Main characters
Dmitry Nikolaevich Rudin is a young man of thirty-five years old. Stays at the Lasunskys' house. An excellent speaker, impressing those around him with his talent.
Daria Mikhailovna Lasunskaya is a wealthy landowner, a noble lady. A widow raising three children.
Natalya Alekseevna Lasunskaya is the seventeen-year-old daughter of Daria Mikhailovna Lasunskaya. A well-read and serious girl. In love with Rudin.
Sergei Pavlovich Volyntsev is a retired officer in love with Natalya Alekseevna Lasunskaya.
Arrival of Rudin
It's lunchtime. In addition to Daria Mikhailovna and her children, there were:
- Lipina with her brother;
- an elderly governess;
- Bassists;
- African Semyonovich Pigasov.
The latter was a harmful and unpleasant old man who did not love anything or anyone in the world, and most of all - women. His behavior greatly amused Lasunskaya. Everyone expected that another guest would arrive - a baron from St. Petersburg, but his friend, Dmitry Nikolaevich Rudin, arrived instead. He asked forgiveness for his comrade, who was unexpectedly summoned to the capital.
Everyone at the table liked the guest. He was dressed modestly and at the same time elegantly. He had a clear, penetrating gaze, an expressive face, and a sharp mind. Rudin managed to defeat Pigasov in a verbal duel in no time, and the arrogant old man went home.
At the end of dinner, Lasunskaya invited Dmitry to spend the night with her. On the way to their place, Lipina and Volyntsev had a long discussion about Rudin, whom everyone immediately liked. Natalya is impressed by the guest and cannot fall asleep for a long time. Basistov begins to write letters to his friends, in which he talks about the good qualities of his new acquaintance.
The next morning, Daria, in her office, began to tell the guest about herself and her biography. Then she moved on to the neighbors. The landowner spoke most highly of Mikhail Mikhailovich Lezhnev. Soon he himself came to discuss their land dispute with Lasunskaya. He was a man of about 30, with a whitish mustache and an expressionless wide face. The dispute is resolved very quickly, after which Mikhail leaves home, refusing the offer to have breakfast together. It became known that Rudin and Lezhnev were friends at the university, but then their paths diverged.
Other characters
Alexandra Pavlovna Lipina is a young and wealthy widow, the sister of Sergei Pavlovich Volyntsev.
Mikhail Mikhailovich Lezhnev is a young landowner, neighbor of the Lasunskys. I have known Rudin since my student days and am in love with Alexandra Pavlovna Lipina.
Konstantin Diomidych Pandalevsky , a helpful young man, lived in the Lasunskys’ house.
Basistov is a young teacher of the sons of Natalya Alekseevna Lasunskaya.
Afrikan Semyonovich Pigasov is the Lasunskys’ neighbor. A frequent guest in their house.
VIII
Volyntsev is sad at home with a volume of poetry. This is completely uncharacteristic of his active nature, and he hates poetry. Alexandra Pavlovna is very alarmed.
Unexpectedly, Rudin arrives and asks Sergei to meet alone. He announces that he loves Natalya, their feelings are mutual, but he wants to remain Sergei’s friend. Rudin extends his hand to Volyntsev. Sergei refuses to shake it in poisonous terms, after which the upset Rudin leaves.
Volyntsev is indignant. He considers Rudin’s act the height of arrogance and tactlessness. Alexandra Pavlovna specifically sends for Lezhnev to help calm her brother down. Mikhail arrives and with difficulty persuades Sergei not to be nervous.
But an alarming atmosphere still reigns in Lasunskaya’s house. Daria Mikhailovna becomes distinctly cold towards Rudin. Natalya is pale and depressed. Late in the evening, her maid gives Dmitry a note in which the girl asks Rudin to come to the pond early in the morning.
Summary
Chapter I
Quiet summer morning. A young woman in a white muslin dress walks slowly along a country road leading to a small village. It is clear that she is enjoying this walk. This woman's name is Alexandra Pavlovna Lipina. She was widowed early and had no children. She lived with her brother Sergei Pavlovich Volyntsev, who manages her estate. He was a retired officer who had not yet had time to start his own family.
Having reached the village, Alexandra Pavlovna stopped at the last hut. The dying old woman Matryona lived in this hut. Alexandra Pavlovna sent her medicine, and now she came to inquire about her health. She offered to transport Matryona to her hospital, but she refused. Leaving the tea and sugar she had brought, Alexandra Pavlovna gave instructions regarding taking the medicine and left the hut. There she met Mikhail Mikhailovich Lezhnev, who asked if she intended to destroy her hospital.
