Characteristics of the Kirsanov brothers. The Kirsanov brothers (based on the novel by I.S. Turgenev “Fathers and Sons”)

A little about Pavel Petrovich

Before going on to compare the two characters, a brief introduction to their personalities should be given. The article will describe the characteristics of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. He is a reserve captain, has a rather handsome appearance and refined aristocratic manners.

Due to the fact that Kirsanov Sr. is an aristocrat, well-educated, familiar with all the intricacies of secular society, he loved to organize dinner parties and receptions. In his interactions with the fair sex he was courteous and behaved confidently. For such qualities, Pavel Petrovich had a reputation as a dandy and a real socialite.

To create a more complete personal portrait, the characterization of Pavel Petrovich should highlight a few lines about his life before the events described in the novel. Kirsanov was destined for a brilliant military career, but his unhappy love for a princess completely changed his life. He resigned and went traveling. And when he returned to his homeland, he did not choose a new field for himself, did nothing and was just bored.

Then Kirsanov moved to his younger brother in the village, but during his stay there he retained all his aristocratic manners, which were of a prim English character. He read only English newspapers and novels, dressed in the style of English dandies, and during his trips abroad he communicated mainly with the English.

Comparison of Pavel Petrovich and Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov essay comparative characteristics

Speaking about the plan and purpose of his future work, Turgenev admitted: “I was embarrassed by the following fact: in not a single work of our literature did I even encounter a hint of what I saw everywhere.” The merit of the writer is that he was the first in Russia to raise this topic in literature and for the first time tried to create the image of a “new man”, a representative of the commoners. The author's ambivalent attitude towards his hero was reflected in the novel, but Turgenev, despite the inconsistency of the depicted image, believed that the future was opening up behind these people. “My whole story is directed against the aristocracy as an advanced class,” he wrote. The novel “Fathers and Sons” shows the struggle between the worldviews of two political directions: liberal nobles and nihilistic democrats. The plot of the novel is built on the opposition of representatives of these directions, commoner Bazarov and nobleman Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. In addition to this main problem, Turgenev raises a number of other issues related to the moral, cultural, socio-economic development of Russia in the 60s of the 19th century.

So, the topic of the nobility and its role in the life of society is raised again. According to Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, aristocrats are the driving force of social development. Their ideal is a constitutional monarchy, and the path to the ideal is liberal reforms, openness, and progress. According to Bazarov, aristocrats are not capable of action, they are of no use, therefore Bazarov denies the ability of the nobility to lead Russia to the future.

The next question concerns nihilism, the role of nihilists in life. Pavel Petrovich considers them to be powerless “cynics, impudents and plebeians”; they do not respect the people and traditions, but he consoles himself with the fact that there are few of them. Bazarov weightily remarks: “Moscow burned down from a penny candle.” What do nihilists say? First of all, there is a need for revolutionary action, so the criterion for them is the people's benefit. Bazarov believes that the people are still dark and ignorant, they are full of prejudices, but still they are revolutionary in spirit.

Pavel Petrovich is touched by the patriarchal nature of the Russian people, without understanding it in essence. Considering himself a liberal, he nevertheless sniffs English tobacco while talking to a man. This is an important feature that characterizes him as a person. Hence the conclusion can be said that the disputes were not conducted on private issues. They concerned the present and future of Russia. In all disputes, the last word remained with Bazarov.

A compromise between Turgenev’s heroes is impossible; the duel confirms this. The main reason that caused the elder Kirsanov’s hatred of Bazarov was something that he would hardly admit even to himself: Bazarov crossed out his entire life. Pavel Kirsanov believed that he was leading a noble life, that he was worthy of respect. And from Bazarov’s point of view, his life is meaningless.

The difference in the views of the main characters lies in their biography. Pavel Petrovich is the son of a general, a brilliant officer who wasted all his spiritual strength in pursuit of the woman he loved. When she died, he left the world, left his career and settled with his brother to live out his life. He is trying to make changes to his estate and economy, considers himself a liberal only because serfs on their estate are not whipped, but he is unable to understand the demands of the new era; the views of the younger generation are deeply alien to him.

We know little about Bazarov’s past, but we understand that his path is a typical path of a common worker. Years of hard work made him an educated man. He proudly declares: “My grandfather plowed the land.” Bazarov's parents are very religious, their interests are limited. Bazarov raised himself. How many prejudices, how many habits, ingrained from childhood, Eugene had to overcome in order to educate himself. Bazarov is a man of strong mind and character. Russia knew many such Bazarovs: after all, both Belinsky, to whose memory the novel is dedicated, and Dobrolyubov went through a difficult life school.

