Chapter 14 serves to introduce the reader to Madame Odintsova and to satirize the type of provincial Russian ball where the participants ape western culture by their mannerisms and affected French.
The first appearance of Madame Odintsova emphasizes her physical attractiveness. “She carried her bare arms beautifully to set off her graceful figure.” Since Bazarov will at first be attracted only by her bodily attributes, it is apropos that Turgenev introduces her with emphasis on her physical beauty. The other quality emphasized is her coldness and severity. Arkady is immediately attracted to her and wonders if she dances. Vaguely, it is suggested that dancing is not an art that a nihilist would practice, and Bazarov does not participate in any of the dances. But when Arkady asks Madame Odintsova if she dances, he is unconsciously associating her with the nihilist viewpoint that is opposed to dancing, but she thinks that he is referring to her age.
At the end of the chapter, Bazarov tries to cover up his attraction for Madame Odintsova by saying derogatory things about her and by emphasizing how attractive her body is.
