Summary:
"Smoke" by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Baden-Baden, where Russian émigrés gather, capturing the complexities of Russian society as it teeters between old values and new ideologies. The central character, Grigory Mihalovitch Litvinov, is depicted as a thoughtful and introspective individual preparing for a return to Russia after years of study abroad, engaged in a passionate relationship with Irina Pavlovna Osinina, who embodies the conflicting traits of allure and emotional turmoil. At the start of "Smoke," readers are introduced to a bustling scene in a fashionable Baden-Baden, where Litvinov observes a clash of Russian aristocracy filled with pretentiousness and ennui amidst a lively atmosphere. As he navigates through introductions with characters like the ambitious Bambaev and the intellectual Voroshilov, Litvinov's earlier life and aspirations come to the forefront. This opening sets the stage for a love story intertwined with political satire, exploring themes of moral stagnation and the struggle for identity amid societal expectations, all while hinting at Litvinov's deep connections both to his homeland and to the enigmatic Irina. (This is an automatically generated summary.)