Alexandra Pavlovna was surprised by this question, but Lezhnev explained it. He began to talk about how Lipina was in close contact with Daria Mikhailovna Lasunskaya, who considered hospitals and schools unnecessary nonsense. Alexandra Pavlovna was amused by this assumption, and she assured her interlocutor that she did not believe every word of her friend, who, like all people, could make mistakes. Mentally, Alexandra Pavlovna compared Lezhnev to a large sack of flour. He was just as hunched and dusty, in her opinion.
Returning to her estate, Lipina met her brother and Konstantin Diomidych Pandalevsky, whom Daria Mikhailovna had sent. Pandalevsky was affectionate and helpful, so middle-aged ladies willingly patronized him. Lasunskaya, with whom he lived as a “freeloader,” was no exception. After a short conversation, Volyntsev said goodbye and left to take care of the affairs of the estate, asking Pandalevsky to escort his sister.
On the way home, Alexandra Pavlovna asked Pandalevsky why Lasunskaya had sent him. It turned out that Daria Mikhailovna definitely wanted to introduce her friend to a baron from St. Petersburg, who was supposed to come to stay with them. Soon Alexandra Pavlovna and Pandalevsky said goodbye, and each went their own way. Left alone, Konstantin Diomidych became completely different, the sweet expression disappeared from his face and even his gait changed. Perhaps he would have shown himself to be real by talking to a young peasant girl, but their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Lasunskaya’s sons with their teacher Basistov, who clearly did not like Pandalevsky.
Chapter II
The house of Daria Mikhailovna Lasunskaya was considered the best in the entire province. And Daria Mikhailovna herself is a noble and wealthy widow of a Privy Councilor. Everyone in Moscow knew her and everyone tried to visit her. She established herself as an intelligent woman belonging to high society.
In her youth, Daria Mikhailovna was very pretty, so she had many fans. However, many years have passed since then and not a trace remains of its former beauty.
Every summer Mrs. Lasunskaya came to the village with her children. She often hosted men, especially single men, and did not like provincial ladies very much. That is why local women gossiped a lot about Daria Mikhailovna, considering her proud and immoral.
On this day, Pandalevsky learned a new sketch to please the mistress of the house. When he went downstairs, he saw that the whole family had already gathered in the living room, and their neighbor, the bilious old man African Semyonovich Pigasov, had also come to visit them. He argued that all women are unnatural and blamed them for all the troubles. Pigasov was generally always dissatisfied, that’s his nature.
Before dinner, Alexandra Pavlovna and her brother came. Everyone went out for a walk in the garden. Daria Mikhailovna was still waiting for the baron to visit, but he never arrived. Only in the evening Lasunskaya learned that he was forced to urgently return to St. Petersburg, and sent his friend Dmitry Nikolaevich Rudin in his place.
Chapter III
Dmitry Nikolaevich Rudin was a tall, curly-haired, dark young man with an expressive, intelligent look. He was about thirty-five years old. He said that he came to these parts on business. He settled with his old friend, a doctor, in a provincial town. Next, Rudin and Pigasov began to discuss Baron Muffel’s article, and as a result, a dispute ensued between them. Rudin emerged victorious from this dispute and soon everyone present gathered around him to listen to his reasoning. Natalya Lasunskaya and Basistov were most amazed by him.
Daria Mikhailovna was pleased that her guest turned out to be so smart and educated. After some time, she deliberately provoked a new dispute between Rudin and Pigasov, after which Dmitry Nikolaevich began to talk about his student life. He ended his thoughts with a philosophical legend, and then dinner was served. Half an hour after dinner, all the guests left, and Daria Mikhailovna persuaded Rudina to stay overnight in their house. Two people did not sleep that night: Basistov’s teacher wrote a letter to his friend in Moscow all night, and Natalya Lasunskaya could not sleep due to excessive excitement that arose due to new, hitherto unknown feelings.
Chapter IV
As soon as Rudin woke up, he was invited into Daria Mikhailovna’s office to have a morning cup of tea with her. She began to ask Rudin about his family and goals in life, and then began to talk about herself. Dmitry Nikolaevich immediately realized that Daria Mikhailovna was caring for him. He saw that she was trying to please him, so in any story it was her personality that came to the fore. Lasunskaya admitted that she always needs company, so even in the village she does not seek complete peace. But the problem was that the smartest person here was old man Pigasov. To which Rudin replied that he is an intelligent man, but is on the wrong path.