The Kirsanov brothers are aristocrats. Turgenev wrote: “They are the best of the nobles - that is why I chose them to prove their inconsistency.” It is very sad that their lives are so worthless, although they have undoubted merits. Pavel Petrovich treats his brother, Fenechka, very nobly; he is honest, constant in love, and understands art. Nikolai Petrovich, his brother, is a very sensitive person, he is friendly, kind-hearted, fond of music, but his life is monotonous and boring. Bazarov brings fresh air into the “family nest” of the Kirsanovs. Evgeny appears before us as a man of the new generation, which has replaced the “fathers” who were unable to solve the main problems of the era.

Dobrolyubov wrote about people of the Bazarov type even before the appearance of the image of Bazarov, arguing that they decide to “step onto the road of merciless denial in order to find pure truth.” Their ultimate goal is to “bring the greatest possible benefit to humanity.” The formation of their ideology was not without extremes; they believed exclusively in science, but it was they who drove progress in Russia.

I would like to end the essay with the words:

Relation to Bazarov

An important place in the characterization of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov is occupied by their relationship with Yevgeny Bazarov. Kirsanov not only didn’t like the young man, he hated him as soon as he arrived in the village. His hostile attitude is evident in the unflattering nicknames he uses to address him.

Kirsanov treats Bazarov with disdain and considers nihilism a phenomenon that is characteristic only of people of the lower classes. Pavel Petrovich adheres to high moral principles and does not understand the younger generation, which neglects them. But all his highly moral ideals cannot be applied to the reality in which they lived.

A more detailed description of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov and Bazarov, made in the form of a table, will list all the points on which they did not agree. But one can be considered in more detail.

Attitude towards the common people

In the novel, Kirsanov is described as a person who is very far from the people and from everything Russian. All his aristocratic manners, his speech, which is filled with foreign words and incomprehensible to ordinary people - all this is contrasted with Bazarov.

Pavel Petrovich is not attached to Russia by any strong feelings, he does not admire it, but, on the contrary, seeks to emphasize that he prefers the European way of life. The only thing that slightly connects him with the country is an ashtray made in the shape of a bast shoe. That's all he has left of Russia.

Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov and Bazarov: characteristics

From the comparative characteristics of Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, it becomes clearer that such individuals with absolutely polar views could not agree. They are representatives of different eras: Kirsanov represents a society of people of idle, inactive natures, and Bazarov is a man of action.

The author himself gave a very accurate description of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov - “a living dead man.” Because the remaining years that he spent abroad, although bright, were aimless. Kirsanov, despite all his pompous speeches, was empty inside, so he tried to fill it with entertainment, without trying to change his life, to change himself as a person. Also, the way of life to which he was an adherent did not correspond to the new time and had to be replaced by a new, more progressive one.

The “fathers” in the novel include primarily the Kirsanov brothers.

Essay on the topic “The Kirsanov Brothers (based on the novel by I.S. Turgenev “Fathers and Sons”)”

“Fathers and Sons” is the famous novel by I. Turgenev, among the characters of which the Kirsanov brothers should be highlighted.

The heroes' childhood takes place in their parents' house. Later, Pavel Petrovich studies in the page corps. He climbs the career ladder. As an officer, he attends receptions with representatives of high society. Women are delighted with his company. Pavel Petrovich is stately, handsome, sociable. He is of noble birth. His refined manners are preserved for many years.

Senior Kirsanov spends a significant part of his life abroad. He willingly reads books by foreign authors. In conversation, Pavel Petrovich uses too many foreign words and expressions. The peasants cannot even understand the meaning of his speeches. The elder Kirsanov supports everything Slavic, but he himself looks like a foreigner. He's a conservative.

Pavel Petrovich falls unsuccessfully in love twice. He still lives alone. At the end of the novel it is described that Pavel Petrovich again leaves his native place and moves to Dresden.

Nikolai Petrovich is different from his brother. In his youth he is shy. Spends all his time on books. Then he gets married. Son Arkady is born. After some time, the wife dies. Nikolai Petrovich himself raises Arkady and helps him study at the university. Later he improves relations with Fenechka. And now she is raising her second son.

