The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

We've come to the end!

1. Why is Lenski forgotten so quickly? What was Pushkin trying to say here?

2. Why does Tatiana go into Onegin’s house?

3. Any significance to the portrait of Byron? Why would Onegin have it? Lenski was the poet, not Onegin.

4. Why does Tatiana’s mother take her to Moscow? How does she feel there?

5. In what circumstances do Tatiana and Onegin meet again? What has changed? What happens to Eugene?

6. Compare the letters of Eugene and Tatiana

7. How does Tatiana react to Eugene? Do you think she is showing her real feelings?

8. What does Tatiana tell Eugene? And how does she feel about the life she leads now?

It is amazing how quickly Olga got over Lenski and got married to someone. So Tatiana is off to the city to get a husband- and she does.

At last I finished JO, but certainly not with a sense of relief. I really enjoyed the book, and so must, I imagine, anyone who takes the trouble to read past the first fifty lines or so.

What matters here is the poetry and Pushkin's detailed observations. Therefore one needs to read JO more than once: I feel there is so much that escaped my attention, and there are so many translations to compare (a joy that is denied the poor Russians).

The part where Tanya visits Onegin’s deserted house was a highlight. In his study ('show me your books and I’ll tell you who you are') her illusions are lost, the hero falls from his pedestal. But that does not mean she stops loving him.

VII/24 (Falen translation)

What was he then? An imitation?
An empty phantom or a joke,
A Muscovite in Harold's cloak,
Compendium of affectation,
A lexicon of words in vogue . . .
Mere parody or just a rogue?

The story line may be of minor interest. Yet, the idea that there is a price to pay for playing roles is worthy of reflection (b.t.w. being a superfluous man is not a role - a strong argument against Onegin being one).

Finally I want to thank Lori. We have seen livelier discussions, but that has nothing to do with the moderation.

I also want to thank Lori. I really enjoyed rereading this book and got more insights into the book because of the discussion.
I love poetry, so reading this was a treat for me.

Thank you! It was fun. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem. It's one I'd wanted to read for a long time. Thanks for your interesting input.