Ivan Turgenev: Love and creativity of the great Russian writer of the XIX century / DOLETSKAYA / @MINAEVLIVE

The Power of Relationships in Culture Gift your loved ones with care and health, emphasizing the importance of quality sleep for success. The fourth release of a cultural code explores how relationships shape culture, focusing on connections between parents, friends, and romantic partners. A significant discussion centers around Ivan Turgenev and the legendary opera diva Polina Viardo whose relationship spanned 40 years—transforming from friendship to complex dynamics without altering her role as his muse.

Turgenev: An Ambassador of Russian Culture Turgenev is often remembered through works like "A Month in the Country" or "Fathers and Sons," which may seem dull to students but hold deeper significance when contextualized. He emerged late into literature compared to contemporaries like Dostoevsky yet became an ambassador for Russian culture in Europe. His tumultuous interactions included conflicts with emperors and duels while maintaining ties with influential figures such as Tolstoy—all rooted deeply within his connection to Viardo's enigmatic presence.

In 1843, Polina Viardo, a renowned European opera singer, made her debut at the Alexandrinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Despite being celebrated across Europe from London to Dresden, she faced skepticism from the Russian audience initially filled with aristocrats and intellectuals. As she began singing an aria from Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," the atmosphere shifted; laughter turned into reverence as listeners were captivated by her performance. Turgenev later described these concerts as transformative experiences where audiences revered Viardo like a goddess.

In the autumn of 1843, a pivotal moment in Turgenev's life occurs when he encounters the enchanting voice of Polina Viardo at a concert. At just 25 years old and working as a secretary, this experience divides his existence into before and after; he falls deeply in love with her. The impact she has on St. Petersburg is evident through three key factors: her unprecedented fees surpassing those offered elsewhere, frequent concerts drawing large crowds eager to hear her sing, and ticket prices that could buy several serfs' freedom—demonstrating her immense popularity among aristocrats who vie for personal connections with her.

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The Paradox of Wealth: Turgenev's Aristocratic Roots Ivan Turgenev, a prominent figure in Russian literature, was born into an aristocratic family with significant wealth and status. Despite his handsome appearance and noble lineage, he struggled to find love or genuine connection. His parents' marriage was pragmatic rather than romantic; they were mismatched partners who lived separate lives even after tying the knot.

Emotional Detachment Amidst Affluence Turgenev’s father led a life filled with indulgence before marrying but continued this lifestyle post-marriage without commitment to family duties. This detachment extended to Ivan himself as he grew up indifferent towards relationships despite being surrounded by potential suitors due to his family's affluence. Ultimately, both parental influences shaped him into a man who remained emotionally distant from others.

The Authoritarian Influence of Varvara Petrovna The narrative explores the harsh and authoritative nature of Ivan Sergeevich's mother, Varvara Petrovna, who embodies a cold and powerful figure in his life. Despite her wealth providing an elite education for her children, she instills fear rather than affection. Ivan grows up feeling unloved and punished for minor mistakes while being immersed in European culture at home where French is predominantly spoken.

A Life-Threatening Encounter During a family trip to Bern, Switzerland, young Ivan has a near-fatal encounter with bears when he almost falls into their pit. His father saves him just in time by grabbing his leg as he teeters on the edge. This moment highlights not only the dangers surrounding him but also foreshadows future struggles that may arise from such traumatic experiences during childhood.

Ivan Turgenev experienced his first love at fifteen, writing romantic letters to the young noblewoman Shakhovskaya and taking walks with her. However, he discovers that she is involved with his father, Sergei Nikolaevich, a charming cavalry officer. This revelation deeply traumatizes him and influences his memories for 27 years until he writes about it in 'First Love.' His upbringing was strict; while his mother disciplined him harshly, his father's actions led Ivan to feel skepticism towards relationships.

A serf girl becomes pregnant, prompting her noble master to consider marriage. He hesitates and ultimately decides to send the expectant mother away to relatives in Moscow for support during childbirth. The child is named Pelageya, but it takes seven years before the father acknowledges his daughter’s existence or shows any interest in her life.