Rudin knew how not only to speak eloquently, but also to listen. People began to trust him, and during intimate conversations they revealed many secrets. During the tea party, Daria Mikhailovna remembered Mr. Lezhnev, and it turned out that Rudin knew him. At the same time, the butler entered and announced the arrival of the guest. Mikhail Mikhailovich turned out to be easy to speak of.
It immediately became noticeable that relations between Lezhnev and Rudin were strained. Lezhnev tried to leave the Lasunsky estate as quickly as possible. After his departure, Daria Mikhailovna asked if they had quarreled in the past. Dmitry Nikolaevich replied that no, but their paths diverged forever.
Chapter V
After leaving Daria Mikhailovna’s office, Rudin went out onto the terrace, where he met Natalya. She could not be called a written beauty, because the girl had not yet had time to develop. However, Natalia's facial features were very attractive.
Daria Mikhailovna considered her daughter kind and prudent. And this was indeed the case. Natalya was taciturn, attentive, studied diligently and read willingly. However, her mother did not have a very high opinion of her daughter's mental abilities.
Natalya and her governess were going for a walk in the garden. Rudin wanted to go with them. At first, Natalya felt very awkward being around him, but then it became a little easier. Rudin said he plans to stay in the area throughout the summer, fall and, most likely, winter. Then he talked a lot about not wasting your energy on useless chatter. However, that is exactly what he did. At the end of their conversation, Mr. Volyntsev appeared. And they all headed towards the house together so as not to be late for breakfast.
Before lunch, the salon gathered again at Lasunskaya’s house, but on that day Pigasov did not come to them. Volyntsev noticed the changes that had occurred in Natalya. He did not yet understand what caused this, but he suffered greatly because he had been in love with her for a long time. After lunch he quietly slipped home.
Volyntsev found his sister and Lezhnev at home. He admitted that he did not like Rudin, and Alexandra Pavlovna began to defend Dmitry Nikolaevich. She did not stop praising this man even after Lezhnev’s story about their youth, justifying some of the actions of her new acquaintance with the biased attitude of the narrator.
Chapter VI
More than two months have passed since Rudin arrived at the Lasunskys’ house. During all this time, he practically did not leave him. Daria Mikhailovna could not do without him; Dmitry Nikolaevich’s company became a real need for her. During this time, Rudin managed to borrow money from both Lasunskaya herself and Volyntsev. Pigasov began to visit Daria Mikhailovna much less often; he said that he did not like “this smart guy.” Pandalevsky was afraid of Rudin, Volyntsev had a strange relationship with him because he was jealous of him for Natalya. Basistov continued to admire Dmitry Nikolaevich and caught his every word on the fly. However, Rudin paid little attention to him.
Lezhnev, at the request of Alexandra Pavlovna, began to often visit Mrs. Lasunskaya’s house, but Rudin avoided him. Alexandra Pavlovna was alarmed by their behavior, because she admired her new acquaintance, but she also believed Lezhnev.
Everyone in Daria Mikhailovna's house was under the influence of Rudin. Any of his whims were immediately fulfilled. Daria Mikhailovna admired him, but she didn’t like that her guest communicated too much with Natalya. However, she reassured herself that these were just friendly conversations and after they left for St. Petersburg, everything would end.
Natalya herself was worried that Rudin would not go with them to St. Petersburg in the winter. He argued his refusal by lack of funds and the desire to write an article about “the tragic in life and art.”
At the same time, Alexandra Pavlovna had a conversation about Rudin with Lezhnev. Alexandra Pavlovna saw that Lezhnev’s attitude towards Rudin had not changed during all this time, so she wanted to know why he didn’t like him. Mikhail Mikhailovich explained to her that Rudnev is a very smart person who likes to live at the expense of others. And one could turn a blind eye to this, but he always pretended to be another person, and then innocent people suffered because of his dangerous game. Lezhnev said that Rudin’s words always remain just words, but they can destroy someone’s young, inexperienced heart. And Mikhail Mikhailovich even said whose it was. In his opinion, Natalya was already under the harmful influence of Rudin.
Alexandra Pavlovna did not like these words; she refused to believe in them. She tried to understand the reason why Lezhnev was so hostile towards Rudin. Therefore, he had to talk about the times when he lived with Dmitry Nikolaevich in Moscow. Rudin was already too eloquent and dishonest even then. But what hurt Lezhnev most was that he interfered with his relationship with his girlfriend. Rudin always interfered in other people's lives and played with people's destinies. However, then the young men did not quarrel; Mikhail Mikhailovich saw his friend in his true light much later, already abroad.
