A House of Gentlefolk

Name: A House of Gentlefolk
Author: Ivan Turgenev

The narrative unfolds in a provincial Russian town during the early 1840s, centering on the lives of Marya Dmitrievna Kalitin, her family, and their acquaintances. Marya Dmitrievna, a widow, lives with her two daughters, Lisa and Lenotchka, and her eccentric aunt, Marfa Timofyevna. The family is visited by various characters, including Sergei Petrovitch Gedeonovsky, a local priest, and Vladimir Nikolaitch Panshin, a charming young man from Petersburg. The story begins with the return of Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky, a distant relative, who has been living abroad. His return stirs up memories and emotions, particularly regarding his estranged wife, Varvara Pavlovna, who has been unfaithful. Lavretsky's past is marked by a failed marriage, and he grapples with feelings of loss and betrayal. He is drawn to Lisa, Marya Dmitrievna's eldest daughter, who embodies innocence and purity. As Lavretsky spends time with the Kalitins, he becomes increasingly aware of his feelings for Lisa, who is caught between her mother's expectations and her own emerging emotions. Panshin, who is also interested in Lisa, represents the societal pressures and expectations of marriage. The tension between Lavretsky's desire for a genuine connection and the superficiality of Panshin's courtship creates a complex dynamic. The narrative explores themes of love, fidelity, and the search for meaning in life. Lavretsky's interactions with Lisa reveal his longing for redemption and a fresh start, while Lisa's innocence and moral compass challenge him to confront his past. The story culminates in a moment of emotional clarity for Lavretsky, as he realizes his love for Lisa and the possibility of a future together. Throughout the work, Turgenev delves into the intricacies of human relationships, the impact of societal norms, and the struggle for personal happiness amidst external expectations. The characters' journeys reflect the broader themes of Russian society during this period, highlighting the tension between tradition and modernity, as well as the quest for individual fulfillment.

By Ivan Turgenev · First published 1859 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Romance · 46 chapters · 75,184 words

First lines

A bright spring day was fading into evening. High overhead in the clear heavens small rosy clouds seemed hardly to move across the sky but to be sinking into its depths of blue.

In a handsome house in one of the outlying streets of the government town of O -- -- (it was in the year 1842) two women were sitting at an open window; one was about fifty, the other an old lady of seventy.

What this Textopian page supports

A House of Gentlefolk is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ivan Turgenev, dated 1859 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Ivan Turgenev
Date: 1859 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Romance, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
Length: 75,184 words
Structure: 46 chapters, 1,081 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for A House of Gentlefolk by Ivan Turgenev
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A House of Gentlefolk?
How does this novel by Ivan Turgenev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel explores complex characters and themes of social change, love, and the human condition.
Realism — It presents a detailed and realistic portrayal of Russian society and the lives of the gentry.
Romance — The central plot revolves around romantic relationships and emotional entanglements.
Social Commentary — The book critiques the social structures and class dynamics of 19th-century Russia.