The novel's title underscores a central theme: the significant gap between the older and younger generations, especially between fathers and sons. Nikolai Kirsanov tells his brother, Pavel, that they are “behind the times” and that the younger generation has surpassed them. He expresses a sense of loss about this gap, saying, “I did so hope, precisely now, to get on to such close, intimate terms with Arkady, and it turns out I’m left behind, and he has gone forward, and we can’t understand one another.”

Bazarov’s father echoes this sentiment during a discussion on new versus old ideas: “Of course, gentlemen, you know best; how could we keep pace with you? You are here to take our places.” As they talk, the gap seems to grow wider, and the old man tries to fit in by telling a funny story: “The old man was alone in his laughter; Arkady forced a smile on his face. Bazarov simply stretched. The conversation went on in this way for about an hour.” When Bazarov’s father laments this situation to his wife, she responds by saying there is “no help for it, Vasya! A son is a separate piece cut off.”

Although Bazarov’s early death prevents him and his father from closing their generational divide, the outcome is different for Arkady and Nikolai: “A week before in the small parish church two weddings had taken place quietly. . . . Arkady and Katya’s, and Nikolai Petrovitch and Fenitchka’s.” This double wedding leads to Arkady and Katya staying at Maryino, where Arkady eventually assists in managing his father’s estate. As Turgenev’s narrator notes, “their fortunes are beginning to mend.”

Poverty is a central theme in the story, impacting even those who were once wealthy, such as Nikolai. At the beginning, when Nikolai’s estate, Maryino, is depicted, the harsh conditions faced by the peasants are highlighted: “the peasants they met were all in tatters and on the sorriest little nags; the willows, with their trunks stripped of bark, and broken branches, stood like ragged beggars along the roadside.” Nikolai himself feels the financial pressure, frequently “sighed, and was gloomy; he felt that the thing could not go on without money, and his money was almost spent.” As a result, the peasants have dubbed Nikolai’s farm “Poverty Farm.”

Bazarov’s parents find themselves in an even more severe financial predicament. When Arkady arrives at their residence, it becomes clear that “his whole house consisted of six tiny rooms.” Vassily Ivanovitch comments, “I warned you, my dear Arkady Nikolaitch. . . . that we live, so to say, bivouacking.” This expression, drawn from Vassily’s military past, implies a rough existence akin to living in a temporary camp.

In the story, Turgenev illustrates a conflict between the older generation, who cherish art and other non-logical pursuits, and the nihilists, such as Bazarov, who dismiss everything else. Bazarov is particularly critical of anything lacking practical value, especially art. He asserts, “A good chemist is twenty times as useful as any poet.”

However, the elder Kirsanov men disagree with this perspective. Pavel disputes with Bazarov, arguing, “If we listen to you, we shall find ourselves outside humanity, outside its laws.” Furthermore, Nikolai tells Bazarov that he doesn't merely “deny everything . . . you destroy everything. . . . But one must construct too, you know.” For Bazarov and his fellow nihilists, dismantling society and starting anew is necessary to eliminate “our leading men, so-called advanced people and reformers,” who are deemed ineffective. Although Nikolai, being a liberal, understands his son's desire for change, he...

Romantic love is a key theme in the novel, vividly depicted through Arkady and Bazarov, each of whom experiences love uniquely. Arkady's affection is deeply rooted in friendship. Initially, he is drawn to Madame Anna Odintsov, but she regards him as a younger sibling. However, with Katya, the relationship takes on a different dynamic from the start. He encourages her to express her thoughts on music, literature, poetry, and other seemingly minor topics, which unintentionally captivate him. From this blossoming friendship, their love grows, gradually overshadowing his feelings for Madame Odintsov. "He began to imagine Anna Sergyevna to himself, then other features gradually eclipsed the lovely young image of the young widow."

The night before Arkady plans to leave Nikolskoe with Bazarov, he feels uneasy: "I’m sorry to lose Katya too!" Arkady whispers to his pillow, already damp with tears. Over time, his affection for Katya deepens, and he is thrilled when he unexpectedly arrives and sees her first: "His meeting with her struck him as a particularly happy omen; he was delighted to see her, as though she were of his own kindred." Eventually, Arkady comes to terms with his emotions and admits, "My eyes have been opened lately, thanks to one feeling." This feeling is love, which for Arkady, emerges gradually from friendship.

Conversely, Bazarov's love is passionate and intense. His irrational infatuation is evident during his initial encounter with Anna. While she sits calmly, "leaning back in her easy-chair," he, contrary to his usual demeanor, talks extensively, eager to capture her attention—a surprise for Arkady. During his time at Nikolskoe, Bazarov begins to show "signs of unrest, unprecedented in him... unable to remain in one place, as though driven by some hidden yearning."

Anna, on the other hand, outlines her conditions for love: "My idea is everything or nothing. A life for a life. Take mine, give up thine, and that without regret or turning back. Or else better have nothing." Bazarov interprets these conversations as evidence of her affection and, before his departure, confesses, "I love you like a fool, like a madman... There, you’ve forced it out of me." However, Anna's intentions are not romantic, leaving Bazarov, who has allowed his emotions to overpower him for the first time, heartbroken: "You have misunderstood me."