“Oblomov” by Ivan Goncharov

This is an odd story about an old aristocratic family who struggled to conform to the changing times of the 19th century. The eponymous hero of the tale lived in St. Petersburg, in eccentric squalor, mostly refusing to ever get out of his bed. His valet alternates between states of bemusement, his own laziness, and gentle prodding with his master. Oblomov’s friends also try to rouse their listless compatriot to a productive life, but to no effect. The story occasionally flashes back to tales of Oblomov’s youth, growing up on his country estate. His parents seemed equally fond of a languorous existence. They were country gentry, who pinched their pennies while their estate gradually fell into disrepair and ruin. Yet, the furthest thing on anyone’s mind was to try to change with the times. Agricultural innovations were shunned and modern inventions, such as the postal network, were regarded with utmost suspicion. Now grown up, Barin Oblomov, living in town, is finally roused to life by the love of Olga, a young sweet singing sensation, who he has been introduced to by a childhood friend. Oblomov has a torrid courtship, professes his love to Olga, but then demurs because he fears he will ruin her life. He leaves her and goes back to his old ways of sloth and indolence. But though his soul could never be roused to greatness, it forever remains pure. His friends continue to love him because his heart is innocent and true. He is a man who lives by his convictions and honors only the purity of truth. Nonetheless, Oblomov does quickly slip back into his languid existence. He eats too much fatty food, drinks too much vodka, sleeps on his couch all day, and never exercises, until one day he suffers a stroke. His old landlady (now his wife) and old friends attempt to nurse him back to health, but to no avail. His fear is realized and he succumbs to the disease Oblomovka!