Pros and cons of the problem of fathers and children. The problem of “fathers and sons” in Russian literature of the 19th century
(489 words) Fathers and sons are two sides of an eternal confrontation. Each generation is different from the previous one, so disagreements arise time after time, again and again. These differences are due to the difference in eras, the difference in worldviews, and therefore they can be called natural. The dispute between young people and representatives of the older generation has already become the norm. That is why the problem of fathers and children is called “eternal”. I will explain my idea using examples from Russian literature.
I. S. Turgenev describes the conflict between fathers and children in his work. The novel “Fathers and Sons” begins with the arrival of Arkady and Evgeny to visit Kirsanov’s father and uncle. This event turns the peaceful and quiet life of the estate into a cycle of disputes, skirmishes and disagreements. Young people disagree with old people in everything: they don’t need art, science is above all, and love is now empty romanticism. Representatives of the older generation are perplexed how it could happen that in ten years the worldview of young people has changed so dramatically. Nikolai Petrovich diligently delve into all the subtleties of the guest’s experiments and theories in order to better understand his son, and Pavel Petrovich completely declares war on new views. Of course, the departure and death of Bazarov, the marriage of Arkady somehow reconcile the two warring camps, but the author allows us to speculate what awaits the second son of Nikolai Petrovich? He will also go to university and will also bring home new views on the world, even more radical than the previous ones. This is the eternal destiny of fathers and sons: to overcome the historical gap and strive to understand each other.
Another example was described by V. G. Rasputin in his work “Farewell to Matera.” The author examined the problem of fathers and children, focusing on the peculiarities of the worldview of representatives of different generations. Daria, an elderly woman, is very conservative and confined to her place of residence. She is afraid of the city, afraid of changes in life. The heroine looks not forward, but back, her gaze is directed to the past, where her happy youth remains. Therefore, she perceives the demolition of the cemetery as a personal insult. She remembers many people who are now buried there. But her son Pavel is distinguished by progressive thinking. He understands the need to build a power plant, and also pragmatically takes into account all the advantages of city life. His wife Sonya is of the same opinion and really likes the idea of moving. And Daria’s grandson also approves of him, because he wants to make a career at a large construction site. They all look to the future, assess the prospects. Due to the difference in the direction of view, the characters do not understand each other and will not be able to understand. These are the age-related characteristics of people: with the onset of old age, they increasingly dream about the past and less often observe the present time. And they stop thinking about the future altogether, because age is taking its toll, and they don’t have long to live. There is no way to stop these changes, so the conflict between fathers and children will be repeated every time.
Thus, the problem of fathers and children will always be relevant, because generations differ from each other, and these differences cannot be eradicated, since they are embedded in the depths of the people’s psyche, as well as in the nature of time itself. Everything around is changing, taking on new forms, and only those who have not seen a different order, who do not remember the past and are not tied to it by the bonds of memory, can keep up with this process. In such conditions, parents and children will always be on opposite sides of the barricades, so the problem of their confrontation is eternal.
Interesting? Save it on your wall!In the second half of the 18th century, a special interest in the genre of educational novel appeared in European literature. In the 19th century, both in Europe and in Russia, this interest did not weaken, but on the contrary, the problem of family, relationships between adults and children, became a favorite theme of many writers, it seemed to break out of the circle of everyday life and became central in the works of Goethe and Dickens , Hugo, Pushkin, Balzac. Dostoevsky was well acquainted with the work of these writers; echoes of their works can be heard in the novels, stories, short stories and journalism of the writer.
All authors approach the problem of “fathers and sons” differently. In addition to the novel by I.S. Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons", the very name of which shows that this theme is the most important in the novel; this problem exists in almost all works: in some it is presented more vividly, in others it appears only as hints for a more complete disclosure of the image of the hero. It is difficult to say who first raised the problem of fathers and children. It is so vital that it seems to have always existed on the pages of literary works.
Turgenev personally encountered this problem in the Sovremennik magazine. The new worldviews of Dobrolyubov and Chernyshevsky were alien to the writer. Turgenev had to leave the editorial office of the magazine.
In the novel "Fathers and Sons" the main opponents and antagonists are Evgeny Bazarov and Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov. The conflict between them is considered from the point of view of the problem of “fathers and sons”, from the position of their social, political and social differences. It must be said that Bazarov and Kirsanov differ in their own social background, which affected their formation of views. Bazarov's ancestors were serfs. Everything he achieved was the result of hard mental work. Evgeniy became interested in medicine and natural sciences, conducted experiments, collected various beetles and insects.
