The Muse

Eugene Onegin

The Muse represents Pushkin's poetic inspiration, with Onegin serving as a foil to the author's creative spirit.

A Short Biographical Notice of Alexander Pushkin

Referenced indirectly through Pushkin's poetic inspiration and the reflection of his life in his work.

Canto the First: "The Spleen"

Invoked in the opening as the poet prepares to write the romance.

XV

Alluded to as the drama of the poet's youth played beneath the side-scene's shade.

XVI

The narrator addresses his muses, lamenting their absence and the loss of inspiration they once provided.

XVII

The Muse is invoked through the description of Istomina's dance, embodying the artistic inspiration of the performance.

XXIX

The poet invokes Terpsichore, the muse of dance, as the subject of admiration.

XLIII

The poet invokes inspiration from Apollo's sons, aligning himself with the muse of poetry.

LI

The narrator's Muse is revived by past images and is the subject of inquiry regarding whom she adores.

LII

Implied as the source of inspiration that recognizes the poet's meditative incantation.

LIII

Appears to the poet after love has passed, rekindling his creative spirit.

XXII

Lenski's Muse is described as having a mournful temper, influenced by his love for Olga.

XL

The poet addresses the Muse, expressing gratitude to admirers who cherish his poetry.

XXXI

The narrator addresses his Muse, whom he must now employ with Tattiana's letter.

XXVI

Described as stormy, inciting Lenski's poetic efforts.

XXXVI

The Muse is mentioned as being abandoned in this alternate, prosaic life.

XLIII

Invoked as 'youth’s early inspiration' to invigorate the poet's imagination and prevent spiritual decay.

V

The capricious Muse is invoked to accompany the narrator to the countryside.

XLVII

Implied through the discussion of Melpomene, Thalia, and Terpsichore, the muses of tragedy, comedy, and dance.

XLIX

The poet addresses his lyre and muse, dedicating the strain to an unnamed beauty.

LII

Invoked as the epic Muse to guide the poet's song

Canto the Eighth: The Great World

Appears in the opening stanzas as Pushkin's inspiration, now leading him into high society.

I

The Muse appears to the poet in his boyhood, inspiring his early poetry.

II

The narrator's Muse is mentioned as being encouraged to sing more sweetly by his companions.

III

The poet's Muse, who accompanied him to feasts and fights and brought the gift of song.

IV

The Muse is personified as a constant companion who inspires the narrator's poetic journey.

V

The Muse leaves the capital and roams among gipsy hordes, then appears transformed in the garden.

VI

The poet's Muse is led into good society for the first time, observing the aristocratic gathering with amazement.