The old Bazarovs are extremely pleased to have their son home again. They promise to keep out of his way as he works. After a few days of hard work, Bazarov grew tired of his routine and became bored. His father thinks that he is embittered, but doesn’t know what to do for him. Finally, he finds release in helping his father practice medicine, much to the delight of old Bazarov.
Later, Bazarov helps in an autopsy on a person who had died of typhoid and during the operation, he cut his finger. The doctor whom he was assisting had no antiseptic, thus Bazarov feels that he will probably contract the disease in a few days. His father is distressed beyond comprehension when he hears the news.
Three days later, Bazarov comes down with fever and must be tended by his father. Old Bazarov continues to tell himself that it is only a slight chill that will pass, but Bazarov tells him directly that he has typhoid fever. He is brutally frank with his father and tells him that he hadn’t really expected to die so soon. Bazarov wants a message sent to Madame Odintsova telling her that he is dying. The old man promises to do so immediately.
Another doctor arrives and suggests that perhaps the fever will pass and that the patient will recover. Bazarov is not deluded and reminds the doctor that no patient has ever recovered from this condition.
Bazarov steadily grew worse, even though for a few hours at a time he would appear to be better. At one point, Old Bazarov asks his son to allow a priest to come to him, but Bazarov refuses for the present time.
Madame Odintsova arrives bringing with her a German doctor. Vassily Ivanovitch feels that she is a benefactress and that the German doctor will be able to save his son. While they are consulting, Odintsova goes in to see Bazarov. He is most appreciative that she came. He tells her how beautiful she is but warns her not to come too close to him. He talks to her more about their relationship and wants her to forget him as soon as he is dead. The next day he is dead.
