Story
Scene 1 : Early summer Madame Larina, a widow, and the housekeeper Filipyevna recall their youth. Tatyana, Madame Larina’s eldest daughter, spends her time lost in books and dreams while her younger sister, the more carefree Olga, plans to marry their neighbour, Vladimir Lensky. Lensky comes to call, bringing with him his friend Eugene Onegin. Tatyana is instantly convinced that Onegin is the man of her dreams.
Scene 2 : That night Tatyana stays up all night writing a letter to Onegin declaring her feelings for him. When morning comes she persuades Filipyevna to have it delivered to him.
Scene 3 Onegin returns Tatyana’s letter to her. Although touched by her declaration, he rejects her love.
Scene 1 : Winter Friends and neighbours have gathered for a party to celebrate Tatyana’s name day. Onegin is irritated by his fellow guests’ provincial gossip and, to spite Lensky for inviting him, flirts with Olga. A French acquaintance, Monsieur Triquet, sings an ode in praise of Tatyana. Onegin’s behaviour provokes Lensky to jealous fury, and in a fit of temper he challenges his friend to a duel. Onegin accepts; Lensky bids Olga farewell.
Scene 2 : Early the next morning Zaretsky, Lensky’s second in the duel, complains that their opponent is late. Lensky meditates on his love for Olga and the prospect of death. Onegin arrives with his second Guillot. Although both Onegin and Lensky are full of remorse and regret, they carry through with the duel.
Scene 1 : Several years later Onegin has been travelling abroad since the duel. On his return he sees Tatyana at a ball. She is now married to Prince Gremin. It dawns on Onegin that he is hopelessly in love with her.
Scene 2 : Some time later Tatyana has received a love letter from Onegin. He comes to her and begs her to be his, but it is too late: she is married and will honour the vow she has made to her husband.
