Bazarov is still attempting to forget his unrequited love by devoting himself to work: “he was possessed with a fever to work.” Also, we see in the first part of the chapter how much Pavel continues to despise the young “nihilist.”
This chapter presents Bazarov as a most likable and most human person by his conversation and relationship with the honest and simple Fenichka. She feels very comfortable in his presence “because she unconsciously felt that Bazarov lacked all the qualities of a nobleman, lacked all the superiority that both attracts and repels.” There is a common bond of friendship developing between them and through this relationship, we see more into the essential nature of Bazarov than we did when he was discussing things with Madame Odintsova. He does possess a type of natural charm and easy manner with Fenichka. Furthermore, after his disappointing attempts to find love with Madame Odintsova, he is able to become attracted more easily to Fenichka’s simple but sincere charms.
The fact that Pavel saw the two kissing prepares the reader for Pavel’s insistence upon a duel in the next chapter. The difference between the two men is seen in the fact that Fenichka reacts strongly to Bazarov but when Pavel appears, she freezes into almost immobility. Pavel, however, will be gentleman enough never to tell Nikolai that he saw Bazarov kissing Fenichka.
