First Love, Ivan Turgenev, Michel-Rotislav Hofman

Summer 1833. Vladimir Petrovich is sixteen and preparing for his university entrance exams at the country house where he is spending his holidays. From the garden fence, he spots the beautiful and enchanting Zinaida. He will not take his eyes off her. One day, his father meets the mysterious neighbour; then, they arrange to meet... Alas, for Vladimir, the time of first love is also that of first tragedy! This partially autobiographical account reconnects with Turgenev's pessimistic romanticism. "Superfluous men" meet there before getting lost under the weight of their passions. - Objects of study: Expressing love [4th grade] The novel and narrative from the Middle Ages to the 21st century [10th grade][11th grade] - Educational file: Five worksheets to grasp the issues of the work - Extension: Romantic encounters (comparative study) 8th grade and high school.