Fathers and Sons: Chapter 25 Summary & Analysis

Arkady, Katya, and Fifi the borzoi sit in the Nikolskoye garden. There is a “trustful intimacy” between the two friends. Katya makes a remark about Arkady’s formerly “satirical turn of mind” and argues that she and Anna will soon transform Arkady, now that he’s no longer under Bazarov’s influence. She and Arkady, she goes on, are “domestic animals,” while Bazarov is a “wild beast.” Arkady calls this “a hurtful thing to say” but does not pursue it further.

The friends continue to talk about Anna and Katya’s life together; Katya has always been a little afraid of her imposing sister. But Arkady observes that Katya, in her own way—such as in her refusal to marry a wealthy man on whom she’d be dependent—is as proud and independent as her sister, only more reserved. Katya wants to change the subject, not liking to be compared to her sister, but Arkady suddenly says that he would never exchange Katya for Anna, or for anyone else in the world. He abruptly gets up and leaves.

Back at the house, the butler informs Arkady that Bazarov has arrived and is waiting in his room. Apprehensive, Arkady runs to greet him, and Bazarov quickly relates what happened at Maryino between himself and Pavel. Though reassured that Pavel’s wound isn’t serious, Arkady feels upset by the whole thing. Bazarov says, “You see what comes of living with these feudal barons; you become a feudal personage yourself.” He’s on his way to his parents’, he goes on, and thought he would take a last look at what he’s parted ways with.

Arkady says he hopes Bazarov doesn’t intend to part ways with him, and Bazarov says that seems to be happening already; “you look so spruce and smart,” he remarks. He asks Arkady how his “affair” with Anna Sergeyevna is going, and Arkady assures Bazarov that he’s mistaken on this point. Bazarov lets this pass and goes on to say that they had better say goodbye; they seem to have simply tired of one another.

Before he leaves, Bazarov says goodbye to Anna Sergeyevna, assuring her that he’s repented of his foolishness and hopes she doesn’t hold it against him. Anna assures him that they will remain friends, agreeing with him that love “is a purely imaginary feeling.” Both of them seem convinced that they mean this. She also tells him that she has become fond of Arkady but doesn’t see him much, as he’s Katya’s friend, not hers. Bazarov doesn’t believe her—“women can’t help dissembling,” he thinks—and responds icily. Their conversation ends soon, as Anna feels ill at ease. Later, when she sends for Arkady, he is found in the garden, deep in thought.