Eugene Onegin, Part I summary
Part I of 368 · 1 min to read the part
In I, an unnamed speaker considers an uncle’s possible illness and resents the prospect of constant bedside care. The speech contrasts outward concern with private impatience, ending with a wish for the dying man’s removal rather than an expression of grief.
What happens
- The speaker praises the uncle’s goodness and public standing while making his illness conditional.
- The speaker imagines constant bedside attendance as a burden with no opportunity to escape.
- Comforting the dying man, arranging his pillow, and bringing medicine require a false display of sorrow.
- The speech ends with an impatient question about when the devil takes the dying man.
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What to notice
The final outburst exposes the impatience beneath the imagined show of concern. It sharply contrasts private feeling with the duties of care.
Quick check
What does the speaker imagine doing for the dying man?
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