Realism in Pushkin's Eugene Onegin

Study Notes

Pushkin's "Eugene Onegin" as a Realistic Novel

"Eugene Onegin" is a novel in verse that portrays the life of a 19th-century Russian man, covering various social strata of Russia during that time period.
The novel was written between 1823 and 1831 and exhibits realistic stylistic features.

History of Creation

Pushkin worked on the novel for over seven years, considering it a magnificent creation and a feat, alongside "Boris Godunov".
The novel was initially conceived as a nine-chapter work, but one chapter, "The Journey of Onegin", was deleted due to political issues.
The deleted chapter described Eugene Onegin's observations of military settlements near the Odessa pier.

Duration of the Novel

The novel spans from 1819 to 1825, covering the reign of Alexander the First, the development of Russian society, and the period from the foreign campaigns of the Russian army to the Decembrist uprising.
The time of action and creation of the novel almost coincide, reflecting the important events of the first quarter of the 19th century.

Structure and Features

Each chapter can be considered a standalone or have a continuation, making the novel's structure seem open in time.
The novel is considered an encyclopedia of its time, providing insight into the tastes, interests, preferences, and values of people during that era.

Plot

The novel opens with Eugene Onegin's lamentations about his uncle's illness and his subsequent journey to Petersburg to say goodbye to the sick.
The first chapter introduces Eugene Onegin's character, family, and life before receiving the sad news.
Eugene inherits his uncle's estate and becomes friends with his neighbor Lensky, who is a romantic poet in love with Olga Larin.
Eugene rejects Tatyana's confession of love and begins to flirt with Olga, leading to a duel with Lensky.

Description

Explore how Pushkin's novel in verse, Eugene Onegin, serves as an encyclopedia of 19th-century Russian life, portraying various societal classes with realism. Delve into the stylistic features of realism and the evolution of the author's perspective throughout the poem.