Nikolai Petrovich cannot imagine his life without a family. He needs someone to take care of. He is a very kind, sympathetic person. His character is gentle. Nikolai Petrovich is not distinguished by strict behavior even with peasants. His humanity contributes to running a household using “free labor.” The younger Kirsanov is trying to accept the new trends of the era. He buys modern books and is upset when Arkady gives his father other literature. Nikolai Petrovich does not want to lag behind the movement of time, from the younger generation.

The younger Kirsanov is dreamy. He likes poetry. He admires the local landscapes and often plays the cello. Nikolai Petrovich is more democratic than his brother. He is the embodiment of the liberal-minded part of the noble class.

Turgenev once admits that Nikolai Petrovich’s views reflect his own. By portraying the Kirsanov brothers, the writer demonstrates the difference in the positions of conservatives and liberals.

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Image of Pavel Petrovich

Drawing Pavel Petrovich, Turgenev sketches his expressive portrait. We see this forty-five-year-old man with short-cropped gray hair, a wrinkleless but bilious face that retains “traces of remarkable beauty.” In his appearance one can notice “youthful harmony”, a desire to “get away from the earth”, elegance and thoroughbredness, sophistication and sophistication. His costume corresponds to these properties. He is wearing “a dark English suit, a fashionable low tie and patent leather ankle boots.” He offers Arkady “his beautiful hand with long pink nails,” his snow-white sleeve fastened with a “lone opal.” This is a portrait of an aristocrat and an Anglomaniac, drawn both with loving attention and with a dose of irony, since Pavel Petrovich demonstrates his tastes and preferences in a remote village, in which he is directed “away from the earth.”

The writer endows Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov with a number of positive properties. He is distinguished by impeccable honesty, nobility, directness, passion, flexible mind, devotion to once-held convictions and certain principles, and a chivalrous attitude towards women. One cannot help but admit that he is right when he talks about the importance of authorities, speaks with respect about the great German poets Goethe and Schiller, when he condemns Bazarov for his contempt for men. Turgenev introduces many romantic features into his characterization of Pavel Petrovich. They are present, as we see, in his portrait, in the author’s emphasizing the character’s unique personality, in the duel scene, to which - due to romantic traditions - he challenges his opponent, in isolation from his neighbors, in romantic disappointment and the tragic fate of a person unclaimed by life. This depiction of Pavel Kirsanov is also served by his noticeable association with Pechorin. The date of his birth - 1814 - correlates him with the Pechorin generation, his height, figure, snow-white sleeve, aristocratic appearance, the interior of the office (weapons on a Persian carpet), individual poses, a duel - all this is intended to remind us of Lermontov's hero, although in Pavel Petrovich does not have Pechorin's rebellion and eternal dissatisfaction.

Of particular importance in the noted romanticization of Uncle Arkady is the story of his love for Princess R. This story is similar to an inserted romantic short story, in which the strange personality traits of both heroes and their spiritual contradictions are revealed. Princess R. led a strange life, received guests “in the darkness of the living room”, until the very morning “rushed around the room, wringing her hands” and was all “in the power of some secret... forces.” And her former lover “gambled his whole life on a woman’s love”, “was tormented, jealous and did not give peace” to the princess, wandered after her, experienced love-slavery and completed the mystery of this story with the gift of a ring with a sphinx carved on a stone. This adventure is autobiographical and therefore warmed by the writer with a special feeling that cannot be ignored. Having experienced the tragedy of love, Pavel Kirsanov locks himself in the wilderness of the village, abandoning hopes for happiness.

At the same time, Pavel Petrovich acts as an antagonist of Bazarov, in comparison with whom the idleness of his existence, his isolation from the high demands of life, his lordly arrogance and individualism become obvious. The ideals of Pavel Kirsanov are a thing of the distant past, although he considers himself a liberal and a person who loves progress. The views of this character are largely conservative, the “principles” are ossified; he has contempt for positive experimental knowledge, for the natural sciences, for the bearers of the ideas of democracy. His liberalism is quite limited, Westernism is bizarrely combined with Slavophilism. It should be noted that the personality of this hero emanates coldness. With an outward heightened aestheticism, he is often deaf to beauty. When he looked at the stars, “his beautiful dark eyes reflected nothing but the light of the stars.” This is because “his foppishly dry <...>, misanthropic soul in the French way, did not know how to dream.” The folk principles of life and folk faith are essentially alien to him. Turgenev often sneers at Kirsanov Sr., shows the comedy of his position in the duel scene, and he introduces this episode to “visually prove the emptiness of elegant noble chivalry,” as the author noted in a letter to K. K. Sluchevsky. In the epilogue of the novel, the writer shows both the drama of his hero’s experiences (“the whole lost life was trembling in him”), and the worthlessness of the life he lived (“Yes, he was a dead man,” states the author).

