Oblomov (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Ivan Goncharov
- First Published: 1859
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Social realism
- Time of Work: Early nineteenth century
- Setting: Russia
- Genres: Long fiction, Social realism
- Subjects: Nineteenth century, Marriage, Friendship, Landlords or tenants, Russia or Russian people, Hedonism
- Locales: St. Petersburg, Russia
Characters Discussed
Ilya Ilyitch Oblomov (ihl-YAH ilh-YIHCH ohb-LOH-mof), a Russian landowner brought up to do nothing for himself. He, like his parents, only eats and sleeps. He barely graduates from college and cannot force himself to do any kind of work, feeling that work is too much trouble for a gentleman. His indolence results finally in his living in filth and being cheated consistently. Even love cannot stir him. Though he realizes his trouble and dubs it “Oblomovism,” he can do nothing about it. Eventually his indolence kills him, as his doctors tell him it...
[The entire page is 505 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
