Oblomov

Ivan Alexandrovich Goncharov (1812—1891) wrote his best novel «Oblomov» with a long break due to a sea voyage, first publishing one chapter, which he later criticized and rewrote, and then spent another year editing the text. The same measured pace... and leisurely nature are embedded by the author in the character of the main hero. The kind, intelligent, and poetic landowner Ilya Ilyich Oblomov could have everything he desires, yet spends his days in lazy idleness on his favorite sofa, indulging in memories and daydreams. To overcome his reclusiveness, he has neither the strength nor the desire. Even love cannot conquer his apathy. Goncharov reveals to us the dilemma of a man who misses all opportunities but finds happiness and peace in his situation, while simultaneously presenting a collective image of the social stagnation of the mid-19th century. However, «Oblomovism» has firmly entered our cultural code and has become a timeless phenomenon.