Chapter VII
On Sunday Natalya woke up late. She didn't sleep well that night. The girl kept thinking about Rudin, about what he said. Occasionally she thought about Volyntsev, because she knew that he loved her.
On this day, Natalya decided to walk alone in the garden, and during her walk she met Rudin. They started talking again, and Rudin started talking about who was the reason for the changes that had happened to Natalya. He assumed that it was Volyntsev, but Natalya assured him otherwise. As a result, their conversation ended with Rudin confessing his tender feelings for Natalya, and these words were heard by Volyntsev, who went to the garden in search of his beloved. Hatred towards his rival appeared in Volyntsev’s soul.
During lunch, Natalya felt awkward. Pigasov was visiting Daria Mikhailovna, and he began to philosophize again, and Rudin tried to object to him. However, this time the usually quiet Volyntsev rudely objected to him, noting that everyone is free to express themselves as they wish. All those present were very surprised by Sergei Pavlovich’s unexpected trick. Moreover, he hurriedly left immediately after lunch.
Rudin secretly made an appointment with Natalya. That evening he behaved unusually quietly, conceding the battlefield to Pigasov. The inspired Afrikan Semyonovich gladly made everyone around him laugh with his funny stories. And Rudin, having waited for the appointed time, retired to the gazebo. As soon as Natalya arrived there, he immediately confessed his love to her. Rudin, as always, spoke passionately and eloquently, so he achieved a reciprocal confession from Natalya.
During their conversation, Natalya was afraid that someone would hear them. And her fears turned out to be justified. It turns out that Pandalevsky was hiding in the gazebo and heard everything. He decided to report what he had heard and seen to Daria Mikhailovna.
Chapter VIII
Volyntsev returned home too gloomy and despondent. Alexandra Pavlovna was very worried about her brother, so she immediately sent for Lezhnev. She always turned to him in all difficult cases. In the morning, Sergei Pavlovich’s mood did not change; he did not even go to work, which had never happened to him before.
Unexpectedly, Rudin came to visit him. Volyntsev was not happy about his arrival, but received the unexpected guest. Rudin explained the reason for his arrival. He wanted to talk about his feelings for Natalya, citing the fact that he greatly respects Sergei Pavlovich, so he cannot deceive him and pretend.
Rudin behaved too sweetly, saying that he and Natalya were happy to entrust their secret into the hands of Volyntsev. And after all the fiery speeches, he expressed his hope for further friendship with Sergei Pavlovich. Volyntsev angrily drove the insolent man away, interrupting his further explanations.
Lezhnev arrived and found his friend in a deplorable state. Volyntsev relayed to him the entire conversation with Rudin word for word. Lezhnev tried to calm him down, explaining that Rudin was just such a person and he had such a way of life, he was used to achieving everything with his eloquence and flattery.
Rudin returned home in a bad mood. He reproached himself for his rashness. Now it became clear to him that there was no need to go to Volyntsev. Rudin noticed some changes in the Lasunskys' house. The hostess herself was in her room all day, and Natalya was not visible. Daria Mikhailovna came out into the living room only in the evening, and then only for two hours. She behaved unusually coldly towards Dmitry Nikolaevich, but he could not understand what was the reason for the changes that had occurred.
At night he received a note from Natalya, in which she made an appointment early in the morning near the pond. She also clarified that this would be their last date, and if she didn’t come, they wouldn’t see each other at all. Rudin could not sleep for a long time and woke up very early. Thoughts did not give him peace.
Chapter IX
The pond where Natalya made a date had long been abandoned. This place was considered unclean and there were many terrible legends about it, so no one walked this road unless absolutely necessary.
Rudin arrived earlier, then Natalya appeared. She spoke quickly because she only came for five minutes. Natalya said that her mother knows everything. But Daria Mikhailovna did not scold her daughter, she simply reproached her for frivolity. However, she said that she would never give her consent to their marriage, and was sure that Rudin had no intention of getting married. In her opinion, he began to look after Natalya out of boredom.
Rudin despairs from what he hears, but what worries him most is that he will be refused the Lasunsky house. Natalya asks about Dmitry Nikolaevich’s intentions, says that she came to him not for pity, but for advice on what to do next. And her lover’s answer horrifies her. Rudin believes that they should certainly submit to the will of Daria Mikhailovna. At that moment, Natalya realized how much she had been deceived about him. She even cried out of resentment. The one she loved so much turned out to be a cowardly man whose words will always remain just words. Having said goodbye, Natalya ran home, but Rudnev remained standing in place. After some time, he went out onto the path, where he met Lezhnev, who, after this meeting, turned his horses around and rode back to Volyntsev.
