Eugene Onegin, Part 1, no. 157, Part XX summary
Part 1, no. 157, Part XX of 368 · 1 min to read the part
In XX, Vladimir frequently reads instructive novels to Olga, skipping passages he considers unsuitable for a maiden, and the pair withdraw from others to play chess. Their quiet concentration ends in an absentminded mistake when Vladimir captures his own rook with his pawn.
What happens
- Vladimir often reads Olga a novel whose author, the narrator says, understands nature better than Chateaubriand.
- He blushes slightly and skips pages judged unsuitable for a maiden to hear.
- The pair move away from others and often play chess with their elbows resting on the table.
- Despite their deep concentration, Vladimir absentmindedly captures his own rook with his pawn.
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In this part
What to notice
The mistake interrupts the picture of serious concentration. It gives the shared chess game a comic ending.
Quick check
What mistake does Vladimir make during chess?
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