Oblomov is a novel by Ivan Goncharov, initially published in 1859. It is set in 19th-century Russia and tells the story of Ilya Ilych Oblomov, a Russian nobleman who is lazy and avoids responsibilities. The novel explores the themes of societal changes and the stagnation of the Russian nobility as they resist modernity. Oblomov is a wealthy young man who spends most of his time reminiscing about his childhood on his family estate, Oblomovka. He spends his days lying in bed or on the couch, avoiding all work. He entrusts his responsibilities to his servant, Zakhar, who poorly manages the affairs of the family estate. His servant, cousin, and friend, Tarantyev and Volkov, manipulate him.
A part of the novel focuses on Oblomov’s dream of "Oblomovka," his family estate. He remembers a time when life was slow, obligations were few, and people lived in harmony. However, this dream also highlights the stagnation and lack of progress in his life. Andrei Stolz is the childhood friend of Oblomov. He attempts to encourage Oblomov to overcome his laziness and engage in life. Andrei thinks Oblomov’s laziness is mainly due to his isolation, so he introduces him to Olga, hoping love will motivate him to change. Olga constantly urging him to change for her. But his doubts and fears take over, causing her to lose faith in him. She breaks off their relationship after he keeps putting off their engagement.
After Olga leaves, Oblomov falls into despair and hopelessness. He eventually marries his widowed landlady, Agafya, who admires him as a nobleman. She gives him comfort and encourages his lazy lifestyle, which makes him even more sluggish, and eventually, he dies in his In conclusion, Oblomov depicts the decline of Ilya Ilych Oblomov, whose laziness and unwillingness to change reflect the ignorance of the Russian aristocracy to modernity and the consequences of failing to develop personally.
