    oblomov ()oblomov is pronounced , with the stress on the second syllable. is a novel by russian writer ivan goncharov, first published in 1859. oblomov is the central character of the novel, portrayed as the ultimate incarnation of the superfluous man, a symbolic character in 19th-century russian literature. oblomov is a young, generous nobleman who seems incapable of making important decisions or undertaking any significant actions. throughout the novel he rarely leaves his room or bed and just manages to move from his bed to a chair in the first 50 pages. the book was considered a satire of russian nobility whose social and economic function was increasingly questioned in mid-nineteenth century russia. the novel was popular when it came out, and some of its characters and devices have imprinted on russian culture and language. ==plot== the novel evolved and expanded from an 1849 short story or sketch entitled "oblomov's dream. an episode from an unfinished novel", later incorporated as "oblomov's dream" ("son oblomova") as chapter 9 in the completed 1859 novel. the novel focuses on the midlife crisis of the main character, ilya ilyich oblomov, an upper middle class son of a member of russia's nineteenth century landed gentry. oblomov's distinguishing characteristic is his slothful attitude towards life. while a common negative characteristic, oblomov raises this trait to an art form, conducting his little daily business apathetically from his bed. while clearly comedic, the novel also seriously examines many critical issues that faced russian society in the nineteenth century. some of these problems included the uselessness of landowners and gentry in a feudal society that did not encourage innovation or reform, the complex relations between members of different classes of society such as oblomov's relationship with his servant zakhar, and courtship and matrimony by the elite. an excerpt from oblomov's morning (from the beginning of the novel): :therefore he did as he had decided; and when the tea had been consum
1859_novels Novels_set_in_Russia Russian_novels_adapted_into_films Works_originally_published_in_Russian_magazines