Viardo, a romantic and well-educated man with experience in relationships, encounters Polina. He believes women can be either cold-hearted or capricious. Despite his charm, he grapples with insecurities stemming from family issues and the fear of commitment due to past experiences. The societal perception of him is limited; however, the complexities within his wealthy background play a crucial role in shaping his interactions.

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Turgenev’s Social Climb Through Viardo Turgenev's connection with Viardo marks a significant chapter in his life, as he navigates the social circles of St. Petersburg while seeking to meet Polina. Viardo, an experienced figure in show business and 21 years older than his wife, becomes instrumental in introducing Turgenev to influential acquaintances. Their shared interests include hunting and leisure activities that foster camaraderie between them.

Language Lessons: A Pathway to Connection As Turgenev spends time with Polina and her husband, he proposes teaching her Russian—a gesture that deepens their bond despite initial coolness from Polina towards him. Her eventual success singing Russian romances captivates audiences across Europe but also highlights the complexities of their relationship dynamics amidst societal expectations.

The Artistic Legacy of Polina Viardo Polina Viardo, born Mishel Ferdinando Polina Garsiya, hails from a remarkable artistic family. Her father is a renowned tenor and her mother an acclaimed dramatic actress; she has siblings who are also involved in music and opera. With exceptional education that includes mastery of eight languages, Polina initially aspired to be a pianist but ultimately chose singing as her forte. By 16, she debuted at the Bolshoi Theatre and by 18 was touring Europe.

Marriage Dynamics: Talent vs Reality At just 18 years old, director Lui Viardo offered her permanent work in his Italian theatre after being impressed with her talent during performances across Europe. Their relationship blossomed into marriage despite doubts about its authenticity due to their age difference—he was forty while she was still young. While contemporaries noted how he revered his wife’s talents as both artistically gifted and commercially successful, questions lingered regarding paternity over their four children amidst speculation on whether he truly fathered them all.

Enduring Passion: Polina and Turgenev's Timeless Connection Polina's allure captivates various men, including Turgenev, who remains infatuated with her for decades. Despite the challenges in their relationship, she sustains his passion and devotion over 40 years. Their connection is marked by a deep emotional bond that transcends time and circumstance.

Letters of Love: Support Amidst Societal Expectations As they navigate life between Paris and Petersburg, Turgenev maintains an active correspondence with both Polina and his friend Lui. His letters reveal a generous spirit as he supports Viardo’s family financially while nurturing his own feelings for Polina through heartfelt communication. This dedication highlights the complexities of love intertwined with friendship amidst societal expectations.

Struggles of an Illegitimate Daughter Turgenev's illegitimate daughter, Pelageya, faces challenges as her mother threatens to cut off financial support. Ivan Sergeevich remains resolute despite the pressure and reflects on his past wealth while writing to Polina about these events. He recalls how Pelageya lives with relatives in Moscow but is mistreated by them due to their disdain for her status.

A New Beginning in Paris Polina proposes sending Pelageya to Paris for a better life and education, suggesting it could be beneficial for both families involved. Turgenev finds a suitable name that aligns with French culture and arranges quality schooling for her despite initial setbacks in literacy skills. As she begins this new chapter in Parisian society, hope emerges amidst the complexities of their family dynamics.

In 1846, Petersburg experiences a European opera revival but without the presence of Polina Viardo, leaving Ivan Sergeevich feeling desolate. He attends every concert and meticulously reports back to his beloved about the performances. However, he finds little merit in the new artists; their lackluster talent fails to impress him. Notably, Madame Dzhuli lacks taste and nobility in her performance while Mademoiselle Mason is deemed unworthy with an unpleasant demeanor. The overall impression is one of disappointment as none seem capable of captivating audiences like before.

Turgenev's Struggles Amidst Bohemian Life In the late 19th century, Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev travels to Paris with limited funds but finds companionship among friends. He regularly visits his benefactor's home in Viardot, where he mingles with notable figures of the time like Chopin and Polina. Despite enjoying social gatherings, Turgenev feels uncertain about returning to Russia and grapples with financial instability while working on literature.

