Cultural Studies Analysis of the Dualism between Progress and Tradition in Ivan Turgenev's 'Fathers and Sons'

Abstract

This research employs a Cultural Studies framework, drawing on the theories of Stuart Hall and Theodor Adorno, to dissect the intricate interplay between progress and tradition in Ivan Turgenev's seminal work, "Fathers and Sons". Through a meticulous examination of characters, cultural contexts, and narrative techniques, this analysis illuminates how Turgenev grapples with the dichotomy between evolving societal paradigms and entrenched customs. The study delves into the generational conflicts within the novel, spotlighting the clash between established norms, epitomized by the older generation, and the burgeoning ideologies advocated by the younger characters. By scrutinizing the characters' responses to shifting cultural dynamics, it uncovers the nuanced ways in which Turgenev portrays the tensions inherent in societal progress. Furthermore, this article situates the narrative within the socio-political milieu of 19th-century Russia, elucidating how broader cultural shifts influenced the ideological divides depicted.