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This passage, from Ivan Turgenev's Fathers and Sons important because it introduces many of the emotions felt by both Odintsova and Bazarov, which build up to the climax of the novel in the next chapter.

The passage is written in the third person. This creates an objective point of view of the characters through their behavior and thoughts. For example, Bazarov would 'go off into the forest.' (pg 170 ch 17) By not explaining the reasons why the characters act the way they do, Turgenev allows the reader to make up their own minds about the psychology of the characters. The dialogue in the latter part of the section also demonstrates how Turgenev allows the reader to determine a character's personality. The reader can tell that Timofeich is subservient without Turgenev saying this, as Timofeich's actions and words demonstrate it, such as when he 'looked sheepish and said nothing'. (pg171 ch 17) This technique also makes the reader feel more emotionally involved with the novel, as they can relate their own emotional trials to that of the characters. For instance, most people have felt the same frustration that leads them to act as Bazarov when he would 'stamp his feet or grind his teeth and shake his fist at himself.' (pg 170 ch 17)

Bazarov's frustration is the result of his inner conflict. He adheres to the nihilist school of thought, and because of this 'he has always scoffed' (ibid) at the idea of love. However, whenever he thinks of Anna, 'he recognized with indignation a romantic strain within himself.' (Ibid.) Turgenev uses repetition of the word 'romantic' (ibid.) in order to emphasize this point- first that Bazarov goes 'out of his way to pour quiet scorn on everything which savored of the 'romantic''(ibid.), then he begins to see this within himself. This also frustrates Bazarov because by falling in love, something 'his pride revolted' (ibid.), he has lost control over himself. Nihilism, the rejection of all principles, requires not only self control, but a strong sense of self, and by holding these views, the holder is automatically in the minority. Falling in love is against nihilistic principles, and therefore catching himself in these 'shameful' (ibid.) thoughts makes Bazarov not only frustrated, but also anxious.

Anna also experiences an inner conflict. While Bazarov 'interested her, and she thought a great deal about him' (ibid.), she doesn't seem to have romantic feelings for him, and this is illustrated by the fact that in 'his absence she did not miss him, and was not impatient for him to come.' (Ibid.) This seems to change when Bazarov announces to her that he is leaving as, 'she went white as though something had pricked her heart'. (pg171 ch 17) It wouldn't be practical to suggest that without strong feelings for someone, they could prick your heart. This reaction confuses Anna, and 'for a long time afterwards she pondered what it could mean'. (Ibid.) It also suggests to the reader that upon hearing that Bazarov is leaving her, Anna is made to realize that she would in fact crave his company if he were gone for a long period of time.

These situations present a major contrast between Anna and Bazarov's self knowledge. Bazarov seems to be in close touch with his feelings, as he often 'caught himself in shameful thoughts' (pg170 ch 17), and though he would try and block them out by 'stubbornly shutting his eyes' (Ibid.), he is painfully aware that they are there. Anna, however, only realizes she has any romantic feelings when her heart is pricked 'painfully' (pg171 ch 17)- and then she only 'ponders what it could mean.' (Ibid.) Anna is also 'eager both to sound him (Bazarov) and to analyze herself.' (pg170 ch17) This shows that she has to use someone else to be able to analyze herself.

On the other hand, Anna is much better at controlling her emotions than Bazarov. Anna shuts off her emotional nature by putting order to everything, something reflected in the orderliness of her house. However, she doesn't consciously intend to do so???, 'and pricked (her heart) so painfully she was astonished.' (pg171 ch 17) Bazarov, however, cuts off his emotions because he belongs to a school of thought that tells him to do so, and he is consciously aware of it. He tries to be something he isn't; whilst Anna controls things to remain the way she is. Nihilists hold the view that human beings can control nature, but self denial tends to make people crave the object of their disgust more. Bazarov realizes that he isn't in control of his human nature when he falls in love with Anna, and he loses control of his emotions. When passion overtakes him, he behaves much like an adolescent, '[striding] about smashing the twigs that barred his path and cursing under his breath'. (pg171 ch 17) Turgenev uses words like 'blood' (Ibid.)and 'fire'(Ibid.) to show the passion felt by Bazarov. When he writes 'he could easily have mastered his blood but something else was taking possession of him' (Ibid.), Turgenev shows that Bazarov could control his passion, but his human nature is too much for him to oppress.

The structure of the passage shows Anna and Bazarov's contrasting traits. The lucidity with which Turgenev writes allows the reader to closely compare the characters in a short space. The essay is divided into four main parts- Bazarov's thoughts, Anna's thoughts, Bazarov and Anna interaction, and Bazarov's conversation with Timofeich. Turgenev switches easily from subject to subject, character to character, thoughts to storytelling to dialogue. For example, to switch from the subject of Bazarov to Anna, the end of the paragraph shifts to Bazarov's reflection of Anna and then the next paragraph almost immediately goes into her thoughts. In order to transfer from Anna's thoughts to her interaction with Bazarov, Turgenev starts the next paragraph with 'One day, as they were strolling together in the garden.' (pg 170 ch 17) This sentence lightens the mood from the characters concentrated emotions, and easily shifts the focus. The use of the word 'strolling' (Ibid.) in particular relaxes the atmosphere, as the word has a laid back connotation in contrast with 'walking' or 'sauntering'. The passage then ends with a conversation between Bazarov and Timofeich, which brings about new themes.

Timofeich brings the issue of the old Russia, vs. new Russia, with its emancipation of the serfs. Timofeich behaves in the same subservient way in which he would have before he was liberated, calling Bazarov 'sir' (pg 171 ch 17), and 'your honor' (Ibid.), despite the fact 'he looked after him as a child'. (Ibid.) Also despite this Bazarov speaks to him hypocritically, interrupting him, and saying 'no fibbing', as if speaking to a child. It seems ironic that even Bazarov, who arguably represents the new way of Russian thinking, cannot respect the old peasants. The way in which Turgenev describes him, as a 'little old man' (Ibid.), and 'decrepit' (Ibid.), also suggest a lack of respect for him.

Turgenev's introduction of Timofeich is also typical of his style. Edward Wasiolek said that "Turgenev's touch is light, and he doesn't labor heavily to give us the inside of a character." Turgenev mentions the name, and then writes a couple of sentences of physical description. He doesn't spend any time describing why a character acts the way they do, that's up to the reader to infer. This method of characterization make the characters seem more like real people, as the reader comes to know them from what they say and do, and makes the writing more interesting.

Turgenev uses Timofeich in order to foreshadow the fact that a change of scene is going to occur. This makes the transition easier and improves the readers understanding of the plot. Timofeich is also used as a source of tension, for it's because of his news that Anna begins to ponder her attachment to Bazarov. Bazarov's abrupt departure allows the reader more evidence (her reaction) with which to determine her true feelings.

This passage draws the reader in by introducing the emotional tension soon to come together in the next paragraph. Turgenev's fluid style allows close comparison of his psychologically complex characters. Their contrasting points of view paint a picture of human nature, and present issues which make the reader think.

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