Fathers and Sons is a novel written by Russian author Ivan Turgenev and originally published in 1862. Emerging in Tsarist Russia during the Realist period of literature, Turgenev examines the subject of the evolution of generations in his novel. In Fathers and Sons, the new generation is represented by the characters Arkady Nikolaevich Kirsanov and Evgeny Vasilich Bazarov, recent university graduates and self-proclaimed nihilists. Nihilism, a term popularized by Turgenev himself, is a broad philosophical school of thought that devalues ​​traditional values ​​of life. Fathers and Sons was written at a time when nihilistic movements in Russia were gaining many followers. Throughout the novel, Turgenev uses a combination of characterization, irony, and conflict to denounce nihilism. In Fathers and Sons, Turgenev writes that the character of Bazarov is, in his opinion, the best example of a nihilist. Arkady also assumes (at first) the role of a self-proclaimed nihilist, he is only an initiate; Bazarov is the mentor. Although very intelligent and well-spoken, Bazarov is rude and generally unlikable from his introduction. When he is introduced to Arkady's father, Nikolai, he appears casual and distant: “Nikolai Petrovich went there. . . go up to [Bazarov]. . . he warmly shook the red, ungloved hand, which was not immediately extended to him. . . “[My name is] Evgeny Vasilich,” Bazarov replied in a lazy but manly voice” (106). Bazarov most often uses his intellect and oratorical skills to demean others and their ideals, valuing himself very little. This is not done out of malice, however, it is simply part of his philosophical and nihilistic views. He explains his point of view to Arkady's uncle, Pavel: "We suspected that this conversation, ...... in the middle of a paper ......, came from a clipping that he had received while participating in an autopsy. He develops a fever and accepts that death will come to him even if those around him do not. Bazarov, after a few days of fighting the infection, finally succumbed and died a young and dissatisfied man. It's symbolic: a man who lived his life without values ​​dies without ever bringing true meaning to the world. These combinations of characterization, irony, and conflict are used by Turgenev to present nihilism in a negative light and denounce it fully. Bazarov, an intelligent but harsh-spoken and frank man, unable even to adhere to his own philosophy, dies alone and dissatisfied, and his student Arkady sets aside his teachings and embarks on a new life. Works Cited Turgenev, Ivan. Fathers and sons. Trans. Constance Garnett. New York: Barnes and Noble, 2007. Print.