Rudin: A Novel

"Rudin: A Novel" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a story set in Russia during the late 1890s, focusing on Dmitri Rudin, a representation of Russia’s educated people and their flaws during a period of social and political change. Turgenev examines big ideas, relationships, and the difficulty of turning words into action by showing Rudin's interactions with others, especially how a forward-thinking but disconnected group of intellectuals affects them. The novel begins peacefully in a Russian village, introducing Alexandra Pavlovna, a caring widow who is visiting a sick peasant. This picture of Alexandra serves as a reminder of the upcoming arrival of Dmitri Rudin, whose ideals and philosophical thoughts are important to the story. As Alexandra goes through her day, her interactions with different people show the social relationships of the time. Her brother, Sergei Pavlitch Volintsev, and other characters introduce a mix of respect and criticism about the changing society. These early descriptions of the characters prepare the reader for later looks at personal goals, moral beliefs, and how individuals fit into society, hinting at Rudin's arrival and the conflict that will come with him.