Eugene Onéguine

By Pushkin, Alexander

Book Id: WPLBN0002951596
Format Type:
File Size: 127.95 MB
Reproduction Date: 2012

Title:	Eugene Onéguine
Author:	Pushkin, Alexander
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Poetry, Poetry, Fiction
Collections:	Audio Books Collection, Eugene Onéguine
Historic Publication Date:	1881
Publisher:	LibriVox Audio Books


Citation APA MLA Chicago Pushkin, B. A. (1881). Eugene Onéguine. Retrieved from http://www.self.gutenberg.org/

Description
Eugene Oneguine is a classic of Russian literature, and its eponymous protagonist has served as the model for a number of Russian literary heroes (so-called superfluous men). It was published in serial form between 1825 and 1832. The first complete edition was published in 1833, and the currently accepted version is based on the 1837 publication. Almost the entire work is made up of 389 stanzas of iambic tetrameter with the unusual rhyme scheme AbAbCCddEffEgg, where the uppercase letters represent feminine rhymes while the lowercase letters represent masculine rhymes. This form has come to be known as the Onegin stanza or the Pushkin sonnet. The rhythm, innovative rhyme scheme, the natural tone and diction, and the economical transparency of presentation all demonstrate the virtuosity which has been instrumental in proclaiming Pushkin as the undisputed master of Russian poetry. The story is told by a narrator (a lightly fictionalized version of Pushkin's public image), whose tone is educated, worldly, and intimate. The narrator digresses at times, usually to expand on aspects of this social and intellectual world. This allows for a development of the characters and emphasizes the drama of the plot despite its relative simplicity. The book is admired for the artfulness of its verse narrative as well as for its exploration of life, death, love, ennui, convention and passion.

Summary
Electronic recorded live performance of a reading

Excerpt
Poetry, Fiction, Literature, Romance