Duty and Morality

Characters like Lisa and Lavretsky grapple with moral obligations, religious piety, and the need for expiation, as seen in Lisa's decision to enter a convent and Lavretsky's reflection on his responsibilities after personal failure.

Lisa holds Panshin accountable for breaking his word, showing her moral seriousness and sense of duty toward others' feelings.

Ivan's sense of duty to his philosophical principles (Rousseau, Diderot) conflicts with his father's traditional values, leading to a moral crisis.

Piotr Andreitch's initial refusal to forgive his son's marriage gives way to a sense of duty after his wife's deathbed plea and the birth of his grandson, illustrating moral obligations within family.

Ivan Petrovitch's sense of duty to reform his household and educate his son is undermined by his hypocrisy and ineffective implementation.