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Fathers and Sons, Chapter 26 summary

Chapter 26 of 28 · 13 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 26, Arkady declares his love for Katia and wins her agreement to marry him, while Anna Sergievna accepts their plans subject to his father’s consent. Bazarov leaves after rejecting Anna Sergievna’s sympathy and telling Arkady that his temperament does not suit the harsh demands of Nihilism.

What happens

  1. Arkady struggles to declare himself to Katia, but they overhear Anna Sergievna and Bazarov discussing their feelings and misunderstanding his attachment.
  2. Arkady clearly asks Katia to marry him, and she accepts with happiness.
  3. Anna Sergievna receives Arkady’s formal request and accepts the match, provided his father agrees.
  4. Bazarov refuses Anna Sergievna’s invitation to stay and withdraws from her offer of sympathy.
  5. While packing, Bazarov tells Arkady that they must separate and that he lacks the temperament required for Nihilism.
  6. After Bazarov departs, Arkady and Katia arrange his visit to Marino, while Anna Sergievna grows comfortable with their happiness.

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In this chapter

BazarovArkadyAnna SergievnaKatiaTheme: Changing attachments

What to notice

Bazarov makes the difference between himself and Arkady explicit. His judgment turns their farewell into a separation of beliefs as well as companions.

Quick check

What condition does Anna Sergievna place on Arkady’s marriage to Katia?

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