Story
Scene 1
A rural community, summer
Madame Larina, a widow, and the family nurse Filipyevna recall their youth while the workers gather in the harvest. 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 condescendingly rejects her love.
Scene 1
Winter
Friends and neighbours have gathered for a party at the Larins’ house. 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. Lensky is consumed by jealous fury and in a fit of temper challenges Onegin to a duel. Onegin accepts; Lensky bids Olga farewell.
INTERVAL
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 servant Guillot. Although both Onegin and Lensky are full of remorse and regret, they carry through with duel. Lensky is killed.
Scene 1
St Petersburg, several years later
Onegin has been travelling abroad since the duel. On his return to St Petersburg 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. She admits that she loves him still, but it is too late: she is married and will honour the vow she has made to her husband. Onegin despairs.
