Oblomov

Goncharov's Oblomov the ultimate anti hero. The first 60 pp or so of the novel find him ensconced in his room and declining numerous invitations to go out. He has 2 friends and 2 problems first is that he has to move out of his apt within a few days and tho it's a slovenly place he's clearly not someone who takes easily to change or to work. 2nd prob is the debt he's incurred on the estate he owns - a hired manager runs it can't imagine O doing any such work. One friend tries to persuade him he's being cheated by the manager - of course blame everything on those less powerful. Other friend a nonentity who goes along w every suggestion. We can clearly see the conflict of forces developing: O obsessed w the elements of his own creature comfort and completely oblivious to the well being of those around him including the peasants whose labor he lives off. will he grow and change? Does he represent the new Russia or the rot of the old?

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