Literary Breakthrough and Personal Turmoil Turgenev writes "Zapiski okhotnika" (Notes of a Hunter), inspired by hunting stories published earlier. His debut creates a sensation in literary circles after being published by Nekrasov’s journal Sovremennik. The collection not only showcases Russian nature but also serves as an outlet for Turgenev’s disdain for serfdom—a reflection on his childhood struggles—leading him towards newfound popularity yet still facing financial hardships.

Rekindled Emotions and Secret Correspondence Polina's feelings for Turgenev reignite, suggesting a potential emotional connection. After three years of correspondence through her husband, she unexpectedly begins sending letters to him secretly via her mother in 1840. The contents of these letters remain unknown as they were either destroyed or kept private by Polina’s heirs. However, one notable letter from Turgenev expresses deep gratitude and admiration for Polina.

Literary Pursuits Amidst Revolution In Paris, while the city faces turmoil due to revolution, Turgenev focuses on honing his literary skills amidst historical events unfolding around him. He observes violent clashes between the army and police during this struggle for freedom but feels detached from it all; he finds more resonance with Russia's issues like serfdom than with France’s chaos.

Ivan Turgenev's perception of France was shaped by his childhood experiences with foreign governesses, leading him to view it as an ideal land where enlightened individuals engage in cultural dialogues. In contrast, he saw the uneducated peasants and events of 1840s Russia as a stark reality that reinforced his admiration for French culture. His deep affection for Polina Viardo symbolized this connection; she embodied everything he loved about France, influencing not only his views on the country but also shaping his relationship with Russia.

Turgenev begins to navigate social life in Paris, where he meets Alexander Herzen, a revolutionary and author. Their interactions are marked by discussions of revolution while navigating complex romantic entanglements involving mutual friends. Turgenev's fashion sense is noted as flamboyant, reflecting his personality amidst the backdrop of political discourse. The relationships resemble intricate polygons rather than simple triangles, illustrating the era’s bohemian pursuit of freedom through unconventional love affairs.

Lui Viardo's relationship with his wife, Stanislavovna, was marked by her popularity and numerous admirers. Despite the potential for jealousy or suspicion due to her secret meetings and endless correspondence with fans, Lui remained calm about it all. In the bohemian circles they inhabited, such dynamics were commonplace; he didn't see himself as a controlling figure over his young starlet wife. Instead of feeling threatened by her fame or connections, he accepted their lifestyle which included allowing interactions between fans and even leaving them alone together at times.

Turgenev’s Turmoil: Family Loss and Literary Fame In 1850, Ivan Turgenev's mother Varvara Petrovna passed away. Despite his fear of cholera, he traveled to Russia for her funeral and faced the complexities of dealing with family inheritance. He discovered his mother's diary filled with painful memories from a troubled childhood marked by an alcoholic stepfather. During this time in Russia, Turgenev gained fame through "Notes of a Hunter," meeting fellow writers while grappling with political protests against serfdom that led to his house arrest.

The Controversial Birth of 'Mumu' While under house arrest, Turgenev wrote the poignant story "Mumu" about a deaf-mute servant forced to drown his dog at the behest of an oppressive baron—a narrative believed inspired by real events. The publication was met with controversy; censors deemed it unacceptable due to its sensitive themes leading to public scandal but ultimately increased Turgenev's notoriety within literary circles over four years until it was finally published in Russia.

Viardo's relationship with the Russian writer has evolved over ten years, fluctuating from indifference to a complex emotional engagement. Polina, emerging from a notable lineage and regarded as a superstar in France, embodies an era lacking genuine sincerity. As she navigates her public persona amidst private struggles—such as concealing feelings of youth—the preservation of reputation becomes paramount; this is especially true for future generations who may wish to exploit her legacy. The narrative hints at potential revelations about Polina’s past that could disrupt the carefully curated image maintained by both herself and her descendants.

