Oblomov is the most famous work of prominent Russian author Ivan Goncharov, published in 1859. The novel is set in mid-19th-century Russia and is seen as a brilliant satire on Russian society, particularly the aristocracy’s lifestyle, indolence, and resistance to change. Through the character of Oblomov, Goncharov explores themes of idleness, idealism, love, and the clash between traditionalism and modernity. Goncharov worked on the novel for about ten years, beginning the manuscript in the late 1840s. The novel was serialized in Otechestvennye zapiski in 1859 and it was published as a standalone book soon after. Goncharov was inspired by Russian society’s inertia, especially among the landed gentry who preferred to live off the labor of serfs.
The story centers around Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, a wealthy nobleman who spends most of his time at home, living in a static state and largely avoiding responsibilities. Oblomov is happy to live a life of comfort and idleness, lounging around his apartment. His lethargy and complacency become so pronounced that they drive away those close to him. As the story unfolds, Oblomov falls in love with Olga, a passionate and intelligent woman who sees potential in him and initially believes she can rouse him from his apathy. However, their relationship fails as Oblomov is unable to change. He retreats to his static life and eventually marries Agafya, a motherly figure who accepts his inactive ways. The novel ends with Oblomov succumbing to his idleness.
Oblomov was widely acclaimed upon its release and is regarded as one of the great novels in Russian literature. The book resonated deeply with Russian readers, inspiring the term "Oblomovism" to describe such behavior. This "Oblomovism" became a cultural critique of the Russian upper class and was discussed by other writers, including Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. Contemporary critics praised Goncharov’s keen psychological insight and the novel’s witty and satirical tone. Today, the novel remains widely studied and appreciated for its psychological depth and insight into Russian culture.
