Summary
"Oblomov," a novel by Ivan Goncharov, traces the life of Ilya Ilyitch Oblomov, a Russian landowner whose upbringing has left him in a state of perpetual lethargy. Raised in luxury and pampered by his parents, Oblomov grows into a man with little ambition and an aversion to activity. As the years pass, he finds himself caught in a web of inertia, unable to escape the comforts of idleness and lethargy.
Indolent Beginnings
From a young age, Oblomov was cosseted by his parents, who led a life defined by indulgence and ease. His childhood was marked by an atmosphere of indulgence; even the simple act of removing his shoes was done for him by a valet. The elder Oblomovs occupied themselves with leisurely pursuits, allowing their wealth, generated by the labor of three hundred serfs, to sustain a lifestyle of unbroken contentment. Their existence was marked by a cycle of eating and sleeping, with action taken only when absolutely necessary.
The Formative Friendship
During his formative years, Oblomov's life was shaped by the influence of a German steward who served as a tutor. This steward's son, Andrey Stolz, became Oblomov's closest childhood companion. As the boys matured, their paths diverged significantly. Stolz was equipped with a pragmatic mindset and a willingness to embrace the challenges of the world, thanks to his father's guidance. His efforts were rewarded with success; in a few short years, Stolz had accumulated wealth and established himself as a respected businessman.
The Path of Least Resistance
In contrast, Oblomov managed to complete his college education, but only through minimal effort. His subsequent role as a government clerk was seen as appropriate for a gentleman, yet he soon found the responsibilities overwhelming. Citing ill health, he resigned within three years, although the true reason was his inability to commit to the demands of the position. This resignation marked the beginning of a lifestyle dominated by inactivity, with Oblomov spending his days in a state of torpid immobility.
The Consequences of Apathy
At thirty, Oblomov's life had regressed rather than progressed. His living quarters were neglected and chaotic, a reflection of his inability to manage even his own servant, Zakhar. Lacking motivation, Oblomov seldom ventured out and had little to no social engagement. He remained cloistered, preferring the comfort of his dressing gown and the routine of eating and sleeping. Uninterested in his finances, he was unaware of the income from his estates, allowing his bailiff to deceive him with ease.
An Unlikely Intervention
Two events shook Oblomov from his stupor: a warning from his bailiff about the dwindling estate income and a notice from his landlord requiring him to vacate his apartment. Enter Tarantyev, a so-called friend, who seemed to be a beacon of hope, offering to find a new apartment and a more reliable bailiff. Stolz's arrival proved more transformative; horrified by Oblomov's condition, he endeavored to reinvigorate his friend. He insisted that Oblomov join him in various activities, urging him to rediscover a zest for life. Stolz insisted that Oblomov join him in Paris, a promise fate would eventually thwart.
A Fleeting Romance
Stolz introduced Oblomov to Olga Ilyinsky, a vibrant and lively young woman. The pair fell in love, and their shared dreams of a future together briefly stirred Oblomov from his lethargy. Throughout the summer, they were engrossed in envisioning their life post-marriage. However, as winter approached, their wedding plans remained stagnant. The weight of Oblomov's ingrained inertia proved too great; even the prospect of marriage could not propel him into action. Eventually, he relocated to a new apartment under dubious circumstances orchestrated by...
(This entire section contains 860 words.)
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Tarantyev, binding himself to an unfavorable lease.
Love Lost and Lessons Unlearned
Despite his concerns over his estates, Oblomov was paralyzed by indecision and unwilling to return to his home. His proclaimed devotion to Olga masked a deeper apathy, an unwillingness to travel the distance to Oblomovka. Realizing that Oblomov would never fulfill his potential, Olga bid him farewell in a poignant encounter. His subsequent illness left him bedridden, with his household staff catering to his needs, allowing him to slip further into the lethargy of "Oblomovism." Meanwhile, Tarantyev and Mukhoyarov, the landlady's brother, conspired to exploit Oblomov's vulnerability for their gain.
The Aftermath of Inertia
As Olga ventured to France with her aunt, she encountered Stolz once more. Stolz, who had long harbored feelings for Olga, discovered the events that transpired during his absence from Russia. Their eventual marriage was overshadowed by Olga's lingering affection for Oblomov. Returning to Russia, Stolz sought to aid his friend by managing Oblomov's estates and ensuring that the income reached him directly. This intervention incited Tarantyev's wrath, prompting further attempts to manipulate Oblomov's circumstances to his advantage.
The Final Years
Time passed, and Olga implored Stolz to assess Oblomov's condition. Upon doing so, Stolz found that Oblomov had married his landlady and remained as inactive as ever. As predicted by doctors, Oblomov's health had deteriorated, culminating in a mild stroke. Before his death, Oblomov entrusted Stolz with the care of his son, a request Stolz honored. Shortly thereafter, Oblomov's life ended as it was lived—peacefully asleep, untouched by the world around him.