Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol

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About this eBook

Author Gogol, Nikolai Vasilevich, 1809-1852
Translator Hogarth, D. J.
Uniform Title Mertvye dushi. English
Title Dead Souls
Note Reading ease score: 67.1 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Credits John Bickers, and David Widger
Summary "Dead Souls" by Nikolai Vasilievich Gogol is a novel written in the early 19th century, recognized as a significant piece in Russian literature. The story follows the enigmatic main character, Pavel Ivanovitch Chichikov, as he embarks on a peculiar journey throughout provincial Russia with the intention of acquiring "dead souls"—the deceased serfs that landowners are still taxed for, thus exposing the absurdities of social and bureaucratic systems in Tsarist Russia. The opening of "Dead Souls" introduces Chichikov as he arrives at a humble inn in a provincial town, drawing little attention yet demonstrating the quiet confidence of a man with ulterior motives. As he settles in, the narrative provides a vivid depiction of the typical Russian inn and the townspeople's brief observations on him and his carriage. Chichikov's mannerisms and inquiries reveal his broader interests in the social dynamics of the region, as he collects information about local officials and the landowners’ holdings, setting the stage for his unfathomable scheme to purchase the dead serfs. The chapter establishes an ironic tone, hinting at themes of social critique and the exploration of human nature, all while weaving rich imagery of the Russian landscape and its characters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PG: Language and Literatures: Slavic (including Russian), Languages and Literature
Subject Satire
Subject Humorous stories
Subject Russia -- Social life and customs -- 1533-1917 -- Fiction
Subject Swindlers and swindling -- Russia -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 1081
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Jun 8, 2024
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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