Oblomov

Historical Context and Significance

«Oblomov» is a novel by Russian writer Ivan Goncharov, first published in 1859. This work became one of the most significant in the history of Russian literature, offering a profound psychological analysis and social critique. The main character, Ilya Ilyich Oblomov, symbolizes the negative traits of the Russian nobility of that time, such as laziness, apathy, and detachment from reality. The character of Oblomov became so significant that the term «Oblomovism» entered the Russian language as a term for social lethargy and inactivity. The novel had a substantial impact on the development of Russian literature and culture, becoming a cultural symbol and a subject of literary study.