remain unrequited. But Valentina Mikhailovna’s brother Sergei Mikhailovich Markelov, an ugly, gloomy and bilious man, is passionately and hopelessly in love with Marianna. As a relative, he visits a house where the main principles are freedom of opinion and tolerance, and at the table, say, Nezhdanov and the extreme conservative Kallomiytsev, who does not hide his dislike for nihilists and reforms, come together. Unexpectedly, it turns out that Markelov came to meet with Nezhdanov, to whom he brought a letter from Vasily Nikolaevich “himself”, recommending that they both interact “in disseminating known rules.” But it’s better to talk on Markelov’s estate, otherwise in the house the sisters and the walls have ears. Sergei Mikhailovich Nezhdanov has a surprise waiting for him. In the living room, by the light of a kerosene lamp, Ostrodumov and Mashurin are drinking beer and smoking. Until four in the morning there is talk about who they can rely on. Markelov believes that it is necessary to attract the “mechanic manager” of the local paper mill, Solomin, and the merchant from the schismatics, Golushkin. In his room, Nezhdanov again feels terrible mental fatigue. Again, a lot has been said that we need to act, that it’s time to start, but no one knows what to do. His “St. Petersburg friends” are limited, although honest and strong. However, in the morning he noticed on Markelov’s face traces of the same mental fatigue of an unfortunate, unlucky man. Meanwhile, after Markelov’s refusal, Marianna and Nezhdanov increasingly feel mutual sympathy. Alexey Dmitrievich even finds it possible to tell the girl about Vasily Nikolaevich’s letter. Valentina Mikhailovna understands that the young man has completely turned his back on her and that Marianne is to blame: “We need to take action.” And young people are already switching to “you”, and an explanation soon follows. This did not remain a secret for Mrs. Sipyagina. She overheard this at the door. Solomin, to whom Nezhdanov and Markelov go, once worked in England for two years and knows modern production very well. He is skeptical about the revolution in Russia (the people are not ready). He opened a school and a hospital at the factory. These are his specific affairs. In general, there are two ways to wait: wait and do nothing, and wait and move things forward. He chose the latter. On the way to Golushkin, they come across Paklin and invites them to an “oasis”, to the old people - the spouses Fimushka and Fomushka, who continue to live as if in the courtyard of the 18th century. In what way of life they were born, grew up and got married, that’s how they remained. “Standing water, but not rotten,” he says. There are also servants here, there is an old servant Kalliopych, who is sure that the Turks have their will. There is also the dwarf Pufka, for entertainment. Galushkin ordered dinner “with force.” In a drunken spirit, the merchant donates large sums to the cause: “Remember Capito!” On the way back, Markelov reproaches Nezhdanov for not believing in the matter and cooling down towards it. This is not without reason, but the subtext is different and dictated by jealousy. He knows everything: with whom the handsome Nezhdanov was talking, and with whom he was in the room after ten in the evening. (Markelov received a note from his sister and really knew everything.) Only this is not merit, but the well-known happiness of all the illegitimate ones, all of you! Nezhdanov promises to send seconds upon his return. But Markelov has already come to his senses and begs for forgiveness: he is unhappy, even in his youth “he was deceived by one.” Here is a portrait of Marianna that I once painted myself and is now handing over to the winner. Nejdanov suddenly feels that he has no right to take it. Everything said and done seemed like a lie. However, as soon as he sees the roof of the Sipyagin house, he tells himself that he loves Marianna. On the same day there was a date. Marianne is interested in everything: and when it will finally begin; and what kind of Solomin is he? and what is Vasily Nikolaevich like? Nezhdanov notes to himself that his answers are not exactly what he really thinks. However, when Marianne says: she needs to run, he exclaims that he will go with her to the ends of the world. Meanwhile, the Sipyagins are trying to lure Solomin to themselves. He accepted the invitation to visit them and inspect the factory, but refused to go. A nobleman's factory business will never work; these are strangers. And landownership itself has no future. The merchant will take the land into his hands. Marianna, listening to Solomin’s words, becomes more and more imbued with confidence in the thoroughness of a man who cannot lie or boast, who will not betray, but will understand and support. She catches herself comparing him with Nezhdanov, and not in favor of the latter. So Solomin immediately made the idea of both leaving the Sipyagins a reality by offering him refuge in his factory. And now the first step towards the people has been taken. They are at the factory in an inconspicuous outbuilding. Solomin's devotee Pavel and his wife Tatyana are sent to help, who is perplexed: young people live in different rooms, do they love each other? They gather to talk and read together. Including Alexey's poems, which Marianna evaluates quite harshly. Nejdanov is offended: “You buried them - and by the way, me too!” The day is coming to “go to the people.” Nezhdanov, in a caftan, boots, a cap with a broken visor. His test run does not last long: the men are dullly hostile or do not understand what they are talking about, although they are dissatisfied with their lives. In a letter to his friend Silin, Alexey reports that the time to act is unlikely to ever come. He also doubts his right to finally join Marianne’s life to his own, to a half-dead creature. And how he “goes among the people”—it’s impossible to imagine anything more stupid. Or take an axe. Only the soldier instantly kills you with a gun. It's better to commit suicide. The people are sleeping, and what we think will wake them up is not what we think. Soon a message arrives: there is trouble in the neighboring district - it must be Markelov’s work. We need to go find out and help. Nezhdanov sets off, in his common folk attire. In his absence Mashurina appears: is everything ready? Yes, she still has a letter for Nezhdanov. But where is it? She turned away and quietly put the piece of paper in her mouth. No, she probably dropped it. Tell him to be careful. Finally, Pavel and Nezhdanov return, reeking of fumes and barely able to stand on his feet. Finding himself in a crowd of men, he began to speak passionately, but some guy dragged him into a tavern: a dry spoon was in his mouth. Pavel barely rescued him and brought him home already drunk. Unexpectedly, Paklin appeared with news: Markelov was captured by the peasants, and Golushkin’s clerk betrayed the owner, and he gave frank testimony. The police are about to raid the factory. He will go to Sipyagin to ask for Markelov. (There is also a secret calculation that the dignitary will appreciate his service.) The next morning the final explanation takes place. Nezhdanov is clear: Marianna needs another person, not like him, but like Solomin... or Solomin himself. There are two people in it - and one does not allow the other to live. It’s better for both of us to stop living. The last attempt at propaganda proved Nezhdanov's inconsistency. He no longer believes in the cause that unites him with Marianne. She believes and will devote her whole life to the cause. Politics united them, but now this very foundation of their union has collapsed. “But there is no love between them.” Solomin, meanwhile, is in a hurry to leave: the police will appear soon. And everything is ready for the wedding, as agreed. When Marianna goes to pack her things, Nezhdanov, left alone, puts two sealed pieces of paper on the table, goes into Marianna’s room and, having kissed her bed at the feet, goes to the factory courtyard. He stops at an old apple tree and, looking around, shoots himself in the heart. Still alive, he is transferred to a room where, before dying, he tries to join the hands of Marianna and Solomin. One letter is addressed to Solomin and Marianna, where he entrusts the bride to Solomin, as if “connecting them with an afterlife hand,” and conveys greetings to Mashurina. The police raided the factory and found only Nezhdanov’s body. Solomin and Marianna left ahead of time and two days later fulfilled Nezhdanov’s will - they got married. Markelov was tried, Ostrodumov was killed by a tradesman whom he had incited to revolt. Mashurina disappeared. Golushkin was given a light punishment for “sincere repentance.” Solomin, due to lack of evidence, was left alone. There was no talk about Marianna: Sipyagin did talk to the governor. Paklin, as having rendered a service to the investigation (completely involuntary: relying on Sipyagin’s honor, he named where Nezhdanov and Marianna were hiding), was released. In the winter of 1870 in St. Petersburg he met Mashurina. In response to the appeal, she replied in Italian with a surprisingly clear Russian accent that she was the Countess of Santo Fiume. Then she nevertheless went to Paklin, drank tea with him and told him how at the border someone in a uniform showed interest in her, and she said in Russian: “Get you off me.” He fell behind. “Russian Mephistopheles” tells the “contesse” about Solomin, who is the real future of Russia: “a man with an ideal - and without a phrase, educated - and from the people”... Getting ready to leave, Mashurina asks for something in memory of Nezhdanov and, having received a photograph , leaves without answering Sila Samsonovich’s question, who is now leading it: all Vasily Nikolaevich, or Sidor Sidorich, or some nameless one? Already from the threshold she said: “Maybe the nameless one!” “Nameless Rus'!” - Paklin repeated, standing in front of the closed door.

