OverviewFathers and Sons opens with Nikolai Kirsanov eagerly anticipating the arrival of his son, Arkady, who is returning home with his friend and mentor, Bazarov. Their arrival sparks a cultural and ideological clash at the Kirsanov farm, as Bazarov's radical ideas challenge the older generation. Over time, personal relationships develop and transform, leading to both romantic entanglements and existential reflections.

Chapters I–III

Awaiting his son Arkady at a carriage station, Nikolai Kirsanov is filled with paternal excitement. However, when Arkady appears, he is not alone; accompanying him is Bazarov, an older student of medicine who has become an influential mentor. This unanticipated guest is characterized by his composed and unemotional demeanor, which soon affects the dynamics at the family farm.

Chapters IV–XI

Upon their arrival at the farm, Arkady and Bazarov are greeted by Arkady's uncle, Pavel, who is pleased to see his nephew but decidedly unimpressed by Bazarov. Tensions brew as Pavel openly disapproves of Bazarov, who espouses nihilistic beliefs that unsettle the elder generation. Nikolai, treading carefully, tries to introduce his son to Fenitchka, his mistress, but is taken aback by Arkady’s enthusiasm to see her. With the discovery of his newborn brother, Arkady becomes entangled in family matters. This generational gap becomes starkly evident in the debates between Pavel and Bazarov, as Nikolai mourns the growing distance with his son. Eventually, Bazarov and Arkady choose to visit a cousin in another town, leaving the older Kirsanovs to reflect on the changes.

Chapters XII–XV

Traveling to town, Bazarov and Arkady meet Nikolai's influential cousin, Matvy Ilyich Kolyazin, who shares Pavel’s disdain for Bazarov but extends an invitation to the Governor’s Ball. Along the way, they encounter Victor Sitnikov, another follower of Bazarov, who introduces them to Evdoksya Kukshin, a woman Bazarov finds uninspiring. Yet, it is at the Governor’s Ball where Arkady encounters Anna Odintsov, a wealthy widow who piques his interest. Although Anna is curious about Bazarov, who meets her later, it is Arkady who finds himself quickly infatuated with her. A visit to Anna's hotel reveals Bazarov’s unexpected nervousness, and the invitation to her estate at Nikolskoe sets the stage for further interactions.

Chapters XVI–XVIII

At Nikolskoe, Anna introduces Bazarov and Arkady to her sister Katya. Over the following two weeks, Arkady grows closer to Katya, finding his fondness for her surpassing his previously held beliefs in nihilism. Meanwhile, Bazarov, captivated by Anna, declares his love only to face rejection, despite her flirtatiousness. This leaves an awkward tension, prompting their departure to visit Bazarov’s family.

Chapters XIX–XXII

Bazarov’s long absence from his parents is marked by an overwhelming reunion, yet their affectionate doting proves too much. The young men’s visit is brief, with only three days spent before they head back to Maryino to collect Bazarov’s scientific tools. On a whim, Arkady suggests a detour back to Nikolskoe, where Anna’s surprise and lukewarm reception prompt them to quickly move on. Returning unexpectedly to Maryino, the household is nonetheless pleased to see them, and Arkady learns of letters connecting his family to Katya’s, prompting another visit to Nikolskoe, where Katya welcomes him warmly.

Chapters XXIII–XXIV

Back at Maryino, Bazarov immerses himself in his scientific pursuits but also grows closer to Fenitchka, under the guise of medical concern for her child. In a moment of indiscretion, he kisses Fenitchka, witnessed by Pavel, who subsequently challenges Bazarov to a duel. The duel results in Pavel being wounded, but Bazarov’s medical skills ensure his recovery before he makes a quiet exit from the scene.

Chapters XXV–XXVI

As Arkady attempts to convey his feelings to Katya, Bazarov returns for a...