Eugene Onegin, Part 1, no. 239, Part XVII summary
Part 1, no. 239, Part XVII of 368 · 1 min to read the part
In XVII, Lenski shifts between gloom and cheer, plays the pianoforte, and asks Olga to confirm his happiness before leaving with a troubled heart. When she asks what troubles him, he denies that anything is wrong and departs, leaving his distress unexplained.
What happens
- Lenski spends the evening absorbed in thought, alternating between gloom and cheer.
- He moves to the pianoforte and tries various chords.
- Looking at Olga, he quietly asks her to confirm that he is happy.
- As the hour grows late, he painfully says goodbye.
- Olga asks what troubles him, but he answers that nothing does and leaves.
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In this part
What to notice
Lenski’s request for confirmation makes his happiness sound uncertain. It contrasts with the anguish he feels as he leaves.
Quick check
How does Lenski answer when Olga asks what troubles him?
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