Tatyana Larina is the heroine of the novel in verses “Eugene Onegin” by A. S. Pushkin. Her image is one of the most controversial in Russian literature. Tatyana’s actions cause a contradictory assessment. For nearly two centuries, readers have been worried about the following question: why does Tatyana refuse Onegin?
"Eugene Onegin" - an encyclopedia of Russian life
"Eugene Onegin" by Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin was the first Russian realistic novel, it reflected the contemporary author of the world. Pushkin separated the author from the hero, making him a separate character, closely acquainted with the main character. It is believed that the characters in the novel have real prototypes. Researchers of Pushkin’s creativity name different names. But, most likely, these are just collective images of modern people to the author.
Lonely girl
Throughout the novel, Tatyana from a naive girl turns into a self-confident woman. In her youth, she does not find understanding in her family. Others do not approve of her excessive hobby for reading, timid character, shyness and timidity, preferring Tatyana to her cheerful and frivolous sister Olga. A provincial society, whose main concern is life and its own well-being, and gossip as a favorite pastime, does not attract a girl. Tatyana is locked in herself. She is very lonely. The only person Tanya is really attached to is her old nanny. Nanny tales and tales of antiquity excite Tanino's imagination.
Girl in love
The girl reads a lot about love. Of course, she wants to experience the same feelings as the heroes of her favorite novels. But in the rural wilderness where Larins live, Tatyana does not see an ideal to be carried away with. But then Eugene Onegin appears. How he does not look like those with whom she had met before! Onegin is smart, courteous, outwardly pleasant. And Tatyana finally finds her ideal. All the feelings still deeply hidden in the soul, feelings inspired by French novels, overwhelm Tatyana. She is falling in love. There is nothing surprising in the fact that the girl immediately writes about her feelings to an almost unknown man, no. Living in the world of books, she idealizes the real world.
In reality, Tatyana returns Onegin. He, satiated with the love of socialites, is infinitely touched by the love of a naive girl. And Eugene does not want to deceive her, acting very nobly, immediately honestly explaining to her. But Tatyana feels cheated in her hopes. She is hurt and offended. From the characteristics of Onegin and Tatiana it becomes obvious how differently they experience this situation. Onegin is calm, he is confident in his innocence. And Tatyana’s heart is broken.
Proud princess
After Onegin’s departure, Tatyana is married. Her husband is very rich and noble, respected in society. In addition, in love with her. Years pass, Tatyana is changing. From her former shyness and timidity there is no trace left. She learned to keep herself in society, to correspond to the high position of her husband.
And so, Evgeny Onegin appears. The characteristics of Onegin and Tatyana, which literary critics give them, show how they equally perceive this meeting. Both are in turmoil. In the heart of a woman, girlish dreams came to life. She still has not forgotten Eugene. And he is fond of her now that Tatyana has become so beautiful, brilliant and inaccessible. Her outward coldness only kindles his passion. Onegin decides on recognition. For what reason did Tatyana refuse Onegin? She is determined to remain a faithful wife, she does not believe in the sincerity of feelings of Eugene and does not want to become a toy of his temporary whim. The woman honestly admits that she is not able to stop loving him, but this will not change anything in their relationship.
Many literary figures have repeatedly debated: why does Tatyana, loving Onegin, refuse him?
Version of V. G. Belinsky
One of the most famous Russian critics, V. G. Belinsky, assured that in the last chapter of the novel, Tatyana was already hopelessly corrupted by secular society. The sweet, quiet girl, so beloved by readers, disappeared. A secular lady appeared who reacted coldly to a meeting with her once beloved man. How did it happen that a timid provincial girl became so proud and full of dignity? How did she manage to overshadow the recognized beauty, the brilliant Princess Nina Voronskaya?
And, most importantly, why does Tatyana refuse Onegin? V. G. Belinsky quite simply answers this question. Tatyana became different: now she takes into account the opinion of the world and is afraid to tarnish her reputation. She has adapted to the laws of high society and lives following them. Yes, Tatiana in the finale again confesses to Eugene love. But we must not forget that this is an explanation not of an inexperienced girl, but of a married lady who gave her husband an oath of allegiance. Tatyana does not feel love for her husband, but has deep respect for him. It turns out that her whole life is a hoax. The critic severely condemned Tatyana. But she was only a hostage of her time. Her mind and nobility did not allow her to follow the path of Anna Karenina.
Version F. M. Dostoevsky
The great Russian writer F. M. Dostoevsky also did not stand aside from the discussion on the topic: why Tatyana refuses Onegin. He, in turn, believes that a similar situation occurred because Tatyana became wiser. Dostoevsky had no doubt: Tatyana did not spoil the upper world at all, she did not change in her soul. It turns out that the role of a socialite causes her only suffering. But in this case, why doesn’t she want to leave her husband and the arrogant capital, having escaped with her lover, who finally reciprocated her? Why does Tatyana refuse Onegin? Tatyana realizes that her flight and betrayal will turn the general's venerable life into an inconceivable shame and nightmare, filled with gossip and gossip. Dostoevsky does not consider the heroine weak and spineless. She needed a lot of mental strength to give up her happiness. So, is Tatyana right in denying Onegin love? Dostoevsky answers this question in the affirmative.
The story of Tatyana Larina and Eugene Onegin's unfulfilled love cannot leave the reader indifferent. And for a long time, literary critics will argue about why this novel has such a sad ending.