Eugene Onegin · Chapter
XXXII explained
The chapter contrasts Onegin's return from a ball with the bustling morning activity of St.
What happens
The chapter contrasts Onegin's return from a ball with the bustling morning activity of St. Petersburg, depicting the city's awakening through various tradespeople and the German baker.
Themes in this chapter
Rural vs. Urban Life
The chapter vividly portrays the early morning rhythms of urban St. Petersburg, contrasting with the rural settings elsewhere in the novel.
Characters to notice
- Eugene Onegin
Returns home half asleep from a ball as the city awakens.
Key passages
“Where is Onegin? Half asleep, Straight from the ball to bed he goes, Whilst Petersburg from slumber deep The drum already doth arouse.”
Onegin returns home drowsy from a ball as the morning drum signals the city's awakening.
Highlights Onegin's nocturnal lifestyle against the city's daily routine.
“The German baker looks around His shop, a nightcap on his head, And pauses oft to serve out bread.”
The German baker, still in his nightcap, occasionally stops to serve bread from his shop.
Depicts a typical morning scene in St. Petersburg, emphasizing the city's multicultural character.