Oblomov

Ivan Goncharov’s novel “Oblomov” is a classic work of nineteenth-century Russian literature that chronicles the life of the nobleman Ilya Ilyich Oblomov. The protagonist—the very embodiment of apathy, indolence, and inaction—spends most of his time lying on a sofa. Through Oblomov, the author explores the concept of “Oblomovism”—a social phenomenon defined by passivity and an inability to act. The novel highlights the stark contrast between Oblomov’s inertia and the dynamism of his friend Stolz, while also recounting the main character’s love affair with Olga Ilyinskaya.