Pavel Petrovich grew up in an atmosphere of prosperity and prosperity. At eighteen he was assigned to the page corps, and at twenty-eight he received the rank of captain. Having moved to the village to live with his brother, Kirsanov maintained social decency here too. Pavel Petrovich attached great importance appearance. He was always well shaven and wore heavily starched collars, which Bazarov ironically ridicules: “Nails, nails, at least send them to an exhibition!..”. Evgeniy doesn’t care at all about his appearance or what people think of him. Bazarov was a great materialist. For him, the only thing that mattered was what he could touch with his hands, put on his tongue. The nihilist denied all spiritual pleasures, not understanding that people get pleasure when they admire the beauties of nature, listen to music, read Pushkin, and admire the paintings of Raphael. Bazarov only said: “Raphael is not worth a penny...”. Pavel Petrovich, of course, did not accept such nihilist views. Kirsanov was fond of poetry and considered it his duty to uphold noble traditions.
The disputes between Bazarov and Kirsanov play a huge role in revealing the main contradictions of the era. In them we see many directions and issues on which representatives of the younger and older generations do not agree. A.A. Faustov "Philological Notes", Bulletin of Literary Studies and Linguistics, issue 23, Voronezh, 2005
The disagreements that have arisen between our heroes are serious. Bazarov, whose life is built on “denial of everything,” cannot understand Pavel Petrovich. The latter cannot understand Evgeniy. The culmination of their personal hostility and differences of opinion was a duel. But main reason The duel is not a contradiction between Kirsanov and Bazarov, but an unfriendly relationship that arose between them at the very beginning of their acquaintance with each other.
Therefore, the problem of “fathers and sons” lies in personal bias towards each other, because it can be solved peacefully, without resorting to extreme measures, if the older generation is more tolerant of the younger generation, somewhere, perhaps, agreeing with them, and the generation of “children” will show more respect for their elders.
Turgenev studied the eternal problem of “fathers and sons” from the perspective of his time, his life. He himself belonged to the galaxy of “fathers” and, although the author’s sympathies were on the side of Bazarov, he advocated philanthropy and the development of the spiritual principle in people. Having included a description of nature in the narrative, testing Bazarov with love, the author imperceptibly gets involved in a dispute with his hero, disagreeing with him in many respects.
A.S. Griboyedov, having described the struggle between the “present century” and the “past century” in the comedy “Woe from Wit,” did not ignore the complex problem of “fathers and sons.” The very idea of the work - the struggle between the old and the new - is the same problem, taken more broadly. In addition, Famusov’s relationship with his daughter Sophia is also traced here. Famusov, of course, loves his daughter and wishes her happiness. But he understands happiness in his own way: happiness for him is money. He accustoms his daughter to the idea of profit and thereby commits a real crime, because Sophia can become like Molchalin, who adopted only one principle from her father: to seek profit wherever possible. The fathers tried to teach their children about life, in their instructions they conveyed to them what was most important and significant for themselves. As a result, for Chichikov, the “penny” has become the meaning of life, and in order to “preserve and save” it, he is ready for any meanness, betrayal, flattery and humiliation. And Pyotr Grinev, following his father’s instructions, remained an honest and noble man in all situations in which he had to find himself; honor and conscience remained above all else for him throughout his life. How can one not remember the proverb: “Like the father, so are the children.” literature writer youth family
But while this proverb is often true, sometimes the opposite is true. Then the problem of misunderstanding arises. Parents do not understand children, and children do not understand parents. Parents impose their morals and principles of life on their children (not always worthy of imitation), and children do not want to accept them, but they cannot and do not always want to resist. This is the Kabanikha from Ostrovsky's "The Thunderstorm". She imposes her opinion on the children (and not only them), orders them to act only as she wants. Kabanikha considers herself a guardian ancient customs, without which the whole world will collapse. This is the real embodiment of the “past century”! And her children, although they do not at all like their mother’s attitude towards them, do not want to correct the situation. And here, sad as it may be, the “past century,” with all its prejudices, triumphs over the new.
