Last night; Father and Son

Author: I. Turgenev
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: This book includes two of Turgenev's major works. The protagonist of On the Eve is Yelena, a passionate, upright, self-sacrificing, and beautiful Russian girl who falls in love with a Bulgarian youth dedicated to liberating his homeland. Despite her parents' opposition, she marries him and resolves to dedicate herself to the liberation of Bulgaria. Although her husband dies on their way back to Bulgaria, she remains true to her beliefs and sets off alone for Bulgaria. The protagonist of Fathers and Sons is Bazarov, an ordinary intellectual who is strong, composed, confident, and values practical action. He is devoted to scientific experiments but denies art, poetry, and human emotions, especially love. However, he goes against his own beliefs and genuinely falls in love with the noblewoman Olga Oktyabrevna. He tries to suppress his romantic inclinations and uses all his strength to repress his natural tendencies, but fails. He confesses his love to Olga but is rejected. Bazarov becomes skeptical and pessimistic after his failed love affair, leaving the world with unfulfilled ambitions and regret.