When Pushkin Met D’Anthès

My family is Russian, which means Polina is half-Russian. This year, she has been taking an online class in Russian history. Recently, the teacher talked about Alexander Pushkin, considered the greatest writer in Russia. His birthday is coming up June 6. That day is now celebrated as a celebration of Russian language. The impact of Pushkin on Russia cannot be understated. He lives in the hearts of children and adults alike. Portraits of Pushkin hung on my parents’ wall.

The teacher explained the circumstances Pushkin met his nemesis, D’Anthès. The following is an exchange I overheard between the teacher and the class. (The exchange was in Russian, so I translated it.)

Teacher: They met in a duel. Children, ask me what a duel is. Do you all know what is a duel? Kolya (Nicholas) knows. Polina, do you know?

Polina: Is it a dance?

Teacher: No, it’s not a dance. They didn’t meet to dance.

And I thought, cleaning the house as I was listening, how the history of Russia would have changed if Pushkin had met D’Anthès to dance.