One of the most important facets of the “fathers and sons” problem is gratitude. Are children grateful to their parents who love them, raised them and raised them? The topic of gratitude is raised in the story by A.S. Pushkin" Stationmaster". The tragedy of a father who tenderly loved his only daughter appears before us in this story. Of course, Dunya has not forgotten her father, she loves him and feels guilty before him, but still the fact that she left, leaving her father alone, turned out to be for him with a big blow, so strong that he could not withstand it. The old caretaker forgave his daughter, he does not see her guilt in what happened, he loves his daughter so much that he wishes her to die rather than endure the shame that may await her her. And Dunya feels both gratitude and guilt before her father, she comes to him, but no longer finds him alive. Only at her father’s grave do all her feelings break out. “She lay down here and lay there for a long time.”
Another problem is raised in many works, the problem of upbringing and education.
Poor Frenchman
So that the child does not get tired,
I taught him everything jokingly,
I didn’t bother you with strict morals,
Lightly scolded for pranks
And he took me for a walk to the Summer Garden,” wrote A.S. Pushkin about the education of the main character of his novel “Eugene Onegin”, and then remarked:
We all learned a little bit
Something and somehow
So upbringing, thank God,
It's no wonder for us to shine.
All children learned “something” and “somehow” different works. But why and how? This mainly depended on the attitude towards education of their parents. Some of them, recognizing the need for education only from the point of view of fashion and prestige, had a generally negative attitude towards it, such as Famusov from Woe from Wit and Mrs. Prostakova from Minor. But Sophia, unlike Mitrofanushka, still received some kind of education, but Mitrofanushka did not receive any knowledge, and he did not want to receive it. The attitude of Famusov and Prostakova themselves to education is expressed in their own words. Famusov says: “If you stop evil, you would take away all the books and burn them,” and also: “Learning is a plague.” And Prostakova: “It’s only torment for you, but everything, I see, is emptiness.”
But not all heroes of the works of Russian classics consider education to be “emptiness”. A striking example of this is Prince Volkonsky from “War and Peace” by L.N. Tolstoy. Bolkonsky believed in the need for education. Being an educated and well-read man, he himself taught his daughter, Princess Maria. Bolkonsky’s views are completely opposite to the opinions of Famusov and Prostakova. Education cannot be a tribute to fashion, and Bolkonsky is absolutely right about this.
The problem of "fathers and sons" is relevant at all times, because it is deep moral problem. Everything that is sacred for a person is passed on to him by his parents. The progress of society, its development, gives rise to disagreements between the older and younger generations, disagreements that are so well known to us from “Woe from Wit” or from “Fathers and Sons.”
The problem of fathers and children is one of the most important problems in Russian classics. Very often in literary works the new, younger generation turns out to be more moral than the older ones. It sweeps away the old morality, replacing it with a new one. But we still don’t need to become Ivans who don’t remember kinship; it’s terrible when the younger generation is less moral than the previous one. Therefore, the problem of “fathers and sons” lives on today, taking on a slightly different direction.
We all live on the same planet and, as we often like to say, we make up one big happy family. We are all children of different eras. Each person has his own view of things. Among people of the same time, they (the views) are somewhat similar, which usually cannot be said about the views of representatives of different generations. Therefore, a clash of different points of view is inevitable.
The most important, in my opinion, is the problem of “fathers and sons”, in other words, the problem of relations between the older generation and the generation of “children”. Communication between them is both necessary and inevitable. It is between “fathers” and “children” that many problems arise. The question of “fathers and sons” worried representatives of different eras; it was raised more than once in Russian literature. Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev reflected on this question in the novel “Fathers and Sons.” In his work, the problem of “fathers and sons” is consonant with the time of writing, but has much in common with its modern version of sound. The author presents to the reader the judgments of his heroes: “...the son is not his father’s judge...”, “The pill is bitter - but you need to swallow it.”
The problem of “fathers and sons” is still relevant today. However, today it has acquired a slightly different color. IN modern world, it seems to me that this question arises from a misunderstanding, a desire to exalt oneself in front of the older or younger generation.
Misunderstanding is a flaw modern society, and the misunderstanding between “fathers” and “children” is a tragedy of two generations. It is the main reason, a prerequisite for the problem to arise. In my opinion, misunderstanding arises at the slightest clash of different views on the same subject. To complete the presentation of this issue, I will give a fairly simple example...