Comparison of Pavel Petrovich and Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov essay comparative characteristics

It often happens that children born from the same parents are antagonists, and it is not easy to discern brotherly or sisterly resemblance in them.
Turgenev, playing on contrasts, showed two people in whom the same blood flows, who were born in the same era, but whose hearts do not beat in time, and whose minds cherish their own plans. If Turgenev had not indicated in advance that they were brothers, it would have been difficult for the reader to do this himself. Speaking about Pavel Petrovich, it must be said that he is a man of the most refined manners and impeccable rules. His Western aristocracy is at odds with the simplicity and traditionalism of his brother, Nicolas.

Pavel has a refined nature, everything about him is correct, smooth, and brilliant, but that is probably why the spark of life is not felt in him. His learned smile does not reflect sincere joy, and his eyes, when he looks at something beautiful, only reflect the beauty, without reproducing it themselves. Paul is a skeptic, intolerant of opinions that do not coincide with his own. Let us remember that it was the contrast in views with Bazarov that led to the duel, and the instigator was Pavel Petrovich himself. On the one hand, this speaks of a chivalrous spirit, that he is ready to defend his beliefs even at gunpoint, but on the other hand, of his intolerance. Another interesting feature is related to the duel.

Pavel Petrovich fancies himself a true liberal, believes that he is educating himself in the spirit of modernity, but would a convinced liberal resort to such a method of solving problems as a duel? After all, the events take place after the abolition of serfdom, in the 1860s, when duels were long a thing of the past. Pavel Kirsanov, despite all his words about liberalism, is a conservative at heart, which is proven by his behavior, inappropriate and incorrect use of words, and his idle life. However, he is not a bad person, he just suffered a lot, and subsequently everyone deals with suffering in their own way. Pavel retained his love for one woman, carrying this feeling through the years. In this the brothers are especially similar, because Nikolai also loved his wife all his life, idolized the woman in her and respected the person, and these feelings remained even after his second marriage. Pavel protects himself from melancholy and sad memories with his coldness, he is as harsh as rain, but this is only a mask that actually hides a heart wounded by love. This person skillfully hides his feelings, which is why he seems so rude to everyone.

On the contrary, his brother, Nikolai Petrovich, is a soft, sentimental and romantic person, and all his inner experiences are reflected in his face, words, and behavior. He deeply feels art, to which his brother is indifferent; his heart sings when he reads the familiar lines of Pushkin, when he hears magnificent melodies. He is sensual, timid and gentle, and his feelings do not sit within himself, but extend to all people.

In contrast to his brother's egocentrism, Nikolai is generous and prone to altruism. All his good intentions in favor of the peasants, his desire to alleviate their sad lot—isn’t this nobility? Nikolai strives for progress, like his brother, but if Pavel does this only in words, then Nikolai is trying to bring his plans to life. He subscribes to modern books and magazines, tries to introduce new equipment into agricultural use, communicates with young people, but, alas, everything is in vain, despite his efforts. He is not inclined to lead progress, but his sincere desire to keep up with the times is very touching. He seems weak, but he was able to endure the loss of a loved one, while his brother withdraws into his grief, not wanting to leave this circle. And as if in gratitude for his perseverance, fate rewards him with family happiness, which he so lacked.

Despite the contradiction in views, the two brothers reunited under the roof of the same house, each continuing to write his own life story.

Pavel and Nikolai Petrovich comparative characteristics

In the novel “Fathers and Sons,” which was written before the reform began, there is a problem between the relations of generations. The author views this problem, on the one hand, as a socio-historical conflict of generations, and on the other hand, a conflict between children and parents in the family itself. From the first point of view, the author considers Pavel Petrovich, and his brother Nikolai Petrovich from the second. This determines their role in the novel, and the difference in their characters and destinies.

Pavel Petrovich is forty-five years old, he was very handsome as a child, he has an unusually regular face, bilious, but there are no wrinkles. He dressed smartly, especially his elegant morning suit. Pavel Petrovich, a retired officer, he is a lonely bachelor, he spent all his youth in high society, he is smart, kind, and brave. He is also not a romantic person, and never dreamed of it. He had a high opinion of himself and was very proud. He fell deeply in love with one princess, and put his whole life on the line of female love.

