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Fathers and Children · Theme

Nature vs. Science

How Fathers and Children develops Nature vs. Science.

Bazarov's scientific materialism and dissection of nature (frogs, microscopes) contrasts with the novel's lyrical descriptions of the Russian landscape, suggesting a tension between cold rationalism and the enduring, indifferent beauty of the natural world.

Where it surfaces

  • III

    Bazarov's practical request for a match and cigar interrupts Nikolai's poetic reflection on spring, contrasting scientific pragmatism with romantic appreciation of nature.

  • IX

    Bazarov dismisses nature as a 'workshop' and man as a 'workman,' opposing Arkady's more romantic view of nature.