# XXII explained — On the Eve

> Chapter companion for On the Eve by Ivan Turgenev.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters/xxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_the_eve_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/on_the_eve_se/chapters