Very often the problem I am considering arises in school, most often between a student and a teacher. As a rule, in our time, the role of a teacher is played by a person of the so-called old school, in other words, brought up in harsh war and post-war conditions. Certain rules of behavior have been established in his perception of life. For this person they are undeniable. Most often, such a teacher does not perceive a liberal attitude to life. He, naturally, shows the student the correct, as it seems to him, path of behavior. Here, rejection or misunderstanding of the student’s individual choice and opinion is manifested. But there is no problem with this yet. The student's reaction is important here. There are two options. One of them provides, if not complete submission, then some concessions on the part of the junior. This option is ideal in this case. However, another option is also possible, in which the student puts his individuality above the opinion of his elder. This is, I think, the problem. Here both sides show not so much selfishness as rejection of other people's opinions.
The second reason for the problem is the desire to exalt oneself. Maybe this reason is not the most important, but it has great importance. This phenomenon is not as selfish as it seems at first glance; it is rather of a natural nature, because it is inherent in the minds of most people by nature. And since this trait can manifest itself exclusively in communication, especially between different generations, it will primarily serve to arise the problem I am considering. However, this is not the only drawback. It can be noted that a desire of this kind is also the immediate cause for the emergence of misunderstanding.
But as for the problem of “fathers and sons” in general, an analysis of its causes cannot lead to its solution. It occurs almost instantly, and it is impossible to prevent it. After the problem appears, a process of development of the so-called “ problematic situation" In my opinion, this point is the most interesting to consider. Development is the most painful stage. It involves a change in emotional tone between two parties, or rather an increase in tone. Of course, the event happens gradually. During this period, the representative of each side experiences the highest nervous tension.
In the family, this can be expressed by constant disputes between parents and children, in school - by the dissatisfaction of a student with a teacher or a teacher with a student. This stage is perhaps the longest in the entire development of relationships. And the longer it goes on, the more obvious the conflict outcome.
The next stage can be the conflict itself, although it is not necessary. In such a situation, both the younger and the older ones are patient, restrained, and well-mannered people. They cannot afford to lose their temper and thus show their negative side.
Conflict is a kind of completion of a problematic situation. However, the problem still remains unresolved.
Passing from generation to generation, it (the problem) turns out to be eternal. In confirmation of this, I want to say that Turgenev’s words still ring true for the older generation: “What you were taught - it turns out - is nonsense... respectable people no longer bother with such trifles... you, they say, are a backward cap... “I conclude that the problem of “fathers and sons” will never find an ideal solution. From the problematic situation I am considering, as from any other, there is a way out. It is possible, in my opinion, with partial concessions on both sides. The ideal relationship between “fathers and children” implies understanding and attention from both children and parents. But it seems to me that this is not always possible in real life. The older generation, wanting to help the younger, offers their own method of solving this or that issue. Most often, based on personal experience and considering the proposed path optimal, they do not think about individuality human destiny and, as a rule, they gradually begin to simply impose their point of view. The relationship between parents and children must be one that both the elders and the younger will need. The upbringing of children is of paramount importance here. In this I see the only possible solution to the problem of “fathers and sons.” The fate of their child primarily depends on the parents at that stage when the best traits of his character are laid and developed in the child’s mind. Any person should know from an early age that he, like all people, has the right to his own opinion, that patience, understanding and respect for parents are qualities that will help him go through his long and difficult life path.
By nature, each of us is given a certain set of mental and physical qualities, as well as instincts, at birth. They help us survive in this difficult world. Everything else directly depends on the upbringing we received at an early age. Children, who have their own character traits, simply cannot always agree with their parents. This is due to the fact that each person is an individual and has his own, specific point of view.
The problem of fathers and children arises for loved ones belonging to different generations. Each of them has its own historical period. In this regard, views on life and its value system change from generation to generation, which any of us is ready to resolutely defend.
In former times, people revered the principles of their elders as the basis of their existence. However, quite often, children, having absorbed family experience, want to get out of the influence of adults. At the same time, they deny all the dogmas of the older generation. Children think that they can build their lives much better, brighter and more interesting. They want to resolve all issues on their own as quickly as possible.
The problem of fathers and children arises in almost all formations of human society:
In family;
In the work team;
In general in the social formation.