Pavel Petrovich does not like the nihilist Bazarov and openly argues with him. In his opinion, aristocrats play a big role in the development of society, their ideal is the monarchy, and liberal reforms. He is sure that they do not value the people and their traditions, but he reassures himself that there are few of them. He enjoys the era of his people without understanding it in essence. He believes that he is a nihilist, but this does not stop him from snorting English tobacco. But he considers liberals to be impudent and cynics.

Nikolai Petrovich is a year younger than his brother. He limped a little, his features were small and very pleasant, but sad small dark eyes and soft gray hair. He dressed very modestly, we see how the author describes him “in a shabby coat and checkered trousers”, “huge buttons of his country coat.” He worked as an official, he raised his son alone. He considers himself a villager.

Nikolai Petrovich is a kind, intelligent man, but he is cowardly. He himself is romantic, a fan of daydreaming. But he is not a practical person. He has no pride and is self-critical; he has a soft, affectionate, and gentle nature. He was very happy in marriage, and in love. He was never lazy and took on any job. But he was a little afraid of the nihilist Bazarov. His life is monotonous and boring, he always liked music. He treats the new generation much more simply, and is even ready to delve into the lives of young people.

After reading the novel “Fathers and Sons”, we saw two brothers as the main characters, they are completely different people, and each has their own point of view on life.

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Image of Nikolai Petrovich

The author of the work characterizes Nikolai Petrovich, another representative of the “fathers,” differently. He is a soft, good-natured, sensitive and delicate person who has experienced a lot in his life. But the difficulties of life did not distort the nature of this kind man, he did not harden, he remained a sentimental and gentle “dad”, devotedly loving his only son. In the description of his portrait, words with diminutive suffixes are striking: he is “chubby”, he has his “legs” bent. Apparently this is no coincidence. Nikolai Kirsanov is a smaller and brighter figure than his brother, although she is covered with the author's undoubted sympathy. Nikolai Petrovich is drawn to young people, lives for a long time with his son in St. Petersburg while he is studying at the university, and greets Bazarov favorably and hospitably. He is involved in art: he deeply loves music, plays the cello, and is sensitive to nature and poetry. In many ways, he resembles Lavretsky: he decides, under the conditions of serfdom, to alleviate the lot of the peasants, transfers them to quitrent and transfers the land into their ownership. He is trying to transform the landowner economy using hired labor.

In order to keep up with life and be at the level of his transformations, he studies, reads, and subscribes to specialized literature. In the area they call him “red”. He finds himself among the world mediators and patiently “brings sense to the peasants,” abandoning arrogance and arrogance. But the good intentions of Father Arkady do not bring the desired results. Its villages are filled with squalid poverty. Peasants do not pay rent. Farm workers are frightened by new technology. “I have no strength!” - Nikolai Petrovich says, indulging in despair. To enhance the feeling of helplessness of the younger Kirsanov, the writer gives him, through the mouths of the peasants and Bazarov, a number of offensive but fair nicknames: he is a “coward,” “a retired man,” “a ladybug,” “an old romantic,” “his song is over.” But Turgenev likes Nikolai Petrovich, and at the end of the novel he not only brings him closer to the “prodigal son”, but also rewards him with family happiness. This is also no coincidence. The writer felt the typicality of this character and his kinship with him. “N P is me, Ogarev and thousands of others,” Turgenev once remarked.

In general, the author’s attitude towards the “fathers” he painted is quite contradictory. On the one hand, Turgenev surrounds the Kirsanov brothers in the novel “Fathers and Sons” with his attention, empathy, sympathy, romanticizes them, endowing them with a number of very attractive features, believes that in the conflict of the novel “both sides are right to a certain extent”, and opponents are “equally valuable” " On the other hand, he makes the following categorical judgment: “My whole story is directed against the nobility as an advanced class. Look at the faces of Nikolai Petrovich, Pavel Petrovich <…>. Weakness and lethargy or limitation. An aesthetic feeling forced me to take specifically good representatives of the nobility in order to prove my theme all the more accurately: if cream is bad, what about milk? »

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Life is full of paradoxes; you can easily find many such examples. One of them is the diametric opposite in character and life principles of the closest, in related senses, people.

Very often, brothers and sisters differ radically from each other, which causes sincere bewilderment. A similar situation was described by I. Turgenev in the novel “Fathers and Sons.”

