Overview of "Diary of a Madman, The Government Inspector, & Selected Stories" by Nikolay Gogol

Author and Context

Nikolay Gogol (1809-1852) was a prominent Russian author, dramatist, and satirist who significantly influenced later Russian literature. His works often critiqued the societal issues of his time, particularly the corrupt bureaucracy and petty officialdom that dominated early 19th-century Russia.

Key Themes

1. Satire and Social Commentary: Gogol's works are known for their biting satire, which targets the inefficiencies and corruption of the Russian bureaucracy. This is particularly evident in "The Government Inspector," which is considered one of the greatest Russian plays ever written by Vladimir Nabokov.
2. Insanity and Mental Illness: "Diary of a Madman" explores the descent into madness of its protagonist, Aksenty Ivanovich Poprishchin, a low-level clerk. The story delves into the psychological effects of isolation, frustration, and the blurring of reality, making it a credible study of severe mental illness.
3. Hierarchy and Status: Many of Gogol's characters are obsessed with hierarchy and status, often leading to their downfall. This theme is evident in "Diary of a Madman," where Poprishchin's adoration of his superior and his fixation on the director's daughter illustrate his desperate attempts to climb the social ladder.
4. Absurdity and Surrealism: Gogol's stories often combine elements of comedy and tragedy, realism and surrealism, creating a unique narrative voice that is both ironic and humorous. This is exemplified by the talking dogs in "Diary of a Madman," which adds to the story's absurdity and metafictional elements.

Plot Summary

Diary of a Madman: The story revolves around Aksenty Ivanovich Poprishchin, a low-ranking clerk who descends into madness. His diary entries reveal his growing frustration with his job and his obsession with the director of the office and the director's daughter. The narrative takes a surreal turn when Poprishchin begins to hear dogs talking to each other, one of which belongs to the director's daughter. This event marks the beginning of his complete mental breakdown, during which he imagines himself as a Spanish monarch.

The Government Inspector: This play is a satirical comedy that tells the story of a small provincial town that is visited by an inspector who is believed to be there to investigate corruption. However, it is later revealed that the inspector is actually a con artist who has been impersonating a government official. The play critiques the inefficiencies and corruption of the Russian bureaucracy, highlighting how easily people can be deceived by false authority.

Selected Stories: The collection includes other notable works by Gogol, such as "Nevsky Prospect," which depicts an artist besotted with a prostitute, and "The Overcoat," a moving consideration of poverty that influenced later Russian literature, including works by Dostoevsky.

Critical Reception

Gogol's works have been widely influential and continue to be relevant today. Critics and authors such as Vladimir Nabokov and Dostoevsky have praised Gogol's satirical genius and his ability to capture the essence of Russian society during the early 19th century. The stories in this collection have been described as "amusing but disturbing explorations of insanity" and "credible studies of what someone with a severe mental illness may experience".

In summary, "Diary of a Madman, The Government Inspector, & Selected Stories" by Nikolay Gogol offers a comprehensive critique of Russian society during the early 19th century, exploring themes of satire, insanity, hierarchy, and absurdity. The collection includes some of Gogol's most admired works, which continue to influence literature and remain relevant today.