Turgenev's literary prowess wove lyrical beauty into the fabric of realism, casting a profound effect on societal norms and inspiring future literary greats like Anton Chekhov and Henry James, who heralded the modern era of literature. His works captured the human condition and social intricacies of his time, fostering change and encouraging introspection. This biography delves into Turgenev’s influential life, from his early beginnings to his enduring legacy.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 9, 1818, in Orel, Russia, Ivan Turgenev was the son of Varvara Petrovna, a prosperous landowner, and Sergey Turgenev, a cavalry officer. Young Turgenev showed an early fondness for reading, diving into both Russian literature and the English novels of Charles Dickens. The family relocated to Moscow in 1827, and by 1833, Turgenev entered the University of Moscow. His education continued in St. Petersburg following another family move, culminating in his graduation in 1837. He then pursued philosophy at the University of Berlin for three years before returning to St. Petersburg in 1841. Without securing an academic post, Turgenev took a minor role at the Ministry of the Interior. His 1843 European travels introduced him to Pauline Viardot, a French singer who would remain a significant figure in his life.

Shift to Literature

Leaving the civil service in 1845, Turgenev committed himself fully to writing poetry. This decision, along with his unrequited love for the married Viardot, met with disapproval from his mother, resulting in the loss of his allowance. Undeterred, he followed Viardot across Europe, returning to Russia in 1850 upon his mother's illness. Her passing left him a considerable inheritance, enabling a successful transition from poetry to fiction. His short stories, started in 1847, culminated in the acclaimed collection Zapiski okhotnika (A Sportsman’s Sketches).

Literary Impact and Controversy

A Sportsman’s Sketches, serialized in Russian periodicals, stirred societal debates by humanizing serfs more than the landowning class. Seen as a critique of the serf system, Turgenev attracted the attention of authorities. His glowing obituary of fellow writer Nikolai Gogol in 1852 led to his banishment to his estate for a year and a half. Upon returning to St. Petersburg, the now-completed A Sportsman’s Sketches positioned him at the forefront of the city's literary scene. The collection's influence extended beyond aesthetics, credited with contributing to the abolition of serfdom, akin to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s impact with Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Stories like "Bezhin Meadow" and "The Country Doctor" exemplify Turgenev's blend of lyrical and realistic prose, balancing between Gogolian fantasy and Kafkaesque reality.

Years of Travel and Personal Struggles

The Crimean War and an unfulfilled love for Viardot marked a period of minimal publishing for Turgenev, except for his novel Rudin in 1856. A shift in circumstance and acceptance of his relationship with Viardot saw him alternating between travel and writing significant works, including Dvoryanskoye gnezdo (1859) and Nakanune (1860). His 1861 novel Ottsy i deti (Fathers and Sons) introduced the "nihilist," a term that gained fame through the character Bazarov. Bazarov’s rejection of traditional values in favor of scientific empiricism was controversial; intellectuals disapproved, while authorities misunderstood it as conservatism.

Literary Relationships and Conflicts

Turgenev's literary journey was fraught with disputes with contemporaries. His friendships with Ivan Goncharov and Leo Tolstoy soured, with Goncharov accusing him of plagiarism and Tolstoy condemning his relationship with Viardot. Tension with Tolstoy nearly culminated in a duel over a disagreement related to aiding the poor, lasting seventeen years. A financial dispute also marred his relationship with Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Later Years and Continued Influence

In 1863, Turgenev relocated to Baden-Baden, Germany, to be near...