Characterization of Chichikov: is he just the conduit for social commentary? Why does Gogol emphasize his physical characteristics and particular habits excessively? The reader cannot trust Chichikov to remain a positive/negative archetype – how is Chichikov universal?
The presentation of individual landowners: who is the best one? The combination of Greek and Russian Orthodoxy – in the figure of Kostanzhoglo – is presented in most positive light, and makes great impression on Chichikov. What does Gogol seem to be implying about the ideal peasant-landowner relationship?
What are the gender relations presented in Dead Souls? Why are the archetypes of males and females presented so starkly? Although Gogol seems to be re-affirming gender roles/stereotypes, how much of this is in jest/ironically?
Stylistic characteristics of the text: Does Gogol intentionally elicit a provincial feeling from the text? He repeatedly converses with the reader and “breaks the fourth wall” - what kind of attitude does this produce toward the narrator? Do we trust him more or less?
Dostoevsky has said he has learned all he knows from Gogol – how are the characteristics of Dead Souls the general characteristics of Russian greats? What are the similarities between Dostoevsky/Tolstoy/Gogol?
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Nikolai Gogol: Dead Souls
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