This undying devotion leads to the climax of their ideological based hate. This devotion leads to the ultimate test of the strength of both men and their ideals. Pavel and Bazarov end up dueling to settle their differences. Here Turgenev not only is representing Pavel and Bazarov as characters, but as ideals as well. Turgenev believes that both Nihilism and the traditional ideals cannot live together in harmony. Similarly no town is big enough for both Bazarov and Pavel, the conflict would be resolved with the elimination of one of the men, and on a figurative level their ideals as well. .
Bazarov and Pavel duel and Bazarov wounds Pavel. This symbolizes the wounding of the traditional beliefs by Nihilism. Both ideals remain alive and prevalent but nihilism has taken supremacy over the old ideals. Similarly Pavel stays alive but his pride is wounded and he ends up leaving.
Another metaphorical pairing, in the novel, is between Arkady and his father Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov. The pairing between Arkady and Nikolai illustrates the thematic concern of the conflict between generations. Arkady and Nikolai are opposites. Arkady is an extremely impressionable individual "What's your opinion, Arkady Nikolaevich?" "I agree with Evgeny," he replied"(Turgenev pg. 65). Arkady is essentially a puppet on Bazarov's idealistic string of Nihilism. Arkady follows anything that the older Bazarov suggests. This blind following puts Arkady at odds with Nikolai. Nikolai, like Pavel, is a representation of the traditional ideals. Similarly Arkady and his beliefs represent the new generation.
Nikolai is very disappointed that his son has picked up such a ridiculous belief. He and his son are always in disagreement over the ideals of Nihilism. This clash of ideals also is a clash of generations. Arkady being an impersonation of the new generation, and Nikolai an embodiment of the old. .
We"re people of another age, we assume that without principles, without principles accepted, as you say, on faith, it's impossible to take a step, draw a breath.