From the very birth of a child, parents teach. When he goes to kindergarten- educators. Schoolchild - teacher. At a certain time, a moment arises in this chain when all kinds of teachings begin to cause rejection. This usually occurs when the child begins to develop personal qualities, awareness of the right to make one’s own choice, as well as responsibility for it.
The problem of fathers and children in our time is quite complex. In some cases, the task of establishing a balance in the views of generations simply cannot be achieved. Some of us enter into open confrontation with representatives of another generation, while others, to enable peaceful coexistence, step aside, allowing themselves and others to gain freedom in the implementation of ideas and plans.
The problem of fathers and children is very relevant these days. It is very acute for people belonging to different generations. However, it must be remembered that only mutual tolerance and respect for each other will prevent serious confrontation. The most important thing is love and understanding.
Parental advice inherently serves as coercion or dictate. As a person grows less and less often, the desire to obey arises. Parents need to realize this in time and shift the arrow of their relationship with their children to neutral ways of presenting their information. Otherwise, conflicts are inevitable.
The most difficult thing for parents is that they must accept their child as he is, put up with all his shortcomings, as well as character traits. In addition, the older generation must forgive the insults and wrong actions of their children. It is also difficult to come to terms with the fact that the child will grow up and go into his adult life, which has its own worries and affairs.
The problem of fathers and children has been raised quite often in literature. This issue has been addressed to one degree or another by many writers. The most striking echo of a theme that is relevant at all times is I. S. Turgenev’s novel “Fathers and Sons.” In addition to this work, the very name of which indicates its main theme, the relationship between generations was illuminated in many masterpieces of literature. It is difficult to say who first raised this issue. The problem is so vital at all times that its description has always existed on the pages of literary works. A.S. did not ignore the complex problem. Griboyedov in his comedy "Woe from Wit". L.N. also touched upon it. Tolstoy in the novel "War and Peace".
Sighs and indignations of the older generation about the decline of modern morals can be heard at any time. The problem of fathers and sons appeared long before the creation work of the same name. And it was not Bazarov who started this struggle - this is a normal stage of growth for any young man and the girls are on their way to adult life. The problem of fathers and sons has been described in literature for a very long time; remember the parable of the prodigal son. And what about modern times?
Is it easier in a generation?
There is one strange pattern. For some reason, the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is better than the relationship between children and parents. And it’s not even a matter of the density of contact, but because a grandmother or grandfather rarely needs to fight with their grandson for power. And their age-related infirmity makes their grandchildren’s attitude more cautious and reverent. A fact is a fact - people get along better in a generation than two adjacent ones.
Didn't divide... the world
Probably the fact is that old people avoid giving an unambiguous assessment of the surrounding reality; this is no longer “their world.” But parents claim to have a better understanding of what is happening. That is, the problem of fathers and children in our time is connected with the fact that parents arrogantly try to hold on to the elusive world and lock it into their own, often outdated, model, and children overestimate their analytic skills and adaptability.
Ambiguity of the problem
How to find compromises? The older generation needs to learn flexibility, and the younger generation needs to learn self-criticism. Both make mistakes in understanding reality. And young people can misunderstand events, and elderly parents are sometimes surprised by the rapid development of technical means and new methods of work. By uniting, generations can do a lot if they do not simply try to devalue each other’s achievements.
The pain of distance
The problem of fathers and children will always be relevant, because these relationships are the closest on Earth, and the closer the interaction, the more painful the disagreements. People are forced to communicate at close range, and all misunderstandings hit hard on pain points. By the way, everyone knows each other’s pain points over many years of living together. And they take advantage of it. Therefore, you need to communicate carefully over a short distance and be more careful.
Have time to say
Many people realize how much parents mean only after there is no one to tell them about their love. Then the best things are remembered. Maybe you need to appreciate every day with your dad and mom, grumpy, quarrelsome, irritable, but such relatives? We will not be given other parents, and it is impossible to replace them. But it’s so easy these days to call mom or dad and say: “I love you.” And then many problems themselves will become irrelevant. And you will understand that the war against windmills and the struggle for freedom cannot give the happiness that every child feels near their parents while they are alive.
Far and near
Let's forget about quarrels with parents. We will fight for freedom without offense or psychological violence. Let's move away a little to become more mature. But we will always be ready to support the weakening hand of mom or dad. This is more important than principles. This is Love. The strongest on Earth.