Ivan
Turgenev
(Novelist,
Short Story Writer, Poet, and Popularizer of Russian Literature in the West)
Ivan
Turgenev was a celebrated short story writer, novelist, and poet from Russia.
He was
one of the leading writers who played a significant role in popularizing
Russian literature in the West. He was the only Russian novelist of his time
believed to have a European perspective. His novel Fathers and Sons was one of
his most popular works; it is also considered one of the best novels of the
19th century. Both left- and right-wing segments of Russian politics distrusted
Turgenev, as the left believed he was being too critical of young
revolutionaries, while the right believed he was not critical enough. Most of
his works portray a realistic version of Russian peasant life. He was able to
bring much love and concern for his homeland, Russia, from the Western world
through his writings. Turgenev was often considered shy, restrained, and soft-spoken
by his contemporaries, despite being physically well-built with broad
shoulders.
Also
Known As: Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev
Died at
Age: 64
Family:
Father:
Sergei Nikolaevich Turgenev
Mother:
Varvara Turgeneva
Siblings:
Nikolay Turgenev, Sergei Turgenev
Children:
Paulinette Turgeneva
Country
of Birth: Russia
Died on:
September 3, 1883
Place of
Death: Bougival, France
Cause of
Death: Abscess
Diseases
and Disabilities: Liposarcoma
Key
Facts
1. What
is Ivan Turgenev known for?
Ivan
Turgenev is known for being a prominent Russian novelist and playwright,
particularly recognized for his works focusing on social issues and the human
condition.
2. What
are some of Ivan Turgenev's famous literary works?
Some of
Ivan Turgenev's famous literary works include "Fathers and Sons,"
"A Month in the Country," "Rudin," and "On the
Eve."
3. How
did Ivan Turgenev's writing style influence Russian literature?
Ivan
Turgenev's writing style, characterized by realism and psychological depth, had
a significant impact on Russian literature, influencing future generations of
writers and contributing to the development of the Russian novel.
4. What
themes did Ivan Turgenev often explore in his works?
Ivan
Turgenev often explored themes such as love, social class, generational
conflict, and the complexities of human relationships in his literary works. 5.
How did Ivan Turgenev's works contribute to the Russian literary canon?
Ivan
Turgenev's works are considered essential contributions to the Russian literary
canon due to their insightful depiction of society, vivid characterizations,
and enduring relevance to contemporary readers.
Childhood
and Early Life
Ivan
Turgenev was born on November 9, 1818, to Sergei Nikolaevich Turgenev and
Varvara Petrovna Turgeneva in Oryol, Russia. Sergei was a colonel in the
Russian cavalry and belonged to the Turgenev family, which was part of the Tula
aristocracy. His mother came from the wealthy Lutovinov family of the Oryol
Governorate. He had two brothers, Nikolai and Sergei, and was the second son in
the family.
After his
formal education, Ivan Turgenev studied for a year at Moscow University. He
then studied Classics, Russian Literature, and Philology at the University of
St. Petersburg from 1834 to 1837.
He then
moved to Germany, where he studied philosophy and history at the University of
Berlin. He eventually returned to St. Petersburg, where he took his master's
exam.
In 1841,
he began his career in the Russian Civil Service, likely to fulfill his
mother's wish to see him work in the government, and spent two years of his
career in the Ministry of the Interior.
Works
Although
Ivan Turgenev had written many poems and short stories in his early career, the
first work that brought him fame was "A Sportsman's Sketches," a collection
of short stories published in 1852. The stories were based on his observations
of peasant life and nature during days spent hunting in the forests of his
mother's estate in Spasskoye. When he was imprisoned for a month for writing an
obituary for Nikolai Gogol, he wrote the famous short story ‘Mumu’ in 1854.
This was a story about a deaf and mute peasant whose only source of happiness
was his dog, Mumu, whom he was forced to drown under unfortunate circumstances.
Between
1853 and 1862, Ivan Turgenev wrote some of his best works, including ‘Rudin,’
which was published in 1856; ‘A Nest of the Gentry’ in 1859; ‘On the Eve’ in
1860; and ‘Fathers and Sons’ in 1862. Most of these books were based on his
love for Pauline and also on his experiences with his mother, who was a strict
authoritarian.
The story
of ‘A Nest of the Gentry,’ which was published in 1858, was brimming with
nostalgia and his love for the Russian countryside. The book also featured
‘Liza,’ which became one of One of the most memorable characters in Russian
literature, along with Tolstoy's, is Natasha Rostova.
After
Alexander II ascended the Russian throne, which led to a relaxation of the
political climate, he wrote the novel On the Eve in 1860. The novel was about
the Bulgarian revolutionary Insarov.
In 1862,
Ivan Turgenev wrote the masterpiece Fathers and Sons, whose main character,
Eugene Bazarov, is considered the "first Bolshevik" in Russian
literature. The novel dealt with the constant conflicts between the older and
younger generations, who had different perspectives on life.
His last
book, entitled Virgin Soil, was published in 1877. The book attempted to do
justice to the contemporary problems of Russian society.
Family
and Personal Life
Ivan
Turgenev never married. However, he did have some affairs with his family's
servants. One of his affairs led to the birth of his illegitimate daughter,
Paulinette.
He was
also closely associated with the popular opera singer Pauline Garcia Viardot,
with whom he had a platonic relationship. He also knew her husband and often
traveled with the couple.
He did
not have many friends. His closest literary friend was Gustave Flaubert, with
whom he shared similar views. They both had an unprejudiced and pessimistic
worldview.
Death
and Legacy
During his
later years, Ivan Turgenev's health began to deteriorate, and in January 1883,
a malignant tumor was removed from his suprapubic region. However, the cancer
had already reached his spinal cord, causing him intense pain during his final
months.
He died on
September 3, 1883, of a spinal abscess in Bougival, near Paris. His remains
were brought to Russia, and he was buried in the Volkovo Cemetery in St.
Petersburg. On his deathbed, he was visited by Tolstoy, to whom he said, “My
friend, return to literature.” It was after this that Tolstoy wrote the popular
works “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” and “The Kreutzer Sonata.”
Ivan
Turgenev was a favorite of many writers of the next generation, including Henry
James and Joseph Conrad, who held similar ideologies. He was also praised by
Vladimir Nabokov, who was known for dismissing many authors as poor writers.
Other
Facts about Ivan Turgenev
Ivan
Turgenev had a passion for hunting and spent a significant amount of time in
the countryside pursuing this hobby, which often inspired his writing.
Turgenev
was known for his love of French culture and literature, and spent much of his
life traveling between France and Russia, influencing his writing style and
themes.
He had a
close friendship with fellow writer Gustave Flaubert, with whom he exchanged
ideas and critiques of each other's work.
Turgenev
was an advocate for social reform and often used his writings to highlight the
problems of serfdom and class inequality in Russia.
Despite
his reputation as a serious writer, Turgenev had a lighthearted and humorous
side, as evidenced by his witty letters and anecdotes shared among friends and
colleagues.
With
affection,
Ruben
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