Eugene Onegin · Chapter
XXI explained
The narrator describes Onegin's dressing table and toiletries in lavish detail, then digresses to critique Rousseau's misunderstanding of Grimm's personal grooming habits.
What happens
The narrator describes Onegin's dressing table and toiletries in lavish detail, then digresses to critique Rousseau's misunderstanding of Grimm's personal grooming habits.
Themes in this chapter
The Role of Literature and Art
The narrator's digression on Rousseau and Grimm highlights the interplay between literary figures and social customs.
The Aristocratic Malaise
The excessive focus on grooming tools and luxury items reflects the idle, refined ennui of the aristocratic class.
Characters to notice
- Eugene Onegin
Implied owner of the described dressing table and toiletries.
- Alexander Pushkin
Narrator who interjects with a commentary on Rousseau and Grimm.
Key passages
“China and bronze the tables weight, Amber on pipes from Stamboul glows, And, joy of souls effeminate, Phials of crystal scents enclose.”
The tables are laden with Chinese and bronze ornaments, amber pipes from Istanbul glow, and crystal perfume bottles delight delicate sensibilities.
Describes the luxurious and exotic items on Onegin's dressing table.
“Rousseau, I would remark in passing, Could not conceive how serious Grimm Dared calmly cleanse his nails ’fore him, Eloquent raver all-surpassing— The friend of liberty and laws In this case quite mistaken was.”
By the way, Rousseau couldn't understand how the serious Grimm dared to clean his nails in front of him, but Rousseau, that eloquent and surpassing raver and friend of liberty, was quite mistaken in this matter.
Pushkin critiques Rousseau's judgment regarding Grimm's personal grooming.