Chapter X
Waking up, Volyntsev was very surprised that Lezhnev returned back. Mikhail Mikhailovich said that he met an upset Rudnev on the way, and after this meeting he really wanted to go back to spend time with his friend.
During the tea party, Volyntsev decided that he should challenge Rudin to a duel. He was no longer able to endure the feeling of hatred bursting inside him. Lezhnev was afraid for his friend and tried to calm him down. He offered to move away from their village together and take Alexandra Pavlovna with him.
At this time, a man entered their room with a letter. This letter was from Rudnev. He wrote that he was leaving Daria Mikhailovna’s house forever and hoped that someday Volyntsev would change his opinion about him.
After this letter, Sergei Pavlovich perked up and went to inspect his fields. Meanwhile, Lezhnev went to Alexandra Pavlovna. He found her in the living room. Alexandra Pavlovna asked why Rudin came to see her brother the other day. Lezhnev said that he wanted to say goodbye. And then Mikhail Mikhailovich finally decided to propose to Alexandra Pavlovna. It turned out that she was not at all against marrying him.
Chapter XI
Returning to the Lasunskys' house, Rudin wrote two letters: one for Natalya, and the second for Volyntsev. Then he went to Daria Mikhailovna. They were polite to each other, but there was a coldness between them. Rudin knew that Daria Mikhailovna was angry with him, and she guessed that Dmitry Nikolaevich already knew everything about her conversation with her daughter. Rudin announced his intention to leave, Daria Mikhailovna did not try to stop him. She said that she hoped to see him in the coming winter in Moscow, but everyone understood that this was just a sign of politeness. Now Rudin has learned how secular people treat people who are no longer needed by them.
At six o'clock in the evening a carriage arrived for Rudin. Basistov volunteered to accompany him to the first postal station. On the road, Dmitry Nikolaevich compared himself with Don Quixote, who rejoiced in freedom, leaving the duchess's palace. When saying goodbye, Basistov burst into tears on Rudin’s shoulder, from whom tears also began to flow, but for a completely different reason.
Left alone, Natalya read Rudin’s letter. After reading it, she was convinced that he did not love her. She burned the letter, but a hopeless melancholy appeared in her soul. Natalya skillfully hid her feelings, so, wiping away her tears, she went downstairs as if nothing had happened. Daria Mikhailovna realized that she did not know her daughter at all, who turned out to be completely different from what she thought.
The next day, Volyntsev and his sister arrived at their house. The day was very boring, but everyone present felt that life was returning to normal. Natalya alone could not return to her former life because she suffered greatly. It was the first time she was in such pain, but someday everything ends.
Chapter XII
Two years have passed since the events described. Alexandra Pavlovna married Lezhnev, and they had a son. They loved each other and were very happy. On this day, Pigasov was their guest, and Alexandra Pavlovna waited with him for her husband’s arrival. Lezhnev did not come alone. Basistov arrived with him with news from the Lasunsky house. He brought a letter in which Volyntsev says that he proposed to Natalya and she agreed to become his wife. Everyone is happy for Sergei Pavlovich, and only his sister is worried that he would really be happy with Natalya. Lezhnev tries to convince his wife that this is exactly what will happen, because not much is needed for happiness.
The evening passed in pleasant and lively conversations. Lezhnev asked Basistov if he knew about Rudin’s fate. Basistov said that last winter Dmitry Nikolaevich came to Moscow, and then went to Simbirsk with one family. After that, they corresponded for some time, and then Rudin informed Basistov about his departure from Simbirsk and did not contact him again.
Pigasov called Rudin a sycophant and said that he would not disappear anywhere. Unexpectedly for everyone, Lezhnev began to defend his former comrade. He spoke quite warmly about him and even offered to raise a glass to his health. Lezhnev said that Rudin is not an actor because he really believes in what he says. In addition, he lives at the expense of others, not like a parasite, but like a child, because he does not know how to bear responsibility even for himself. Summing up his words, Mikhail Mikhailovich said that there is no need to scold Rudin, because he has already punished himself, and even more severely than he deserved. Left alone with her husband, Alexandra Pavlovna expressed her admiration for him.
Meanwhile, Rudin appeared at a postal station in one of the separated provinces of Russia. The caretaker said that there were no free horses in the desired direction, but there were some available for another city. After thinking a little, Rudin decided that he didn’t care where to go, so he ordered the horses to be laid. He had changed, now something helpless and sadly submissive appeared in him.
