Obruchkov

Author: Ivan Goncharov
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The aristocratic intellectual Oblomov indulges in luxury, viewing labor and public service as unbearable burdens. Despite devising grand plans, he is incapable of accomplishing anything and ultimately ends up lounging on his sofa, becoming a complete idler and waste of space. The book delicately portrays his spiritual death, expressing the strong anti-serfdom sentiment and desire for change in society on the eve of the Emancipation Reform. Oblomov's character represents the ultimate degeneration of Russia's "superfluous man" in the 19th century, embodying the archetype of a decadent landlord. Lenin once drew parallels with him to discuss the problems in Soviet society at the time: "Russia has experienced three revolutions, but there are still many Oblomovs. Just look at how we hold meetings and work in various committees, and you can see that old Oblomov still exists." This demonstrates the profound social generality of the character.