The name of Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev is familiar to all residents of Russia. There is no such person who would not hear about his works. They are included in the school curriculum. Of course, this is not his only merit.
The classic made a significant contribution to the development of Russian literature of the second half of the 19th century. He actively promoted it in the West and had a great influence on the poetics of the West European novel. His work is permeated with love for the motherland and for the common people.
Of course, it is unlikely that schoolchildren will be able to appreciate the works of Turgenev, but if you return to them after 10 - 20 years, a completely different impression will be created.
If you are a fan of Russian literature and Ivan Sergeyevich in particular, pay attention to our article. Here is a list of 10 interesting facts about Turgenev: biography and stories from the life of the writer, his famous friends and work.
10. In childhood traveled all over Western Europe
Turgenev was then still a small boy, 4 years old. Parents went on a trip to Western Europe and took their son with them.
Ivan Sergeyevich did not remember anything, except for a few highlights. One of them is a nuisance that occurred during a visit to the Berlin menagerie. The boy then almost fell into the pit with the bears, he was saved.
Another memory is how they took measurements for the coffin. During the trip, Turgenev became very ill, and his parents did not even hope that he would survive.
9. Constantly maintained perfect cleanliness and hygiene
Ivan Sergeevich was very fond of cleanliness. He was subject to a manic passion for order, he could change clothes several times a day and tidy up the room. Before getting to work, he put things in order on the table. Any little thing could get him crazy, in this state Turgenev could not create.
He also fought for the purity of the Russian language. He urged his compatriots not to use foreign words: “We have nothing to take from the one who is poorer than us ". Perhaps, modern Russians should listen to Turgenev’s advice and not use foreign words where this is absolutely unnecessary.
8. Close friends - Belinsky and Nekrasov
The closest friends of Turgenev were Belinsky Vissarion Grigorievich and Nekrasov Nikolai Alekseevich.
Belinsky is a famous literary critic. Ivan Sergeevich decided to show his first work to him. He did not hope for praise, but Vissarion Grigorievich praised Turgenev's literary talent. He published his review of the poem in the journal Domestic Notes.
Later, their acquaintance grew into a strong friendship. Ivan Sergeevich subsequently even became godfather to his son Belinsky.
Turgenev had a much more complicated relationship with Nekrasov, their friendship lasted 10 years, from 1840 to 1850, and then something happened. They became implacable enemies. Unfortunately, the reason for their quarrel is unknown, although there is more than one version on this score, it is impossible to say exactly which one is true.
7. Was under house arrest
Turgenev was not a "law-abiding citizen." Many were embarrassed by his anti-serfdom mood. Ivan Sergeyevich witnessed the events in France in 1848 (revolution), and also did not always follow his statements. In addition, Turgenev maintained friendly relations with the Russian revolutionaries Herzen and Bakunin.
After the death of Gogol, the writer sent an article to the Moscow Gazette, where he was reckless to touch on the death of Pushkin and Lermontov. He called these three writers great, in those days it was the prerogative of the king. The censor informed Nicholas I that Turgenev was unreliable.
In 1852, the writer was sent to prison, a month later he was sent to his own estate. He was forbidden to leave the territory of the Oryol province. House arrest lasted 1.5 years.
6. Provoked Tolstoy to a duel
This story happened in 1861. Lev Nikolaevich and Ivan Sergeevich maintained friendly relations. Once they were visiting Fet, and there was a major scandal.
Turgenev talked about his daughter, who lived in France and was engaged in charity work. The girl darned the clothes of the poor. Tolstoy called this behavior false and insincere, “theatrical stage”, to which Turgenev responded rudely. Lev Nikolayevich demanded an apology, and then sent a letter, he challenged Ivan Sergeyevich to a duel on his guns, “to be sure.” The duel did not take place.
Interesting fact: There is a version that the real reason for the quarrel is the relationship between Turgenev and Tolstoy’s sister Mary. This was not customary to talk about, so the writers quarreled over the little things. Maria was married and left her husband for Turgenev, but he did not dare to take a serious step. Tolstoy only wanted to punish her offender.
5. Wore bright ties and gold buttons.
Turgenev was a tall and handsome man. His height is 192 cm. The appearance of the writer has always been the subject of talk. He loved bright colors. Ties of unusual colors, gold buttons - at that time it was not customary to wear such things. Turgenev did not pay attention to the opinions of others, he liked to shine.
4. Loved Pauline Viardot
This love divided the writer’s life into “before” and “after”, it was fatal, painful. Pauline Viardot is an opera singer. Their acquaintance with Turgenev happened during a tour of the Italian opera.
Viardot cannot be called a typical “Turgenev girl”. This married woman was not distinguished by meekness and modesty. Polina had more than one lover, Ivan Sergeyevich was also among them. Many believe that this love was platonic, but there is confirmation that everything went much further than letters and innocent meetings. Turgenev was even credited with the paternity of Polina’s son.
The writer was ready to give the whole world for her, he made friends with his wife Viardot. The last years of his life he spent in France with the family of Pauline and his daughter.
3. Played chess
Ivan Sergeyevich was a versatile person, along with hunting, literature and music, he was fond of chess. By the way, he did well. He was even called the best chess player among writers.. Phenomenal memory, attentiveness, desire for victory - these qualities made Turgenev an unsurpassed player.
2. Fought for the abolition of serfdom
Already in his youth, Turgenev hated serfdom. He had one way to deal with this phenomenon - literature.. His work “Notes of the Hunter” describes the real picture as well as possible.
But Ivan Sergeevich did not limit himself to literature. He joined the Ministry, where he dealt with issues related to serfdom. There is a known case when a writer defended a serf girl from her masters, for which he was punished. A lawsuit was brought against him.
1. Was the most read and popular European writer
Turgenev is considered the first writer who gained popularity abroad. In 1863, he settled in Baden-Baden and became close to many Western writers.
Ivan Sergeevich was engaged in the promotion of Russian literature. He knew how to interest, actively promoted the work of the great writers of Russia. Thanks to Turgenev, they learned about Pushkin, Gogol, Lermontov abroad.
Turgenev himself achieved certain heights and the last years of his life bathed in the glory. His works were very popular at home, and abroad he was called almost the first writer of the century.