Lev Tolstoy and Ivan Turgenev become embroiled in a complex romantic entanglement involving Maria Tolstaya, who falls deeply in love with Turgenev. Despite her feelings, she struggles to navigate the turmoil of her life and contemplates divorce from her husband. The situation escalates as tensions rise between Tolstoy and Turgenev, leading to a fierce conflict that even provokes thoughts of a duel.

Turgenev’s Reunion with Polina: Love and Control In 1856, Turgenev returns to France after a long absence and reunites with Polina. They spend three weeks together, during which he expresses his happiness in letters to friends. Speculation arises about the paternity of Pol's son; however, no definitive proof links him directly to Turgenev among other candidates like Shefer or Prince Viardo. As time passes, Turgenev finds himself increasingly entrapped by his feelings for Polina while she exerts control over both his literary work and personal life.

The Complexity of Love: Emotional Dependency Turgenev grapples with intense emotions as he feels incomplete without proximity to Polina. He likens love's complexities to an addiction that leaves him feeling broken when apart from her presence. Despite this turmoil, he contemplates relationships outside traditional confines—finding comfort in connections that allow for distance yet maintain emotional ties without commitment pressures typical of family life.

Turgenev, living in France during the political changes of Russia under Alexander II, faced accusations regarding his connections to London. In response, he asserted his independent views in a letter to the emperor and eventually returned to Russia after 15 years. His novel "Dvoryanskoe gnezdo" was published in 1859 and received acclaim for its portrayal of love experiences through its main character's struggles with societal pressures. The success led contemporaries like Dostoevskii to compare Turgenev favorably with Pushkin while noting that such an idealized representation of Russian womanhood had not been seen again until Turgenev’s own work.

Turgenev’s Career Shift Amidst Personal Turmoil In Baden-Baden, Turgenev grapples with the challenges of his career and ultimately decides to focus on teaching instead. He relocates there with his family while Dostoevsky also arrives in the city, where he struggles with personal issues including hiding a romantic relationship from Turgenev. Meanwhile, Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" gains immense popularity in Russia as it reflects the societal shifts during a time of imperial change.

Literary Recognition and Complex Friendships As Turgenev becomes increasingly recognized for translating Russian literature into European languages, he solidifies his status as one of Europe's most esteemed authors. His work resonates particularly well among youth during this transformative period in Russia. Dostoevskii visits him but is preoccupied by past relationships that complicate their friendship; despite these tensions, they maintain camaraderie within their literary circles.

Polina's Transformation into Composition Polina Viardo, once a celebrated performer, decides to become a composer in an era where this is rare for women. She and Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev build a small theater at their home while nurturing friendships with notable figures like Rubenshtein and Repin. Their Paris residence becomes the hub of European intellectuals, hosting salons filled with music by Glinka and Chukovsky as they support Russian émigrés.

Love Lost Amidst Changing Times As Polina faces health challenges that confine her husband Louis to a wheelchair for nine years, Turgenev reflects on love lost amidst changing dynamics. He recalls his romantic past during gatherings with friends discussing women over lavish meals in Parisian restaurants. Despite suggesting marriage to avoid loneliness akin to being on the edge of another’s nest, he grapples with feelings stirred by memories of his former lover.

Turgenev's Final Days: Illness and Literary Legacy Turgenev's old dog, a symbol of his sorrow, falls ill as the writer himself suffers from deteriorating health. In 1881, Turgenev returns to Russia for the last time before settling permanently in France. His illness worsens over three years; he struggles with sleep and mental clarity while dictating his final story in French due to lack of time for literary refinement. This tale is published first in a French journal and later appears in Russian publications.

A Tale of Deceit: Reflections on Landownership The narrative centers on an untrustworthy landowner living alone on a dilapidated estate who deceives local peasants until fate catches up with him at life's end. As Turgenev reflects on the fates of landowners without serfs, parallels emerge between his life and that of Polina Viardo after his death—she mourns deeply yet continues teaching music despite their shared hardships posthumously revealed through her actions regarding Turgenev’s legacy.