Pavel versus Bazarov in Fathers and Sons

In "Fathers And Children," the characters of Pavel and Bazarov come into direct conflict as representatives of the generational philosophical differences shared between the romantic generation and the contemporary generation geared toward a more scientific methodology. Pavel Petrovich considers himself a proud man, priding himself for his aristocratic connections, sharply dressed demeanor, and connections with traditional views on romanticism.

However, Bazarov, a student under nihilism and contemporary views on realism, challenges Pavel's position in society -- Pavel is seen as nothing more than an absurd figure with outdated views on the world around him.

When Bazarov first begins his attack on Pavel, Arkady tells of Pavel's history and story of lost love hoping to incite sympathy from him.

It is learned that Pavel's life has been defined by the lost love of his youth; plagued by a growing obsession, Pavel eventually pushes his mysterious lover, Princess R., away. Her beautiful image "bit too deeply into his soul" for him to ever want to leave her side, but as his obsession grew, so did the distance between the two lovers.

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Bazarov dismissed this story as nothing more than some pathetic tale of lost love -- he believed that Pavel's pathetic obsession led to his ruination. The irony of Bazarov's rejection of Pavel's after he meets Anna and falls equally head over heels in love with her, much like Pavel did when he was younger.

Pavel, described as "the lonely bachelor, just entering on that indefinite period of regrets that are akin to hopes, and hopes which are akin to regrets, when youth is over and old age has not yet come," directly attacks Bazarov after challenging him to a duel.

As dynamics play out between the two characters, Pavel becomes injured and is then treated by the same man who casued the injury, Bazarov himself. Pavel eventually retires to a solitary existence, as he is still incapable of finding happiness after the lost love of his youth.

Bazarov meets a similar fate as well, retiring to a life of scientific endeavors away from other human beings. Pavel may appear an absurd character plagued by rediculous notions of romantic love, but he is also a kind, pure- hearted man of dignity. When Bazarov is on his own deathbed, he declares that his life has been an utter waste, thus proving he shares an inherent similarity with Pavel. However, unlike Pavel, Bazarov never does find any meaning to his life.