On the Eve · Chapter
XXII explained
Nikolai Artemyevitch Stahov announces to his wife that he has invited Yegor Andreyevitch Kurnatovsky to dinner, intending him as a suitor for Elena.
What happens
Nikolai Artemyevitch Stahov announces to his wife that he has invited Yegor Andreyevitch Kurnatovsky to dinner, intending him as a suitor for Elena. Elena later writes to Insarov, describing Kurnatovsky in detail and contrasting his practical, official nature with Insarov's idealism and faith.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
Nikolai's choice of Kurnatovsky as a suitor underscores the importance of social position, bureaucratic rank, and family connections in marriage.
Individual vs. Society
Elena's private letter reveals her inner conflict between societal expectations (represented by Kurnatovsky) and her personal devotion to Insarov.
Characters to notice
- Nikolai Artemyevitch Stahov
Acts unusually self-confident and important; announces Kurnatovsky as a potential son-in-law, displaying his authority and concern for family welfare.
- Anna Vassilyevna Stahova
Receives Nikolai's announcement with agitation and secret delight; is informed of Kurnatovsky's visit and later tells Elena about her suitor.
- Elena Nikolaevna Stahova
Describes Kurnatovsky in a letter to Insarov, analyzing his character and contrasting him with Insarov; feels conflicted about her father's plans.
- Dmitri Nikanorovitch Insarov
The recipient of Elena's letter; she compares Kurnatovsky unfavorably to him, emphasizing Insarov's faith and idealism.
- Pavel Yakovlitch Shubin
Observes Nikolai's behavior from his lodge; later comments to Elena on Kurnatovsky's lack of inner substance compared to Insarov.
- Yegor Andreyevitch Kurnatovsky
Introduced as Elena's suitor; described as precise, official, practical, and honest but lacking in art appreciation and inner faith.
Key passages
“Sortez, s’il vous plaît, et vous, madame, restez, je vous prie.”
Please leave, and you, madam, stay, I ask you.
Nikolai dismisses everyone except Anna Vassilyevna to announce Kurnatovsky's visit.
“I have made acquaintance, I have become intimate with this young man, Mr. Kurnatovsky, in the hope of having him for a son-in-law.”
I have gotten to know this young man, Mr. Kurnatovsky, and I hope he will become our son-in-law.
Nikolai reveals his plan for Elena's marriage to Kurnatovsky.
“There’s something of iron in him—and dull and empty at the same time—and honest; they say he is really very honest. You, too, are made of iron; but not like this man.”
He has an iron quality—dull, empty, yet honest—but you, Insarov, are made of iron in a different way.
Elena contrasts Kurnatovsky's character with Insarov's in her letter.