Bazarov is a model of the "new man" of the 1860s. He is a representative of the sons mentioned in the title. These sons are in revolt against the principals of their fathers, the "men of the forties." This projection of the "new man" embodies the views of nihilism. This is the rejection of any values created by society. Bazarov rejects liberal reformism, any attempt to idealize the peasantry, divine faith, and all social customs. He attempts to be totally independent and live a life based on science. His nihilism breaks down after he encounters the emotion of love, which he had stipulated did not exist. Turgenev sensitively alerts us to the changes in Bazarov, by beginning with external changes. ."..unprecedented perturbation: he was easily irritated, reluctant to talk, he gazed around angrily, and couldn't sit still in one place, as though he were...