This concept is familiar to us from high school. There, we are told that "Oblomovism is a moral decay, doing nothing, a parasitic way of life of a pathological lazy person." But is it so? And how this phenomenon is typical for the present, for the Russian character?
It is commonly believed that IA Goncharov is condemning his hero, because it is no coincidence that he compares it with the active and progressive Andrew Stolz. As a rule, it is said that Oblomovism is an echo of the barbaric, noble Russia in the worst case. But remember, with what admiration the writer recreates the unhurried rhythm of the life of the estate. As truly tender he describes the dream of his hero, his dreams, his only starting relationships with Olga Ilyinskaya. Perhaps Oblomovism is, according to Goncharov, a characteristic feature of the Russian picture of the world? It is no accident that the enterprising Stolz in the novel is a German, that is, as if a foreign body in the worldview of Slavophiles and traditionalists. The word "Oblomovism" in modern language has long been almost abusive, in any case, containing a negative evaluation of the phenomenon. But the novel is not a lampoon, not a pamphlet. He recreates the struggle of two principles, Western and Slavophile, progressive and traditional, active and passive. Modern critics interpret it in a broader philosophical context. According to some, Oblomovism is not so much a social as a worldview phenomenon. This attraction to nature and beauty, the rejection of technological progress and the accelerating pace of life. This is traditionalism, loyalty to the foundations. This is a kind of Asian, almost Buddhist spirit. Is Ilya Ilyich lazy? Certainly. Only here is his laziness - an organic continuation of his upbringing and way of life. He does not need to fight for his livelihood, he does not need to work, he is a landowner. In criticism, it was customary to condemn his attitude towards Olga Ilyinsky, his apathy and lack of will, his unwillingness to take responsibility. But a modern family psychologist, most likely, would praise his decision and rejection of romantic feelings. Oblomov himself realized how different they were with the bride, understood that any compromise would be a real break of personality. But with Agafia Pshenitsyna he found happiness - quiet, domestic, family. And Olga got what she wanted.
Hence, is the concept of "Oblomovism" so negative? It is associated with eternal, up to the holes worn robe, cobwebs, entropy, decay. But, on the other hand, the author drew his hero not one-sided. Oblomov's image is ambiguous, as well as the world view, of which he is the embodiment. Do not hurry, do not make plans, do not rush in all directions, do not fuss. Live, enjoying the present day, the beauty of the surrounding world, art - is it not a dream of modern man? Persecuted by continuous progress, constantly increasing demands, we forget how little we really need for a sense of harmony. But Ilya Ilyich found it intuitively. Oblomovism is a kind of escapism, a departure into the world of fantasy. Such people do not rebel against the way of life, do not alter reality, but reconcile with it. Is it possible to say unequivocally that this is a defeatist position? Goncharov himself does not give a direct answer, but gives the reader an opportunity to appreciate the hero and his world.