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Kirsanov Nikolai Petrovich - nobleman, father of Arkady Kirsanov, widower.
N.K. is a weak person, but kind, sensitive, delicate and noble. This hero strives to realize his romantic ideal in life - to work and seek happiness in love and art. N.K. is trying to keep up with the times. He, to the best of his ability, transforms the estate and establishes new relations with the peasantry. He has a wife, a young girl Fenechka, and a small child. N.K. treats young people kindly and sympathetically who are trying to live and think differently. But Bazarov perceives N.K. as a “retired man” (“his song is sung”). Even his own son, whom the hero loves very much and sees as his heir, tries to re-educate his father and often offends him. But the father's loving patience and the son's maturation allow them to become closer at the end of the novel. Both Kirsanovs are united in common life values ​​and a common cause (household management). Kirsanov Pavel Petrovich is the uncle of Arkady Kirsanov, an aristocrat, adheres to liberal views. He is 45 years old, “his whole appearance..., graceful and thoroughbred, has retained his youthful slimness and... striving upward, away from the earth...” In his youth, the hero experienced a personal drama. P.K.'s brilliant career and success in society were interrupted by the tragic love of the hero, which ended with the death of his beloved, Princess R. After this shock, P.K. gives up hopes for happiness. He decides to devote himself to fulfilling his moral and civic duty. P.K. moves to the village to live with his brother, where he tries to help him run the household. In addition, he actively participates in political life, speaking as a supporter of liberal ideas. In disputes - “battles” with Bazarov, P.K. defends high ideas. He stands up for the idea of ​​dignity and individual rights, for self-respect, honor and freedom of every person. In addition, the hero affirms the value of the peasant community and the patriarchal family. All this, according to P.K., should turn Russia into a progressive, civilized country. This hero confidently defends his ideas: he challenges Bazarov to a duel. P.K.'s ideas are undoubtedly good, but very far from real life. His life ideals are not capable of making even the hero himself happy: he remains unhappy and lonely. P.K. is a man of unfulfilled dreams and unfulfilled destiny. At the end of the novel, P.K. lives in Germany, a country of progress and civilization, but he is still lonely and unhappy. more than a month ago

The place of the image of Nikolai Kirsanov in the novel and his relationship with his brother

Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov is one of the main characters of the novel. He is not an active figure in the events described, but his importance and participation in the conflict is difficult to overestimate. Compared to other characters, Turgenev deprives Nikolai Petrovich of activity - the character appears at key moments, and his image is composed mainly of fragments and hints from the author, but at the same time one cannot fail to note the influence of Nikolai Petrovich on the outcome of the conflict and the strong influence of this very conflict on the life of Kirsanov.

Ivan Turgenev closely connects his character with the image of Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, his older brother. All descriptions and events of Nikolai Petrovich’s life are compared with certain events or qualities of his brother’s character. In other words, we can say that Nikolai Petrovich’s whole life passes in comparison with the life and personality of his brother.

Childhood and youth of Nikolai Kirsanov

The tendency to compare and contrast the personalities of brothers begins in childhood. In the descriptions, the reader notices that the image of the older brother is contradictory to the image of the younger one.

First of all, this is expressed in the readiness to follow in the footsteps of the father. Peter Kirsanov was a hereditary nobleman by birth, but their family did not have much influence. The situation was corrected by his merits in the field of military service - his authority increased significantly, and in the rural wilderness where their family estate was located, he became an irreplaceable and extremely respected person.

Based on this turn of events, the fate of the boys was predetermined - they also had to begin military service. For the eldest son, this was a feasible task - he had a tough and strong character. The younger one was a completely different person - soft and impressionable, he was not at all suitable for a military career. To all this was added a certain timidity and cowardice: he “not only was not distinguished by courage, but even earned the nickname of a coward.” The resulting leg injury, which left the boy lame for the rest of his life, saved Nikolai Kirsanov from a heavy burden. The parents had no choice but to send their son to university. “The father waved his hand at him and let him go in civilian clothes...” In “1835, Nikolai Petrovich left the university as a candidate.”

