Eugene Onegin

Eugene Onegin is a novel in verse written by Alexander Pushkin, published in instalments between 1825 and 1832 and issued as a complete edition in 1833.

The story, set in early 19th century Tsarist Russia, introduces us to the young Eugene Onegin. He does nothing of consequence and fills his days with parties, the theater, and other entertainments.

He is the heir to his uncle's estate, and one day he is told that his uncle is dying and wants him to come out to the country. After the visit and his uncle's death, he decides that a change of scenery might be good for him and decides to stay and live in the country.

And there Onegin, who thinks he knows everything about love, meets Tatiana, whose only knowledge of love comes from romance novels.

Tatiana writes to him and Onegin turns her down. His friendship with the young poet Lensky then ends in a duel that leaves Lensky dead, and Onegin leaves the estate. Years later he meets Tatiana again in Saint Petersburg, married and settled, and it is his turn to be refused.

The novel gives us a great insight into the two spheres of Russian society at that time: the urban and the rural.

This edition of Eugene Onegin is based on the English translation by Henry Spalding.