Eugene Onegin, Part 1, no. 152, Part XV summary
Part 1, no. 152, Part XV of 368 · 1 min to read the part
In XV, the speaker argues that romantic love preserves freedom better than friendship or family ties, then qualifies this claim with pressures from fashion, opinion, and unstable passion. The argument turns toward a wife's obligation to respect her spouse's interests and the ease with which fidelity can falter.
What happens
- The speaker claims that romantic love has an advantage over friendship and family attachment because it leaves freedom intact.
- Fashion, shifting passion, public opinion, and women's supposed fickleness complicate that claim.
- The speaker says that a proper wife must respect her spouse's interests throughout life.
- The closing lines suggest that even a faithful wife can suddenly falter, with Satan mocking love.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Eugene Onegin, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
What to notice
The closing warning undercuts the initial defense of love. Satan's mockery gives the threat to fidelity a pointed final image.
Quick check
What must a proper-minded wife respect, according to the speaker?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Eugene Onegin, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