Nikolai Kirsanov and Masha Prepolovenskaya

The troubles associated with Nikolai were not limited to physical injury. Soon the parents were shocked by another unpleasant news about their youngest son. This time the reason was love - their Nikolai was head over heels in love with the daughter of “official Prepolovensky” Masha. Turgenev does not go into details of the case, but states the fact that the parents were extremely dissatisfied with their son’s choice, they believed that the girl was unworthy to be Nikolai’s wife.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the “characteristics of Pavel Kirsanov”

The tense situation was defused by the death of the parents - authoritarianism in relation to Nikolai was excluded, and there were no longer any obstacles to the marriage of lovers. After waiting the right time for mourning, the newlyweds got married. The parents' fears about the inconsistency and error of marriage with Masha were in vain. “The couple lived very well and quietly: they almost never separated.” Kirsanov's family life was like a utopia, but this fairy tale was unexpectedly interrupted - Masha dies after ten years of married life. Nikolai Petrovich only has memories of her and his little son Arkady.

Appearance of Nikolai Petrovich

“Nikolai Petrovich limped, had small, pleasant, but somewhat sad features, small black eyes and soft, thin hair.”

Turgenev pays little attention to describing the appearance of his heroes, especially in cases where the wardrobe does not become the subject of constant attention of the character. Nikolai Petrovich belongs to the second category of characters - he is indifferent to fashion trends, and values ​​​​comfort in clothes. He does not spend a long time, like his older brother, at the toilet and treats the state of his suit with a certain degree of indifference, but at the same time he does not neglect it.

Relations between Nikolai Petrovich and Arkady

It was in Arcadia that Nikolai Petrovich found solace and meaning in life after the loss of his wife. Despite all his gentleness of character and the enormous grief that suddenly surged, Kirsanov understands that he cannot allow himself to be covered by a wave of blues - in this case, he will lose absolutely everything and, after that, he will hardly be able to change the situation.

In relation to Arkady, Nikolai Petrovich does not hesitate to show the most tender feelings; the rigidity and pragmatism that were common among fathers are alien to him. He can tenderly hug his son, languish in anticipation of his arrival and be incredibly bored. In a word, the behavior of Kirsanov the father is more similar to the behavior of the mother than the father. This state of affairs does not bother either father or son.

Arkady is also very attached to his father, he considers him a good and kind person. Arkady often speaks well of his father: “Good little father, you are the kindest and smartest person in the world.”

Life after wife's death

After the loss of his wife, Kirsanov finally moved to the village and took up the affairs of the Maryino estate. Their family estate was “a good estate of two hundred souls, or, as he puts it since he separated himself from the peasants and started a “farm,” two thousand dessiatines of land.”

Unfortunately, the gentleness of character and lack of practicality do not allow Nikolai Petrovich to organize things on the estate “life was not going very well in Maryino, and poor Nikolai Petrovich had a bad time. The chores on the farm grew every day - joyless, senseless chores.”

Thanks to Nikolai Petrovich’s hard work, things don’t look completely terrible - the estate is somehow staying afloat. Pavel Petrovich believes that the main reason why things went downhill is his brother’s impracticality: “My brother is not very practical,” he reasoned with himself, “he is being deceived.”

Romance in the life of Nikolai Kirsanov

Nikolai Petrovich has always been an impressionable and romantic person. Most young people are characterized by such commitment, but over time, under the influence of life's difficulties, romanticism is replaced by pragmatism. This did not happen in relation to Nikolai Petrovich - he retains a romantic attitude until the end of his days. The main array of events in the novel falls on Nikolai Petrovich’s age limit of 44 years.

His village life partly influenced the preservation of romanticism. “He loved to dream; village life developed this ability in him.”

Nikolai Petrovich did not give up his music studies, and although his musical skills were far from ideal, he still does not neglect playing the piano and cello - he experiences catharsis.

The next way to find peace of mind for Kirsanov is to read books. Pushkin's poems were especially popular with him. Often, while admiring nature, a wide variety of poems came to his mind and he replayed the familiar text in his head with pleasure.

Nikolai Petrovich and Fenya

Undoubtedly, the death of his wife was a huge loss in Kirsanov’s life. The image of Masha became key and ideal for him. Sometimes he became nostalgic and dreamed of old times when he was happy with his wife. He sincerely wanted Masha to come to life and he could again feel her warmth next to him. Whatever the significant loss, time gradually replaced it in Kirsanov’s life, 10 years after the death of his wife, a spark of new love arose.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the “image of Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov” in I. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons”.

This time the object of tender feelings was a girl of ignoble origin - Fenya. She moved with her mother to Kirsanov’s estate after Nikolai Petrovich offered the woman service on his estate. At that time, Fenya was a little girl. Time passed, and from the little girl she turned out to be a very attractive and pious woman. Kirsanov falls in love with her, and after the death of her mother begins an affair. This relationship does not become a passing hobby in Kirsanov’s life - he has love for the girl, and this feeling is mutual. Kirsanov is in no hurry to get married - he is worried about possible condemnation from the aristocracy, but he lives with Fenya as his legal wife. Under the influence of Pavel Petrovich’s request, the wedding nevertheless took place.

