Author Description
Eugene Onegin is the master work of the poet whom Russians regard as the fountainhead of their literature. Set in 1820s imperial Russia, Pushkin's novel in verse follows the emotions and destiny of three men - Onegin the bored fop, Lensky the minor elegiast, and a stylized Pushkin himself - and the fates and affections of three women - Tatyana the provincial beauty, her sister Olga, and Pushkin's mercurial Muse. Engaging, full of suspense, and varied in tone, it also portrays a large cast of other characters and offers the reader many literary, philosophical, and autobiographical digressions, often in a highly satirical vein. Eugene Onegin was Pushkin's own favourite work, and it shows him attempting to transform himself from a romantic poet into a realistic novelist. This new translation seeks to retain both the literal sense and the poetic music of the original, and capture the poem's spontaneity and wit. The introduction examines several ways of reading the novel, and text is richly annotated. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
A cynical aristocrat rejects the love of a provincial woman, setting off a chain of events that leads to tragedy and long-term regret. The protagonist, Eugene Onegin, navigates the social circles of 1820s imperial Russia while struggling with boredom and a lack of purpose. He is opposed by the rigid expectations of high society and the consequences of his own impulsive actions, particularly his duel with his friend Lensky. The narrative is presented as a novel in verse, utilizing a unique stanza form that allows for both character-driven plot progression and frequent authorial commentary.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Use of the specific Onegin stanza form throughout the narrative.
- Integration of autobiographical digressions from the author.
- Satirical commentary on the social customs of 19th-century Russia.
- Shift from romantic idealism to realistic character portrayal.
- Exploration of the contrast between rural life and urban sophistication.
- Inclusion of a tragic duel as a central turning point.
- Meta-fictional elements where the narrator addresses the reader directly.
- Detailed psychological examination of the central trio of men and women.
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently identify this work as the foundational text of modern Russian literature. Discussion often centers on the balance between the lighthearted, witty tone of the narrator and the underlying melancholy of the characters' fates. Many highlight the effectiveness of the verse structure in capturing the nuances of 19th-century social life and the internal lives of the protagonists. The work is often praised for its ability to transition between romantic tropes and realistic observation, making it a subject of constant analysis regarding its place in literary history.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191606065
ISBN-13:
9780191606069
Poetry
ROMANTICISM
Russian
Classic Literature
Verse Novel
English
REALISM
English & College Success