chner, a German philosopher, and in his attempt to read it asserts “Either I am stupid or it is sheer rubbish. I must be stupid.” (Turgenev: 53) Given the educational background of Nicholas, it is certain that his intelligence is not in question. Later, Nicholas ponders how the new generation could possibly shrug off all literature and the arts. The “Battle Royal” between the generations began with Paul’s defense of the aristocrat, in essence the defense of social order, respect and dignity. Paul is insistent that self-respect and principle are the basis for progress. Essentially, Paul is reaffirming the necessity of society’s rules of behavior. Bazarov on the other hand, finds logic and principles ineffective in the daily plight of human existence. “I hope that you have no need of logic to find a bite of bread when hungry.” (Turgenev: 55) Bazarov retorted. Again defying the usefulness of philosophy and reinforcing his realistic interpretation of societal function. Turgenev epitomizes the opposition between the nihilist and the Romantic perspectives with Nicholas’ interjection, “you deny everything or, to put it more precisely, you are destroying everything… But it’s essential to construct as well.” Bazarov responded, “That is not our affair… First, we must make a clean sweep.” (Turgenev: 56) Both movements were advocates of change, the differentiation comes in the methods utilized to initiate the results. Early reformers were advocates of a moderate conventional change, nihilists on the other hand believed change was validated by taking radical risks often by unconventional measures. In conclusion, these characters represent three of the different sectors of Russian society at the time, a time when society as a whole was under going a major upheaval. Their society can no longer fully and confidently support either of the factions,...
