Fathers and Sons, Chapter 23 summary

What happens

1. After Arkady leaves, Bazarov concentrates on experiments, while Paul Petrovitch remains hostile and Nikolai Petrovitch encourages scientific conversation.
2. Thenichka trusts Bazarov as a doctor and talks freely with him, but Paul Petrovitch’s watchfulness frightens her.
3. One hot morning, Bazarov joins Thenichka among the lilacs, checks her pulse, and turns their conversation toward flirtation.
4. Thenichka reads briefly from his medical book, thanks him for helping Mitia, and gives him a red rose.
5. Bazarov kisses Thenichka and prolongs the kiss despite her attempt to push him away, until Paul Petrovitch appears.
6. Thenichka reproaches Bazarov, who retreats in shame, while Paul Petrovitch spends time in the woods and returns looking gloomy.

In this chapter

What to notice

Thenichka’s reproach makes clear that friendliness and gratitude do not mean approval of the kiss. The narrator explicitly confirms her sincerity.

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