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Brief summary of Nov in abbreviation

Alexey Dmitrievich Nezhdanov breaks off relations with his St. Petersburg friends and starts a new life. He is in dire need of money and work. It was at this moment that he was offered to take the place of a home teacher in the Sipyagins’ house.

One day, in a dark and poor room in St. Petersburg, where Nezhdanov lived, a respectable and wealthy gentleman appeared, introducing himself as Boris Andreevich Sipyagin. He stated that he wanted to invite Alexei Dmitrievich to the post of summer teacher for his son, and the aide-de-camp Prince G. recommended him to do so.

At the same time, Boris Alekseevich hinted that he was related to Nezhdanov.

At the mention of Prince G. Nezhdanov became very embarrassed, because he was his brother. And since Alexey Dmitrievich was illegitimate, the brothers never wanted to see him and, of course, did not recognize him. Suffering from the uncertainty and precariousness of his position, Nezhdanov was to some extent proud, torn by internal contradictions and, of course, lonely.

Together with Nezhdanov, his friends huddled in the room: Ostrodumov, Mashurina and Paklin. They all belonged to the lower strata of society, were rude, uncouth and poorly dressed. Upon closer examination, something truthful and persistent subtly slipped through, but, alas, this did not save the situation. Ostrodumov was distinguished by a face pitted with smallpox, while Paklin stood out for his short stature. At the same time, Paklin loved women, and these two circumstances came into sharp conflict with each other, which caused Paklin a lot of suffering. Are you enrolling in 2019? Our team will help you save your time and nerves: we will select directions and universities (according to your preferences and expert recommendations); we will fill out applications (all you have to do is sign); we will submit applications to Russian universities (online, by e-mail, by courier); we will monitor competition lists ( we will automate the tracking and analysis of your positions); we will tell you when and where to submit the original (we will evaluate the chances and determine the best option). Entrust the routine to professionals - more details.

Although in general he was quite cheerful and even cynical, thereby earning the love of his friends. Nezhdanov called him Mephistopheles in response to the nickname Hamlet given to him by Paklin.

It was with this that Nezhdanov said goodbye to everyone. Now he was sitting in a large, comfortable house with a beautiful garden, where his aesthetic needs were completely satisfied. Valentina Mikhailovna herself created a magnificent interior, sharing the views and passions of her humane and liberal husband. She was quite beautiful and her face very much resembled the Sistine Madonna.

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