Comparative characteristics of Pavel Petrovich and Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov

The Kirsanov brothers represent the generation of “fathers” in Turgenev’s novel. In their person, the author created images of two representatives of the ruling class in order to show the characteristics inherent in it.

The brothers are similar in some ways. Both are middle aged - one is 45, the other is 44 years old. Both are smart and kind people.

Nikolai Petrovich, who previously served as a civil official in the Ministry of Appanages, had a nondescript appearance and did not pay much attention to clothing. He was a widower and had an adult son, Arkady. Nikolai Petrovich is a rural resident in his manners, preferring to stay on his estate. He is a good farmer who devotes a lot of time to improving his estate.

However, Pavel Petrovich is a retired guards officer, he was handsome and dressed with grace. He was a confirmed bachelor with the manners of a man of the world, who lived a stormy life. He is not involved in practical activities, preferring to live on income from estates.

These differences show the two main ways of life of the nobles of that time, each of them determines the behavior towards the radical nihilist Bazarov, who seeks to destroy their world.

Nikolai Petrovich, as a result of a calm and measured life, does not have a strong character; those around him consider him cowardly. When confronted with Bazarov, he is prone to compromises and concessions. Even his own son, under the ideological influence of a nihilist, tries to teach him. The love of dreams helps him escape into his illusory world and put off unpleasant decisions. Such opponents, encountered by the bazaars on the way, strengthened their belief that the old world was fragile and could be easily destroyed with little effort.

However, Pavel Petrovich is a military man, therefore he is more harsh, proud and inclined to fight with enemies rather than seek agreement with them. Even though in the novel the clash occurs in an intelligent form, through theoretical disputes at the table, it is clear that the retired guardsman is ready to defend his interests. He does not look for who is right, but attacks Bazarov himself.

However, Pavel Petrovich, unlike his brother, is practical and not prone to romance. These traits allow him to immediately sense the danger posed by the new ideology of denial that has spread among young people.

The two types of Russian nobility shown by Turgenev are not just lifestyles determined by external reasons. This is the personification of an active and passive attitude to life, the predominance of one of which destroyed old Russia.

Option 2

The Kirsanovs are one of the central characters in the famous work of Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev. In this discussion we will compare two brothers and try to identify their similarities and differences.

Pavel Petrovich is the eldest brother in the family. He is approximately forty-five years old. Nikolai Petrovich is a year younger - he turned forty-four.

The eldest is a very handsome man. He looks great for his age - there is not a trace of wrinkles on his face. The face of this man, although touched by the yellowness of old age, was unusually pure. His brother had thin gray hair, small eyes, and also walked with a slight limp.

The older brother dresses smartly, while the younger brother wears modest clothes, such as a dusty coat.

The eldest of the brothers used to serve, now he is a retired officer. His brother used to work as an official.

The eldest is a confirmed bachelor who, in his old age, regrets the unmarried fate that befell him. Nikolai Petrovich was once married, but his wife died, leaving him with a son, whom the character is raising alone.

In his youth, Pavel Petrovich moved in the highest circles of St. Petersburg, and his brother lived almost his entire life in the village, in the wilderness.

Both brothers are quite smart men. In addition to an extraordinary mind, they have a kind heart.

Pavel Petrovich's friends considered him a brave man. The brother was not only not seen in brave deeds, but on the contrary, he was known as a coward.

Pavel is a practical person. He doesn't like to dream and you can't call him a romantic either. His brother, Nikolai Petrovich, on the contrary, is a great dreamer and romantic, and, moreover, absolutely impractical, which is why he is sometimes deceived.

Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov is a very proud man. Many acquaintances and friends quite rightly and not unreasonably considered him a real proud man. Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov in this matter is the complete opposite of his older brother - he is not only not a proud person, but also a self-critical person.

Pavel Petrovich is a very cold and reserved person, while his younger brother is a soft and affectionate man. He himself says about himself that he is a soft and weak person.

Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov, although he spent his entire life as an unmarried man, was once passionately in love with a princess, however, this love could not be called happy. Nikolai Petrovich was very happy with his beloved. They lived well and quietly, loved each other with a calm love.

Comparative characteristics of Pavel Petrovich and Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov

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