RamistThomist
Puritanboard Clerk
[1] On one level the book is excellent, indeed almost perfectly written.
[2] Further, Turgenev is willing to critically examine his own liberal prejudices. Liberalism, as evident from the novel, is too anemic to stand against something as powerful as nihilism. This is the clash between fathers (Russian liberals) and sons (proto-Bolsheviks) as it reflects Russian society.
[3] While Turgenev lacks the power and passion of Dostoevksi, and while the latter's novel *Demons* trolls Turgenev in a way, both are prophetic. The Russian liberals wanted the end of the Tsar. What they got were death camps.
[4] I'll admit. The duel scene was funny.
[5] Only the Nazarene can withstand Nihilism.
[2] Further, Turgenev is willing to critically examine his own liberal prejudices. Liberalism, as evident from the novel, is too anemic to stand against something as powerful as nihilism. This is the clash between fathers (Russian liberals) and sons (proto-Bolsheviks) as it reflects Russian society.
[3] While Turgenev lacks the power and passion of Dostoevksi, and while the latter's novel *Demons* trolls Turgenev in a way, both are prophetic. The Russian liberals wanted the end of the Tsar. What they got were death camps.
[4] I'll admit. The duel scene was funny.
[5] Only the Nazarene can withstand Nihilism.