Top 10 interesting facts about Ivan Goncharov

Goncharov Ivan is one of the famous Russian writers and literary critics. He is known as the author of the novels “Oblomov”, “Cliff” and many others. From an early age, he loved to read and learn something new. At fifteen, he read with pleasure the books of Pushkin, Karamzin and many other authors.

The dawn of writing activity coincided with a stage in the development of Russian literature. Once at a circle, Ivan met Belinsky, after which his stories began to be published in magazines. His most important work brought him great popularity.

We present you a list of 10 interesting facts about Goncharov – briefly the most important: biography and stories from the writer’s life that influenced the formation of his personality.

10 Raised by godfather

Vanya Goncharov was born in Simbirsk. His house was in the very center of the city. He had a large garden and yard where a little boy spent his childhood. His father and mother belonged to the merchant class.

Once in his autobiographical essay, Ivan wrote that their barns and cellars were always full of various foods. Much was also reflected in his novels.

Unfortunately, when the boy was only eight years old, his father died. Ivan Goncharov was raised by his godfather named Nikolai. He was a retired sailor, distinguished by a breadth of views. He often criticized the phenomena of modern life.

But Vanya always called his godfather simply “good sailor“. At one time, he was completely able to replace his father. The writer himself said more than once that almost everything fell on his mother. She took care of not only upbringing and housekeeping, but also was a cook, a coachman and many others. But the godfather got only intellectual worries.

9. Received primary education at home

Little Vanya received his initial education at home. After he was sent to a frequent boarding school. At the age of 10 he went to study in Moscow at a commercial school. At that time, his older brother was studying in him.

Vanya stayed in Moscow for about eight years, he was not very interested in studying. But moral and spiritual education for him went on as usual. He read a lot of Russian literature.

Very often the writer himself said that in these difficult years, he fed on the knowledge of Karamzin, Ozerov, Derzhavin and many others. Vanya spoke very well of Pushkin and his “Eugene Onegin”.

8. Studied at the same university with Belinsky, Herzen, Lermontov

Soon Ivan was expelled from the boarding school. That’s what his mother wanted. As a child, the boy often had thoughts about writing, he liked the humanities. All this prompted me to start my education at Moscow University. He decided to enter the verbal faculty.

About three years of study at the institute became the most important in the writer’s life. At this time, he thinks a lot about life, about himself, and in general about people.

It is worth noting that such famous personalities as Belinsky, Lermontov, Baryshev, Herzen studied with him and many others. All these people subsequently made a great contribution to the history of our Russian literature.

7. Engaged in tutoring

After Ivan graduated from the university in Moscow, he began working as a secretary in the office. He was hired by the governor of the city of Simbirsk himself.

In 1835, the young man decided to move to St. Petersburg to join the department. At this time, Ivan has a very difficult time. He works as a tutor. He taught children Russian literature and Latin.

It is worth noting that famous musicians, writers and painters often gathered in this house, where Goncharov held classes. It also had a great influence on young Vanya.

6. Failed duel with Turgenev

After joining the Foreign Trade Department, Goncharov wrote his first novel, An Ordinary Story. When the novel was published, the famous critic Belinsky did not like it very much. Soon in 1859, Goncharov wrote another work. But before its publication, a terrible scandal erupted.

Ivan himself believes that at that time he began to notice strange attention from Turgenev. Having once talked with him, Goncharov spoke about the idea of ​​writing a new novel. After some time, Turgenev presented his new work, to the hearing of which he invited his friends and acquaintances. Ivan came as soon as he found out, but a little later, the novel had already begun to be read.

Goncharov began to assure that Turgenev did not invite him to the hearing, but he objected to him. Then, while reading, Ivan began to notice that there are similarities with the work “Cliff”. Then I understood the reason why he was not invited.

Goncharov began to threaten Turgenev with a trial and even a duel for stealing his idea. But the judge ruled it was just a coincidence..

5. The novel “Cliff” Goncharov wrote for about 20 years

A novel called The Cliff was written in 1869. It took the writer twenty years to write it.. Ivan himself said that this work is his brainchild. He wore it for a very long time, which is why it turned out so big and awkward.

4. Love for Elizabeth Tolstoy

Eighteen-year-old Liza Tolstaya Goncharov first saw in the Maykovs’ house. Even then, he said that the girl was so sparkling with liveliness, there was an incredible gleam in her eyes.

The girl used it actively for some time. And Ivan, like a young boy, went and got her tickets to the theater, told her various stories, wrote letters to her. Lisa was very flattered by this. But she was not going to become the meaning of life for him, since the age difference was about 25 years. Lisa offered Ivan only friendship and nothing more.

She then married a young officer. When Goncharov found out about this, it was a big blow for him. For long nights he did not sleep, constantly thinking. But, nevertheless, he understood that he had no chance.

3. Two years around the world

The round-the-world trip, which the writer went on, lasted two whole years.. Then he did not at all imagine that such a thing could happen in his life. By temperament, Goncharov was a man who always sits in his office for pieces of paper. When he was going on a trip around the world, he thought for a long time whether he was doing the right thing.

Such a long journey was fraught with many dangers and difficulties. But Ivan understood that in this way he would be able to fill himself with new knowledge.

2. Worked as a censor

For some time the writer worked as a censor. An invitation also came to teach literature to the heir to the throne. It is worth noting that Ivan, as a censor, was able to alleviate the fate of a number of the best works of literature. For a time he also edited newspapers.

1. Depression and loneliness before death

Many noted that Goncharov has a bad mental heredity. His brother, Nikolai, always gave the impression of a sick person with an unstable psyche. He often talked to himself, was always thoughtful.

Goncharov himself was often successful with women, but as soon as he switched to something serious, the writer stopped courtship. He was constantly troubled by incredulity. Ivan lived in a boring environment, avoided the public. The last twenty-five years of his life, he spent a complete recluse. He rarely even saw people close to him.

In recent years, he was often tormented by depression.. All this affected his health. It is believed that the death of the writer came from pneumonia.