Dead souls

A journey through the russian soul: satire and society in "dead souls"

Nikolai Gogol

288 pages, parution le 31/03/2024

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Résumé

"Dead Souls" by Nikolai Gogol is a seminal work in Russian literature, first published in 1842. The novel follows the protagonist, Chichikov, as he travels through provincial Russia with a peculiar scheme: to purchase the "dead souls" of deceased serfs from landowners. These transactions allow him to present these souls as collateral to acquire wealth and status. The narrative serves as a satirical exploration of Russian society, exposing the greed, corruption, and moral decay prevalent among the landowning class and bureaucrats. Gogol's work is rich in character development, with figures like the amiable yet ineffectual Manilov and the shrewd, calculating Sobakevitch, each representing different facets of Russian life. The novel is unfinished, as Gogol destroyed parts of the manuscript in a fit of religious remorse and dissatisfaction with his work. Despite this, "Dead Souls" remains a profound commentary on the human condition, blending humor with a deep sense of tragedy. Gogol's stylistic evolution, characterized by vivid descriptions and a keen eye for the absurdities of life, has influenced generations of writers and solidified his place as a cornerstone of Russian literature.