A cynical aristocrat, Eugene Onegin, inadvertently rejects the love of a young woman, Tatyana, setting off a chain of events that leads to tragedy and regret. The narrative follows Onegin as he navigates the social constraints of 1820s Russian high society, moving from boredom and detachment to a belated realization of his own emotional emptiness. Opposing his aimless existence are the rigid expectations of the landed gentry and the consequences of his own impulsive actions, particularly his duel with his friend Lensky. The story is told through a unique verse structure that allows the narrator to frequently break the fourth wall, offering commentary on the characters and the society they inhabit.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the technical precision of the verse and the sharpness of the social satire embedded within the narrative. Discussion often centers on the narrator's presence, which serves as a bridge between the reader and the characters, adding layers of irony to the unfolding events. Many appreciate the balance between the intimate character arcs and the broader portrait of 19th-century Russian life. The work is consistently noted for its influence on the development of the Russian literary tradition and its ability to remain accessible despite its complex formal structure. Readers often note that the emotional weight of the final chapters provides a stark contrast to the wit displayed in the opening sections.